THE TIME to impress is now in the Coates Talent League, with representative season just around the corner. Round 6 saw a bumper eight games played over the weekend, with four Northern Academies in action. We highlighted some of the top prospects and performers in our Scouting Notes.

>> RECAP: Coates Talent League Round 6 snapshot

Murray Bushrangers 18.11 (119) def. Giants Academy 7.7 (49)

By: Michael Alvaro

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#3 Reuben Bourke
Key Defender | 196cm | 16/02/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Bourke has been resolute for Murray all season and while that doesn’t always translate to the stats sheet, he was again amongst the Bushies’ best. The key defender got his intercept mark game going, reading the play well and rising to pluck the ball cleanly. He plays quite a straightforward game but is largely effective in shutting down opposition talls and winning the ball back.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 goals

Berry was at his creative best on Saturday, snaring another bag of goals and having a hand in several other scores. He showcased typical small forward craft to win free kicks inside 50 and threaten GWS with his speed, while also finishing nicely over the mark. His eyes lit up at times throughout the rout, but Berry’s smarts at the fall of the ball made him difficult to contain.

#18 Cohen Paul
Midfielder | 193cm | 07/06/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 marks, 6 inside 50s

Having previously cut his teeth on the wing, Paul was afforded full-time midfield minutes on Saturday and took toll with a game-high 27 disposals. At 193cm, his size is an obvious asset at the contest but he also covered good ground to accumulate possessions on the outside. Paul’s clean hands and penetrative kicking saw him produce more damaging stoppage exits as the game wore on, particularly in term three, and he snared a goal for his efforts in the same quarter.

#24 Matt Whitlock
Key Forward | 199cm | 16/05/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 7 marks, 5 goals

With his twin brother out of the side, Whitlock was swung forward and grasped his chance with a haul of five goals. The mobile key position prospect seemed to grow in confidence when it came to contested marking, flying for and clunking the ball better in the second half. Four of his goals came from within 15 metres of the big sticks with smart work over the back, but Whitlock’s movement and athleticism helped take advantage of each opportunity.

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#11 Josaia Delana
Midfielder | 176cm | 01/07/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

The going was tough at times for GWS’ skipper, who showed glimpses of his dynamism in a relatively modest haul of 12 touches. Delana was solid on the inside but did his best work when able to showcase his turn of speed on the outside. He broke through the corridor with a lovely side-step in term three and danced past an opponent to slot a checkside goal in the fourth to prove as much in a couple of moments of class.

#47 Cooper Bell
Key Forward | 198cm | 30/11/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

A terrific athlete, Bell was the Giants’ spearhead up forward and booted two of his side’s three goals before three-quarter time. He burnt off his opponent on the lead when presenting up to centre half-forward and reacted quickly to clearing kicks into his area, proving a strong marking target. Bell even spent some time in defence during the final quarter where he brought similar physicality.

#50 Logan Smith
Ruck | 204cm | 24/09/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 22 hitouts

Smith has clearly been the Giants’ best and most consistent player across their three games, and was solid in a losing effort for the second week running. The towering ruck displayed his sizeable leap at the centre bounces and used the same aerial range to pluck four marks. He also showed a knack for grabbing the ball out of the ruck to win clearances, though struggled to get penetration on his kicks at times. If not for a couple of misses in open play, he could have also snared a goal.

Gippsland Power 10.17 (77) def. Western Jets 8.6 (54)

By: Michael Alvaro

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 10 inside 50s

Lindsay looked a class above at times on Saturday, dominating with his ability to shark the ball on the move at stoppages. The midfielder stayed on his toes and seamlessly broke to the outside of the contest where he could utilise his left-foot kicking in dangerous launch zones. He was the Power’s most threatening player in that regard and when he wasn’t blasting the ball long over the back, he would lower his eyes to spot up short targets.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Duursma has all the traits of a top player and put them on display in Round 6. The bottom-ager’s athleticism was evident with strong leaps and sweeping coverage of the ground, complimenting his aerial game and ability to snatch metres. Duursma was one-touch in the air and composed with his feet on the ground, but proved hit or miss at times when biting off quick and risky kicks. Still, so much to like both on the wing and down back.

#11 Tom Hanily
Forward/Midfielder | 178cm | 31/05/2005

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 8 inside 50s

Fresh off his performances in the Young Guns series, Hanily was back leading the disposal count for Gippsland on Saturday. The over-ager started strongly with a snap goal from the boundary, which would be his only major of the day among five scoring shots. He was busy at ground level and creative when working to the top of attacking 50, navigating tight pockets of space with good evasive technique. The only thing missing was his end product.

#16 Jobe Scapin
Defender/Wing | 186cm | 01/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Having been clobbered on his first possession, Scapin recovered well and showed good composure nonetheless. He was at his best when afforded time and space to run into, carrying the ball with class and getting Gippsland’s transition game going. The bottom-ager took on some of the kick-in duties while stationed down back and has the potential to be a really effective user by foot.

#27 Asher Eastham
Forward | 188cm | 13/05/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Eastham looked on track for a big game having booted two goals in the first half and provided an ample marking target in attack. The top-ager showcased a strong set of hands on the lead and above his head, springing up to pluck the ball cleanly before converting the subsequent set shots. He faded out of the game but was dangerous in full flight.

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 7 inside 50s

Grego was his usual self as a mainstay in Western’s midfield mix, providing the hard edge and contested craft he is known for. He produced a couple of clean centre breaks and was quite effective by hand, while also getting into positions to hit kicks going inside 50. In the way of leadership, Grego could often be seen barking instructions at stoppages and directing teammates with purpose.

#7 Thomas McGuane
Midfielder | 177cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

McGuane spent most of Saturday’s game out on the wing, where he swept back to support the defence and help transition the ball from end to end. He showed his class with two goals; the first being a terrific finish on the run, and the second a set shot on the angle. The 2025 Collingwood father-son prospect also got a late run at the centre bounces and is quite versatile in that regard.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 8 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Standing out with the white headband, McArthur was Western’s main outlet in defence. He took the kick-ins and was involved in plenty of slow play, dictating it from side to side or up the line with his distribution by foot. The over-ager was at his best when chaining possessions and being aggressive in his movement up the ground – as shown when he forced a turnover in the corridor during term one, which led to McGuane’s first goal.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Back in action with the Jets, Matofai-Forbes made his presence felt with bustling leads and booming kicks. His quick finishing was on show as he snared his side’s opening goal, but those same punchy of kicks around the corner sometimes proved too hot for teammates. Still, his willingness to look inboard or go long made his ball use a weapon going forward. Matofai-Forbes also had a go in midfield and instantly engaged in a bit of niggle.

Swans Academy 5.7 (37) def. Tasmania Devils 10.8 (68)

By: Michael Alvaro

SWANS ACADEMY:

#1 Nicholas Andreacchio
Defender/Wing | 178cm | 03/10/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Andreacchio was his busy self across half-back before shifting up to the wing on Saturday. The speedy rebounder took the game on when possible, driving the ball forward and having to do plenty of repelling as Tasmania dominated the first three-and-a-half quarters. He capped off another promising game with a snap goal late in the third term but had some of his offensive flair quelled.

#7 Lachlan Cabor
Forward/Midfielder | 178cm | 28/09/2005

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Cabor stepped up when Sydney was well behind the ledger, bringing good intensity once he moved into midfield. The over-ager immediately got his hands on the ball and made himself a threat going forward, driving his legs and getting free out the front of stoppages. While he produced a clever pass inside 50, Cabor’s end product could have been much more refined when going at full tilt.

#10 Lachlan Carmichael
Defender | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Carmichael had plenty to do down back but held up with great composure and foot skills. The bottom-ager carved through traffic so easily and hit targets on the rebound, hardly looking rushed and almost proving too casual in his approach at times. He’s a classic half-back who offers that intercept-rebound double threat, and has scope to move into midfield.

#28 Joel Cochran
Tall Defender | 195cm | 28/03/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

As the Swans looked to rectify a poor first half, Cochran lifted in the third quarter with some terrific intercepts down back. The mobile tall got amongst it with several strong marks and was much more imposing aerially, positioning well and attacking the ball when his number was called. His kicking on the move remains an area of improvement, though Cochran is generally quite neat on either side.

#29 Ned Hawkins
Midfielder | 187cm | 09/07/2005

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles

Hawkins was again among the most prolific Swans and got stuck in as a big body in midfield. The over-ager has proven his ability as a bull on the inside, but also fared well when receiving at stoppages where he could generate a bit of momentum by driving his legs and penetrating with booming kicks. One of Sydney’s best and most consistent assets.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#2 Daniel Cooney
Small Forward | 177cm | 09/05/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

Cooney certainly has some flair and showed it off with a couple of special moments in the second quarter. Shortly after snapping a goal from nothing, the crafty small rose for an absolute hanger to make it back-to-back majors just before half time. He also looked typically busy when working up the ground, using his speed and creativity on the way back.

#4 Geordie Payne
Utility | 184cm | 06/11/2005

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Back in Tasmanian colours after a stint with the Young Guns, Payne was combative as ever. The over-ager was certainly up for the scrap and fought hard for possession on the inside, just as much as he looked to break away on the outer. He held his ground well and got good length on his kicks, albeit if they lacked finesse at times. Payne was also used in each third of the ground; first as a midfielder rotating forward, and then during a brief stint down back.

#10 Oliver Dean
Ruck/Forward | 201cm | 16/08/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 21 hitouts

Dean continues to show promise as a developable key position prospect and held his own in the ruck with a game-high 21 hitouts. The National Academy member also used his reach to pluck five marks, standing under high balls down the line and using the ball quite neatly. Dean also snared an opportunistic goal in the second quarter, soccering it through at the back of a pack in the goalsquare.

#21 Lenny Douglas
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 03/07/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 goals

While not as prolific as in his last three outings, Douglas still got on the board with three terrific goals. He made an ominous start, booting consecutive goals in the opening term and having the opposition on toast with his speed and power. Douglas finished his work nicely, even under pressure, and caught the Swans off guard as he took the game on.

#27 Jarvis Breen
Wing | 177cm | 11/07/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 marks, 2 rebound 50s

It’s some task living up to what Colby McKercher has done in Tasmania’s number 27, but Breen has begun to show some promise as a bottom-ager. The wingman took ground with good speed and showed a bit of ticker when contesting the ball, especially with a couple of efforts overhead. He looked most dangerous on the attack and hit targets forward of the ball, doing so in full flight.

Northern Knights 19.14 (128) def. Oakleigh Chargers 3.12 (30)

By: Michael Alvaro

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#4 Liam Farrar
Forward | 189cm | 14/02/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 11 marks, 2 goals

Farrar was among Northern’s dangerous targets up forward, amassing 11 marks and five shots on goal. He owned front position and displayed a clean set of hands above his head, playing above his 189cm standing. Farrar helped take the onus off the Knights’ tall forwards in Sims and Stumpf, while cashing in with two goals of his own.

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 25 kicks, 7 marks

Johnson has taken supremely well to being shifted down back over the last fortnight and racked up possessions with ease on Sunday. The classy ball user played a similar role to the likes of Harry Sheezel and Nick Daicos, sweeping across the back line and hitting targets when others struggled to. Johnson’s efficient kicking and sound decision making were key features as he hardly wasted a touch and helped set up play with polish. He was particularly dominant in the first half before opportunities waned as the Knights kicked away.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 10 marks, 7 goals

As he did in Round 1, Sims tore the game apart in the second half with seven goals. The clinical key forward was near-impossible to stop inside 50, getting free on the lead and holding his ground one-on-one, or worrying defenders into giving away free kicks. His conversion was terrific over the mark, especially during a hot streak of four straight set shot goals in term three. Sims sent an ominous message with the National Championships looming – particularly having kicked many of his goals while opposed to fellow Vic Metro squad member, Lucas Tovey.

#23 Gabriel Stumpf
Key Forward | 196cm | 23/11/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

The lighter and perhaps more mobile of Northern’s key forwards, Stumpf also found his groove on Sunday. His athleticism is undeniable and lended to plenty of good work up the field as a key connection piece for the Knights’ attacks. He began to hold his marks better as the game wore on and can work on his contested game, but has plenty of promise as a spring-heeled tall.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Returning to the Chargers after his National Academy duties, Smith played somewhat of a lone hand at times. The slick midfielder got going in the second quarter and shook off some close attention at centre stoppages to be the dominant player there. His ability to shark the taps and come away untouched was uncanny, doing so several times with ample composure and class. Smith was difficult to tie down in those instances and also racked the ball up on the outside, rotating forward and even having a run down back in the final quarter.

#33 Luke Quaynor
Defender | 179cm | 17/03/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles

If Smith was a lone hand in midfield, Quaynor was Oakleigh’s main man down back. The Collingwood NGA prospect made his marking a feature, snapping up several intercepts with his powerful leap and clean takes in the air. Quaynor was also tasked with the kick-ins but proved he could find the ball on a high line, not just relying on the restarts to pad his stats. Like last week, he also got a late run in midfield and offered the usual notes of physicality and effort.

Eastern Ranges 12.7 (79) def. Lions Academy 11.9 (75)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Anderson was at his brutish best on Sunday, forming a terrific combination with Smillie as arguably the two standout players afield. The hard-nosed midfielder showcased his power in the form of booming kicks, high marks and plenty of tough stuff at the contest. His kicking looked more measured going inside 50 and he also expanded his outside game with some run and carry, connecting up the line. One of Anderson’s best moments was a relieving mark in defensive 50 during the dying stages to help his side get over the line.

#18 Riley White
Tall Defender | 192cm | 18/07/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

White has had a solid couple of weeks down back and was resolute as an effective intercept marker. His willingness to attack the ball in the air led to several big grabs, either besting his opponent one-on-one or getting a good read to impact third-in. Over half of his disposals came from marks, highlight how integral that facet was to his overall impact against decent tall opposition.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 3 goals

The superlatives are running out when it comes to Smillie, who continues to press his case as the top prospect in this year’s draft. He was a class above on Sunday, proving clean at the contest and making his size a factor. Whether it was brushing off opponents, hitting targets by hand, or finding a way out of congestion alongside Anderson, Smillie operated with authority and backed his strengths all the way. He also hit the scoreboard – twice in the opening quarter – and helped run down the clock with shrewd game awareness late in the piece.

#36 Illiro Smit
Ruck | 200cm | 09/08/2005

Stats: 6 disposals, 5 tackles, 22 hitouts

Smit’s stats won’t exactly jump off the page but the mid-season draft hopeful showed good strength in the ruck. He led the game for hitouts, using his craft to put in early bodywork and make use of his aerial range. The over-ager’s best moment, though, was an outrageous set shot goal from the boundary in term four, putting his side three goals clear on the wrong side for a left-footer.

LIONS ACADEMY:

#14 Harrison Bridge
Defender | 181cm | 04/09/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Bridge was one of the many Lions who produced some of his best moments at the death, but also showed moments of class throughout the match. During term four, his booming ball inside 50 fell in the lap of Billy Richardson to cut the margin to a single goal, and his intercept mark off a centre clearance took serious guts. The bottom-aged defender also looked to step around opponents and free up his kicking game as he advanced further afield.

#20 Daniel Annable
Midfielder | 183cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Annable is as consistent as they come and, in a surprise to no one in the know, once again topped Brisbane’s disposal count. The bottom-ager was prominent at stoppages, proving the answer to Smillie and Anderson’s dominance around the ball. He was a little less direct and penetrative than the Eastern pair but worked just as hard to either feed teammates or clear by foot.

#40 Bradley McDonald
Key Defender | 199cm | 29/08/2005

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50s

After a relatively steady first up performance, McDonald got involved at nearly double the rate with some sound intercept marking and ball use out of defensive 50. The over-ager helped move the ball with some fluency, kicking quite well for a player his size and relieving pressure with clean overhead marks. That kind of composure on the last line helped keep Brisbane in the hunt.

#41 Tom Gillett
Ruck/Forward | 201cm | 09/01/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 14 hitouts

While he started the game in attack, Gillett became Brisbane’s primary ruck option and led his side for hitouts. The mobile big man worked up and down the wing as a key forward, helping connect between the arcs before going on to display his clean hands and skills at the contest. Combined, his assets make him a promising key position prospect.

Dandenong Stingrays 15.8 (98) def. Suns Academy 10.9 (69)

By: Declan Reeve

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#1 Cooper Hynes
Midfielder/Forward | 190cm | 28/02/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

The Stingrays co-captain proved the difference maker for his side as he slotted five goals whilst rotating through the midfield and deep in the forward line. He showed a strong aerial side to his game that we haven’t quite seen before, as he made reeling in contested marks look easy, even when against two opponents. Hynes brought his usual physical edge to the game, bulldozing through contests and pushing opponents out of the way at stoppages.

>> Round 6 Player of the Week: Cooper Hynes

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 goals

Impacting with each of his 28 disposals, Langford worked hard through the midfield as first receiver around stoppages, and a key link between the defensive and forward halves. Whilst Langford’s ability by foot is well noted, he was forced to go by hand more often than usual given how much footy he won at the coalface, with his decision making and vision two key assets in his ability to release runners through the game.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Playing a large amount of the contest as an onballer, Doughton was often first on the ball when it reached the deck, demonstrating his burst speed around stoppages to get hands on the footy or apply heavy pressure on any opponent closer to it. Doughton’s hard running on the outside got him involved in chains heading forward often, generally kicking to the advantage of his teammates with penetration.

SUNS ACADEMY:

#4 Zeke Uwland
Midfielder | 178cm | 24/04/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

It wasn’t quite six goals in one match, but Uwland still made a decent case for best on ground with his display through the midfield and up forward. The bottom-ager was everywhere for the Suns through the game, attacking contests with ferocity and pace whenever the ball entered his area, but impressing most with his high level kicking off both sides of the body, demonstrating good vision as he was able to quickly shift balance and deliver the ball as more options presented.

#8 Leonardo Lombard
Midfielder | 178cm | 05/10/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 3 marks, 6 inside 50s

Demonstrating why he’s widely regarded as a potential top 10 talent for this year’s draft, Lombard simply looked a class above in his 28-disposal performance. Spending most of his time through the midfield, Lombard was hard to get a hold of around stoppages as he read the ball beautifully off the rucks hands, often waving around an opponent and delivering to the same side inside forward 50.

#21 Jai Murray
Wing | 183cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals

The bottom-aged talent dominated his wing through the game, holding his width well to be an outlet option from the contest or pluck off the Stingrays’ attempts to change lanes, with his overhead marking too good for most opponents. With his ability to hit long targets with penetration, it was no shock to see his team look to use him as often as possible when moving forward, with Murray even able to get on the scoreboard himself a couple of times.

Geelong Falcons 11.5 (71) def. by Calder Cannons 13.12 (90)

By: Adrian Dixon

GEELONG FALCONS:

#7 Noah Tullio
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 23/03/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

Was strong around the ball and was prominent around the contest all day, with his work around the stoppages and ability to cover the ground excellent. Tullio kicked an excellent goal from a set shot kick on an angle highlighting his strong kicking ability and was dangerous when in space and judged the timing of the ball when it came to marking.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 11 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Was strong all day down back especially with his leadership and ability to repel many forward thrusts along with ability to distribute the ball effectively out of defence with many clearing kicks highlighted by his 11 marks and his six rebound 50s, with his ability to intercept and read the play on display.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals

Was constantly a threat up forward and almost single handedly kept the Falcons in the game with his constant work rate and goal sense. Fought hard all day and ended up finishing with five goals, the best of them from a long-range set shot kick bringing the margin to less than a goal before the three-quarter time siren. Showed his strong contested marking one-on-one despite being undersized and was a handful for the Cannons defenders with his goal sense and forward smarts.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 tackles, 27 hitouts

Not his best game, however was clearly dominant in the ruck using his strength and size to impose himself along with his athletic ability. Pike’s kicking ability is excellent for a ruckman while he attacked the contest with intent and moved exceptionally well for a player of his size, highlighting his improved mobility.

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 10 marks, 3 goals

Kako started poorly, fumbling a few marks that he should have taken inside 50, however once he started to settle he continued to play his usual way that we’ve seen so far this season. He showed good closing speed to lay a strong holding the ball tackle early in the game and also managed to provide an option on a lead, taking 10 marks for the whole game and judging the ball well while holding his own physically in marking contests. Kako pushed up the ground well, however his kicking for goal on the run was inconsistent as he had numerous chances to seal the game.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Nguyen was relentless in his pursuit of the opposition all day, constantly putting the Falcons under pressure while turning defence into attack with his long kicking and elite ball delivery by foot. His clearing kicks got the Cannons out of trouble on numerous occasions while he managed to deliver the ball into dangerous spots in the forward line hitting targets.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 2 goals

The Cannons’ captain had another strong game, picking up where he left off from his hot start to the season. He provided strong leadership and direction around the ground all day, while his judgement of the ball was excellent when it came to marking. His running game was strong always giving his teammates an option and his ball use was clean by foot, especially when it came inside 50. Hollow kicked two goals; one early in the game from a set shot on a slight angle, and the other being an important goal on the run from an angle in the last quarter to effectively kill off the game.

#16 Noah Scott
Midfielder | 177cm | 23/08/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Was prominent around the contest all day and his ability to break free from his opponents to tackle was on display. Scott has very strong kicking power and delivered the ball well inside 50 however at the same time he also needs to work on his ability to hit targets by foot. Works very hard around the ground to win the ball and also provide defensive support with his tackling.

#21 Thomas Barnett
Key Defender | 195cm | 22/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Barnett started the game very well, repelling forward thrusts and did an exceptional job on the dangerous Zac McInnes, restricting him to a solitary disposal to effectively be a rock in the Cannons’ back line. He worked well with his fellow defenders to ensure the ball was continually and effectively brought out of defence and his distribution by foot was excellent and continued to show his great intercept ability.

#45 Jack Ryan
Tall Defender | 193cm | 19/12/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Stepping up to the role vacated by Harry O’Farrell’s absence, Ryan rebounded well out of defence all day and had a number of defensive involvements. His ability to intercept and clear out of the back line by foot was a feature, along with his ability to run off his opponent and repel the constant forward thrusts from the Falcons.

GWV Rebels 11.7 (73) def. by Bendigo Pioneers 10.14 (74)

By: Michael Alvaro

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Charleson was GWV’s most prominent player around the ball, notching 20 disposals and spending most of the day in midfield. He was prone to dumping the ball out of congestion by foot but had some good moments when afforded time and space. The top-ager was thrown behind the ball in term four and operated on a high line, also taking on the Day-Wicks matchup.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

Hannaford’s competitiveness and courage were suited to his role in defence on Sunday, where he spent plenty of time on Day-Wicks. The top-ager was also impactful with ball in hand, using his speed on the rebound and taking ground where possible. Hannaford’s hard-nosed approached translated well to his midfield minutes in the fourth quarter, where he got his hands dirty and took the game on when GWV needed a spark.

#19 Mitchell Lloyd
Tall Defender | 192cm | 15/03/2006

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Tasked with the matchup on Barrat, Lloyd went tit-for-tat with the key forward throughout an intriguing battle. His best moments came in the form of intercept marks, rising to take the ball cleanly overhead and relieve pressure inside defensive 50. He was competitive in the air and largely held his own one-on-one in what was a tough role behind the ball.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#2 Archer Day-Wicks
Forward | 186cm | 13/05/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s

In his first Coates League appearance since Round 1, Day-Wicks quickly found his groove. The classy forward got his marking game going up the ground and was a threatening kicker going inside 50, proving most dangerous when Bendigo moved the ball quickly in attacking phases. He took a great one-on-one grab for his lone goal of the game in term three and looked to split the big sticks when in range.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s

It may have been Travaglia’s lowest disposal haul for the season, but he still stood up when it mattered. Adopted a high line down back, he helped build a wall when Bendigo was attacking and launched the ball into good areas on the turnover. He had a terrific final quarter, working from contest to contest and contributing some desperate repeat efforts to prevent GWV’s fast breaks. Travaglia also looked to use his pace through the corridor late in the piece, showing good game awareness when the result was up for grabs.

#8 Dayten Uerata
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 28/10/2005

Stats: 13 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Uerata was another Pioneer who was slightly down on his usual numbers, but that wasn’t without his usual crash and bash efforts. The Bendigo skipper used the ball nicely when lowering his eyes on the attack and was in good positions to do so as he broke away from stoppages. Getting stuck in as usual, the over-ager looked most potent in those instances.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 9 marks, 5 inside 50s

Shanahan found his best form of the season in Round 6, posting a game-high nine marks as the Pioneers’ key connection piece in attack. Playing the true centre half-forward role, he showcased his strengths with super leaps and clean overhead marking, while also striking the ball well for a second quarter set shot goal. Shanahan worked further up the ground as the game wore on and was terrific in combination with Barrat, producing his most consistent game of the year.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 goals

A lively and versatile small, Hogan made an impact going both ways on Sunday. He drove the ball forward with vigour, waxing well with teammates and driving his legs to form chains of possession. Hogan’s foot skills were also on show, particularly with his running goal in the fourth quarter which cut the margin to six points. It was his second major of the day after converting a set shot in the opening quarter.

#42 James Barrat
Tall Forward | 193cm | 23/11/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals

Barrat matched his season-best scoring tally with 3.5, competing well in the air and when the ball hit the deck. He has an uncanny knack for getting into scoring positions and did so en mass on Sunday, battling hard in a tight tussle with Lloyd. He was again a little erratic in the way of finishing his work but kicked goals in each of the last three quarters to have a say on the result.