TASMANIA Devils dominate our Talent League Round 16 Team of the Week, with four representatives making the cut in our 24-player squad. After a month off, the Devils blew Calder away to the tune of 70 points in the biggest win of the weekend. See who else snuck into the penultimate team for this season.
DEFENCE
B: Patrick Retschko (OC) – Arie Schoenmaker (TD) – Geordie Payne (TD)
HB: Kobe George (GF) – Riley White (ER) – Nathan Philactides (OC)
A pair of Oakleigh accumulators headline this week’s back line, with bottom-ager Patrick Retschko combining with co-captain Nathan Philactides for a whopping 71 disposals. The former managed a round-high haul of 41 and 12 rebound 50s after recently representing Vic Metro’s futures.
Two Tasmanians also made the cut. Arie Schoenmaker played a dual role in the ruck and slots in at full back, while Geordie Payne‘s 12 marks were enough to ensure his spot. Elsewhere, Eastern’s Riley White got the better of Riley White‘s Geelong, but both made the cut.
MIDFIELD
FOL: Will Green (NK) – Billy Wilson (DS) – Tom Gross (OC)
C: Charlie Edwards (SD) – Jagga Smith (OC) – Caleb Windsor (ER)
There’s a significant Metro feel to this week’s midfield, with Dandenong’s Billy Wilson the only Country representative in Round 16. He’s joined at the centre bounces by bottom-aged Oakleigh pair Jagga Smith and Tom Gross, while Northern ruck Will Green imposed himself to earn a spot once again.
On the outside are two genuine wingmen this week. Sandringham bolter Charlie Edwards snared two goals from 21 touches as his stocks rise, and Eastern speedster Caleb Windsor had one extra touch but one less goal in his side’s win over Geelong.
FORWARD
HF: Zane Duursma (GP) – James Leake (TD) – Nate Caddy (NK)
F: Jack Dolliver (TD) – Jonty Faull (GWV) – Lachlan Charleson (GWV)
The bags of goals came thick and fast this week, led by player of the week Lachlan Charleson. The GWV Rebels livewire snared a season-best eight majors, partnered by tall teammate Jonty Faull. Tasmania’s one-two combo of Jack Dolliver and James Leake also ran rampant with a combined nine goals.
There’s some serious class on either flank too. Top Gippsland prospect Zane Duursma bagged another four goals after six last week, while Northern spearhead Nate Caddy was best afield with his own haul of four as the Knights rattled Sandringham in a terrific upset victory.
INTERCHANGE
INT: Ry Cantwell (ER), Kade De La Rue (DS), Harvey Langford (DS), Xavier Lindsay (GP), Ryley Sanders (SD), Darcy Wilson (MB)
The goal kicking theme carries onto the bench with the likes of Ry Cantwell and Kade De La Rue impressing en route to three apiece. The latter’s Dandenong teammate Harvey Langford was impressive through midfield and is joined by another in-form bottom-ager, Xavier Lindsay on the interchange. Rounding out the side is a pair of big names, Ryley Sanders and Darcy Wilson, who were prolific in losing teams.