DEBUTANTS continue to emerge across state leagues around the country, while other juniors are quickly establishing themselves at senior level. One such player in the latter category is Peel Thunder prospect Clay Hall, who impressed in his second WAFL League outing on the weekend.

The 18-year-old midfielder took little time to acclimate in the top flight, and collected a team-high 27 disposals in his side’s Round 3 loss to South Fremantle. Waxing with AFL-listed talent, Hall has showcased his class across each outing this year and looks like being a mainstay at senior level.

South Fremantle also had a young second-gamer in its ranks, with over-ager Roan O’Hehir again turning out. He held his own with 21 disposals (16 handballs) and five tackles having been narrowly overlooked at last year’s draft.

Around the grounds in the WAFL, Subiaco blooded another debutant on Saturday. Strongly built tall Luker Kentfield was the latest Lion to make the grade, after powerful forward Koltyn Tholstrup did so in Round 1 this year.

Kentfield battled against former AFL-listed player Zac Clarke in his ruck-forward role, laying six tackles and clunking three marks among his six disposals. Meanwhile, Tholstrup got back to work after National Academy duties, booting a goal from 11 touches and four marks.

>> Around the Grounds: WAFL Round 3

Over in South Australia, top 10 draft fancy Ashton Moir made a splash in his maiden appearance for Glenelg’s reserves, snaring a haul of 4.3 from 13 disposals and six marks as the Bays beat Woodville-West Torrens. Like Tholstrup, he was also fresh off representing Australia with the AFL Academy.

Sturt had Under 18 state squad member Alex Holt running around for his third consecutive game at the level. He registered 12 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s as the Double Blues went down by 14 points to Central District.

In an Anzac Day double-header, Norwood takes on North Adelaide at League and Reserves level. Redlegs defender Logan Evans has been named at half-back in the top flight clash, while state squad ruck Alex Van Wyk plies his trade in the twos.

There were a few fresh faces who featured in the VFL, too. Many were given berths via the northern academies, headlined by Giants Academy product Harvey Thomas. The crafty and silky skilled midfielder nabbed eight touches and a goal as the orange team was soundly beaten by Brisbane.

In the same game, over-ager Jack Manly turned out for the Lions and fared well with 15 disposals and five marks. Sydney was another side to call upon academy talent, with father-son candidate Indhi Kirk and midfield bull Caiden Cleary (both 17 disposals) debuting against the Northern Bullants.

It was the Ants who secured a drought-breaking win though, with over-age Northern Knights midfielder Ben Ham notching 12 touches and laying five tackles in his first outing. Another over-age success story was Luke Teal, who took six marks among 21 disposals in his second game as Richmond beat Casey.

The likes of top pick favourite Harley Reid (Carlton) and electric small forward Nick Watson (Box Hill) are also poised to play in the VFL this year. With the Coates Talent League currently on a month-long break, that may happen sooner rather than later.