JAIDYN Stephenson has pushed his claims as a possible top five pick in November’s NAB AFL Draft by having a best-on-ground display in the 2017 NAB AFL Under 18 All Stars game at the MCG on Saturday.
In the curtain-raiser to the Grand Final, the Vic Metro wingman booted four goals from his 22 disposals, helping Team Harvey to a 55-point win over Team Enright.
Stephenson capped off his strong second half of the season, which has seen the Eastern Ranges product push up into the midfield. Stephenson also clunked eight marks, laid five tackles and had four inside 50s.
In the second year of the AFLs annual showcase, the contest pitted the best 50 2017 draft eligible prospects against each other, split into two sides named after former Geelong great Corey Enright (Team Enright) and North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey (Team Harvey).
Team Harvey midfielder Lochie O’Brien (24 disposals and a goal) had his best game for the season on the wing, while possible No.1 pick Luke Davies-Uniacke (23 disposals, six marks and four inside 50s) also put in a solid effort in the midfield.
Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Aiden Bonar was another to push his claims and used his strong frame in the contest to win the football.
Bonar impressed with 20 disposals (11 contested) and five clearances, and may be a contender as a top-10 selection after having had two surgeries on his ACL over the last two years.
Vic Metro forward Hayden McLean booted three last quarter goals, to finish with four goals from his 12 disposals and six marks.
Fresh from the Geelong Falcons’ TAC Cup premiership, Team Enright’s James Worpel was their best with 21 disposals (13 contested) and seven clearances.
Ladder Champion award goes to @GeelongFalcons midfielder James Worpel in the 2017 NAB AFL U18 All Stars game. #AFLGF #AFLDraft
— Matt Balmer (@MattBalmer7) September 30, 2017
Midfielders Patrick Naish (21 disposals) and Brayden Ainsworth (20 disposals, seven clearances and five tackles) were two others who performed well for the losing side.
Northern Knights pair Nick Coffield (15 disposals at 86 per cent and five rebound 50s) and Jack Petruccelle (11 disposals) both rebounded the ball with speed.
West Australian 2017 Larke Medalist Oscar Allen clunked seven marks (four contested), finishing with 2.3 from his 18 disposals.
The National Combine kicks off tomorrow at Etihad Stadium and will run until the 6th of October.
TEAM ENRIGHT 3.2 4.5 5.7 8.7 (55)
TEAM HARVEY 2.3 7.3 11.6 17.8 (110)
GOALS
TEAM ENRIGHT: Allen 2, Moore, Brayshaw, Fogarty, Hayes, Balta, Petruccelle
TEAM HARVEY: McLean 4, Stephenson 4, Starcevich, O’Brien, Bonar, Davies-Uniacke, Daniels, Crossley, Ross, Richards, Miller
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