Top 10 TAC Cup performances of the year
The TAC Cup has seen some of the most incredible individual performances ever in the competition’s history this year. Here are the top 10 best individual games this year:
1. Kieran Malone the lone hand:
The Northern Knights midfielder/forward dominated against the Stingrays, to the tune of 52 disposals and four goals. 29 of those disposals were contested and he was incredible on the inside, compiling 17 clearances. Three of Malone’s goals came in the first quarter, and he added a solid six marks and three tackles too.
2. Blake Hardwick kicks 10.1 vs. Geelong:
The Eastern Ranges forward has been compared to Mark LeCras, in his work as a lead up forward who can be a strong marking presence. Hardwick’s 10 goal haul came from 20 disposals, of which 15 were effective. He also took five marks and laid three tackles.
3. Hardwick kicks eight vs. Western Jets:
Hardwick announced himself in round one against the Jets, kicking 8.2. He had 18 disposals, of which 14 were effective. Impressively, he also took 11 marks and three tackles.
4. Darcy Tucker goes bananas against the Cannons:
43 disposals at 72 per cent efficiency for Darcy Tucker showcased his transition from half back to the midfield. The Rebels captain also kicked one goal and had 21 handball receives, six marks and four tackles.
5. Gresham great against Gippsland:
Just another day in the life of the next Travis Boak. Two goals, two behinds, 37 touches, 10 marks and six tackles. Jade Gresham leads the TAC Cup in disposals, and this game was just a regular day out for him.
6. Ben Keays vs. Dandenong:
43 disposals, nine marks, three tackles for the Brisbane academy prospect. Keays has flirted with the 40+ disposals in all of his three TAC Cup games so far.
7. Jacob Hopper rocks round one:
It was clear GWS had found a star in Hopper after his game against Geelong. Four goals and 27 disposals isn’t as impressive as some of these other statlines, but he had a mountain of clearances too.
8. Brayden Fiorini had leather poisoning against the Dragons:
Fiorini is a smooth moving midfielder/defender who usually gets around the 25 disposal mark and rarely misses targets. However, alongside Gresham, Fiorini racked up 37 disposals, 19 handball receives and 12 marks, seven tackles and a goal.
9. Ryan Clarke plays a cameo:
How decent is this for a cameo in Hardwick’s eight-goal performance? 37 disposals, three goals, three behinds, 10 inside 50s, eight marks, five clearances, 10 tackles and 14 handball receives. Ridiculous.
10. Gresham plays second fiddle against Sandringham:
With Fiorini having 37, Gresham had to help him out. He had 38 disposals at a ridiculous 87% efficiency as well as 18 handball receives, eight marks and four tackles and two goals,