SYDNEY Swans fans have witnessed the pure production line of Academy talent which has gone on to have an impact at the top level over recent years. They may well have another to monitor among their ranks, with father-son candidate Indhi Kirk showing promise on his NAB League debut this past weekend.

While the Swans Academy was soundly beaten by the Northern Knights at a wet and windy Highgate Recreation Reserve on Saturday, Kirk stood up as one of just two Swans to tick over 20 disposals. Stationed on the wing and up forward, the 17-year-old looked a naturally skilled and polished footballer when placed under our Player Focus microscope.

Midfielder

Indhi Kirk

Height: 179cm

Weight: -

DOB: 07-04-2022

Strengths:

Clean hands

Decision making

Footy IQ

Ground balls

Work rate

ROUND 1
Swans Academy 3.8 (26) def. by Northern Knights 14.11 (95)

Stats: 20 disposals (12 kicks, 8 handballs), 4 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

FIRST QUARTER

Starting out on the wing, Kirk looked to contrast the gloomy conditions with his bright boots and positive play style. Across the opening 25 minutes, he barked instructions and looked to drive the Swans forward on the outside as he held his width and received in space.

Kirk also showcased some of his smarts at stoppage in one instance, as he smothered a Northern handball before snatching the ball and firing off a quick pass of his own to help Sydney clear the defensive 50.

His kicking was less polished in the early stages, but in an overall solid start, the 17-year-old built steadily into his work as he roamed the spacey expanses of Highgate Recreation Reserve.

SECOND QUARTER

Posted on the far wing once again, Kirk continued to take up positions on the outside of stoppages where he could receive and wheel away into attack. In those situations, with a little more time and space than others, Kirk’s clean handling came to the fore as a feature of his game.

He proved quick in his decision making, often looking inboard as he ventured onto his right side with the aim of picking out targets by foot. That proved difficult to do neatly with a heavy, soggy ball, but Kirk continued to show polish by hand.

The top-ager’s work rate also began to rise in term two, as he was seen defying his frame to scrap it out at ground level. He made a particular double effort of note, albeit to no avail, diving for a smother before chasing an opponent down on the wing.

THIRD QUARTER

Rotating forward to begin the second half, Kirk leant on his work rate to push high up the ground and still have an impact between the arcs. He spent some time chasing the play early on, but eventually began to get his hands on the ball as time ticked over.

Kirk’s first touch came via a lovely half-volley gather on defensive wing, before looking to the corridor for a kick. That remained a theme with his disposal, and while most of his passes fell just short of an open teammate, they generally proved effective with no danger of a turnover.

Kirk also began to open his trick bag in the third quarter, producing two of his best highlights for the day. The first was a great overhead mark at full stretch, and the second was a wickedly quick improvised finish from 40 metres to bang through his sole goal for the game.

FOURTH QUARTER

Having showcased some of his tricks in term three, the fourth quarter was arguably Kirk’s most productive in a pure possessions sense as he fought all the way to the end in spite of the scoreline. He again worked up the ground from a forward post, competing for the ball and using his smarts to time his spreading runs back towards goal.

Kirk was found on the end of two separate centre breaks, out-working his direct opponent to mark the ball uncontested at half-forward. As he had done all day, the promising Swan looked to deliver the ball towards hot spots in hope that Sydney could find a mark inside 50.

He accumulated a strong amount of uncontested ball to tick up to 20 touches, continuing to prove clean more often than not with great natural nous. His last touch came in the final minute, and rounded out a solid outing amid the horrid conditions, and a tough result for Sydney.