THE 2022 AFL Under 18 Academy went down by 22 points at the hands of a well-structured Collingwood VFL outfit on Saturday afternoon, with the nation’s brightest junior talents coming together for an insightful annual showcase fixture.

Taking the field in Frankston, the 25-man Academy squad brought its collective potential to the fore in a competitive hitout, edging ahead at half time but running out of legs in the 10.7 (67) to 6.9 (45) defeat. Eight AFL-listed players featured for the Magpies, while five club-tied talents ran out for the Academy.

We noted how every Under 18 player fared, with the exception of Sam Gilbey who travelled with the squad but missed due to his bout with glandular fever.

All notes are the opinion of the individual author.

AFL ACADEMY

#2-19 by Declan Reeve | #20-40 by Michael Alvaro

#2 Jed Hagan (East Fremantle/Western Australia)
Small Defender | 15/10/2004 | 175cm | 73kg

Whilst not as prolific in terms of possession as he has been over the past few seasons in the WAFL Colts, Hagan’s reliability in the defensive half was a real highlight for the Academy side. He constantly pushed back in transition to ensure there wasn’t an easy avenue to goal for the Pies VFL side, and at times played above his height with some impressive intercept marks. Hagan’s use by foot was solid throughout the game, often looking to spread the ball out wide when the option was available to him, but sometimes forced to kick long to a pack. As the game wore on, Hagan seemed to grow in confidence and began to advance up the ground, using the footy more offensively.

#3 Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 6/04/2004 | 180cm | 76kg

Yet another impressive display for Ashcroft’s growing resume, the number one pick contender and Brisbane father-son prospect was one of the more consistent performers for the Academy side throughout the day. Starting off in midfield, Ashcroft had an immediate impact around the ball as one who looked confident competing for contested ball against more mature bodies. That was unsurprising given his recent VFL experience, and he was clinical with his hands in-tight. Ashcroft seldom looked rushed, picking out the best handball option almost every time he got his hands on it. What has become evident over the year is how well Ashcroft gets involved in the same chain of play multiple times, gut running after giving a handball off to get into space and get it back, showcasing a few of these moments throughout the game to contribute to some dangerous attacking plays. Ashcroft played some time up either end as well, looking comfortable with his positioning in the backline and dangerous up forward. He got himself on the scoreboard after taking advantage of a free kick in the forward pocket, and slotting it with the outside of his boot.

#4 Jhye Clark (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 23/07/2004 | 181cm | 77kg

Arguably the most consistent across the four quarters for the Academy side, Clark simply did not stop running all game. Clark was one who simply didn’t give up on anything, consistently providing second efforts if he didn’t lay an initial tackle or win the ball, in an effort to give the Academy side something from every contest he was involved in. The defensive running of Clark really stood out as the game reached its latter stages, constantly moving back in transition and laying a particularly impressive tackle on an opponent running into an open goal square. It wasn’t just the defensive stuff that Clark excelled at, he was one of the Academy members that adjusted to the pace of the game quickly, with his clean work at ground level and disposal under pressure unlocking a lot of early opportunities for the Academy side heading forward, always putting the ball in front of his leading forwards to hold onto easily. Whilst Clark may not have been one of the main clearance winners, his work as a receiver and follow up disposal to runners was eye catching.

#7 George Wardlaw (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 18/07/2004 | 182cm | 81kg

The recipient of the MCC Presidents Medal as the best player afield for the Academy side, Wardlaw once more put out an impressive and complete display in the midfield. Whilst not as influential as he usually is in the first half, Wardlaw was still impressive with his ability to win the ball in-tight and quickly feed it out via hand, even when being brought down in a tackle. He also got involved in open play as he managed to find space to be used as a marking option or outside receiver. It was Wardlaw’s third quarter that really caught the eye however, with a more extended run through the midfield, as he started to work into the game in the ways we’ve come to expect. His tackling and contested ball winning ability stood out in particular. Whilst many would expect a player like Wardlaw to be somewhat scrappy with his disposal given how often he wins it under pressure, his cleanliness both by hand and foot once again stood out as he spotted some superb kicks forward through packs that many others wouldn’t have attempted. Wardlaw got to show off his athleticism a few times throughout, with a his bursts from stoppages impressing early, but his ability to evade multiple opponents whilst moving at full speed arguably moreso. Wardlaw got to show off his leap later in the game, taking an impressive mark in the middle of the ground where he managed to get up on an opponent’s shoulders and rise above the pack. As is typical of Wardlaw, his tackling work was superb all game, with a few holding the ball free kicks being taken advantage of by teammates to get the ball moving forward quickly.

#8 Oliver Hollands (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 16/01/2004 | 184cm | 71kg

Having played mostly on the inside for the Bushrangers this season, Hollands looked more at home, and more dangerous, with an outside focused role for the Academy side. Starting the game in the defensive 50, Hollands was one that looked confident with moving up the ground aggressively to try and intercept higher up, or act as a receiver out the back of contests where he could utilise his speed and damaging disposal under less pressure. Hollands played more in the midfield as the game went on and looked increasingly more damaging with his disposal, timing his runs well to receive the ball from the first possession winners at stoppages, before using it well heading forward. There was a few times where Hollands’ disposal or run and carry created exciting opportunities for the Academy side, none moreso than when he took a mark on the boundary at half-back, and without a second thought bulleted a kick to an unmanned teammate in the centre circle, a play which really summed up how Hollands was looking to play for the game. Hollands didn’t neglect his defensive duties either, staying accountable with a few tackles in the defensive 50, and often tracking back to create an outnumber for the Academy in the back half.

#9 Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 13/10/2004 | 184cm | 77kg

Whilst not his biggest game in terms of numbers, Sheezel was one that made the most of his limited opportunities inside the forward half, with his composure and sound ball use more often than not contributing to scoring opportunities for the Academy side. Given the lack of action in the forward 50, it’s not surprising that Sheezel seemed to have the most impact as a midfielder in the third term, where his positioning around the ground and tenacity at the contest stood out, often winning it cleanly at ground level and handballing to teammates before opponents could react.

#10 Jaspa Fletcher (Brisbane Lions Academy/Queensland)
Wing | 24/02/2004 | 184cm | 73kg

Another Brisbane father-son prospect lining up for the Academy, Fletcher impressed on the wing all day as he managed to find space when not many others could. With the game highly congested early on, Fletcher was somewhat forced to show he can match it on the inside as well, impacting contests with his clean work below his knees and quick hands in close. As the game opened up a bit Fletcher got to show off his class by foot and work rate off the ball, running to be a switch option out of the back half even though he wasn’t always used, and tracking back to provide an outnumber in defence. Fletcher’s tackling was also impressive, with one moment highlighting his second efforts as he was sold some candy from a Pies player, but then quickly dived to grab him by the hips and earn the free kick.

#12 Elijah Hewett (Swan Districts/Western Australia)
Forward/Midfielder | 27/05/2004 | 185cm | 84kg

A day of ‘almosts’ for the Swan Districts League representative. Hewett wasn’t quite his prolific self throughout the game, spending the majority of his time in the forward line where he found it difficult to work into the game like he usually does. There were certainly moments when Hewett was given a go through the midfield where he shone, showing clean pick-ups at speed and quick hands to match, as well as an ability to spot targets straight from clearances. Hewett’s aggression at the ball carrier was obvious throughout, and whilst he gave away a few frees he never wavered in his application defensively. For all his time in the forward half, Hewett managed to find the goals after drawing in a free kick, kicking truly from 20 out. 

#14 Alwyn Davey Jr. (Oakleigh Chargers/Northern Territory)
Forward/Defender | 26/02/2004 | 181cm | 74kg

A difficult day for the Essendon father-son prospect, Davey found it difficult to get involved throughout the game amid a few positional changes. Despite not seeing much of the ball, Davey made the most of his opportunities with classy disposal and some nice displays of evasion in tight contests, essentially plying his trade on each line.

#17 Mitch Szybkowski (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 9/01/2004 | 186cm | 84kg

Despite limited opportunities on-ball, Szybkowski was a consistent presence on the inside and around stoppages, using his bigger frame to out-body opponents and win first possession. What has stood out most with Szybkowski all season has been his hands in tight and remarkable ability to keep his arms free when being tackled, and that continued against the Pies VFL side as he just found ways to slip his arms up every time someone tried to wrap him up. Szybkowski often found the best option by hand, spotting options forward of him through traffic to release them in to space.

#18 Anthony Munkara (West Adelaide/Northern Territory)
Forward | 3/10/2004 | 186cm | 77kg

Arguably the surprise packet of the day, Munkara didn’t win a heap of the footy but managed to do something exciting every time he was around it, especially in the forward half. Munkara’s marking was superb for the game, holding seemingly everything in his area even when copping contact, while following up with smart ball use as he often looked to move the ball into central spots and take inside 45 options. The absolute highlight of the day came as Munkara was wrapped up after a run into the forwardline, looking certain to be pulled to ground, but somehow he managed to shake himself free of the tackle and proceed to snap from the boundary line, with the ball falling just short of the goal line. 

#19 Elijah Tsatas (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Wing | 18/10/2004 | 186cm | 79kg

Playing most of his game on the wing, Tsatas didn’t quite get as involved as he has at NAB League level but still managed to show off his burst and dare when he was released in to space by hand. Uncharacteristically, Tsatas was at times a little rushed with his disposal with the increased congestion, but got more polished as the game wore on. Tsatas slotted an early goal when he quickly reacted to a rushed kick from the boundary line to take an easy mark on the chest, slotting the set shot with ease.

#20 Adam D’Aloia (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 9/04/2004 | 186cm | 86kg

Starting his game up forward before rotating through midfield, D’Aloia looked up to the task of taking on senior opposition with his strong frame. The South Australian is incredibly clean below his knees and in contested situations, a trait which proved invaluable as Collingwood turned up the pressure gauge. His kicking, a key area for improvement, could have done with a bit of polish when clearing packs, though D’Aloia looked anything but rushed when slotting a goal on the run during term two. His distribution by hand was neat as always, as the Eagles product continually showed his class in that department.

#21 Lachlan Cowan (Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Defender | 1/12/2004 | 188cm | 81kg

The standout Tasmanian talent has plenty of flair, and looked to showcase his more eye-catching attributes from defence. Cowan was able to compete both aerially and in general play, using his leap to get a fist in from behind before even rising for a clean intercept mark during the fourth quarter. Predominantly stationed down back with a short rotation to the wing, Cowan also got his chance at the kick-ins in term three but opted against unleashing long, instead lowering his eyes to try find shorter targets on repeat disposals.

#24 Luke Teal (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Defender | 20/05/2004 | 188cm | 80kg

While he took some time to get up to speed, Teal ended up as one of the Academy’s best defenders with his versatility and athleticism on show. Undeterred by being caught holding the ball and giving away a couple more free kicks in the first half, the Oakleigh Chargers talent began to get stuck in and proved more polished as the game wore on. He really got going with an intercept mark in the third term, and competed well in the defensive 50 with his springy leap and desperation to cut off Collingwood attacks.

#25 Jason Gillbee (Bendigo Pioneers/Allies)
Defender | 15/05/2004 | 190cm | 78kg

Gillbee’s representative experience will be lengthy by year’s end, given he also turned out for Vic Country last week, but will wear Allies colours during the Under 18 championships. The Bendigo Pioneers product was a reliable figure in defence, using his range to get amongst the action in a contested sense, but impressing most with his running capacity and ability to move the ball on in transition. He wore contact well, especially in a few instances during term four where he rode bumps and got disposals away as opponents looked to bring him down. In potentially his best outing for the year given the context, Gillbee again looked quite comfortable down back despite his ability to play just about anywhere.

#27 Max Michalanney (Norwood/South Australia)
Defender | 26/02/2004 | 191cm | 74kg

Another who built into the occasion, Michalanney had a couple of tough early matchups on AFL-listed opposition but got into his work nicely soon enough. Listed at 191cm, the Adelaide father-son candidate can impact aerially, but looked arguably more effective when rebounding the ball out of defence in waves. He waxed well with his fellow backmen and earned a nice defensive 50 one-on-one win in the fourth term, getting a touch in aerially before winning a free kick as the ball hit the deck.

#29 Matthew Jefferson (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Tall Forward | 8/03/2004 | 194cm | 76kg

The raw and rangy forward fared relatively well on a tough day for Academy attackers, hitting the scoreboard with a lone goal and showing some promise with his marking game. Jefferson offers great reach and range at 194cm, able to take the ball at high points and lean on his athleticism to get into good positions forward of the ball. Having showed he can improve his set shot routine in the opening quarter, the 18-year-old went on to convert a lovely snap in term three as a sighter of his dynamism.

#30 Jedd Busslinger (East Perth/Western Australia)
Tall Defender | 11/03/2004 | 196cm | 82kg

The leading key back in this year’s crop, Busslinger showcased his defensive versatility with terrific adjustments to combat the bigger bodies of Collingwood’s tall forwards. After the 199cm, 100kg Billy Drake nudged him under a ball in term one, Busslinger took the back shoulder of his opponents and affected several spoils when Collingwood sent the ball in high and long – reading the play beautifully. The West Australian’s distribution looked sound with a touch of time and space, and his intercept mark on forward wing during term three was a handy highlight to jot down.

#33 Harry Lemmey (West Adelaide/South Australia)
Tall Forward | 30/01/2004 | 199cm | 94kg

Having struggled to string together a few games at senior level for West Adelaide, Lemmey was one who looked down on confidence in the early stages, but dug in for a real crack after half time. He was a touch stagnant in his leading patterns among the Academy’s raft of tall talent, which suited the plans of Collingwood’s strong defensive setup. Eventually, Lemmey began to advance further afield and display his strong hands, getting involved all the way up at half-back with quick handballs away. He also competed well in a one-on-one at half forward during term three, proving strong while wrapping the ball up for a stoppage.

#34 Aaron Cadman (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 3/03/2004 | 194cm | 88kg

A shrewd inclusion to the Academy squad, Cadman was another tall attacking option who looked to get busy in the midst of Collingwood’s sturdy structure. As one of the deeper outlets early on, he got to a couple of good spots inside 50 to mark with typically strong hands, but missed two set shot opportunities in the opening quarter. As the game unfolded, he began to work further afield on the lead and even shifted to defence in term four, leaning on the versatility he displayed as a bottom-ager for Greater Western Victoria.

#38 Henry Hustwaite (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Defender/Midfielder | 20/07/2004 | 194cm | 84kg

Playing in opposition to his elder brother, Campbell, Hustwaite proved he was up to the task as an inclusion to the Academy setup. He was clean and quick with his touches as usual, and at 194cm showcased he can do it aerially as well with a couple of intercept marks in the third term. The Dandenong Stingrays talent then shifted into midfield for the final 25 minutes, as he has done during the NAB League season, and swept back to good effect with typical composure in tight spots.

#39 Tom Scully (West Adelaide/South Australia)
Tall Forward | 2/11/2004 | 201cm | 83kg

One of the rising talls in this year’s crop, Scully arguably started the best of his fellow forwards before fading out of what was a tough day for the Academy forwards. He can certainly be cleaner with his contested marking, but managed to juggle a couple of grabs early on to boost his confidence. Much like Jefferson, Scully’s set shot routine came unstuck and he missed a couple more chances in open play, though he can take positives out of having such opportunities in the low-scoring opening half. Also providing fold as a second ruck, Scully was made to show his versatility as a lean 201cm talent with high potential.

#40 Jackson Broadbent (Peel Thunder/Western Australia)
Ruck | 2/12/2004 | 201cm | 100kg

A ruck with senior experience in the WAFL, this was one of the rare occasions this year where Broadbent was outsized at 201cm and 100kg. The Peel Thunder bigman found it hard to time his jumps and get first hand to the ball in the ruck, but was incredibly proficient around the ground with exceptional skills and clean hands for a player of his build. He was a touch stiff in his marking attempts, but proved much more fluid when dishing out handballs to his midfielders and getting involved as the ball hit the deck. While he may not grow much in terms of pure size, Broadbent has improvement left to add to the around-the-ground impact he already offers.

U18 AFL ACADEMY 1.5 | 3.6 | 5.6 | 6.9 (45)
COLLINGWOOD VFL 1.5 | 3.5 | 6.6 | 10.7 (67)

GOALS: E. Tsatas, A. D’Aloia, W. Ashcroft, E. Hewett, M. Jefferson, A. Munkara
BEST: J. Clark, G. Wardlaw, W. Ashcroft, J. Gillbee, L. Teal

MCC Presidents Medal: George Wardlaw
Collingwood best afield: Callum Brown