IN the second game at Ikon Park yesterday, Vic Metro defeated NSW/ACT in the Under 17s Futures game. We took a look at all the players from both sides.

Vic Metro:

By: Michael Alvaro & Ed Pascoe

#2 Mitch Mellis

It was the kind of performance that TAC Cup followers have come to expect from Mellis, working hard to impact the contest from half-back. He started in a more advanced position and was able to push the ball inside 50 on the back of some solid marks on the wing, matched with his dash. Mellis was effective by foot and hurt Queensland as he accumulated a decent amount of possessions in the first half. The nuggety Eastern product’s rebounding became more of a feature in the second half and he managed to do all of the defensive things right, too with a few important tackles and ground level efforts.

#3 Chayce Black

Black crashed in from the get-go and worked hard to set the tone for his side from the wing. While he struggled to get a handle on it early, Black later found more of the ball – flicking it out while standing in tackles and bursting through at stoppages. He laid a great tackle where he almost jumped on the back of his opponent and clung on, highlighting his desire for the contest and good presence.

#4 Lucas Rocci

Rocci didn’t find a heap of the ball during his midfield minutes, but managed to bag two goals at a crucial stage of the game in the third term. Both were set shots deep in the 50, but Rocci’s best moments were when he was seen reigning the ball in and keeping composed under pressure with vision and good hands.

#5 Josh D’Intinosante

‘JD’ was one of the stars of the show, owning his half-forward role while contributing well at stoppages forward of centre. The Northern Knight was perennially on the move, whether while applying pressure to the opposition or looking to move the ball on quickly. His best traits suit the role he played but he has shown an aptitude to play midfield, and this game was no different as his extraction was very good. D’Intinosante’s end product was also enjoyable to watch as he converted his two chances at goal, while also playing a key role in Brodie Newman’s two last quarter majors which sealed the game. His final term was exceptional, having a part in almost every contest that came towards Metro’s attacking 50 late on with strong one-on-one work to protect the drop of the ball.

#6 Lachlan Johnson

The son of Brisbane Lions champion, Chris is a handy prospect and will attract attention given he is also tied to Essendon’s Next Generation Academy. Playing forward and through the middle, Johnson showed off his good spring early on as he leapt for marks and pulled in a couple. He has the handles, but also showed a hard edge as he crashed through would-be tackles in the second term. Later on, he had a nice passage where he willed the ball forward, wanting it more than his opponents with the scoreboard close to level.

#7 Harrison Minton-Connell

While he rushed his kicks at times when looking to send it long under pressure, Minton-Connell stood out with his hardness at the ball. He did find Emerson Jeka with a composed short pass early on, but the Calder product’s highlights came when standing in tackles and taking solid marks with heat coming the other way.

#8 Sam Ramsay

Ramsay seemed to have played in a few positions, but mostly from half-back. Yet another Calder product in the line-up, Ramsay used the ball really well when going forward, highlighted by his assist for one of Josh D’Intinosante’s goals, and a bullet pass to Daniel Mott. Ramsay was strong enough in congestion and managed to burst away on occasion, with one of them being for his snap goal out of nothing in the final term.

#9 Lachlan Stapleton

The Eastern Ranges mid started well with a brave smother leading to Darcy Cassar’s early goal. He provided a cool head in the clinches and flicked some good handballs out to release teammates. Stapleton did have a couple of shaky moments after a big hit in the third term though; missing a good chance to seal the game after that.

#10 Steven Kyriazis

Kyriazis started forward with good effect, booting Metro’s first goal of the game from a mark deep in the 50. After a move to defence in the second half, the Western Jet provided some good composure and often kicked forward as a good link out of defensive 50. His hands were clean at pace and he collected some sharp balls to set his side forward.

#11 Adam Carafa

Carafa is a natural midfielder, but had a role to play at half-back and did a good job of it. While he provided a laser pass to Daniel Mott for his goal, it was Carafa’s ability to effect the first kick from the stoppage that really stood out. His smothers and spoiling were important, and he willed himself to most often be first to the contest. He is normally a good long kick, and would be hoping to add rebound to his game should he spend more time in defence.

#12 Daniel Mott

The smooth-moving Calder Cannon played mostly forward and looked lively around the 50. His best work was done early as he spread well, provided a dangerous inside 50, and slotted a nice set shot goal. He also had a nice moment in the third quarter as he burnt an opponent and sent the ball forward.

#13 Lachlan Potter

It was a real eye-catching performance from Potter, working his magic from the wing with daring run and blistering pace. He showed his opponents a clean pair of heals time and time again, and everyone at the ground could tell what was about to happen when the ball was in his hands. The Northern Knight was damaging as ever going forward with his line-breaking allowing him to deliver short passes inside 50, and while he may not have always found a direct target, it more often than not led to a goal. A particular highlight was his drive to the arc in the last quarter, where he absolutely ruined an opponent and finished off by hitting Knights teammate Josh D’Intinosante on the chest.

#14 Darcy Cassar

Cassar showed plenty of run throughout the game mostly playing on the wing and going forward on occasion. His only goal came in the first quarter on the last line, he had another shot at goal on the run in the second quarter but missed. His second half was mostly spent on the wing where he showed good run and kicked well.

#15 Josh Honey

Honey got better as the game went on, he started forward kicking a classy dribble goal in the second quarter before getting to play up the ground in the second half using his good skills and speed to his advantage. Honey’s second goal came in the third quarter through good positioning and snapping truly.

#16 Hugo Ralphsmith

Ralphsmith showed a lot of class mostly on the wing with his clean ball use and run for all four quarters. He managed to get dangerous running forward of the ball especially in the third quarter where he moved through traffic and kicked a long snap goal on the run. Ralphsmith was one of the better users of the ball for Metro with his work by hand and kicking a real standout.

#17 Miles Bergman

The Sandringham player showed plenty of dash early playing down back in the first half, he managed to take some nice intercept marks and was also taking the game on. In the second half he was able to get up the ground where he delivered the ball inside 50 with precision. His run was the real standout, often getting past the opposition with ease.

#18 Ryan Sturgess

Sturgess was all class in defence in the first half with plenty of intercept marks while also showing composure with ball in hand and rebounding effectively. Sturgess showed great movement in traffic and he even showed some nice desperation with a big chase to try and stop an opponent running into open goal. Sturgess would later move up the ground although he was not as effective as he was down back, but still managed some nice bits of play with some good roves at stoppages and clean ball use.

#19 Mihaele Zalac

Zalac had a quiet day but he did the small things well, his best highlight was a great spoil in defence showing his good timing and leap.

#20 Billy McCormack

The tall started the game down back taking some nice intercept marks and showing good ball use, he also did it at ground level with some nice tackles. McCormack was later moved forward where he looked dangerous, and had a long shot at goal that just faded short and a snap behind.

#21 Brodie Newman

Newman was a standout in defence in the first half taking some nice intercept marks and spoiling well. His standout quarter in defence was in the second where he took countless intercept marks. His kicking was good at times although he had a few direct turnovers as the game went on. He was moved forward in the last quarter and managed two goals on the last line in the dying minutes to win the game for Metro.

#22 Josh May

May was played everywhere, he rucked for parts where he had some nice taps, he showed good athleticism for a taller player with some nice pickups at ground level and a nice chase in the second quarter. He looked settled in the defence in the second half taking some nice intercept marks and using the ball very well by hand and foot.

#23 Nathan Howard

Like May, Howard was moved around a bit, he had some nice taps in the ruck and often followed up his work. He also had a nice handball in the first quarter showing that he has some skill to go with his size.

#24 Emerson Jeka

Jeka took plenty of lead up marks playing as a key forward, he used his long kicking for countless inside 50 entries. He did not kick any goals but he gave a few off with some nice short passes and his two shots on goal where a behind and a kick that dropped short. Jeka was moved into the midfield in the last quarter and he had a nice gather at ground level in the centre showing he could have an impact not just overhead but at ground level.

#25 Nick Bryan

Bryan rucked well throughout the game using his body well and working to be involved in open play. Some of his work by hand was very good for a ruckman and he was not afraid to tackle either.

NSW/ACT:

By: Craig Byrnes & Peter Williams

#1 Harry Grant

Grant is a busy small forward who stands 169cms, spending most of his time inside 50 and at the stoppages. He produced moments of good intent and defensive pressure, laying six tackles. although he did not kick a goal, he has some nice skills though and was clean when the opportunity presented.

#2 Samuel Thorne

A 174cm zippy and at times bustling midfielder who provided a good balance of offensive and defensive play throughout the day. He ran in both directions and tackled with aggression, hitting his opponent hard to ensure they earned their possessions. He provided some nice attacking disposals too, highlighted by a lovely exiting kick from his defensive arc in the third term and he hit a target inside 50 shortly after.

#4 Cameron Edwards

The small forward was a bit of a livewire for NSW/ACT inside 50, constantly raising the anxiety levels of the Vic Country defenders. He was dangerous at ground level and presented on the lead, taking a ball out in front, before centring brilliantly to Green in the better scoring position. He exploded in the second term, kicking two smart goals out the back to give his side momentum. Although he left his best to the final term, kicking an outstanding left foot banana goal to get his side up and about. Unfortunately he suffered a nasty looking injury late and was stretchered off the ground.

#5 Max D’Agostino

The Sydney Academy might only stand 178cm, but showed at times that he possesses extremely strong hands and is aerially relevant. He provided one of the highlights of the match, jumping into a pack on the opposition goal line to stick a huge contested mark before landing awkwardly on his back. He nearly dragged down another great mark later on, proving he will fly for the ball consistently. He smartly snapped a ball inside 50 to a teammate’s advantage during the third term, but didn’t win mountains of the footy overall.

#9 Aidan Watling

Watling had some good moments with ball in hand from the wing and through the midfield. He hit a dangerous pass inside 50 early in the first, but his teammates couldn’t take advantage. In the second term he provided an effective fend off on an opponent to create space and almost finished a brilliant piece of play by missing a difficult target by only centimetres which ultimately and unluckily floated out of bounds on the full. He has a bit of talent and will be looking to provide it on a more regular basis.

#10 Max Geddes

Playing behind the ball, Geddes started getting into it in the second half and took the game on. He provided an excellent long handball in the third term that created a fast foray forward for NSW/ACT and later produced an excellent spoil one on one against Rocci deep in defensive 50. He read the play well and despite making some errors, got more confident as the game went on.

#12 Harrison Parker

Parker was in and around the stoppages for a majority of the game and was pretty tidy inside. He hit an excellent kick to advantage early in the game and looked to have solid all-round skills throughout the afternoon. Not overly flashy, but did the job through the midfield and competed in the contests.

#14 Will Chandler

As the youngest player on the ground (does not turn 17 until December), the GWS Academy prospect may well possess the greatest scope of the NSW/ACT kids from Sunday. Playing mostly in the forward half, Chandler looked most threatening on the lead before swinging onto an at times lethal looking left boot. He didn’t hit all his balls perfectly, but was stylish and potentially damaging. Like Cameron Edwards he left his best to last, kicking another left foot banana from almost exactly the same position as his teammate to claim the lead late in the game. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to get his team across the line.

#15 Thomas Tyson

Tyson was another of the NSW/ACT players who had quiet periods as the side relied on too few for a majority of the day. He mostly found himself forward and while he possessed a nice left foot, he didn’t win enough of it to impact the game consistently. He did produce a stylish shimmy and side step in traffic during the second half, so there is something there to look out for in future outings.

#19 Ky McGrath

McGrath spend a majority of his time in the midfield and may turn out to be a decent prospect for the Swans who have first rights. He won a brilliantly clean clearance in the first term and provided stoppage nous throughout the match. He went when it was his turn too, laying a big tackle in the second term and putting his body on the line when the game was there to be won. He is a good size at 184cm and is one I’m keen to have another look at.

#21 Jackson Barling

Set the tone early with two first quarter goals. He delivered with a great set shot from 35m out, and then pounced on an opportunistic ground ball in the goal square. He could have had a third goal – arguably his easiest attempt, but missed the set shot from 30m out when it cannoned into the woodwork. Handed off a goal once he won the ball inside 50 in the second term, giving it to Cameron Edwards in the goalsquare. Caught an opponent high in the third term, but showed real character to go over and check on his welfare. One of the better Rams on the day.

#23 Luke Parks

Had a few good moments, winning the ball in contested situations. He laid a strong tackle in the second term to stop and opponent in his tracks, and took an important contested mark outside 50 in the third term. He is a long kick, and gained good distance on his disposal.

#24 Adam Whyte

Whyte showed good agility, side-stepping an opponent in the second term to move well out of defence, and while he had the odd mistake by foot, including an out-on-the-full kick, he was good by hand. He opted to kick long most of the time.

#25 Thomas Green

The star on the day and just showed his class at every opportunity. His hands in close and ability to extract the ball from the inside to the outside was superb. He directed traffic, handed out goals with great precision inside 50 and nailed a couple of majors from long range with a great kicking technique. Honestly did not do much wrong and looked a class above at times, while also doing all the defensive things right. Best on ground for mine despite the loss.

#29 Liam Delahunty

If Green was best on ground, Delahunty was not far behind him. His kicking at times was a little inconsistent, but as a whole, Delahunty looked dangerous whenever he went near it. Opposed to Emerson Jeka for three quarters, he not only managed to do well one-on-one, he provided run and carry out of the back half, taking a number of crucial intercept marks. He gets to the right positions and is clean by hand under pressure. He went forward in the last quarter and had a couple of chances, including an impressive shot on the run storming through congestion, but just missed.

#31 Hamish Ellem

The big man was busy early, winning a few touches and kicking low inside 50, but was chopped off. He took a big contested grab late in the game at half-forward, was awarded a 50m penalty for a mark encroachment and then nailed the set shot. Had another chance not long after with a good mark inside 50 but his shot missed to the left on the siren.

#32 Lachlan Bayliss

Played a solid role in defence early with a big jump to punch a ball clear of an opponent. Moved up the ground and kicked a long goal from 50m in the final term as the Rams’ comeback was on.

#33 Luke Gallen

Nailed a set shot goal from 40m out in the second term after a good mark, and had another chance but his kick went wide. Managed to collect 14 disposals and five marks in a solid outing

#36 Ben Gibbeson

Remarkable that a 197cm player lined up on the wing, but that is exactly what happened with Gibbeson. While he did not win a lot of the football, he showed off his athleticism and his long kicking prowess at times. Had a snap in the final term, but it went a mile in the air and straight back to him and the contest.

#37 Oscar Bird

Had a lovely early pass inside 50 to set up Jackson Barling on the lead. He had his own shot on goal, but missed to the left. In the third term, Bird had a running shot at the goal, but missed again, then pushed up the ground and moved well along the wing.

#38 Reed Van Huisstede

Played in defence, and while he did not win a heap of the ball, played a strong brand of football, registering a number of rebounds out of the back 50, including a clearance to space out of the danger zone.

#41 Willson Mack

Had a huge opening term, and then bobbed up with some good highlights in the second half. Mack showed good vision after a mark on the boundary to kick inboard to Thomas Green in space. He attacked the contest hard and handballed clear to teammates in space, then got reward for effort with a big grab in the third term and converted a long-range set shot from 45m out on a 45 degree angle. He won an outnumber at a contest in the fourth term, handballed behind his head to the running Thomas Green who kicked the goal and gave the Rams some real fighting spirit.

#45 Kye Wilson

Took a good intercept mark at half-forward in the first term and passed well to Wilson Mack inside 50. He looked composed while being tackled, and late in the game, copped a knock via an “accidental” smother, with the opponents kick hitting him in a place that had him incapacitated for a bit of time.