ROUND 2 of the Coates Talent League saw goalkickers come to the fore, tall defenders play key roles, and midfielders get into their groove across an enthralling Easter weekend of pathway football. We took note of some of the standout AFL Draft prospects from all six fixtures.

>> 2024 CTL Round 2: Snapshot | POTW | TOTW

Geelong Falcons 13.12 (90) def. GWV Rebels 5.3 (33)

By: Peter Williams

GEELONG FALCONS:

#6 River Stevens
Forward | 176cm | 26/06/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 goals

The potential North Melbourne father-son prospect (son of Anthony) showed off a clean set of heels and fantastic finishing skills, booting three goals in the win. His third was the best of the lot getting onto his left and launching from 40 metres to get his side up and about. He rarely wasted a touch from his 15 disposals and also got his teammates involved forward of centre.

#13 Xavier Ivisic
Midfielder | 180cm | 01/06/2006

Stats: 29 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s

Covered the ground like few others and often racked up multiple possessions in a chain turning defence into offence. From playing inside and also off half-back, Ivisic showed class with plenty of short, sharp passes both by hand or foot. At one stage he kicked with the outside of his right boot when he could have used his left but it was his hands that stood out the most, upholding the Falcons’ fast-paced nature.

#20 Lachie Jaques
Defender | 184cm | 01/06/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Played his role by winning the ball at both ends of the ground, providing defensive pressure and composure when in the back 50, while also pushing up to the wing to deliver a timely spoil. As he moved forward, Jaques set up a set shot with one kick inside 50, then had one of his own, but missed to the right to only register a behind.

#24 Wiliam McLachlan
Forward | 185cm | 13/04/2005

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

A dominant performance up forward by the 185cm over-ager who plays well above his height. Able to create separation on the lead with some quick few steps and boasting a nice vertical leap, McLachlan was a headache all night for the Rebels’ defence. He kicked five goals, but arguably could have filled his boots even more with some chances that went begging. Impressively kicked goals from various ranges and styles, and was the clear best forward on the ground.

#27 Liam Kershaw
Wing | 185cm | 17/10/2005

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 marks, 8 inside 50s

Kershaw’s ball use and aerial presence stood out, with the winger playing a kick behind play and mopping up, before driving the ball inside 50 consistently. He took a terrific contested mark in the third term and then delivered a precise bullet pass forward, before moments later being involved in a congested situation, being tackled and having the composure to hold on for a split second longer before choosing the right option by hand. Had a very good second half.

#29 Joe Pike
Ruck | 203cm | 17/05/2005

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 21 hitouts

The over-age ruck was huge around the ground with his marking and contest work. If Pike did not clunk the contested grab, he would bring it to ground, but perhaps the most pleasing aspect was his ability to hit targets consistently under pressure. Being that extra year older and experienced, you look for something extra and he gave it with a commanding performance.

GWV REBELS:

#1 Archie Taylor
Defender | 178cm | 25/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 10 rebound 50s

The bottom-age talent was able to try and create some flow from defence to turn it into offence. Showing off his wheels, Taylor provided dash from half-back to record a game-high 10 rebound 50s and try and relieve the pressure of a defence under siege through most of the match. A high handball receive and go type who had some nice moments.

#2 Harry Charleson
Midfielder | 182cm | 26/06/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

The brother of Port Adelaide’s Lachlan, Charleson stepped up to the plate with a nice finish on goal running inside 50 and delivering from 20 metres on an angle. He was more often found in the defensive half of the ground and had the most disposals of any Rebel with 27. His first term caught the eye, and though sometimes he could turn it over, he provided plenty of meterage for his side.

#5 Wil Rantall
Tall Defender | 192cm | 19/10/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Worked incredibly hard in defence and did well one-on-one, taking a number of strong marks. He read the play well coming into the defensive 50 and has a booming kick which he used to advantage going long down the line more often than not. In a game where he had plenty to do in the Rebels’ defence, Rantall could hold his head high with his rebounding efforts.

#6 Jack Ough
Midfielder | 194cm | 15/12/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 3 inside 50s

One of the most consistent Rebels in the match, Ough started the game with a nice marking contest where he braced, took contact, won the ball and spun out of trouble to hit the short target inside 50. His kicking inside 50 was effective and his overall disposal clean. In the fourth term, Ough took a terrific contested pack mark in defence, before a late bump on a Geelong opponent bubbled over into a fourth quarter melee.

#7 Oliver Hannaford
Midfielder | 180cm | 01/09/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Hannaford had his moments throughout the game and showed clean hands out of a stoppage. He looked to put the jets on a few times and burst away, even getting a shot on goal that missed to the right. Though not finding much space around the ground, he brought the defensive pressure and laid six tackles, while thumping the ball inside 50 to try and put pressure on the Falcons’ defence.

Dandenong Stingrays 14.9 (93) def. by Gippsland Power 16.13 (109)

By: Matthew Vella

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#2 Harvey Langford
Midfielder/Forward | 190cm | 15/03/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

The Dandenong co-captain enjoyed a solid game against a tough opposition, playing mid-forward. Starting forward, he won an early one-on-one overhead mark and let his teammates know where he was going to lead. Like always, he moved into the midfield and started to add pressure with his tackling ability. After a quick spell, he moved forward again but struggled to convert his chances.

#3 Harrison Doughton
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 23/04/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Doughton also moved between midfield and the forward line. He won a nice contested mark for his size and displayed his kicking range with a goal from 40-50 metres out. The top-ager popped up again to slot his second goal, playing the majority of the game in the guts. His clean hands and silky skills were on display throughout. 

#8 Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Forward | 185cm | 16/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

The bottom-ager showed off his goalkicking prowess to the crowd, booting three majors and bringing energy to Dandenong’s front line. He showed positive signs, leaping through the pack twice and slotting silky goals from wider angles. Hibbins-Hargreaves also displayed his clean hands outside the contest, adding extra flair and pace through the middle. One to watch.

#10 Ben Hopkins
Defender | 190cm | 28/07/2005

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 marks, 14 rebound 50s

The lightly framed and classy defender showcased his running ability and high IQ kicking. Playing off half-back, he played the game by hand and foot. He did so via pinpoint passes from kick-ins, clean handballs from overlapping runs, and composed shrugs in the contest. The man who had a full preseason with North Melbourne’s VFL team was able to have a great game in defence up against a raging Gippsland Power team.

#23 Noah Mraz
Key Defender | 198cm | 20/02/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 6 hitouts

Dandenong’s top tall played a strong game down back after missing the first round through concussion protocols. He had a few moments that he can learn from, conceding goals from free kicks. Though, his body work was something that the opposition struggled with for most of the game, allowing for a strong transition forward through half-back. He also showed he is more than capable of moving into the ruck and holding his own. His tap work can use some work but overall Mraz was consistent playing as the big man.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#3 Xavier Lindsay
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 03/08/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 5 marks, 7 inside 50s

The Gippsland captain was moving around the ground as standard. He proved classy off half-back and moving freely between the arcs, even kicking a nice goal from transition play. With his running capabilities on full display, he was the pivotal connector from half-back, with fast and clean hands being the difference against his opponent. Running is consistent in his game but he is also very smooth low to ground, very clearly showing why he is an AFL Academy member.

#7 Willem Duursma
Wing | 191cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

The bottom-ager certainly let the competition know what he can do. The fourth sibling of the Duursma clan has the X-factor akin to his brothers before him. Playing off the wing, he moved freely whenever and wherever he pleased, connecting play from the centre to the forward line and even nailing a set shot. His explosive speed and height helped him snatch a mark in the goalsquare to nab his second major, but it was his football IQ that really had people talking. He is definitely a must watch for his bottom-age season.

#11 Tom Hanily
Midfielder | 179cm | 31/05/2005

Stats: 32 disposals, 9 marks, 7 tackles

The over-ager, who previously spent plenty of time in the APS system had an absolutely cracking outing. The small sized midfielder was everywhere throughout the game, popping up in every bit of free space. He was dominant in the contest and was fast and crisp by hand at stoppages. There were a few times he missed his target inside 50, but for the majority of the game was clean and efficient. Hanily even capped off his game by getting forward to kick a goal.

Calder Cannons 12.16 (88) def. Western Jets 11.12 (78)

By: Adrian Dixon

CALDER CANNONS:

#2 Isaac Kako
Small Forward | 175cm | 07/03/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

Started the game well kicking the first two goals; the first from a typical opportunistic finish off the ground, and the second from a close range set shot conversion. He continues to show his clean ball use with excellent delivery via foot and his strong work rate inside 50. Rotating between the forward line and the midfield, his composure could have been a little better and there were a few spells in the game where he went quiet. While there is no doubt about his ability, he could do a bit more defensively while also looking to bring his teammates into the game.

#3 Jayden Nguyen
Small Defender | 177cm | 27/07/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Showed flashes of brilliance coming out of the back line with his pace and precise kicking. He takes the game on at all costs and always looks to execute plays with his teammates, giving off the one-two handball. As always, Nguyen went in hard and defended exceptionally well. He finished as Calder’s leading possession getter with 21 disposals.

#10 Damon Hollow
Midfielder | 180cm | 30/03/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

Covers the ground exceptionally well and his movement for his height is excellent. Hollow set the tone early for his teammates with a set shot goal. He provided great leadership and always looked for ways to bring in teammates into the game. Reads the play exceptionally well – especially at the stoppages – and competes at the contest. Disposal was a tad erratic in the field of play, however his delivery inside 50 was excellent, either hitting a target or getting the ball into dangerous areas.

#18 Harry O’Farrell
Key Defender | 196cm | 03/05/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s

O’Farrell’s play reading and intercepting ability down back were elite, and his desperation at the ball was a highlight. That was typified best in the third quarter when the game was on the line, as he saved a certain goal by touching it on the line and therefore colliding with the goalpost. He pushes up the ground well and went forward late in the game where he did have a chance to kick a goal, however it missed.

#20 Harry Ryan
Forward | 185cm | 22/05/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

Ryan’s work rate was excellent and presence was sound, while his football IQ up forward is elite. This was on show especially in the final quarter when the game was there to be won. After he managed a goal in the first quarter, he found space way too easily and took a mark deep in the forward 50 before kicking the goal that got Calder back in front, and the Cannons didn’t look back.

WESTERN JETS:

#3 Lucca Grego
Midfielder | 184cm | 15/09/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Provided a real physical presence in the midfield. There is no doubt about Grego’s ability to win the ball in the contest, however he tended to dump kick it a lot from the centre clearances, getting good meterage nonetheless. He got the ball into dangerous spots up forward even though targets weren’t hit. Very agile, however his ball delivery by foot and his disposal in traffic can be improved.

#10 Thomas Burton
Small Defender | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Playing out of defence, Burton looked to keep the play moving at all costs and took the game on well – especially running out of defence and moving through the ground. He managed to accumulate a lot of the footy and his calmness and composure were highlights with his distribution of the ball. He also demonstrated solid running patterns as a rebounding defender.

#22 Lachlan McArthur
Defender | 190cm | 12/09/2005

Stats: 22 disposals, 20 kicks, 8 rebound 50s

Provided a great presence down back and managed to find a lot of the footy in play, however his kicking especially coming out of defence was inconsistent and he was lucky Calder didn’t capitalise on those mistakes. Said kicking managed to get better as the game went on and McArthur snuck forward late in the third term to take a great overhead mark and kick a set shot goal.

#33 Keighton Matofai-Forbes
Forward | 188cm | 02/02/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Had a quiet first half besides kicking a goal early in the second quarter from a free kick. However, in the second half he worked his way into the game by finding the football and bringing his teammates into the play, using his physical presence. The highlight of his game was kicking a great team lifting goal on the run late in the third quarter. His leadership was on display, demonstrating resilience and showing why his teammates voted him as captain.

Murray Bushrangers 14.10 (94) def. by Bendigo Pioneers 14.12 (96)

By: Michael Alvaro

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#1 Joshua Murphy
Forward | 190cm | 28/11/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 6 goals

Backing up a strong four-goal performance in Round 1, Murphy went two better with a bag of six on Friday. While half of those goals were joe-the-goose types, the 190cm power forward also proved a sharp set shot finisher on the angle and earned his chances with great craft. His clean marking and strong leap facilitated such scoring and look likely to terrorise defences throughout the season.

#9 Joe Berry
Forward | 180cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 4 goals

While Murphy finished with more majors, Berry was arguably best afield for his ability to both create and convert opportunities. He played the high forward role and looked dangerous on the way back to goal, while also adding energy inside 50. His turn of foot and overhead marking troubled Bendigo – particularly at his size – not to mention the sharp end product he provided. Berry’s best moment came in term three, which he owned, slotting a lovely checkside goal from the boundary.

#17 Ryder Corrigan
Forward/Midfielder | 185cm | 14/03/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s

While there is plenty more to his game, Corrigan’s defensive intent stood out above all else on Friday. He started forward but ventured up the ground and threw his weight around, laying punishing tackles and chasing with serious vigour. The bottom-ager started the second half in midfield and won the first couple of centre clearances, proving difficult to bring to ground with good power and core strength to go with his stoppage nous.

#24 Matt Whitlock
Key Defender | 197cm | 16/05/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Taking on the Shanahan matchup down back, Whitlock had his work cut out for him but offered promising plays going both ways. He moves so well for a 197cm player and looked to step his way around opponents, albeit running himself into early trouble. Defensively, Whitlock adjusted well to close the space when Shanahan had front position and was able to get a fist in on several overhead marking attempts. Still raw, but plenty to work with.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#3 Tobie Travaglia
Defender/Midfielder | 187cm | 26/10/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 9 tackles

Travaglia has arguably been Bendigo’s best player across the first fortnight and continued to show his range in a rotation between defence and midfield. He opened up with a crunching tackle on Friday which set the tone for further putting his body on the line both at the contest and aerially. Travaglia’s overhead marking has become a handy point of difference, and he popped up with crucial consecutive points to give Bendigo the lead in term four.

#8 Dayten Uerata
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 28/10/2005

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Bendigo’s skipper has made a dashing start to the new season and looks to have taken a step up from his top-age year in 2023. Uerata was among the starting midfield mix and proved a powerful clearance winner, before also impacting on his forward rotation. The over-ager’s best moment was a ripping goal on the run during term three which he bounced over the back from outside 50.

#12 Jobe Shanahan
Tall Forward | 194cm | 02/08/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

After a steady start last week, things weren’t set to be any easier for Shanahan when Matt Whitlock stood beside him. Though, the dynamic tall forward took little time to showcase his class and booted three goals in 30 minutes during the first half. He proved nimble at 194cm to take a couple of opportunistic chances in term one, while also looking typically lively on the lead. In the latter instances, he owned front position and often reacted first to the unfolding play.

#17 Lachlan Hogan
Defender/Midfielder | 177cm | 13/01/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

Hogan ended up leading all comers in a busy outing between defence and midfield. The diminutive accumulator came into his own once moved behind the ball, producing some gutsy efforts on the intercept and racking up plenty of possessions to pioneer Bendigo’s transition game. His kicking was low and punchy, albeit if it resulted in more turnovers than he would have liked.

By: Matthew Vella

EASTERN RANGES:

#4 Jak Ryan
Forward | 176cm | 25/07/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

The speedy small forward had a classy game, with three goals and plenty of involvements to go with it. Ryan’s strength is his goal sense, finding the angles that he knows he’s capable of scoring from. Having midfielders bringing the ball forward helps, but he used his speed to his advantage, creating darting leads that pierced through the line. His natural hunger for goals can be a blessing but also a curse, at times trying a bit too much to score when other options are available.

#7 Cody Anderson
Midfielder | 181cm | 30/01/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s

The medium sized midfielder is a hard competitor who thrives in the contest. He bangs and bashes his body in and around the ball and has crisp skills by hand that can open the midfield up. There’s still work that needs to be done when it comes to his kicking ability, but overall he’s strong and composed in the tough situations.

#9 Christian Moraes
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 08/11/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 9 marks, 4 goals

The AFL academy member had another monster game on the stats sheet. The most impressive part of the former basketballer’s game is his ability to find and create his own space. You can tag him if you dare, but he’s almost guaranteed to find the open spot or have the IQ to know where the ball will be when others won’t. He runs hard and high past the forward line but will always find himself inside 50. Arguably the best on ground, there will be plenty of eyes on him come draft time.

#16 Oliver Greeves
Forward | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

A bottom-ager who plays like he’s wiser than the rest. With a decent sized body, Greeves uses it to perfection. He creates strong leads inside 50, has sticky hands and a steady kick in front of goals. With his size comes good agility and speed, and strong fundamental skills outside the contest. He has the ability to impact any game in a big way.

#26 Josh Smillie
Midfielder | 194cm | 17/05/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s

An early pick one contender, Smillie really can be anything he wants to be. He is big, agile, composed and has an IQ most players would dream of possessing. He plays his own game within a game of its own. Playing it quite calm and safe, he travels the ground well and moves where he needs to be, either with a cool, calm and composed kick or a swift pass by hand. Smillie is the one to watch week to week, he doesn’t need goals every time, but is more than capable of kicking a bag on any given day. That’s not to mention the size and power he can use to take the game on, but chooses to use it when he wants instead of exerting all of his energy all at once.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#1 Jesse Dattoli
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 07/08/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals

The prolific mid-forward had a solid game with three majors and plenty of the ball when placed in the midfield. Has plenty of tricks in his bag which are best utilised in the forward line. He possesses electric speed that can break line and cause chaos around the ground, which leads to damaging pressure, especially inside 50. He can over-estimate his own ability at times, taking low percentage options instead of looking for a better outlet closer to goal, or turning the ball over further afield. Overall, his pressure and goal sense really stood out as factors that could be damaging for other teams throughout the season.

#7 Zak Johnson
Midfielder | 185cm | 24/12/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

The man that can do a bit of everything. Even though the scoreboard was in favour of the Ranges, Johnson had an absolutely astonishing game. He’s a player that will pop up everywhere and lift the team to a higher level. IQ and efficiency are his standout traits, but can have some impact inside when needed. He copped a big hit to the head in the second term but was able to continue playing. His fast-thinking ability and outside running caused damage, and he enjoyed overlap runs to create the opportunities needed. He was even able to grab a strong mark in front of goal and convert nicely. Not his average game, but at times gave “raging bull” vibes out of stoppages.  

#11 Lucas McInerney
Wing | 180cm | 28/02/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 marks, 6 rebound 50s

One of the most talented natural wingers in this year’s draft, McInerney showcased his outside ability on plenty of occasions throughout the game. He is hard for the ball and runs with great width to counter attack forward. Again, in a tough game he played well above most on the ground and has a great connection with Johnson. Very vocal around the ground and helps the defence set up transitional play. There were a few kicks that hampered his efficiency, but it wasn’t an issue when he accumulates the ball like he does. Elite running, tough, fast by hand out of a stoppage and has the ability to create space wide to get the team forward.

#18 Thomas Sims
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 12/05/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Coming off a five-goal haul last week, Sims had a quieter game with only one major but played the majority of the game in the ruck. His size is clearly a standout, and his overhead marking ability was a key. Not fazed by his direct opponent, he’ll make sure he gives it his all when in full flight. When stationed forward, he doesn’t need much of an opportunity and is consistent in front of goal. At 199cm he was put in to the ruck to add some extra physicality. His tap work needs some more time, but he is one of the most agile big men in the draft so it makes it easier to work in the middle.

Sandringham Dragons 15.13 (103) def. Oakleigh Chargers 7.9 (51)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#3 Levi Ashcroft
Midfielder | 179cm | 18/12/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 5 marks, 10 inside 50s

After bearing the brunt of heavy opposition attention in Round 1, Ashcroft would have been thrilled by the acres of space he was afforded on Saturday. On near-countless occasions, the midfielder would receive the ball all alone at half-forward and launch it inside 50, getting his running game going beautifully. As always, he demanded possession and made use of it when working into dangerous areas at the end of Sandringham’s seamless transitions.

#11 Nathaniel Sulzberger
Midfielder/Forward | 06/05/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s

A name heavily on the radar right now, Sulzberger’s best moments didn’t come as easily as last week but he provided much of the same power and effort he is becoming renowned for. The Tasmanian reeled in a strong one-handed grab during the first quarter and laid a brilliant rundown tackle in term two, albeit unrewarded. He was relatively quiet after that and can work on some of his kick execution, especially when looking to turn and launch quickly into attack.

#22 Murphy Reid
Midfielder | 180cm | 30/07/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Reid just knows how to work into all the right areas of the ground and did so on Sunday, helping himself to plenty of uncontested ball as Sandringham moved it freely. The classy midfielder kicked with typical aplomb and was effective as one of the final two possessors going inside 50, making composed decisions. His second quarter snap goal was a highlight, along with a creative over-the-shoulder handball in term four to balance out his safer disposals.

#23 Luke Trainor
Tall Defender | 194cm | 10/04/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Oakleigh hardly saw the ball forward of centre on Sunday, and when it did, Trainor was usually there to snuff out the attack. He clunked a super pack mark in the opening minutes and made intercepting look easy at times, even under physical duress. He went off with the blood rule in term two and came back sporting tape around his head, which only made his elite kicking and smooth movement more noticeable. Has claims on being the best tall available at this early stage.

#30 Taj Hotton
Forward/Midfielder | 182cm | 17/06/2006

Stats: 32 disposals, 10 marks, 4 goals

Hotton earned Player of the Week honours in Round 2 and truly filled his boots. He started up forward and as he often does, manufactured an immediate chance on goal through slick movement and smarts. Hotton’s sidestep made opponents look silly at times, and his overhead marking exploits were excellent for a player his size. After bagging a party trick goal to end the first half, the top-ager turned it on in term three with a hat-trick of majors to round out his dominant day.

#68 Archie Ludowyke
Key Forward | 195cm | 19/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

Coming into the side for Harry Armstrong, Ludowyke seemed to grow in confidence and ended up with three majors. The mobile key forward possesses an eye-catching marking game and got on his bike to provide a target on the lead. He also cashed in as Oakleigh checked out late in the piece, with two of the bottom-ager’s goals kicked in term four.

#77 Samuel Marshall
Midfielder | 185cm | 19/01/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 marks, 3 inside 50s

Marshall got better as the game wore on, finding a good groove in the latter stages and accumulating plenty of possessions. He began to make more expansive plays after half time to offer a handy balance of inside and outside work, showcasing the burst speed to compliment his endurance. In terms of potential improvement, Marshall tended to be quite dependant on his right foot and that may make him predictable against top opposition.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#1 Jasper Alger
Wing/Forward | 182cm | 17/12/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 goals

Having made the move to Oakleigh from Gippsland’s region this year, Alger built nicely on his Chargers debut last week. He started out on the wing and provided some handy spurts of outside run, while also looking stronger in the contest. The top-ager then moved forward and snared a couple of goals, with one being a nice snap in term three.

#3 Kobe Askew
Small Forward | 175cm | 16/01/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

With three of Oakleigh’s seven goals to his name, Askew ran out the game strongly in a tough loss. The small forward showcased his typical smarts and finishing ability inside 50, helping bring an end to the Chargers’ goal drought alongside Alger. His conversion was sound from a variety of methods – dribbling one goal home on the run and snapping another over the mark.

#7 Jagga Smith
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 28/01/2006

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s

While his teammates found the going tough, one thing for certain on Saturday was that Smith would have the class to match Sandringham’s stacked midfield on the stats sheet. He racked up possessions – albeit without the usual ease – proving elusive as ever when slipping away from stoppages or working into space around the ground. Oakleigh tended to break down at half-forward and even Smith struggled to help that at times. He was utilised primarily in attack but rotated into the centre bounces and started the second half in midfield.

#21 Blake Leidler
Defender | 181cm | 20/03/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Leidler is a player who garnered attention towards the back-end of preseason and is beginning to emerge as a prospect. He has terrific traits for a half-back, able to intercept before turning defence into attack with driving run and a booming boot. His creative intent was on show down back during the first half before being thrown into midfield. Leidler also hit the scoreboard with a thumping set shot goal from 50 metres in the final term.