A RAFT of star performances headlined Round 17 of the Coates Talent League, as prospects begin to hit top form in the final month of the home-and-away season. We highlight a bunch of standouts in the latest edition of Scouting Notes, with a heavy focus on draft combine invitees and bottom-age talent.

>> 2024 CTL Round 17: Snapshot | POTW | TOTW | Votes

GWV Rebels 16.7 (103) def. Gippsland Power 12.7 (79)

By: Adrian Dixon

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Unwin provided plenty of run up and down the ground all day, looking to provide an option to receive the ball and applying plenty of great defensive pressure highlighted by a crucial rundown tackle on Xavier Lindsay. The Vic Country representative and draft combine invitee could make better decisions when it comes to his ball use by foot, however also demonstrated his above average football IQ without the footy, not being drawn into his opponent. Unwin does a lot of the work that goes unnoticed, and had a crucial hand in setting up a goal right before three-quarter time.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Ough had a strong presence in the midfield both offensively and defensively, and used the ball very neatly. He hit up McKinnon early in the game resulting in a goal and also provided plenty of spread and overlap, working hard to provide an option. Ough’s quick hands and follow up work were also a highlight and his snap goal in the third quarter proved reward for effort.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Hannaford was arguably the Rebels’ most influential player despite not being as prolific in comparison to other teammates. What stood out most was what he did when he didn’t have the ball, especially with his forward pressure. Hannaford committed to the contest, going in hard and also showing a strong work rate when leading up the ground to mark the ball. His tackle work was a feature, crucially running down Ricky Mentha late in term one with great closing speed, and then following it up with a nice long goal moments before the siren to extend the lead. Hannaford provided plenty of run and was dangerous in space, while also looking for ways to be creative.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

Faull made an excellent start to the game with a great lead mark and kicked right through the ball to bag the opening goal for the game from a set shot within the first two minutes. Faull was front and centre at the contests and kicked another goal from the square for his second of the first quarter, ending up with three for the term and not adding another for the game despite having his chances. As usual, he showed a strong work rate and when he wasn’t hitting the scoreboard he was at least delivering the ball dangerously inside 50. Faull worked his way up the ground well and also outworked his opponents in the contest with ease.

#12 Archie Caldow
Utility | 189cm | 13/04/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s

Caldow was strong and dominant all over the ground, providing plenty of spread for his teammates to kick to and marking well with and without pressure. Caldow used the ball nicely and provided plenty strong presence around the contest with his tackling, while displaying great tackle-breaking ability no matter how many opponents were hanging off him. Caldow showed good football IQ and didn’t get sucked into his opponents at the contest, sticking to strong running patterns and timing them well throughout the game.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 tackles, 28 hitouts

Burmeister was influential in the ruck, more often than not using his body positioning and physicality to his advantage where he was able to outbody his opponents on numerous occasions. When he couldn’t do that, Burmeister was always looking at creative ways to win the contests when trailing from behind, using his leap and athletic gifts. Burmeister also provided plenty of defensive work around the contests with his tackling.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Lindsay was provided plenty of attention from the opposition in the midfield to start the game and despite it quelling his influence, he still was quite prolific. His ball delivery to hit up Alix Tauru was perfect and he made a crucial smother towards the end of the first quarter. Lindsay showed a powerful left foot kick while also looking very composed, especially in congested situations. The Gippsland captain tried to be creative and held his own against bigger opponents.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles

Despite not being prolific as others during the game, Atkins was strong around the contest all day. He never stopped trying to take the game on with confidence and went in hard for the ball, showing his strong tackling. Atkins was neat with his disposal by foot and had a stint down back late in the game, where his quick hands came to the fore.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Eastham continued his trial down back, taking a strong number of contested marks to repel plenty of GWV’s attacks. If it wasn’t for him, the margin for the Power would have been a lot worse off. Eastham courageously went back with the flight of the ball on numerous occasions, highlighting his anticipation to read the play, and took some strong marks in situations where he was outnumbered.

#31 Alix Tauru
Tall Utility | 194cm | 16/11/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Starting up forward, Tauru took a few nice marks early that were contested and also positioned himself defensively well at opposition kick-outs to take marks. While distance was never a problem for his kicking for goal, accuracy was and it was third time lucky before he goaled and got the better of Mitch Lloyd, especially early. Tauru had small stints in the midfield later on in the game in an attempt to get him move involved as the opportunities dried up for the Power.

Eastern Ranges 18.14 (122) def. Western Jets 10.8 (68)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

Earning a run through midfield, Ryan was his usual self as a high forward but also got to show different sides to his game. The speedster scrapped hard with the ball in dispute, and while not always clean or entirely composed in possession, he brought a sense of chaos which disrupted the opposition. Ryan’s ability to connect into attacking 50 ensured Eastern flowed forward and while he was often team-oriented, showed he could take the game on himself with two terrific goals.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

Having spent much of the year plying his trade in defence, Dovaston got a chance to translate his ground level craft, tackle pressure and smarts to the forward 50. He played quite deep and made things happen close to goal, booting four majors from seven scoring shots. While sometimes scrappy under pressure, he was willing to use both feet and kicked truly with a trio of set shots on his favoured right foot. Dovaston’s pace and attacking instincts caused headaches all day.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

Moraes well and truly filled his boots on Saturday with a rare stat line across all categories. He took some time to built into the contest but got going with back-to-back goals in the opening quarter, proving dangerous on his forward rotation. Moraes’ set shot conversion held up with four effective kicks over the mark, as he proved difficult to beat one-on-one and also created opportunities with elite defensive pressure. When stationed on-ball, Moraes was typically prolific and stayed on the move, which allowed for some damaging attacking bursts

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

Smillie made a relatively subdued return to Coates Talent League action on Saturday, seemingly managed with large chunks of gametime up forward. He started in midfield but lacked an spark or edge to his contest work, cruising around the ground and struggling to consistently get his hands on the ball. In possession, he had some moments of class with typically smooth movement and efficient use, but otherwise looked a little hampered and uncharacteristically sloppy. Not his day.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 15 hitouts

Monteath had an intriguing battle with Lucas Impey in the ruck, arguably beating the Western big for athleticism but being beaten for strength. The over-ager leapt well to get first hand to the ball at centre bounces and looked nimble around the ground. On several occasions, he marked cleanly overhead with separation to Impey and played on immediately, helping the Ranges flow forward.

WESTERN JETS:

#4 Jack Gerardi
Forward/Midfielder | 175cm | 01/11/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Gerardi made a hot start to proceedings, having four shots on goal in the opening quarter for a total of three behinds. His lone major for the game came on the end of a mark deep inside 50 during the third quarter. Regardless of his conversion rate, the lively small forward was opportunistic and clever close to goal, sparking scoring opportunities with his movement. With such impetus to his play, Gerardi was given a run through midfield but did his best work in attack.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s

After dropping below 20 touches for the first time since Round 1 last week, McGuane was back to his productive self on Saturday. The bottom-age Collingwood father-son prospect was a go-to in attacking phases, with teammates eager to get the ball in his hands to launch kicks inside 50. While some of his long kicks went to grass, McGuane was sharp by hand and efficient in the short-range, also showcasing great agility to buy time in possession. His hard outside running and ability to accumulate made him dangerous going forward.

#28 Xavier Kardachi
Midfielder | 186cm | 15/06/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 10 marks, 1 goal

Kardachi was seemingly everywhere during a massive second quarter en route to racking up his game-high 28 disposals. The hard working midfielder found plenty of uncontested possessions by providing an outlet either on the overlap or in space to mark, using his punchy kicking off both feet to hit targets forward of the ball. He bagged a set shot goal from long-range at the end of term one and penetrated on the attack, while also taking on the Smillie matchup at centre bounces.

#48 Lucas Impey
Ruck | 200cm | 12/12/2005

Stats: 14 disposals, 7 tackles, 28 hitouts

Impey put in an exceptional shift through the ruck, showcasing great strength and craft around the ground. The over-ager’s ability to win physical duels throughout the day was impressive, though arguably the most pleasing aspect of his game was his defensive effort. Impey laid seven tackles and worked hard to stay with the play after his initial actions, buttering up with clean hands and even running down opponents. His 28 hitouts were nearly double the next best haul (15).

#52 Ayden McCarroll
Key Forward | 208cm | 23/09/2005

Stats: 5 disposals, 4 marks, 4 goals

It was difficult to miss McCarroll’s 208cm listing on Western’s team sheet, with the over-ager proving a genuine surprise packet on debut. While still quite raw, he competed well and proved efficient in front of goal, slotting four majors from as many attempts. Suffice to say, the tall forward was difficult to beat at full extension and took a couple of strong grabs, but was also nimble enough to be drawn to the ball and even nab a soccer goal just before the final siren. McCarroll also provided Impey a brief chop-out in the ruck.

Murray Bushrangers 6.8 (44) def. by Dandenong Stingrays 15.11 (101)

By: Declan Reeve

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Continuing on with his midfield focus we’ve seen of late, Berry’s speed from stoppage and around the ground was unmatched throughout the game, taking advantage of any space he was afforded to run and carry with ball in hand. Whilst he sometimes lacked his usual class and efficiency by foot, particularly when moving the footy under pressure, he was able to still show off his pinpoint passing at speed. Berry spent some time up forward as he usually does, looking lively at ground level when inside 50 and drawing a high free kick in the third quarter for his solitary goal.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 goals, 3 behinds

Whilst Whitlock only officially recorded two marks for the game, with a couple of attempts probably deserving of being paid, his reliability in the air was difficult for the Stingrays defenders to deal with. He caused headaches when allowed to run and jump at the ball to take it at full stretch, but still made things work for teammates when an opponent was able to knock him off balance with smart taps to advantage or strong follow-up work at ground level. Using the footy more often by hand than foot for just the second time this season, Whitlock released runners well when under pressure, with a couple of his handballs leading to good looks on goal for his side.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 11 marks, 4 rebound 50s

After spending the last seven games up forward at Talent League level, Whitlock returned to his usual position in the defensive 50, producing arguably his best game of the season. Much like his twin at the other end, Matt’s reliability in the air and positioning behind the footy were assets for his side as he regularly took strong intercept marks, often holding them quite easily given Dandenong’s lack of height up forward. That lack of height also allowed Whitlock to display his versatility defensively. With many of his matchups conceding 10cm, he was forced to show his ability at ground level more often than usual, proving clean and managing to keep up with his shorter opponents on the lead. Whitlock spread hard when his side won possession in the defensive half, often being the switch option and looking to move it long down the line, but like his brother had a few moments of creativity and class by hand.

#50 Zac Harding
Ruck | 199cm | 01/01/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 tackles, 32 hitouts

Despite conceding a few free kicks in ruck contests throughout the game, Harding was in the drivers seat for all four quarters as he had a large influence at stoppages. He regularly grabbed the ball from the air after pushing his opponent away, generally looking to get the ball as far forward as possible. Harding worked hard in open play as well, chasing down opponents from stoppages, but also pushed behind the footy to add some extra presence when Dandenong transitioned quickly.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

One of Dandenong’s many ultra-consistent performers through this season, Hynes had moments where he quite simply looked untouchable against the Bushrangers. He used his size and strength to advantage as he was rarely knocked off the ball, and could push opposing players out of the way when hunting the footy. Hynes was composed with ball in hand and made the most of every possession, constantly looking to release runners from congestion, or when allowed time to do so, spotting up teammates through the corridor to deliver piercing inside 45 kicks. Hynes was typically impactful up forward too, acting as an undersized target for his side well and using his smarts to get free and take marks essentially uncontested before converting on goal.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Much like his co-captain Hynes, Langford continued on with his consistency at Talent League level. He covered the ground exceptionally well and was particularly impactful defensively, able to shut off potential Murray transitional plays at the source by intercepting a couple of handballs from congestion, or positioning well behind the ball to impact contests when they tried to kick for distance. Langford made good decisions with ball in hand but would’ve been more impactful had his disposal had a bit more penetration at times, with a couple of handballs and kicks forcing teammates to wait for the footy rather than run onto it. 

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

The bottom-aged winger was a positive influence throughout the game, matching his season-high disposals number, which also came against Murray earlier in the season. Hibbins-Hargreaves covered the ground extremely well as he constantly contributed in all phases of the game, getting back to aid his defensive unit moving the ball out of the 50, but also working just as hard to utilise his precision kicking moving inside 50, often looking to take inside 45 options that presented. Hibbins-Hargreaves got to show off some physicality as well, not being pushed off the footy easily.

#38 Sam Toner
Forward | 23/10/2005

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

A late over-age inclusion to the Stingrays’ squad this season, Toner continued his impressive form at Talent League level, adding another trio of goals straight to make it 10 in three games. Toner was energetic in the forward half, putting on good pressure when Murray was in possession and looking clean at ground level when the opportunity presented, not backing out of contests regardless of how many opponents were also going for the footy. Toner also showed off his impressive speed through the contest, with Murray having few answers for him when he got going.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 9 marks, 5 goals

The St Kilda father-son prospect has shown many glimpses through the season, but put it all together in a commanding performance as our Player of the Week. Peckett was hard at it all game and consistently came out of contests with ball in hand. He showed some good burst from congestion to run his full measure, generally following up with a long kick forward to try and catch Murray off guard in the chaos. He was rewarded for his hard running off the ball in the attacking phase, with many of his opportunities on goal coming from marks he earned by simply outworking his opponent to get free inside the forward half. All of his five goals came from difficult spots, either outside the 50m arc or on less than desirable angles.

Tasmania Devils 9.5 (59) def. by Calder Cannons 12.9 (81)

By: Michael Alvaro

TASMANIA DEVILS:

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 15 hitouts

Much like last week, Dean made a strong start and used his own strengths to advantage against a more robust, but shorter opponent. He absorbed physical contact and also worked well to get separation in order to use his range and win taps. Dean had his moments, popping up for a pair of marks and competing under high balls, but can work on doing so more consistently and becoming a greater force in the air.

#19 Lucas Wootton
Utility | 178cm | 11/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles

Sighted in a few different roles, Wootton rotated between both sides of midfield once it was clear he was primed to impact the game. The bottom-ager showcased a clean set of hands, even in the face of contact, which helped him post his highest disposal haul for the season. He also drilled a couple of terrific passes by foot, including one heading inside 50 to assist a goal in the third quarter.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 6 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Roney continues to break new ground and was Tasmania’s leading disposal getter for the third game running, breaking 30 touches for the first time. The prolific defender mopped up everything and was the go-to when Tasmania looked to rebound, having a presence both on the last line and high up the ground. His ability to carry the ball and bite off sharp kicks made him a playmaking asset, even if some of his ball use was inconsistent under pressure. Roney’s intercept game was also solid as he got into good spots behind the ball and rose for marks.

#24 Oscar Van Dam
Midfielder | 189cm | 20/04/2005

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 11 tackles

While his 20 disposals and seven marks read well, perhaps Van Dam’s most significant impact on the match came via his 11 tackles. The over-age midfielder wrapped up opponents, no matter the size, and used his defensive efforts to win the ball back for Tasmania. He also helped the Devils connect with efficient use by hand, releasing overlap runners and using his frame under pressure.

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 2 inside 50s

The stats tell a story of Saturday being Kako’s quietest game for the season, but he produced some terrific moments despite being held goalless. Above all, the small forward was incredibly selfless in creating opportunities for teammates, and his footy IQ made for effective no-look handballs to get out of tight spots. Kako’s electric movement made him difficult to contain when presenting up the ground and he used his speed to not only generate dangerous looks going forward, but also when applying defensive pressure. His smarts and skills are incredible to watch.

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

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

Having spent much of the season cutting his teeth in defence or on the wing, Nguyen popped up as an effective forward this time out. The Essendon NGA prospect, who is primed for a VFL berth, relentlessly presented up the ground and created avenues heading inside 50. His instincts and anticipation translated well in the front half, where he crumbed off hands beautifully before using his pace to snare a pair of second-half goals.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

Hollow booted multiple goals for the third week running, but truly broke through with a season-high haul of four. The inspirational skipper got his side going with scores at crucial times in the second half, claiming three of the game’s last five goals to kick away to victory. He was a genuine threat inside 50 with his strong overhead marking proving a handy point of difference against Tasmania’s small defenders. Hollow also got a run at the centre bounces and his work rate was top class.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles

No player was more polished nor prominent at the contest than Nash on Saturday. The midfielder racked up a game-high 31 disposals for the second week in a row, having little trouble extracting the ball cleanly at stoppages. He was most effective as the sweeper and fed teammates efficiently by hand, before beginning to showcase his power and ability to be more expansive in the second half. That aspect, and his outside game are areas for improvement.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 goals

Said has gone under the radar as far as Calder prospects go but is highly rated internally and produced another strong game in Round 17. He made an outstanding start, spreading forward from the opening centre bounce to mark strongly overhead and slot the game’s first goal. Said went on to be creative on the attack with good vision and execution on the final kick, while also adding a second goal during Calder’s fourth quarter procession – via a left-foot snap.

Geelong Falcons 9.8 (62) def. Bendigo Pioneers 8.6 (54)

By: Adrian Dixon

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goals

Tullo was once again dangerous around the stoppages on Sunday and read the ruck work of Joe Pike very well. He showed plenty of speed to break away form the packs and send his side forward, while also finding space easily around the ground to get the ball. His lone goal was kicked from a nice set shot kick early in the second quarter to kickstart the Falcons’ charge.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Jaques once again continued to show why he is a key to the Falcons’ fortunes, especially across half-back. The prolific co-captain cut off numerous plays with his intercept marking and pushed up the ground well, providing an option to receive the ball via hand and provide delivery inside 50 that was more often than not dangerous.

#23 Brady Hall
Defender | 190cm | 09/03/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 8 rebound 50s

While Jaques worked up the ground to clear the ball out of defence and drive the Falcons forward, it was the other captain in Hall who provided much of the dirty work deeper down back. There, the top-ager was solid with his marking, particularly overhead. Working in tandem with Jack Skinner, Hall freed up Jaques to operate in a more attacking role.

#28 Daniel Lowther
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 07/08/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

In what was one of his more influential performances of the season so far, Lowther started off well and provided a strong leading mark option all day, taking a few good grabs playing in front. However, he could improve his set shot kicking from in front and on angles. Lowther provided a good relief option for Pike, spending some time in the ruck and holding his presence.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 37 hitouts, 1 goal

Pike was immense in the ruck all day for the Falcons and when he rested in the forwardline he was a constant threat. His strong coverage of the ground and his dominance in the ruck were a driving force in the Falcons just getting over the line. Pike was excellent below the knees and once again showed excellent rapport with his midfielders, especially Tullo. He also was strong with his second efforts and also dropped back when needed to make crucial spoils or marks around the ground. Pike also kicked a great opportunist goal in the first quarter from a stoppage that highlighted his dominance, and when he wasn’t winning the hitouts, he was winning the clearances.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Day-Wicks committed to the contest, highlighting his competitive edge. Although he looked slow to react at times, the mercurial talent looked to bring others into the game and further highlighted his physical style of play with a bone-crunching tackle to show he and his side meant business. He provided great forward pressure and was rewarded with a great goal from a stoppage. Despite being unable to hold marks at crucial stages throughout the game, Day-Wicks showed a considerably strong work rate with his lead marking up the ground, a powerful left foot and strong running patterns, while also showing great composure and vision.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 11 tackles, 1 goal

Travaglia picked up from where he left off against the Knights last week where he was able to win plenty of footy around the stoppages, while also providing plenty of defensive work at the coalface with his strong tackling. Travaglia was prominent around the ground, providing plenty of spread and used both sides of the body well with his kicking, while also providing quick hands and reflexes – especially with his reading of the hitouts.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles

Uerata once again provided plenty of grunt work for the Pioneers, demonstrating his strong leadership to get in and under the packs and doing the dirty work extracting the ball. Uerata used his strength in the contests and was above average when it came to his overhead marking. Uerata was strong all around the ground and had an impact on the game wherever he ran.

#35 Kaian Constable
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 28/10/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s

Constable had his most prolific game yet for the Pioneers this season, showing great running power and reading of the play in anticipation which resulted in dangerous repeat entries for the Pios that lead to an early goal. For much of the game he rotated between the midfield and the forwardline, showing great composure with his kicking and making smart decisions along with showing quick hands. Constable went forward in the last term where he had an impact with his strong ball delivery, pressure, and second efforts, however his kicking power when it comes to set shots lacked depth.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

Returning to the competition after his opportunity with Essendon’s VFL side last week, Barrat did not look like he skipped a beat, showing his competitiveness and aggressive brand of football that he is renowned for – never taking a backward step. He kicked a nice goal early, where he had read the play in anticipation to take an intercept mark having pushed up the ground to take a mark coming up to meet the ball, then running in to boot a nice goal from long range to get things started for the Pios. Barrat marked everything down back and when he was pushed up the ground, the ball was always delivered into good spots. When he wasn’t marking them, he was halving contests and showing his strong defensive craft.