PLAYERS and teams entered the final month of the Coates Talent League home-and-away season in Round 16, with a full allotment of six games throwing up a couple of thrillers and tricky conditions across the board. We took note of some of the weekend’s top performances around the grounds.

Note: The Geelong Falcons-Tasmania Devils fixture was shortened to 22-minute quarters.

Dandenong Stingrays 16.5 (101) def. Eastern Ranges 2.8 (20)

By: Matthew Vella

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

It was a dominant display from Hynes, proving tough around the contest and hard-working. Fast clean hands to outside runners also made him hard to stop, connecting with fellow co-captain Harvey Langford effortlessly low to ground or evading bodies. His ability to break lines and burst out at stoppages in a wet game created ample inside 50 opportunities.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal

Langford’s ability to cover the whole ground made it hard for the Eastern Ranges players, cleanly moving the ball by hand and foot. His overlap work was exceptional, having a massive impact with forward transitional run. Defensively, he also tackled with ferocity, while on the run, his efficient kicking in the wet tore the opposing midfield apart. Another big game for the potential first round pick.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Finishing with the most disposals on ground (26), 16 of those were handballs. His hands were impressive in the wet, a balanced mixture of skill and composure on the run in slippery conditions. His element of risk and determination helped him to be hard to beat at stoppages, and was able to break away with help of a strong midfield core.

#38 Sam Toner
Forward | 23/10/2005

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 5 goals

Toner continued to hit the scoreboard in just his second game for the season. Finding the right spots in a crowed wet forwardline, he generated great leads and snap goals. Toner finished with three goals in an exciting first quarter, en route to five overall. Near perfect in the wet, he also advanced higher up the ground to help create forward 50 penetration.

#45 Elwood Peckett
Midfielder | 187cm | 26/03/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 13 tackles, 2 goals

The St Kilda father-son prospect was impressive through Dandenong’s midfield. He finished with a game-high 13 tackles, which included a strong chase-down effort inside 50 during the second quarter that led to a good goal in the wet. Again, another Stingray that has a great skillset by hand at stoppages and accumulated the ball.

EASTERN RANGES:

#8 Lachy Dovaston
Small Utility | 176cm | 29/05/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 10 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Creating plenty of overlapping run and spearheading the transition out of defence, Dovaston had his work cut out for him. As always, he provided great pressure around the stoppages and relied on his agility in the wet to navigate his way through traffic. Had a few great low to ground chest marks and small moments that really showed his work rate and effort. A fine tackling display, hard and fast.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles

In the absence of Josh Smillie, Moraes played more midfield minutes than usual. He was able to find the ball around the ground, but struggled to take the game on like he usually would. The top-ager provided clean and fast hands down low and outside at the stoppages, proving much more efficient by hand than by foot. He moved well through the middle in transition and knew where to place the ball, while also reading the taps well at stoppages.

#12 Jordan Hider
Small Forward | 172cm | 21/03/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 1 mark, 11 tackles

Hider provided immense pressure at ground level. He worked himself into the stoppages inside 50, reading the ruck taps to perfection. While under a lot of conceived pressure, leading to a few dump kicks and turnovers, Hider produced glimpses of magic. They included a few mid-air handballs and a brilliant run-down tackle – one effort among his immense tackling display. He had to move out of position a lot to get involved in the game, moving higher up the ground.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 5 inside 50s

The best player for the Ranges on the day, Greaves stood up and took it into his own hands. Was prolific by hand in and around the stoppages, breaking through tough contests and allowing space to open up in a hard-fought midfield battle. His speed around the ball was most impressive, and composed under pressure by hand. Held a few strong tackles that most wouldn’t hold in wet conditions. Seemed at home in the wet, his ability to understand no just what he needs to do in one moment but, to also know how the weather would affect the play.

#49 Lachlan Monteath
Ruck | 197cm | 17/11/2005

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 27 hitouts

One of his better performances this season. The mobile over-age ruck went toe-to-toe with a formidable opponent in Vic Country representative Jordan Doherty. He was able to provide assistance by hand and foot, finishing with 21 disposals. Still very raw, but has great potential should he continue to grow and develop.

Murray Bushrangers 11.11 (77) def. Sandringham Dragons 9.5 (59)

By: Michael Alvaro

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

Murphy’s final term on Saturday proved that while it may not be your match, you can make it your moment. The power forward booted three fourth quarter goals to help get his Bushrangers over the line, proving a match-winner having had slim pickings beforehand. He proved to be most effective deep inside 50 with good craft and anticipation, while also unselfishly setting up teammates in better positions to score.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 1 goal

Berry continued his midfield venture on Saturday and ran rampant with several electric spurts out of the contest. He was untouchable at times, leaning on a sharp turn of speed to take ground and launch the ball inside 50. Berry’s creativity and skill execution were at their best with several score involvements in the final quarter, as every attacking entry seemed to go through him. He also bagged the sealing goal with a clever one-on-one win, and put forward his overhead marking as a handy point of difference.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

Teaming up with twin brother Matt once again up forward, Whitlock copped arguably the tougher matchup but was the best key position player afield. The mobile tall presented nicely up the ground and was nimble enough to gather the ball below his knees when it didn’t come to him at marking height. His aerial range was displayed with several strong marks, especially when standing under the high ball, and Whitlock’s foot skills were sound. He showed a great knack for scoring on the snap, but was also comfortable kicking set shots with two conversions in term three.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Whitlock notched up his fourth consecutive two-goal game as a versatile key position option up forward. While not overly robust one-on-one, he was better than any other tall at recovering the ground ball and manufacturing looks on goal. Whitlock leant on his mobility to find pockets of space inside 50 and kicked both of goals in the second quarter – the second being from an unbelievable snap over his shoulder.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#11 Nathaniel Sulzberger
Midfielder | 187cm | 06/05/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

With his school having a bye in the APS competition, Sulzberger made good on an early Coates Talent League return. The powerful midfielder was difficult to bring down in tackles and would often shark contested possessions before clearing the ball with opponents hanging off him. He wore contact supremely well and while he could have been more composed at the contest, executed some superbly measured kicks going inside 50. The Tasmanian also slotted a booming set shot goal in term one and looked dangerous when released to run out the front of stoppages.

#24 Brodie Findlay
Ruck | 199cm | 20/05/2005

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 36 hitouts

Findlay was a welcome addition to the side, reprising his captaincy role and Sandringham’s primary ruck duties. The imposing over-ager produced some terrific hits to advantage, using his big frame to post the opposition talls before feeding the Dragons’ midfielders with finessed taps. He also popped up with marks around the ground and while not overly quick or clean at ground level, showcased strong craft in his specialist position.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 5 marks, 10 tackles

After producing somewhat of a breakout performance last week, Kennedy backed it up with another 30-plus disposal game. The midfielder was supremely clean by hand and utilised his quick thinking to dish off the ball with serious flair. Often times his lightning quick distribution made for no-look passes or flicks over the shoulder. Kennedy’s vision and skill were tested by pressure as the game wore on, though he began to open up with more expansive run and kicking as Sandringham fell behind.

Northern Knights 18.10 (118) def. Bendigo Pioneers 10.4 (64)

By: Adrian Dixon

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

Johnson rotated between the midfield and the forward line with great effect, looking for every way possible to be creative at the stoppages with his clearance work and at times his first touch. When up forward he was incredibly effective considering the conditions with his three goals, and had luck been on his side he could have had a fourth. One of his goals was in play from outside 50 where he demonstrated excellent defensive positioning to kick a long goal with a clean set of hands to retrieve the ball with good play reading. Set shot kicking for goal held up in the conditions too.

#14 Kristian Lawson
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/04/2006

Stats: 35 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 marks

It was another prominent performance from Lawson. He read the taps of his rucks exceptionally well and was always on the move going forward with strong and quick ball movement – highlighted by setting up Gabriel Stumpf for the first goal of the game. Lawson worked hard to get to the contest and drove the Knights forward numerously. He provided voice and showed great competitiveness. His follow up work was excellent, as was his general play kicking off one step.

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

Stats: 8 disposals, 24 hitouts, 3 goals

Sims took a while to get going however once he was switched into the ruck he never looked back, performing an effective combination with bottom-ager Sean Tyrell which contributed to the Knights’ big lead at half time. His ruck work was excellent providing numerous hitouts to advantages highlighting his strong relationship with his midfielders and his body work and positioning were crucial in his side gaining the advantage. His goals were kicked from a strong mark in the second quarter with a neat set shot kick, and then again on the half time siren, while his third was kicked towards the start of the third quarter, proving opportunistic.

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

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

Although it wasn’t a prolific game disposal wise, Stumpf was effective on the scoreboard with his four goals and adhered to the conditions perfectly. To kick his first goal he showed clean hands and confidence in the wet while his second goal was kicked along the ground before the quarter time siren. Stumpf kicked another in the final term out the back highlighting his ability to position in the conditions, and often played in front. His defensive efforts which included a smother from a kickout led to a goal too. Stumpf showed strong marking and also his set shot kicking from angles from considerable distances held up well in the wet.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

Day-Wicks tried hard constantly all day with his strong work rate and his ability to keep the ball alive keeping the Pioneers within touching distance briefly, especially in the third quarter where they played their best footy for the match. Day-Wicks constantly did his best to drive his side forward and create opportunities for his teammates and kicked three great goals through his creativity and positioning, doing what he had to do in the conditions.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 9 tackles, 4 I50s, 2 goals

Travaglia provided plenty of defensive pressure throughout the day highlighted by his tackle pressure and his work rate around the stoppages. Playing on the ball he constantly tried his best to push the ball forward for the Pioneers and never stopped trying. When rotated up forward he played from in front resulting in a few marks taken up forward and his kicking on angles were above average, highlighted by a set shot kick in the three quarter time siren that held up well.

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

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

The Pioneers captain did his best to get things started for his side from the midfield, with his strong pressure acts and defensive nous. His follow up work was a highlight along with his dump kicking which came off to his sides advantage, considering the conditions. Uerata led the Pioneers charge in the third quarter with his clearance work and showed great leadership providing voice and direction to reinforce the teams plan, although there was a communication lapse involving him and a teammate in the third quarter which resulted in a goal to the Knights.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 rebound 50s

Along with Jobe Shanahan, Hogan held up the Pioneers’ backline which was under immense pressure throughout the day. He did so with constant spoiling and his defensive pressure that included numerous one percenters, highlighted by a strong tackle in the first quarter which set his intent for the game, and a smother which saved a certain score in the third quarter. At times he was the last line of defence with his intercept marking and also read the stoppages well, while his clearing kicks managed to hold considerable length in the conditions.

Geelong Falcons 6.11 (47) def. Tasmania Devils 4.6 (30)

By: Michael Alvaro

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 11 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Saturday’s conditions suited Tullio down to the ground and he thrived with a full game in midfield. The diminutive talent was Geelong’s most effective player around the ball, especially when released out the front of stoppages to burst away and launch kicks inside 50. His clean skills and deceptive strength were evident in tight spaces and Tullio tackled well, notably wrapping up his opponents to force stoppages. One of his best moments was a drill kick to Cooper Ward in the final quarter – a supreme show of skill with the wet ball.

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

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

Jaques led all comers on Saturday as Geelong’s general in defence. It was clear the Falcons wanted the ball in his hands as much as possible, as the defender took on kick-in duties and provided a constant outlet to rebound the ball. He was not afraid to unleash aggressive kicks and played the territory game by sending the ball long. Such decisions lacked composure and polish at times, but proved a product of playing to the conditions. Jaques’ constant movement and eye-catching overhead marking were other features of a typically well-rounded game.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 6 marks, 5 hitouts

McInnes was once again utilised in defence, where his strong frame and competitiveness came in handy on a dour day. The 196cm prospect attacked the aerial ball hard and wasn’t afraid to crash packs, while also proving comfortable in his defensive 50 ruck duties. He was a little looser and less assured when defending his direct opponent on the lead, but helped the Falcons’ backline concede just four goals across the shortened game.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 9 inside 50s, 38 hitouts

Pike had a terrific battle with National Academy talent Oliver Dean in the ruck. The over-ager fared well with his strong leap at centre bounces and was able to follow up for clearances. His method was relatively straightforward, hacking it forward at all costs while proving difficult to move off the line off the ball. Pike’s surge mentality and ruck craft helped tilt the field in his side’s favour.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 13 hitouts

Dean produced one of his best quarters of the year to start the match, competing hard in the ruck and remaining involved around the ground. He showed great intent to follow up with tackles at stoppages, while also popping up for an intercept mark in defensive 50, and beating Pike in a one-on-one contest. He wasn’t quite as prolific thereafter having spent time up forward, but impressed with his ability to impact aerially in conditions which wouldn’t normally be conducive to such play.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

Mapley was another Tasmanian tall to impress in oppressive conditions, with his mobility and aerial ability holding up down back. The over-ager covered ground well across the last line of defence, whether reacting to intercept or carrying the ball in transition. Mapley also shut down his direct opponent relatively well and was able to split aerial contests before helping to mop up.

#20 Max Roney
Defender | 186cm | 16/03/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 marks, 6 rebound 50s

It has been a season-best fortnight for Roney, who notched up another 25 touches to back up his personal best haul of 27 last week. The defender was often the first to meet Geelong’s clearance kicks and his intercept game was an asset – particularly during the early stages. Roney saw plenty of opportunity from the kick-ins and was clearly the player Tasmania wanted to restart play or spark transitions off the last line. His foot skills held up relatively well in the trying conditions.

GWV Rebels 9.15 (69) def. by Calder Cannons 10.10 (70)

By: Declan Reeve

GWV REBELS:

#3 Rhys Unwin
Midfielder/Forward | 178cm | 11/10/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Unwin’s work rate and cleanliness at ground level stood out throughout the game, as he consistently managed to collect the ball off the deck at speed despite the wet conditions. With his eagerness to attack the ball at pace and tenacity, Unwin was dangerous around stoppages around the ground, chasing hard to pressure opposition that managed to get hold the ball. When Unwin had ball in hand, he often backed in his athleticism to run and carry in space, and even got around opposition when they closed in. Unwin was manic in how he applied pressure when in the forward 50 as well, snagging a goal from spoiling an attempted switch kick inside 50 and snapping from the boundary

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 8 marks, 7 tackles

More often seen taking control of a wing, Ough put in arguably the performance of the week at Talent League level playing exclusively through the centre. The 194cm talent is well known for his athletic traits and put them to use well against the Cannons, using his speed and agility well to get through congestion with the footy and impact at stoppages, or making the most of his size advantage by standing up in tackles with his arms free, giving sharp handballs to teammates in space. Ough’s ability to cover ground lead to him putting in another high work rate performance, providing an option constantly in the attacking phase, and getting involved in possession chains multiple times at speed, but also remaining defensively accountable throughout.

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

A bit of an energiser bunny for his side, Hannaford’s speed and attack on the ball, particularly in the forward half, was constant across the four quarters. He was unrelenting in his attack on the footy and opposition alike, never been knocked off the footy in a contest and never giving up on a tackle, when an opportunity to impact came calling Hannaford always answered. Epitomising this was a play late in the third quarter, where Hannaford won a clearance from a forward 50 stoppage, handing off to a teammate and running hard to get it back and snap one from the boundary.

#8 Jonty Faull
Key Forward | 195cm | 01/02/2006

The AFL Academy tall continued his trend of kicking multiple goals, converting two first half shots before finding himself moving further afield in the second. Whilst the conditions of rain and wind don’t traditionally suit tall forwards, Faull found no issues as he consistently clunked anything that came his way, with his contested marking a particular highlight as he managed to hold front position regardless of how many Cannons defenders tried to move him. 

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

Even without stuffing the stats sheet like he typically does, Kako lost no admirers from the game with another influential performance through the midfield. Kako did as he typically does against the Rebels, with all of his disposals impactful through his clean use by hand and foot alike, combined with his vision and confidence to take riskier options, when Kako had the footy something exciting happened. He still managed to keep his record of multiple scoring shots alive with two majors, working hard when the ball was moving forward to be an option and stay involved.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

Hollow has become somewhat renowned for his consistency at Talent League level, rocking up each week and providing a hard edge wherever he’s deployed and Sunday was no different. Despite many players on field showing relentless attack on the footy and clean hands from the inside, Hollow still stood out in both areas as he took the game on at full pace, demonstrating this best with a clean clearance win in his defensive 50, where he proceeded to go for a five-bounce run up the field despite multiple opponents chasing. When Hollow rested forward he was still impactful slotting two majors, one from a clean ground ball pick up and evading of an opponent, and the other from a set shot, earned with a strong contested mark at the top of the 50.

#17 Nash King
Midfielder | 181cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 31 disposals, 5 marks, 7 inside 50s

Calder’s top accumulator on the day, where some of the other Calder midfielders popped up with scoreboard impact in the front half, King was equally impressive with his impact in the defensive half, covering the ground well to get from contest to contest and extract the footy, using clean hands to release runners, or occasionally looking to burst out and deliver a kick forward himself.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 12 marks, 12 inside 50s, 2 goals

One that has quietly enjoyed a bit of a purple patch over the last 4 rounds of Talent League action, Said was yet another Calder MID/FWD that impressed in both areas of the ground. Said had some clean moments around stoppage where he lost his opponent and got onto the ball from the rucks hands, typically looking run his full distance and deliver deep inside 50. Said was another that worked hard to provide an option for his teammates around the ground, taking a game high 12 marks and typically using the ball well to follow up.

Western Jets 8.8 (56) def. by Gippsland Power 9.12 (66)

By: Adrian Dixon

WESTERN JETS:

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

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

Grego constantly provided run and carry for the Jets throughout the game and was a reliable go-to for his teammates for him to deliver the ball inside 50, which was always put into dangerous spots. Grego covered the ground exceptionally well with his spread and provided strong physical presence in the midfield too. 

#10 Thomas Burton
Midfielder | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 10 tackles

Burton worked hard throughout the game to provide plenty of presence around the stoppages which included his repeated tackle efforts, constantly providing defensive pressure throughout the day. Burton’s ability to read the play with some intercepting was also a highlight and although his game was more defensive than offensive, he tried just as hard to get the ball moving from the centre for the Jets.

#14 Lachlan Fitzgerald
Forward | 180cm | 20/04/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Fitzgerald was a forward threat for most of the day for the Jets, with his strong marking and his ability to break into space proving a problem for the Power backline. While he did not take his chances considering the conditions and while he did not manage his two goals for the game late in the final quarter, it highlighted Fitzgerald’s resilience to keep fighting out the game even though the result was effectively decided. Fitzgerald positioned himself well to get the ball and got in good spots and worked well hand in hand with his fellow forwards.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Its been a big few weeks for the Vic Country representative and despite looking in need of a much needed break the more the game went on, Lindsay still managed to be a key contributor to the Powers’ victory. Lindsay set the tone early with a nice goal from a set shot kick highlighting his kicking power and also managed to deliver strongly inside 50 for his teammates. Though his disposal later on in the game as we know it wasn’t quite up to scratch, Lindsay executed the switch well and also showed strong marking and ability to read the play whilst also showing great closing speed for his defensive efforts. Lindsay’s resilience to play out the game was also shown.

#12 Jesse Craven
Midfielder | 176cm | 21/04/2005

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Craven’s forward smarts and work rate were crucial in the victory for Gippsland. Always doing whats best for the team, he hit up Jobe Scapin for a nice set shot at goal early with a short neat kick which resulted in a major and then later in the quarter kicked a nice goal from a snap to further extend the Power’s strong start to the game, highlighting his kicking power. Considering the difficult conditions at Williamstown, Craven always looked for better options for teammates and worked hard up the ground to ensure the ball was delivered sensibly inside 50.

#29 Ricky Mentha
Small Defender | 179cm | 04/09/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Mentha had perhaps his best performance of the season to date for the Power, constantly providing dash and drive coming out of his side’s defensive 50. On numerous occasions he showed great speed and composure under pressure to get the opposition off guard on their transition. His silky skills, pressure acts and decision making were all features although at times his disposal by hand missed targets. Mentha showed great pace especially when it came to reading the play with loose ground balls and at times stood at the last line of defence where he saved a certain goal in the second quarter getting a hand to it before going over for the score.