REGULAR six-game rounds have returned to the Coates Talent League, and with National Championships football underway, prospects were out to impress in Round 9. We highlighted a bunch of top performers and emerging talent in the latest edition of Scouting Notes.

>> Coates Talent League Round 8: Snapshot | POTW

Northern Knights 7.8 (50) def. by Tasmania Devils 10.5 (65)

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

Reprising his role as a defender, Johnson again stuffed the stats sheet albeit if his disposal was tested by Tasmania’s frontal pressure. The usually efficient and composed kicker was a constant outlet for teammates to feed, and rightly so given he was arguably the best decision maker afield. With the game up for grabs, Johnson was thrown back into midfield for the second half and tried to lift his side with a couple of attempts on goal, but to no avail.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Having not done so for the last three weeks, McInerney surpassed the 20-disposal mark in one of his most prolific outings of the season. Stationed on his customary wing, the outside runner was pressured into rushed decisions during the first half but began to find more space thereafter. He found plenty of possessions in the defensive half and was utilised as a spark for Northern’s transitional play; offering dash, drive, and improved foot skills on the way forward.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

All you can ask for from your big key forward is to provide a contest, and for the most part that’s exactly what Sims did on Saturday. The 199cm prospect competed well aerially to crash packs and at least bring the ball to ground when he wasn’t marking it. He mixed his time deep inside 50 with advances further up the ground, while also rotating through the ruck. A second quarter set shot made for Sims’ lone goal of the game after a nice pluck 40 metres out.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#7 Jasper Hay
Ruck | 198cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 tackles, 16 hitouts

While the Allies’ ruck stocks are stacked, Hay would be unlucky not to get a run during the National Championships if he maintains such performances as Saturday’s. The bottom-ager was mighty in the ruck, utilising his impressive leap and competitive edge to prise hitouts and follow up with fierce tackles. He also had little trouble getting his hands on the ball both at the contest and around the ground, taking up good positions down the line to jump at clearing kicks from both sides.

#11 Max Mapley
Key Defender | 199cm | 27/10/2005

Stats: 17 disposals, 8 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Mapley is currently being trialled as a key defender having proven his worth as a ruck-forward, and had perhaps his best performance yet in the role. The over-ager spent time on Sims and Gabriel Stumpf, but caught the eye with his own marking exploits. Mapley leapt at the ball with confidence and utilised his reach to rise above all comers, clunking the ball cleanly at the top of his reach. He also got involved in slow play and used the ball relatively neatly for a player his size.

#25 Charlie Bovill
Key Forward | 30/03/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 5 goals

Bovill was a real surprise packet from Saturday’s game as a 16-year-old on debut. He hardly looked out of place in Tasmania’s forwardline en route to bagging five goals, proving quite clever and clinical inside 50. He thrived off quick entries and knew exactly when to peel off his opponent towards goal, but also marked well overhead and will only get better for the experience. Needless to say, he’ll be one to watch over the next couple of years.

Murray Bushrangers 9.7 (61) def. Calder Cannons 8.12 (60)

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#5 Alex Swinnerton
Small Defender | 175cm | 06/03/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 marks, 10 rebound 50s

In a well-rounded performance down back, Swinnerton directed traffic and controlled the play with ball in hand. The diminutive prospect varied his method nicely; whether it was picking out long and direct targets down the middle, going short and following up to chain possessions, or taking ground as he brought the ball back into play. Swinnerton also took a couple of intercept marks and backed his skillset all game to be arguably the most effective rebound defender afield.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 8 marks, 3 goals

You can just about pencil in Berry for multiple goals each week and he lived up to that billing for the fifth time in six games on Saturday. The crafty forward took each opportunity with aplomb, making great use of his deceptively strong marking ability and deadly accurate set shots. Berry also showcased sound forward craft with his front-and-centre crumb and snap in the third quarter before running out the match as a midfielder.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles

Paul’s overhead marking was the key feature of his game on Saturday, with the tall midfielder clunking the ball around the ground and winning half of his 16 disposals that way. Whether as an outlet in transition or as an interceptor, Paul was difficult to beat once he got his frame in the way. He also provided strong work around the contest, standing up in most tackles and dishing the ball out in situations where others would have been wrapped up.

#20 Jack Whitlock
Key Forward/Ruck | 200cm | 16/05/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Returning for his first Coates Talent League game since Round 3, Whitlock took somewhat of a back seat to twin brother Matt as Murray’s main avenue to goal. He eased back into proceedings in his usual ruck-forward rotation, showcasing a clean set of hands both in marking situations and with the ball in dispute. While frustrated by the umpire’s whistle at times, Whitlock converted one of three shots on goal and his field kicking held up well despite having such time off.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 7 marks, 5 goals

Carrying on his recent switch to the forwardline, Whitlock booted over half of Murray’s score for his second bag of five goals this season. The rangy and raw tall showed great versatility to get separation on the lead beyond attacking 50, while also being the main target close to goal. He had a couple of rushes of blood, inviting pressure by unnecessarily playing on, but flew for his marks confidently and showed good smarts to know when to peel off over the back. His fifth goal ended up being the winner – converting a strong mark with his hands out in front.

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 goal, 5 behinds

Kako tried everything to be the match-winner for Calder but it just wasn’t his day in front of goal, finishing with 1.5 in an uncharacteristically wasteful outing. The electric small forward’s pace caused chaos, though his method was somewhat predictable – often looking to cut in or dart around onto his right side and swing the ball home. Kako’s eyes lit up in range of goal and his movement ensured he would have plenty of opportunities, including two to put his side ahead late in the game. On another day, he’d have kicked six straight and been the difference, such is his class.

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

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

Known for his competitive streak, it is often forgotten that Hollow is capable of taking hangers and he served a reminder of his high-marking ability on Saturday. The Calder captain soared for some terrific grabs and showed typically aggressive intent as a defender. He then moved into midfield where his pace and energy through the contest made him a threat, especially when escaping out the front of stoppages. Hollow nearly spurred his side over the line and bagged a clutch goal just before three-quarter time provide a handy momentum boost.

#27 Patrick Said
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 24/04/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 goals

Said plied his trade as a midfielder and forward on Saturday but was arguably most effective in the latter role. The top-ager slotted three outstanding goals, using either foot to snap around the body and converting a well struck set shot to snatch the lead in term four. Said crumbed the ball well at ground level and turned on a dime to manufacture his open play chances, proving an effective and opportunistic goalkicker.

GWV Rebels 7.4 (46) def. by Geelong Falcons 12.10 (82)

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Having mostly cut his teeth as a rebound defender, Taylor was thrown into GWV’s midfield mix on Saturday night. The bottom-ager looked lively when able to use his speed and attacking instincts, overlapping well on the outside and carrying the ball in short spurts. Taylor bagged a classy goal on the run during term four to suggest he may also find a home in the forward third.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Charleson led all comers in this match with 30 touches and continues to be arguably GWV’s most consistent performer. He played a full game in defence and had plenty to do as Geelong piled on 60 forward 50 entries, with the top-ager assuming kick-in responsibilities. While quite brave when flying for intercept marks, Charleson perhaps could have been a little more bold when distributing the ball but his efficiency by foot helped GWV move forward with fluency.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Lloyd has been in seriously good form over the past few weeks but took his game to another level in Round 9. The tall defender cut off just about everything inside GWV’s back 50, either playing the percentages with strong spoils or backing himself to clunk marks. He controlled his space and accumulated intercept possessions with ease, but began to find things a little tricker as Geelong tilted the field after half time. Perhaps a breakout game for the top-ager.

#20 Floyd Burmeister
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 04/05/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 13 hitouts, 1 goal

After going goalless in Round 1, Burmeister has now kicked at least one major in each of his last five games and continued that on Saturday. The athletic key forward showcased his rare blend of ground level dexterity and aerial range, leading his direct opponent to the ball and making use of whatever delivery came his way. Burmeister’s mobility came to the fore with his final quarter goal, where he snatched the ball and quickly snapped it home.

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Jaques produced one of his best games yet on Saturday, racking up a season-high disposal haul and taking the game on at all costs. His advances through the corridor gave Geelong a direct avenue between the arcs, doing so with genuine pace and dare. While he ran himself into trouble at times, Jaques got away with it more often than not by backing his speed in areas it would be most dangerous. His attacking output was hemmed in after half time but he had already caught the eye.

#22 Zac McInnes
Key Defender | 196cm | 13/01/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Having made his name as a goalkicking tall forward, McInnes tried his hand as a defender this time out with varying degrees of success. He had the matchup on Burmeister and looked comfortable when attacking the aerial contests, taking little time to register a strong intercept mark. McInnes would have been pleased to get his hands on the ball so often in what was his highest disposal game for the season.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 marks, 6 goals

Many players in McLachlan’s position may have been inclined to put their feet up ahead of the mid-season draft, but the forward instead enjoyed one last outing with the Falcons and snared six goals for his trouble. The newly drafted Lion was clinical inside 50, proving difficult to contain on the lead but also with his athleticism across the ground. His finishing in open play was just as assured as what he produced over the mark, bolstering a stacked highlight reel in his final Talent League game.

#60 Jesse Mellor
Forward | 186cm | 04/01/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 goals

Supporting McLachlan on the scoresheet with four majors, Mellor popped up to help contribute 10 of Geelong’s 12 majors alongside his over-age teammate. His finishing ability was notable, booting four straight goals with terrific snaps and capable craft around the big sticks. The bottom-ager now has a solid base to work off after what was just his third game at the level.

Bendigo Pioneers 13.8 (86) def. by Eastern Ranges 14.17 (101)

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Day-Wicks was afforded an extended run in midfield on the weekend and while he took some time to build to his usual level of authority, ended up having a solid game. He bagged a goal in the opening quarter and went on to connect the Pioneers into attack with his sweet left-foot kicking. The top-ager held up well against some hard hits and produced a great passage in term three to assist one of Oliver Poole’s four goals.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Having rotated into the middle most weeks, Travaglia was almost exclusively used as a defender on Sunday. He spread himself across the back half, mopping up ground balls up the field and down on the last line, and displaying a clean set of hands as his side’s main distributor. Some of Travaglia’s kicking on the run was hit or miss but he looked to put speed on the ball as the game opened up, even if it invited pressure at times.

#5 Oliver Poole
Forward | 183cm | 18/03/2005

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

Poole popped up with a bag of four goals in the high-scoring affair, proving a genuine threat inside Bendigo’s attacking 50. His work rate and versatility saw him venture further afield before settling close to goal, where he finished his work nicely and found pockets of space to operate in. Thankfully, his teammates also found him in those pockets of space.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 8 marks, 4 goals

Barrat has booted multiple goals in all five of his games this season, but his haul of four on the weekend was a personal best. The tall forward made himself a presence in the air, bringing the ball to ground and following up with good physicality. He was also nimble enough to latch onto loose balls and bag three of his four goals on the move, finishing with one major in each quarter.

EASTERN RANGES:

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

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

There were times on Sunday where Anderson looked like being Eastern’s most damaging midfielder, with his ability to burst away out the front of stoppages. The inside bull was most prominent on the attack where he would spread forward and help chain the ball inside 50, proving one of his side’s more penetrating on-ballers. Anderson’s clean hands and physicality were key factors as he won a good amount of ball and barrelled over several opponents as usual.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 marks, 10 inside 50s

After an uncharacteristically quiet first half, Moraes filled his boots in the second as he began to lift his output and energy. He started on the pine but made his way into the middle and relied on his running capacity to get into the game. Moraes’ most effective plays saw him enter the forward 50, hitting targets or putting the ball to the advantage side of his teammates – albeit with a slightly awkward kicking style on the run. While not his best outing, Moraes ended up being prolific as usual.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Things look all too easy for Smillie at times and perhaps that seeps into his mindset. The big-bodied midfielder was a mainstay on-ball and while he dominated for much of the match, was still challenged throughout. His first two centre clearances were shut down by tackle pressure as he waltzed forward, and his usually elite ball use turned into one-step dump kicks. Regardless, Smillie racked up the footy with ease and produced moments of class, including his second goal directly from a forward 50 ruck contest. He has been tested over the last couple of weeks after a big start.

#55 Remy MacLean
Key Forward | 196cm | 14/10/2005

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 marks, 4 goals

MacLean started like a house on fire, booting 3.2 in the opening quarter and dominating Eastern’s forward 50. He was a marking force within range of goal, proving impossible to contain on the lead and clunking marks beautifully above his head. After having his opponents on toast in the early stages, the over-ager was quiet in term two and added only one more major for the day – a sweetly struck set shot from 50 metres.

Oakleigh Chargers 11.7 (73) def. by Western Jets 13.13 (91)

By: Adrian Dixon

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 goals

Kicked the first goal of the game with a classy finish after thirty seconds and was a threat in the forwardline all day with his constant defensive pressure and play reading ability. Although he did get drawn into his opponents at times, he knew where to position himself and presented well as a leading option before converting his chances nicely.

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

Stats: 50 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Smith was everywhere from start to finish on Sunday and started off very strongly. His disposal was clean and he worked exceptionally well with his fellow midfielders to get things going for the Chargers. Smith’s ball delivery was excellent inside 50, especially early where he hit up Waylon Davey-Motlop on a lead for an early goal. He gave plenty of handballs off which saw him receive the ball back instantly and was clean and sensible with his use by foot. Smith showed his good intercept and play reading ability while also demonstrating plenty of composure as others around him fumbled or lacked the same poise.

#24 Kane Emery
Midfielder | 173cm | 11/01/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 rebound 50s

Was dangerous around the ball, especially at stoppages and showed excellent reading off the rucks’ taps while providing strong defensive pressure around the contest. Although, he was overzealous at times, giving away a few free kicks. Emery’s extraction of the ball by foot was excellent and he covered the ground exceptionally well while also providing plenty of dash and evasiveness, especially straight from the contest.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 13 rebound 50s

Quaynor held up the Chargers’ backline, clearing out of the defensive 50 with his neat left foot and with his spoiling ability. He pushed up the ground and demonstrated an excellent intercepting ability, however can work on timing his run at the ball a bit better. The competitiveness and desperation were there, however could have been more consistent as highlighted in the third quarter where looked to save what was a certain goal but was caught ball watching as the spare man in the goalsquare helped nab a crucial score.

WESTERN JETS:

#1 Massimo Raso
Small Forward | 171cm | 21/04/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals

Raso was dangerous up forward all day for the Jets, roaming up the ground and providing plenty of creativity with great decision making and unselfishness. Raso could have better grasped a few of the chances presented to him, however knew how to position himself against bigger bodies. Raso’s productive day was topped with a long-range set shot goal that was shepherded through, effectively killing off the contest.

#2 Daniel Snell
Midfielder | 184cm | 24/08/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s

Snell was prominent in the midfield all day with his clean ball use, play reading and intercepting ability. His ground coverage and ability to provide grunt in the midfield was excellent, fighting hard for the footy along with getting the ball into dangerous spots in the forwardline. However, he could improve upon his leg speed, his defensive work around the stoppages, and his decision making as he continues to develop as a top-ager.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Grego again was strong around the stoppages with his reading of the play and defensive pressure, while also using his athleticism to crash the packs. Once again Grego displayed his versatility by resting forward and proved he was dangerous in space, kicking a set shot goal from an angle.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

McGuane once again was a prominent ball winner for the Jets, working well with his fellow midfielders and showing great pace with ground coverage to find the footy with ease. His ball use was clean and composed as usual, showing great evasiveness and quick reaction times in the heat of the midfield battle.

#47 Christian Olivieri
Small Forward | 172cm | 11/05/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

Olivieri played an important role up forward, applying plenty of frontal pressure and showcasing great ball delivery inside 50 with his composure and vision. His intercepting ability and agility/evasiveness were terrific, while he showed good football IQ to find space to kick key goals in crucial times in the game. His set shot kicking from the slightest of angles was also excellent.

Gippsland Power 10.8 (68) def. Sandringham Dragons 7.8 (50)

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s

Duursma’s versatility continues to be a strength as he continued his venture to Gippsland’s forwardline on Sunday. The athletic bottom-ager had some sturdy Sandringham defenders for company, but troubled them with his movement and dynamism both in the air and across the ground. Duursma’s second quarter was arguably his best, where he had two attempts on goal and showcased his aerial ability with a hitout win and terrific overhead mark. While not outwardly dominant, it was another match of moments for the 2025 prospect.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Hanily has finally earned his shot at AFL level and impressed with one last game for Gippsland, who rated him extremely highly. The strongly built small troubled Sandringham with his evasiveness and was lively with ball in hand, fending off opponents and sharking the ball on the move. His ability to make things happen in the forward half translated to back-to-back goals in the second quarter, both from set shots on the angle. He’s now a Swan on the back of outstanding over-age performances.

#24 Brodie Atkins
Midfielder | 181cm | 25/01/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 11 tackles, 1 goal

While only a bottom-ager, Atkins proved to be one of the hardest working and most gutsy players afield on Sunday. The midfielder got stuck in with a game-high 11 tackles, contributing several desperate repeat efforts and riding the bumps before dishing out his own. He got reward for effort in the form of a final quarter goal which he essentially followed over the line, running out the match strongly. He looks like being a coach’s favourite with that kind of approach.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

A genuine ‘moments’ kind of player, Eastham only had nine touches but over half of them ended in scores. He continued his streak of kicking a goal in every game this year, notching his second haul of three with some exceptional finishes. His strong marking ability earned him his first two majors from set shots, while the third came from a quick snap in open play.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#45 Luke Kennedy
Midfielder | 180cm | 11/10/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles

Recovering from a couple of early errors, Kennedy built into the contest on Sunday with typically clean and classy work through midfield. His handling was on point and he went about his business with little fuss, both extracting and distributing the ball efficiently. He should enjoy some added exposure on-ball as Sandringham’s stars mix their time between Vic Metro and school footy.

#47 Lachlan Voss
Key Defender | 199cm | 19/04/2005

Stats: 14 disposals, 8 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Voss may have been overlooked at the mid-season draft but that wasn’t without one last solid shift before the intake. The key defender put himself in all the right positions to either intercept or impact aerial contests, proving resolute as ever behind the ball. If marking wasn’t the right option, he’d chime in with a strong spoil and looked comfortable holding a high line or operating deep in defence.

#61 Sam Buck
Key Forward | 196cm | 28/02/2006

Stats: 5 disposals, 2 goals, 3 behinds

All five of Buck’s disposals resulted in scores and his impact inside Sandringham’s forward 50 was greater than the stats suggest. The key forward‘s marking was a strong point, especially when afforded front position or a clean run and jump at the ball. He also displayed good mobility to bag his first goal with a deft feint and dribble finish from the pocket. Buck’s second major was a set shot in term three, as he backed up a five-goal performance last week.