Scouting notes: WAFL Colts Grand Final
SUBIACO overcame a gallant Swan Districts by just two points at Optus Stadium to take out the 2018 WAFL Colts premiership. Despite being favourites, the Lions were troubled by the Swans throughout the match with the last quarter a see-sawing contest.
Below were the best players from each team.
Subiaco:
# 1 Madoc Plane
The Subiaco skipper was inspirational in defence often setting up his team-mates and helping to intercept a host of the Swans’ attacking forays. He collected nine possessions and took two marks, but he always put his body on the line to try and inspire his teammates.
#3 Tristan Hobley
The 2017 WA Under 17s State Academy player took home the Mel Whinnen Medal as best afield after an outstanding display. He accumulated a game-high 28 possessions, took six marks and recorded two inside 50s to be a catalyst for the Lions’ victory. His ball-use especially by foot was exceptional, particularly late in the game when players were fatigued.
#6 Jake McKinnon
The Maddington product was a serious rival to Hobley for the Mel Whinnen Medal after a sensational performance. He gathered 22 possessions, laid a game-high eight tackles, took four marks, recorded two inside 50s and kicked a goal. He also produced the game-saving smother in the middle of the ground to stop a certain goal for the Swans.
#10 Jack Mayo
The 2018 WAFL Colts Leading Goalkicker was dynamic up forward for the Lions with 15 possessions, six marks and two goals. His leading patterns combined with his explosive pace and agility made him a nightmare match-up for whoever was playing on him.
#13 Liam Hickmott
The 2018 Jack Clarke Medallist was his combative self in the midfield for the Lions. He won 18 possessions, laid six tackles, took four marks, recorded two inside 50s and kicked a goal. His clearances and contested possessions were crucial in getting the Lions over the line.
#14 Zane Shellabear-Healey
The 2015 WA U15s State Schoolboys’ representative was powerful in the middle of the ground for Subiaco. He finished with 15 possessions, six inside 50s, five tackles and two marks in an excellent performance.
#15 Wil Hickmott
The younger son of former Geelong and Carlton player Adrian Hickmott, Wil was sensational on the wing for the Lions. He accumulated 18 possessions, took two marks and laid two tackles in a game that showcased his class. His composure, ball-use and decision-making were all elite, especially when most players were fatigued.
#16 Taj Schofield
The son of Port Adelaide premiership star Jarrad Schofield, Taj was excellent on the wing for the Lions. He collected 19 possessions, took five marks and laid four tackles in a phenomenal performance. Still only 16 years old, Schofield’s decision-making and ball use are extremely sound for someone his age.
#17 Kyle Stainsby
The reigning Newton Screaigh Medallist was brilliant off the half-back line, with his penetrating skills and his run-and-carry both on display. He finished with 15 possessions, six tackles and three marks, well and truly putting his stamp on the game.
#20 Josh Leunig
Stationed at full-back, Leunig was one of the key catalysts for Subiaco’s triumph. He finished with 12 possessions, five tackles and three marks but his statistics do not tell the full story. He was setting up the defence, often intercepting the Swans’ attacking forays and saved many potential goal opportunities from the Swans.
#22 Luke Foley
The Sorrento-Duncraig junior showed that he is a big-game performer which will enhance his draft stocks. He collected 22 possessions, took seven marks (including a screamer over a pack of players), laid six tackles, recorded six inside 50s and kicked a goal in a near-best afield performance.
#39 Nicholas Martin
The Noranda junior was a star in the forward line for Subiaco with three goals from 10 touches and four marks. His mobility and his strong aerial presence had the Swans’ defenders nervous.
Swan Districts:
#1 Joseph Hinder
The Bassendean junior was electrifying throughout the match often using his pace to break Subiaco’s defensive zone. He collected 12 possessions, laid four tackles, took three marks and kicked a goal.
#2 Atem Deng
The Ellenbrook junior was dynamic in the forward half for the Swans, often troubling the Subiaco defenders with his speed, mobility and precise skills. He finished with 18 possessions, four marks, four tackles, four inside 50s and two goals.
#3 Mitchell Bain
Arguably the Swans’ best player, Bain did everything he could to get the Swans over the line. He gathered a team-high 24 possessions, laid a game-high eight tackles, took two marks and kicked a long-range goal in the last quarter to bring the Swans within just two points. Without doubt the WAFL Colts Player of the Finals.
#7 Patrick Farrant
The Bunbury product produced a performance that would have seen his draft stocks soar. He was powerful on the lead and in one-on-one contests, he was mobile around the ground and was incredibly skilled. He finished with 14 possessions, six marks, five inside 50s, three tackles and two goals.
#9 Riley Garcia
The 2017 WA Under 16s State Academy player fought hard in the midfield for the Black Ducks. He finished with 20 possessions, four marks, three inside 50s, two tackles and a goal. His speed, agility and damaging skills were magnificent.
#11 Jackson Beck
Stationed on the half-back line, Beck proved to be one of the most valuable players for the Swans. His intercept play combined with his decision-making, vision and excellent skills made him extremely damaging. He finished with 18 possessions and seven marks.
#12 Graydon Wilson
The Centrals FC product was outstanding on the half-back line for the Swans, often using his dash and skills to break down Subiaco’s defensive zone. He finished with 11 possessions, five tackles, three inside 50s and three marks.
#18 Jake Pasini
The Caversham junior proved why he is one of the highly sought key defenders in next year’s AFL Draft. He only finished with nine possessions, four tackles, three marks and two inside 50s, but his impact was much more significant. He was the chief organiser in defence for the Swans and his ability to halt the Lions’ offensive forays helped keep Swans within fighting distance.
#20 Jarrod Cameron
The West Coast Academy member showcased why he is one of the best prospects in this year’s Draft pool. He collected 11 possessions, laid four tackles, took two marks, recorded two inside 50s and kicked two goals to be one of the very best players on the ground. His speed and evasiveness had the Lions’ defenders on edge all game.
#23 Matthew Germs
Arguably the best ruckman on the ground, Germs was a key factor in almost helping the Swans get so close to victory. He accumulated 12 possessions, won a game-high 31 hit-outs, recorded four inside 50s and laid three tackles in an inspiring performance.