THE changes continued in Round 10 of the NAB League Boys, with representative side rotation and a break from school footy seeing talent come in and out of each side. Our scouts cast eyes across each game, highlighting a mix of Victorian and Allies representative squad members and a number of bottom-agers already showing promising signs. Notes are the individual opinion of each scout.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS vs. NORTHERN KNIGHTS
By: Brandon Hutchinson

Northern Knights:

#5 Josh D’Intinosante

A sharp, quick user. D’Intinosante executed well off half-forward, brought a strong body to the loose ball and worked hard between contests. He got plenty reward for effort, kicking a goal from a set-shot in the first, and another to close out the third, though his damage off the ball proved most effective, amassing nine tackles for the afternoon.

#8 Adam Carafa

Clinical around the stoppage, Carafa consistently out-positioned his opponents to effect the clearance and used the footy well under pressure. He seemed to understand the game better than most, getting out the back and finding clear passage to break free with the footy. His run on goal ended with a neat score to close out the half, again assuming the space at the right moment. His use by foot impressed all afternoon, along with his clean hands overhead – best on ground.

#24 Ben Major

Managed three goals from the four disposals, leading well at the ball carrier and burning his opponent on the burst. He showed a few glimpses of pressure footy with a couple tackles in the forward line, and lots of presence around the exiting footy. Both a strong and durable footballer, Major played his role well in the win.

#27 Ewan Macpherson

Macpherson was poised and effective off half-back, rebounding well and causing some real run on the counter-attack. His kicking was a feature under pressure, confidently finding space in congestion and hitting his targets under pressure. The defender finished behind Carafa (24) in possessions with 21, tackled well (five) but pulled up a bit unlucky with his frees against.

Dandenong Stingrays:

#10 Clayton Gay

Kicked an outstanding goal to open the second, dribbling the ball with the outside of the left, under a jumping opponent for Dandenong’s first. While definitely one of his quieter games, Gay still provided four inside 50s with his eight disposals, keeping his impact alive under Northern fire.

#32 Blake Kuipers

Liked to move a lot in the ruck contest, proving both nimble and physical with his direct opponent, Nathan Howard. Kuipers amassed 24 hit-outs, 13 disposals, three marks and a goal for the afternoon, and despite coming up against a taller opponent, shaved the difference with an impressive vertical.

#42 Jai Nanscawen

A hard worker on the inside, Nanscawen extracted well and hung close to his opponent where possible. He amassed 16 disposals for the day, two marks, three tackles, two rebounds and three inside 50s for the afternoon, having an impact all over the ground. Undoubtedly a hard worker and dedicated to having an impact.

GEELONG FALCONS vs. SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS
By: Michael Alvaro

Geelong:

#4 Gennaro Bove

The Geelong Grammarian made a solid return to the Falcons outfit on the back of a break from school footy as a lively figure through midfield. The thing that stands out most is his cleanliness by hand – both in collecting it and dishing it off. Bove also showed he could break away and push forward with ball in hand, but stayed relevant on the defensive end with his tackling pressure. Should get a better glimpse of him in Falcons colours later in the year, and looks a decent bottom-ager.

#8 Charlie Lazzaro

It was a relatively quiet outing for Lazzaro, down on his usual numbers in his Falcons return. Was still present at most of the centre bounces and stoppages, keeping busy by applying pressure. Lazzaro showed at times decent first few steps away from traffic, but was also uncharacteristically caught a couple of times in the second term. Had a nice clearance on the run in the third term, finishing it off with a long ball inside 50.

#36 Charlie Sprague

The over-ager worked well in tandem with Oliver Henry up forward, spending most of the game deep inside 50. Started brightly after marking in the pocket, showing good vision and executing well to spear a pass across goal to gift Charlie Harris an opportunity. He moved to space smartly around the arc, passing to a teammate in the first term before running hard into the hole to receive the following kick, but unfortunately miss his shot on goal. Had another set shot fall short in the following quarter after finding space to mark once again, but made amends with two majors to extend the Falcons’ lead. After a quiet third term, Sprague came back into the game early in the final term with another shot on goal, and got on the end of Geelong’s best passage of play from defence to find his third goal. A solid outing, and looks at home inside forward 50.

#37 Oliver Henry

Never has a mountain of the ball, but is just a natural forward who always looks dangerous. Proved his craftiness deep inside 50 with the ball in dispute, acting to keep it alive with taps back into play – but to no avail. Kick-started his day with a lovely set shot on goal from 40 meters out on the boundary, and would add another in the following term with a clever snare off hands and check-side finish on the run. Perhaps looked at his best when marking at full flight, reading it better than most in the air. Henry claimed a fantastic overhead mark going back with the flight inside 50 but missed the resultant set shot, and took another nice grab from a kick-out late on. Showed exceptional spatial awareness throughout the day too, particularly with a neat kick across the 50 to Charlie Sprague which didn’t quite come off, as well as in a move around his opponent to give Keidan Rayner a chance. Slowly becoming the Falcons’ leading bottom-ager.

Sandringham:

#7 Jackson Voss

The St Kilda father-son prospect just continues to put his hand up, returning another solid shift from midfield. Showed good tackling intent early, but Voss looks at his best when using his agility in traffic and breaking from congestion. His left foot was also a feature at times, with the kind of style that sees him kick across his body and spear the ball forward. Had a quiet middle part of the game after bursting away from an early centre bounce, but came back into the game in the second half with a similar play. Kicked an eye-catching goal on the run from range in the last quarter to spark his side, showing a good bit of composure.

#30 Andrew Courtney

Came back into the side after a sole Metro outing on the MCG, and tried his best to get involved at ground level. Made a couple of good efforts on the follow up at centre bounces after starting on the bench, and went on to hack forward a few clearances throughout the game. Was outmuscled at times in the ruck duels, but has a long enough reach and showed his leap to counteract that, still winning around 30 hitouts. Positioned well just outside the attacking 50 late on to take a good mark and effect another aerial contest, completing a solid game.

#43 Jake Bowey

Was named the Dragons’ best, and provided some damaging run on the outside from his customary wing position. Could have had an even bigger impact if it weren’t for his 0.3 in front of goal – missing a shot on the run in the opening term, a snap in the last quarter, and another on the run in the last minute which would seal the two-point win. Is only slight in stature, but Bowey did not shy away from the contest as he ran head-on at the ball to win it impressively in the second term, using it as a catalyst to get more involved. Bowey’s run and carry proved most damaging, and he showed a nice bit of vision to seek out Riley Bowman inside 50, just falling short with the kick. Made a couple of crucial interceptions forward of centre too, making his contributions important ones.

#45 Archie Perkins

The 23rd man was one of the most influential throughout, making a menace of himself in the forward half. While he arguably looked the Dragons’ most likely, inaccuracy in front of goal (0.5) told the story of his day, and he could have even had six or seven goals with better conversion. Still, Perkins had some great moments throughout – getting busy around the forward stoppages and finding space to wheel around and deliver inside 50. His willingness to take the game and opponents on proved a game-winner, with one of his five behinds putting the Dragons in front in the final minute of the game as he broke away from three opponents on the arc and let fly. Showed he is good in the air and in one-on-one duels too, with plenty to like about his game overall. As a bottom-ager, can sharpen up his kicking at times and go to ground less as he builds his frame.

GIPPSLAND POWER vs. WESTERN JETS
By: Craig Byrnes

Gippsland Power:

#10 Leo Connolly

It was interesting to see Connolly start on the bench for the second week running, but once on he went to the stoppages and started getting involved. Also like last round’s game, he got on the end of a handball receive on 50 and hit the ball sweetly to convert the goal. His skills shone in good conditions for footy, selling some subtle candy and giving the handball, getting it back and hitting a nice target in the corridor. He missed a vital set shot in the final term and misjudged an aerial contest he could have impacted, but the talented ball user still produced a solid afternoon to finish with 23 disposals.

#43 Zac Skinner

Skinner played a majority of the game forward again and had limited opportunities. He got on the end of a lead early and set up a goal with a kick to the pocket. He probably had his most productive moments during short periods in the ruck, highlighted by a play of second efforts deep in D50 during the second term. He released the ball well when in possession and even produced a really smart tap to advantage instead of taking the ball in the final term, but ultimately it wasn’t his most influential day.

Western Jets:

#3 Eddie Ford

The promising bottom ager is still only 16, but already a good size at 186cm and has a whole heap of talent. He played almost exclusively half forward, but still knows how to win the Sherrin and constantly find space on the flanks. He is clean and smart with the ball, gathering and blind turning in almost one motion during the first quarter. He positions himself perfectly too, getting front and centre to snap a fantastic goal in the third term. He missed an opportunity to seal the game late, but ended with a classy 17 disposal outing.

#4 Lucas Rocci

It was a really influential performance by Rocci, who patrolled half back with skill and tenacity. Offensively he played that modern quarterback type role, but still had an important defensive aspect and read the ball movement superbly. He took an outstanding contested intercept mark with the flight of the ball in the first term, showcasing his courage in the best possible way. He impacted aerial contests whenever he could and with ball in hand, he aggressively targeted the corridor with his lethal left foot. After an intercept mark in the second term, he bulleted the ball low inside 50 to hit Clarke lace out. One of the Jets’ best, collecting a team high 22 disposals.

#18 Emerson Jeka

On return from injury, the highly rated key forward made his presence known early by smashing a pack outside 50 and leaving bodies spread on the turf. It didn’t take long for him start clunking them either, taking an outstanding, reaching contested mark in the goal square before converting truly. He looked particularly dangerous leading at the ball and his opponent Tye Hourigan was often left answerless in those situations. While he didn’t miss a beat in the air, his kicking was a tad rusty with two poor set shots in the second term and another in the fourth. In saying that, he struck a lovely left foot pass inside 50 after taking a great mark up the ground. It was a really satisfying comeback performance for Jeka, finishing with seven marks and two goals.

#47 Will Kennedy

Having moved from Sandringham to the Jets this year as a 19 year old, the 2018 draft combine invitee continued on his impressive 2019 form. He was absolutely dominant at the stoppages, amassing an enormous 53 hitouts and often offered silver service to his teammates. Since moving to his new club, he has learned how to win more of the ball and Saturday was no exception in collecting 16 disposals. While some wouldn’t want their ruckman getting so much footy, Kennedy is different with his skills excellent for his size. I feel he has taken another step from last year and still has development to go.

GREATER WESTERN VICTORIA REBELS vs. EASTERN RANGES
By: Sophie Taylor

GWV:

#1 Cooper Craig-Peters

Took a good intercept mark midway through the first quarter for a shot on goal but missed to the right, a good read of play despite not being able to convert. Doing a good job to involve himself in the contest, taking a good contested mark and hunting the ground ball.

#6 Jack Tillig

Some good marks early, finding some space behind the ball to not crowd forward and open up opportunities around the ball carrier. Got his hands on a large amount of the ball, showing willingness to engage in the contest and create opportunities for teammates.

#8 James Cleaver

Did not see much of the ball but credit to his tackling pressure, had seven tackles. Showed some good vision to create pressure on the ball carrier, running them down. Put in the hard yards with a potential goal on the line, shepherding an opposition player off his line to ensure his teammate could clear the ball from danger.

#9 Isaac Wareham

Took a good defensive mark in the first quarter, holding ground well for the Rebels’ zoning defensive setup coming out of attack. Some nice pressure on the marking contest early to put doubt in the mind of his opposition, also showcasing his good hands and chase.

Eastern:

#4 Josh Clarke

Good use of space to clear the ball out of the pack, handballed to a passing player in better space on multiple instances to boost his side’s run forward. Had a great passage of play coming out of defence, sitting back to clear the space before receiving a quick handball and speeding down field, finishing with a solid kick toward the forward pocket. Also set up a goal for a teammate in the second, using his quick movement and positioning to grab the loose ball and shrug off an attempted tackle.

#13 Jamieson Rossiter

Finding some good space early, shrugging off his mark to run free around the loose ball. Good mark inside 50 early but kick on goal carried to the right, hitting the behind post for no score. Also took a solid mark inside 50 in the first quarter looking into the sun, and unselfishly kicked off to a player on a better angle to guarantee a Ranges goal.

#20 Connor Downie

Found some good space to clear the ball early, made a solid kick inside 50 to player on the move, and showed good run and carry with the flow of the game. Took a great intercept mark in the second for an attempt at goal, slotting one of his three majors. Put his hand up for Metro selection once again after coming out of the side for this week.

CALDER CANNONS vs. OAKLEIGH CHARGERS
By: Taylah Melki

Calder Cannons:

#5 Curtis Brown

Has good clean hands and was clever at ground level to pick the ball up cleanly off his toes and then dish it off to a teammate. Showcased his agility to turn his opponent inside out on the boundary line in the forward 50 and propel the ball forward. Used his vision to provide outlet passes and think his way through traffic.

#8 Sam Ramsay

Showed great intent to get the ball moving and use the middle corridor to open up attacking forays for the Cannons. Good use of acceleration to break away from his opponent, took a few strong marks in the second quarter highlighting his strength and read of the play. Won plenty of footy throughout the match working hard to get into damaging positions and reading the play well to influence the contest.

#26 Mason Fletcher

Good kick of the footy, attacked the ball hard and was not afraid to go in and grab the ball. Fletcher highlighted his strong hands overhead to take a good grab in the opening term and continued that marking form throughout the match. Good read of the flight of the ball, strong body positioning, careful clever kick coming out of defence. Controlled the back half well in the opening half of footy to try and limit the influence of the Chargers’ forwards.

Oakleigh Chargers:

#3 Joseph Ayton-Delaney

Little fumble in the first quarter dropping a mark but recovered well and regained possession showing his intent and endeavour to win the ball back. Good dash to break away from the pack and try and set up a more attacking style of play. Constantly involved throughout the game throwing his body in the mix to try and win the footy for the Chargers.

#6 Jeromy Lucas

Quick clean hands to dispose of the ball at a stoppage, presented well up at the footy and showcased his strong set of hands to take a few good marks. Awarded a free kick in the second term and kicked truly banging it through the middle to get his first goal of the game. Strong hands and good read of the flight of the footy throughout the match. Lucas was awarded a 50 metre free kick to take him within scoring range and notched up his second goal for the game midway through the third quarter. He worked tirelessly throughout the match and won plenty of the ball.

#9 Will Phillips

Clean hands in and around the contest and read the bounce of the ball well. He was a real bull in and around the contest going in hard and using his body well to win the ball at the coalface. Found good space in the second quarter getting separation from his opponent and applying strong attacking intent. Clean hands in tight and good vision to release teammates in space. Showcased his footy smarts to lay of perfectly weighted kicks into the forward 50 to players leading forward.

#12 Lochlan Jenkins

Jenkins won a heap of the footy and worked consistently hard to regain possession for the Chargers. He worked his way through traffic and was often involved in and around the stoppages. Showcased his footy smarts on when to go and when to hold back. Scrapped hard at ground level to squeeze the ball out of the congestion and create space and opportunities for his teammates. Good read of the flight of the footy and clever body positioning to out-body his opponent and take a pack mark in the fourth term.

#18 Fraser Elliot

Awarded a 50 metre free kick in the opening term and made no mistake of it slotting it straight through the middle. Good strong hands to take a big mark in the first quarter with a player coming straight towards him. He won a lot of the footy early and used it well. Showcased good spatial awareness and general football smarts to accelerate away from his opponent and then dish off to a teammate.

#25 Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

Had an impressive game, contested the ball hard and was good at ground level. Good strong contested grab in the forward 50 but was unable to convert in the opening term but worked his way into the game as the match went on. Nailed an impressive goal off a couple of steps working his way through traffic showcasing his clever goal sense and long booming kick. That goal was closely followed by another major credit to his hard running, clever lead and strong hands to take a good mark in the forward 50 and convert. Clever body positioning and read of the play to get out the back and attack the footy and slot through is third goal in the third quarter right on the goal line. Kicked the first goal after half time to add to his total. Clever lead into space and strong hands to take a good grab and then convert on a slight angle for his fourth of the match. ended the game with five goals and proved to be a real dangerous prospect in the forward 50.

#27 Josh May

Really built into the game using his strong hands and clever leading patterns to win the ball and create space across the ground. Worked hard to keep the ball moving forward. Had a big influence in the third term winning a heap of the ball and using it well to try and create opportunities for the Chargers moving forward.

TASMANIA DEVILS vs. MURRAY BUSHRANGERS
By: Scott Dougan

Tasmania:

#4 Will Peppin

Peppin caught the eye in the first term when he gathered a ground ball in the middle of the ground and blindly turned his way past his opponent and out of trouble. He would release the ball by hand successfully to a teammate, who would continue moving the ball forward. He was able to hit the scoreboard in the third term, which ended up being one of Tasmania’s four goals on the day.

#7 Matt McGuinness

McGuinness played across half-back where he would use his powerful left foot to good advantage. He was reliable by foot and he showcased some of his athletic attributes with some nice intercept marks on the day, especially in the second half. He finished with 21 disposals (16 kicks) and seven marks.

#25 Jackson Callow

Callow was barely sighted early on but came to life late in the first term when he missed a set shot on goal after winning a free kick. He showed plenty of aggression around the contest and towards his opponents, which is an encouraging sign for a powerful full-forward. Callow had the chance to kick his first goal of the day in the fourth quarter but pushed his shot wide. He would end up having a good 10-minute patch but was unable to make the most of his limited chances on the day, finishing with four behinds.

Murray:

#3 Ben Kelly

Kelly won plenty of the ball around the ground and competed strongly in the ruck. He was the bigger-bodied ruckman on the day, so he was able to direct his hit-outs to the advantage of his rovers. He kicked a major in the second term after reading the ball perfectly off his teammates’ boot. Kelly would spend some time in the defensive 50 in the fourth quarter, where he won plenty of intercept possessions. A good performance from the ruckman.

#7 Zane Barzen

Barzen kicked his teams’ second goal of the day with a good snap around the body in the forward pocket. He was very lively in the second half and was exceptionally dangerous inside 50. He played in front of his opponent at all times which gave him first access to the incoming balls that would fall short. Barzen booted his second goal of the game in the fourth quarter with another impressive snap around the body. Barzen also collected 13 disposals.

#14 Jye Chalcraft

I thought Chalcraft was the most impressive Bushranger player on the day. He set up Zane Barzen’s first major when he saw him in the forward pocket out of the corner of his eye. All of his possessions on the day had a huge impact and many resulting in score involvements for his team. In such a scrappy contest, Chalcraft’s ability to pick up ground balls effectively and with such little effort, definitely caught the eye. His attack on the ball and repeated efforts around the contest were first-class. He finished with 20 disposals and seven tackles in another solid performance. He’s definitely one of the players I’ve been extremely pleased with this season.

#19 Jimmy Boyer

Boyer played across half-back, mopping up everything that came in his direction. He had plenty of time with ball in hand and made the right decisions by foot. His run-and-carry was useful for his team moving forward. One of his best passages of play came in the first term when he took a sliding intercept mark on the wing. Boyer had a game-high 27 disposals (19 kicks).