IN what was a much better outing than last year’s showcase game, the AFL Academy fought hard but fell short of scoring a win against Collingwood’s VFL side on Saturday, going down by 22 points at Skybus Stadium. The Under 18 side stayed in the game until the last quarter of a low-scoring affair, but could not penetrate the Magpies’ defensive setup enough times in the 10.7 (67) to 6.9 (45) defeat.

>> SCOUTING NOTES: AFL Academy vs. Collingwood VFL

With prospects from around the nation forming this year’s super-team, it was a chance for recruiters and onlookers alike to see many of them live for the first time. It was hard for many players to take the game by the scruff on the neck, with Academy coaches posed with difficult task of providing everyone an even opportunity, and the chance to play roles they wouldn’t normally have to.

Positional wise, the forwards had a rough time with the talls struggling to hit the scoreboard. It was the midfielders like Elijah Tsatas and Adam D’Aloia who did so instead, while talented goalsneak Harry Sheezel had to move into the midfield in the second half to get more involved.

The standout forward for the day was Essendon Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Anthony Munkara, who looked electric whenever he had possession. His highlight came while being tackled, but somehow muscling his way out and kicking a long-range snap from the boundary which landed on the line. Had it gone in, it would have certainly been one of the more impressive goals you’re likely to see. Munkara looks very unlikely to end up at Essendon, with the new top 40 NGA rule introduced this year.

Down back, there was a fairly even spread of contributors with the likes of Luke Teal improving as the game went on, and Jason Gillbee another to impress with his competitiveness. East Perth key defender Jedd Busslinger looked assured down back, showing he could both attack and defend. He has been on the fringe of senior selection for the Royals and could make the transition seamlessly if his game against Collingwood’s VFL side is anything to go by.

The midfield was heavily rotated, so there weren’t many high possession winners, but one to impress was Geelong Falcons midfielder Jhye Clark, who backed up his impressive game against the Young Guns last week with another strong performance. He showcased his strong contested game and tackling, coupled with his good ball use, catapulting himself into potential top five territory.

The standout, though, who won best on ground honours was pick one contender George Wardlaw. The Oakleigh Chargers gun impressed with his ability to win the hard ball and tackle with intent, which have been features of his game. The trait that separates him from the other midfielders in this year’s draft is his leap, which he displayed with a great mark to highlight that athleticism.

A lot of the taller players struggled to match it with mature opposition, but expect them to make amends when the National Championships commence in June with potential juicy matchups like Busslinger vs Harry Lemmey and Max Michalanney vs Matthew Jefferson. This game would have helped recruiters get a better feel on the current draft crop, but there is still plenty to play out this year so even if players didn’t get to play in this game, or play at their best, there is still plenty of time for top end talent to emerge.