LAUNCESTON claimed a crucial win amid the Tasmanian State League top four race, downing Clarence by 60 points in less than ideal conditions at Windsor Park. The Blues, reigning premiers on the Apple Isle, embraced the muddy slog to set up an eight-goal head start in the opening quarter.

Four of Tasmania’s five AFL Draft Combine invitees – barring only Ryley Sanders – took the field as the state’s Coates Talent League side enjoyed a bye. Fellow Devils Thomas Beaumont and Jack Dolliver also featured. We noted how each of the combine invitees fared in the latest edition of Scouting Notes.

>> All 61 players: 2023 AFL Draft Combine list

SCOUTING NOTES

Colby McKercher (#2 Launceston)
Forward/Midfielder | 181cm | 73kg | 04/12/2005

Having dominated through midfield at Under 18 level, McKercher enjoyed a change up of role to ply his trade up forward for Launceston. The zippy top five prospect was able to get involved either high or deep, getting on the move and looking to exploit his pace over the muddy turf. He both delivered and ran over the back nicely in the opening quarter, setting up a goal for Liam Jones before nabbing one himself. McKercher also showed his stoppage craft with a handball assist to Beaumont at the Blues’ goalmouth, and eventually got a run in midfield during term four.

James Leake (#6 Launceston)
Defender | 188cm | 74kg | 10/02/2005

Perhaps the quietest of Tasmania’s junior stars on Saturday, Leake is the only one among them who was part of Launceston’s 2022 premiership side. The tall defender showcased some of his competitiveness, mostly at ground level given his usual marking game was hindered by the conditions. Though he often hit the deck, Leake scrapped away and produced his best passage in term four, intercepting the ball cleanly from a stoppage clearances and enacting a one-two through the corridor.

Arie Schoenmaker (#26 Launceston)
Defender | 194cm | 89kg | 01/07/2005

Having played his fair share of TSL footy early this year, Schoenmaker again hardly looked out of place in Launceston’s defence. The 194cm prospect is pegged as a third tall, but more often mopped up others’ mess at ground level than he did intercept. He balanced the safe defensive act of taking marks on his chest by getting typically creative by foot, looking much more dangerous when going long rather than limiting himself to short options. The best moment of Schoenmaker’s game was a classic overlap handball receive and running goal from outside 50, somewhat of a trademark by now.

Jack Callinan (#17 Clarence)
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 77kg | 10/07/2005

Though his best and most natural position is up forward, Callinan got a fair bit of midfield exposure on Saturday. Ironically, arguably his best quarter was the third, when he was shifted out to the wing and racked up a good amount of possessions. The crafty small lacked ball winning presence at stoppage but tackled hard and was able to set up play by foot once he dropped back behind centre. Ideally, he gets more opportunities in the attacking half and uses his energy and creativity to generate scores.

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