THE PENULTIMATE Coates Talent League home-and-away round was headlined by Sandringham reclaiming top spot, while Murray and Tasmania kicked away to thumping victories. With plenty of quality prospects back in action, we highlighted their performances in a bumper edition of Scouting Notes.

>> 2024 CTL Round 18: Snapshot | POTW | TOTW

Bendigo Pioneers 2.10 (22) def. by Tasmania Devils 14.9 (93)

By: Michael Alvaro

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

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

The going was tough for Day-Wicks in the first half but he could hardly be faulted for effort in slippery conditions, and against Tasmania’s best lockdown defender. He was competitive as an extra at the contest from half-forward, hitting the packs hard and laying strong lock-up tackles. The versatile prospect was swung to defence after the main break where his foot skills were either elite or indifferent, having taken on the kick-in duties and used the ball aggressively.

#4 Tom Evans
Forward/Midfielder | 181cm | 22/02/2006

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

Returning from his APS duties with Xavier College, Evans impacted in the front half while also rotating through midfield. He made himself useful close to goal with early opportunities, but went on to be more effective when utilising his punchy kicks entering the attacking arc. Evans’ hard running was evident in one third quarter passage where he sparked a transition at half-back and followed the chain of possessions to end up launching the ball into the forward 50.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Uerata was Bendigo’s main form of resistance around the ball and he started well with the opening centre clearance. The Pioneers captain looked powerful when exploding out of stoppages, doing so with handball connection in the first half before resorting to more dump kicks thereafter. Uerata’s kicking left a little to be desired, though the conditions were tough and he consistently drove the ball forward. The over-ager got reward for effort with a goal in the closing stages.

#11 Connor Evans
Defender | 182cm | 02/06/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles

Featuring in every third of the ground on Saturday, defence was Evans’ primary post and he was quite competitive there. The 182cm talent split one-on-one contests and was strong overhead, taking five marks before distributing the ball with usual aplomb. He got a run through midfield with rotations forward in the second half, utilising his solid frame to have an impact in contested situations – which were plentiful in the wet.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Barrat was close to the best player afield in a heavy loss and absorbed plenty of pressure down back. The tall played with swagger and was up for the fight, confidently leaping at every contest to do his best at cutting off Tasmania’s slick ball movement. He read the play beautifully and had the confidence to peel off his direct opponent and clunk intercept marks. His attack on the ball in packs was terrific to watch, as was his booming set shot goal to get Bendigo on the board.

#52 Cody Walker
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

You’d be hard pressed to find a 16-year-old more capable of holding up in a dour, wet weather slog up at Under 18 level than Walker. The 2026 Carlton father-son and Richmond NGA prospect took some time to find his feet but covered the damp ground typically well and was able to connect the lines with his ball use. He proved strong in tackles and while it was difficult to gain metres by driving his legs into space, the effort to do so was there.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#1 Liam Ling
Small Forward | 171cm | 01/11/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Ling provided touches of class in the front half which defied the conditions, en route to posting five scoring shots. The diminutive, but deceptively strong and tough utility showcased a great ability to break tackles and claim the ball cleanly, which complimented his work rate to push up the ground. He could have converted better but straightened up nicely on the run in the third quarter for his second major.

#6 Connor Ling
Midfielder | 177cm | 01/11/2006

Stats: 28 disposals 7 marks, 1 goal

Ling was reliable as ever in Tasmania’s engine room, setting the tone with a combination of pressure and polish. He led all comers with 28 disposals and was not only an asset on the inside, but also when moving the ball forward and chaining up play between the arcs. Ling handled the ball cleanly and fed teammates well by hand. Reward for effort came in the form of his terrific fourth quarter goal on the run, after he cut off a Bendigo kick at half-forward.

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

Stats: 7 disposals, 4 tackles, 28 hitouts

Hay’s numbers may not jump off the page but he certainly leapt out the ground with his work at the centre bounces. Taking advantage of a heigh discrepancy in the ruck, he leapt aggressively at the ball and got first hand to it more often than not. The bottom-ager also followed up with great tenacity and while competitive at the contest, was also nimble enough to have a few touches moving away from stoppages. His flashes of potential were clear to see.

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 7 hitouts

With Hay taking on primary ruck duties, Dean offered a chop-out while posting up in the forwardline. The National Academy member did well to find some aggression and take three marks for the day, utilising his reach advantage overhead and taking the ball cleanly. He ironically dropped easier attempts uncontested but displayed good fundamental skills for a player his size, and in the wet.

#18 Harry Elmer
Defender | 180cm | 13/04/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Tasmania’s daring and dashing defender was his usual self on Saturday, taking the game on at speed and opening it up on the rebound. He was not afraid to attack the corridor and overlap despite the conditions not being entirely conducive to slick ball movement, but his surge style certainly helped gain quick metres. Elmer was also gutsy with a couple of intercept marks overhead.

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

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

Wootton has thrived on a change-up in role of late, switching to the inside and showcasing a solid set of skills through midfield. The bottom-ager’s clean hands saw him shark the ball at stoppages, combining well with Connor Ling and Dom Pitt to find effective exits. He also has weapons on the outside and proved it with a super running goal in the fourth quarter.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Douglas’ stat line read 11 disposals and one goal for the second straight week, with the speedy forward displaying strong attacking instincts. He had a happy knack for finding space and while his end product wavered, he was lively with ball in hand and provided quick entries deep inside 50. If he is to be a low-possession, high-impact permanent forward, he’ll need to be more clinical.

Dandenong Stingrays 13.9 (87) def. Calder Cannons 9.12 (66)

By: Adrian Dixon

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Rotating between the forwardline and midfield, the bottom-aged prospect contributed strong early efforts, pushing up the ground to provide an option, then managing to kick the first goal of the day from a 50m penalty where he converted from a tight angle. Hibbins-Hargreaves showed great reflexes when he received the footy and was extremely quick to dispose of it, virtually like a ‘catch and handball’ that was always effective in getting it to a teammate. He showed great vision and composure and tackled strongly when he needed to. Hibbins-Hargreaves dropped back well and was front-and-centre late in the game to get the end of a spilled ball from a dropped mark to kick the sealing goal, highlighting his ability to read the play in anticipation.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 6 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Hopkins continues to show his ball winning ability at Coates Talent League level, gathering an equal team-high 24 disposals and providing plenty of spread around the ground to receive the footy. The over-age prospect was creative with his disposal and provided plenty of options for his teammates to kick to, playing a linking role through the middle of the ground.

#14 Henry Hayes
Forward | 189cm | 08/06/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 11 marks, 10 inside 50s

Hayes showed plenty of competitiveness and grit for the Stingrays, highlighted by his grunt around the contest and tackle breaking ability. His booming left foot more often than not saw the ball being delivered dangerously inside 50, however areas of improvement can definitely be his decision making – especially when it comes to positioning around the contest – and providing a better option to receive second possession. Still, he managed to spread well around the ground to provide an option to kick to. He made good second and third efforts that helped his side get over the line.

#22 Jordan Doherty
Ruck | 199cm | 21/02/2005

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Despite being beaten by Cooper Duff-Tytler in the ruck, Doherty had a huge influence on the game and that included three goals that came at crucial stages of the game. Doherty was strong around the ground, spreading well and ensuring he dropped back to provide an extra man in the contests, highlighted by a strong mark overhead early in the second quarter. Doherty stood up in the last quarter with two timely goals within the space of just under four minutes to put the Stingrays in the lead, which laid the foundations for the momentum that got them over the line. One of those goals was from a strong tackle where he received a free kick and duly converted the set shot.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s

The St Kilda father-son prospect set the tone for the Stingrays early in the game with a strong tackle on Hussein El Achkar which resulted in a holding the ball free kick, and was a key to his side making a hot start. Peckett was in and under the packs all day, working extremely well with Harrison Doughton, and his work at ground level allowed his side to come out on top in the clearances. His delivery going inside 50 remains an area for improvement at times.

CALDER CANNONS:

#6 Hugh Allison
Small Defender | 176cm | 08/04/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Allison showed great evasiveness and run off half-back, fighting hard all day and combining well with Kieran Gallagher and Harry Albon to constantly provide run and drive out defence. Allison pushed up the ground well, taking risks with his kicking that came off – highlighting his football IQ – and provided solid delivery inside 50 always getting the ball into dangerous spots. One of his best moments was a pass late in the game on the left foot that saw Oliver Watt latch onto a mark in the forward pocket where he kicked truly.

#13 Kieran Gallagher
Defender | 184cm | 19/06/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles

Gallagher was one of the Cannons’ better performers, holding up the backline in conjunction with other small defenders in Allison and Albon, who enabled Gallagher to push up the ground and provide plenty of run from defensive 50. Although Gallagher was a tad sloppy with his ball handling at times, his defensive game was strong and he showcased a strong line breaking ability.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 tackles, 8 clearances

In an injury interrupted season, King had one of his better performances for the Cannons, showing elite composure and evasiveness all day. He provided dash from the contests, trying to get things going for his side, while also showing great composure and vision when it came to his ball use. King also delivered dangerously inside 50 with most of his deliveries coming off while also providing plenty of grunt work in the midfield and getting the ball out to his receivers. He also applied good pressure with his strong tackling and was a consistent handball receive outlet.

#19 Thomas Legudi
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 15/03/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 marks, 9 inside 50s

Returning to the Cannons after his AGSV commitments, Legudi provided great spread around the ground, rotating between the midfield and the forwardline where his strong play reading and intercepting ability shone. Legudi showed a great work rate with his movements up the ground when and contributed great clearance work when he had the opportunity to in midfield. However, some deliveries and his composure under pressure, especially around goal, could have been sharper.

#56 Cooper Duff-Tytler
Ruck | 199cm | 22/08/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 10 marks, 17 hitouts, 3 goals

Duff-Tytler was easily the best player afield and seeing him move out there felt as if the Cannons had another midfielder out there, with his movement highlighting his agility for his height. He had the better of Doherty in the ruck contests, however when it came to impacting around the ground and in contested ball, Doherty had him covered. When Calder did have the ball, he spread well to provide an option. The bottom-ager’s second efforts were great and his resilience was highlighted when he dropped a mark, however managed to go again with a second effort and converted a set shot goal along the boundary in the third quarter – the best of his three goals for the day.

Sandringham Dragons 11.16 (82) def. Geelong Falcons 5.9 (39)

By: Declan Reeve

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#2 Jack Dalton
Wing | 177cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

The bottom-aged wingman displayed his elite endurance across the four quarters, constantly keeping up with the play both offensively and defensively and providing good width for his side to rely on to get the ball out of congestion. Dalton was largely clean with his ball use and often made the best decisions, looking for the option that would help his side advance forward the best rather than go for the easy choices. 

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

Stats: 46 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s

As you could say for Ashcroft every week, he accumulated to an obscene amount of disposals on the back of his ability to cover ground and get to the right spots. With 46 disposals to his name it doesn’t come as a shock that he played a part in a lot of Sandringham’s ball movement into the forward 50, with some of his pinpoint passes by foot particularly impressive. There were some moments of uncharacteristic uncleanliness from Ashcroft, particularly early on when the game was hot, but he got back to his usual levels in the second half.

#6 Harrison Oliver
Defender | 181cm | 15/06/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 7 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Oliver is widely considered one of the best kicks in the draft and took every opportunity to prove so against the Falcons, demonstrating elite vision in his target choices, and elite penetration on his passes. Oliver was afforded more opportunities to push up the ground as the Dragons’ lead grew bigger, continuing his damage by foot in areas closer to goal, and even getting a goal for himself in the third quarter, launching from right on the boundary at the 50 meter mark off a step to send it straight through.

#12 Harry Armstrong
Key Forward | 195cm | 14/06/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Armstrong threatened to be a big part of proceedings early in the piece, taking a pack mark in the square early in the first quarter for his only goal, and consistently gaining separation on the lead. He had to adapt from the second quarter onwards with the Falcons often having two players on him in marking contests. Armstrong still tried hard through the game and consistently presented, relieving his other forwards of some pressure, but didn’t have the same level of impact as usual. 

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

Stats: 39 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s

Much like Ashcroft, Reid just accumulated to an elite level, also beating his previous best at Coates Talent League level. As per usual Reid was particularly creative by hand, often finding options most other players wouldn’t spot in congestion, and releasing them well into space, generally looking to be a part of the same chain of possession multiple times through gut running. There were times where Reid’s defensive application definitely could’ve been stronger, having some moments where he was in a position to run and attempt a tackle but choosing to ease off. 

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 10 marks, 3 inside 50s

You’d be forgiven for thinking Trainor was a midfielder given how often he popped up in the front half, getting forward as often as possible early in the piece, and contributed to chain possession plays for his side. Though, he was his typical self with his aerial presence when Geelong attempted to get into its forward half. With some freedom to push forward, Trainor utilised his precision kicking heading forward, often kicking well to the advantage of his teammates on the lead. Trainor looked a little rushed and unclean at times under pressure, but his effort never wavered.

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

The North Melbourne father-son prospect showed some real tenacity in and around the contest through the game, not stepping away from any challenge despite often being undersized. Stevens pushed up the ground well to act as a link-up option in transition, utilising his speed and high level left foot kicking well to hurt Sandringham with every disposal.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 1 goal

As is typical of Ivisic, he covered the ground well to contribute both offensively and defensively, often proving fleet of thought with his movement around stoppages, as well as with some of his ball use under pressure. Ivisic’s vision with ball in hand was a particular highlight of his game, pinpointing teammates by foot when moving out of congestion. He got some opportunities to show off his ability to impact up forward, taking a nice contested mark overhead to slot his solitary goal for the game.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 10 marks, 8 rebound 50s, 1 goal

It was Trainor up one end and Jaques at the other, with both prospects displaying strong aerial presence and stopping plenty of promising attacking plays for the opposition side. Jaques played a part in the Falcons managing to keep Armstrong relatively quiet, acting as the third man up in many aerial contests to either hold it himself, or spoil it towards the boundary. Jaques showed some good vision with his ball use as well, often moving it on quickly once he had identified his target.

Gippsland Power 14.11 (95) def. Northern Knights 12.14 (86)

By: Michael Alvaro

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Lindsay turned in a slightly different kind of performance on Sunday, less often utilising his raking left-foot kicking than he fed teammates by hand. He provided his usual spread from the contest and was pinpoint when he opted to go by foot, but did much of his best work defensively with repeat efforts and hard tackles. The midfielder adjusted well in the second half after a few uncharacteristic fumbles, getting back to his one-touch ways.

#4 Zachary O’Keefe
Wing | 177cm | 22/03/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

After sitting out the second half of his Under 17 Futures outing for Vic Country, O’Keefe ran out a full game with Gippsland and was prominent on the wing – along with several other bottom-agers. The diminutive talent provided exceptional ball use by foot, often hitting targets forward of the ball and doing so on the move. He tracked back to help support defensive transitions, but was also dangerous when delivering the ball in the front half and took ground with a nifty turn of speed.

#13 Max Stobie
Midfielder | 180cm | 21/09/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Stobie was close to the best player afield and was certainly the most prolific, leading all comers with his 30 disposals. In what was somewhat of a return to form, the midfielder showcased his sharp hands at the contests, but also impressed with his work rate and ability to hurt the opposition going forward. Stobie got on the end of several attacks to launch the ball inside 50, and he even slotted a pair of first quarter goals as he burst into attack. He was everywhere at times, and well balanced.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s

Scapin provided moments of great flair rotating between the wing and forwardline, even if his willingness to take the game on brought him unstuck at times. The bottom-ager showcased his ability to accelerate away from opponents as he worked up and down the line, using his pace and flashy movement to surge the ball forward. He was caught on occasion and can work on choosing his moments to ensure the end product is consistently damaging – as he can often be.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 11 marks, 1 goal

Eastham has been somewhat of a revelation since moving to defence, though he also came up clutch upon being swung forward late in the piece. The 188cm aerialist was a dominant intercept marker, operating off a high line and backing himself to reel the ball in overhead. His leap and strong hand were key features of many eye-catching plays. Eastham clunked 11 marks for the day and took many of them on the lead in the final quarter. After a pair of set shots fell short, he showed good composure to slot the goal which saw Gippsland reclaim the lead after a holding-the-ball free kick.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

Tauru is another Gippsland prospect who has been challenged to enhance his versatility of late, and he produced terrific flashes at either end of the ground. Primarily stationed in attack, the high-flying talent attacked the aerial ball with vigour and reeled in some absolute hangers, including one coming over the back of a pack in term three. Tauru’s speed off the mark proved an asset when leading and he had plenty of chances on goal, booting three majors after getting going with a sensational conversion running towards the boundary. He’s a highlight machine.

#33 Wil Malady
Forward | 188cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 5 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

One of Gippsland’s leading Under 16 prospects, Malady has shown plenty of promise in his four Coates Talent League appearances to date. The hero of Vic Country’s National Championships featured up forward where his competitiveness shone through. He did well to split contests when unable to take the ball cleanly and showed great endeavour on the follow-up. What’s more, Malady slotted three goals, including two in the opening quarter to help get his side on the front foot.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

Dattoli continues to push into top 25 calculations and is among the draft crop’s most exciting talents. He started in midfield on Sunday but arguably did his best work up forward, showcasing outstanding craft close to goal and getting busy on the lead. His movement made him hard to tie down, and as always, Dattoli lit up when gathering the loose ball. With endless energy and creativity, the rising prospect was one of the few Knights to consistently cause Gippsland a headache.

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

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

Fresh off a best afield performance in Parade College’s second consecutive Herald Sun Shield title win, Johnson got back to work in Northern’s midfield. He was slick at the stoppages, taking the ball cleanly and displaying a sharp turn of speed to break from the contest. His ability to read taps complimented his creative ball use and movement, often looking to attack and move into space. Johnson also got busy inside 50 as he cut inside to either snap on goal or hit targets inboard.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 tackles, 11 hitouts

Sims may have gone goalless for the third time this season – no less in his last four outings – but still managed to impact and show his upside. The 199cm ruck-forward presented up the ground and was skilful enough to feed his teammates in open play, while also competing hard to crash packs or follow up. His athletic traits were on show as he intercepted a Gippsland kick in the corridor and nearly kicked the goal, before going on to leap strongly at centre bounces and win some clean taps.

Murray Bushrangers 23.13 (151) def. Western Jets 9.3 (57)

By: Michael Alvaro

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 11 marks, 6 goals

Murphy was simply undeniable inside Murray’s attacking 50, taking 11 marks and registering 10 scoring shots for six majors. The powerful forward matched his season-best goal haul and helped turn the game in his side’s favour with three on the bounce in term two. He seemed to be involved in everything within 70 metres of the Bushrangers’ goal, marking cleanly in range of the big sticks and converting relatively well from distance, while also looking to set up others when able to.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals

Whitlock was a truly imposing figure up forward against a Western side which unfortunately lacked the stock to match Murray’s height inside 50. He took full toll by reading the flight of the ball and clunking some strong grabs at the top of his reach, which was near-impossible to stop. Whitlock also showed good touch to snap off both feet and even improvised by tapping the ball to his advantage – either at stoppages or in open play – before gathering and shooting on goal.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 4 goals

Joining twin brother Jack in attack, Matt Whitlock was less of an aerial force but still managed to hit the scoreboard with four goals – including three in the second half. The raw and talented tall fared well when able to utilise his speed on short leads, rather than engaging one-on-one. He did take a terrific contested mark in the third quarter though, to prove he can find several avenues to goal.

#34 Riley Onley
Midfielder | 194cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Onley was an integral member of Murray’s engine room and showed plenty of class throughout the day. The 194cm midfielder was able to extract at stoppages by ripping the ball free, but complimented that kind of contested work with terrific sidesteps and movement through contact. Onley, still a bottom-ager, was clean and balanced at the contest, while also proving capable of being a receiver to launch the ball inside 50.

#44 Oliver Warburton
Defender | 185cm | 13/06/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 4 marks, 7 rebound 50s

The heartbeat of Murray’s ball movement, Warburton was consistently able to turn defence into attack with his rebound running and penetrative ball use. He has improved his kicking over short and long ranges to hit targets forward of the ball and help connect out of the backline. Fresh off exposure at VFL level, the Vic Country representative was aggressive and operated off a high line to stay involved even as Murray dominated up the other end.

WESTERN JETS:

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

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

McGuane turned in a prolific opening half where he seemed to be everywhere, linking Western’s play between the arcs. The 2025 Collingwood father-son prospect was sharp by hand and clean at the contest, but also impressed with his running capacity and ability to chain possessions on the outside. His teammates often looked for him to make the right decisions in attacking phases and distribute the ball efficiently. The going was tough after half time as Murray opened the floodgates.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 rebound 50s

While it was a game of two contrasting halves, Burton was a constant force for Western as he repelled several attacks across half-back. The bottom-ager mopped up loose balls – albeit a little scrappily at ground level – and helped his side gather momentum on the rebound. He operated off a high line and positioned well behind the ball, before keeping his feet and driving his legs once possession was there to be won. Burton also got a late run at the centre bounces.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Back for just his second game since Round 10, McArthur reprised his role as Western’s main distributor off the last line of defence. The over-ager Provided his usual dash and dare on the rebound, often following up his initial possession to get the ball back and continue bursting forward. McArthur was also super competitive defensively, including when he dragged down Jack Whitlock in defensive 50 as Murray began to get on top in the second quarter.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 12 tackles, 1 goal

Kardachi once again put up strong numbers as one of Western’s lynchpins in midfield. The solidly built top-ager spread well from the contest and had a good knack for racking up score involvements – including a goal in the opening term and direct assist in the second. His punchy kicking was effective on stoppage exits, and the midfielder’s defensive work rate was evident with 12 tackles.

Oakleigh Chargers 10.12 (72) def. by GWV Rebels 12.13 (85)

By: Michael Alvaro

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Alger was among Oakleigh’s most lively forwards, playing both to and above his height at times. The 182cm goalsneak was typically crafty at the fall of the ball and manufactured scoring opportunities off the contest, but was also a strong leading target and displayed good hands overhead. He only ended up with one goal for the day and with a bit more composure, could have had more.

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

Stats: 42 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

Smith was far and away the best player afield on Sunday, proving a class above upon his return from a three-game stint with Richmond’s VFL side. The prolific midfielder racked up over 40 possessions for the third time this season – consecutively, no less – and popped up in every third of the ground. He was typically sharp at stoppages with clean hands and a nifty turn of speed, while also carving up the Rebels in transition with his elite ball use through the corridor. Smith’s footy IQ was evident as he worked into all the right spaces and knew where to be at the fall of the ball. Dominant.

#8 Charlie Richardson
Tall Forward | 191cm | 20/02/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

In what was arguably his best game for the Chargers this season, Richardson presented beautifully on the lead and stuck a series of strong overhead marks. He snapped home the opening goal of the game and had plenty of chances to score as he led to the top of attacking 50, but just lacked depth on some of his set shots. Nonetheless, Richardson ran his opponent ragged by working up the ground and consistently attacking the aerial ball with vigour.

#9 Tom Gross
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 15/09/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

Smith’s partner in crime through midfield, Gross had his moments as the go-to at centre stoppages and utilised his explosive speed to break away untouched. While he went to ground at times and his disposal was indifferent by hand and foot, the top-ager handled the ball cleanly and leant on his strong running capacity to connect with teammates. Gross also spent plenty of time up forward and drew a free kick in the final quarter to snare his only goal.

#11 Louis Emmett
Ruck/Key Forward | 198cm | 23/03/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 8 marks, 20 hitouts, 2 goals

Emmett put in an imperious performance through the ruck, dominating the stats sheet and looking every bit a leading tall prospect for next year. The mobile big man read the flight of the ball well and was difficult to stop when allowed a run and jump at the contest, taking several strong marks. He was also nimble enough to possess the ball on the follow-up and cover good ground away from the contest, almost like a fourth midfielder at times. Emmett capped off a super all-round game with two goals, both via set shots as he timed his moments to mark inside 50.

#60 Zac McCarthy
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 27/10/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 marks, 7 hitouts

Another Oakleigh tall who thrived aerially, McCarthy combined well with Richardson as a target forward of the ball, while also supporting Emmett in the ruck. The bottom-ager, who turned out alongside brother Tadhg, rose high for seven marks and took the ball nicely at the top of his reach. He possesses raw athleticism and was unlucky not to hit the scoreboard with a snap in term two. He and his elder sibling are both tied to Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy.

GWV REBELS:

#4 Sam Lalor
Midfielder/Forward | 187cm | 30/08/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 7 inside 50s

Turning out for just his second Coates Talent League appearance this season, Lalor had little trouble finding the ball – only, not at the contest like usual. With Oakleigh owning the centre stoppages, Lalor found his possessions around the ground and took some strong marks. His flat, penetrative kicking was a weapon going inside 50, and Lalor proved strong as ever when made to absorb contact in open play. He showed a few bursts of speed and having had his preseason interrupted by injury, will only get better with more miles in his legs.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 1 goal

Ough was GWV’s leading ball winner on Sunday and continued his strong form on the inside, having often cut his teeth as a wingman. The versatile 194cm talent has a good knack for racking up possessions in slow play, finding pockets of space to mark around the ground and move the ball on efficiently. He did so with great proficiency and even snuck forward for a sharp goal off hands in the third quarter to compound his impact further afield.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals

Hannaford was full of energy inside GWV’s attacking 50 and produced a breakout five-goal performance. He applied strong physical presence to shut down Oakleigh’s defenders, but also proved a scoring threat and popped up at crucial moments. He booted his first goal after the quarter time siren and made it two on the bounce to start the second term, where he added another two majors. Hannaford displayed strong finishing ability with a clear routine over the mark, on the run, and via snaps in what was a high-impact performance. He’s been in super form.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

The going was tough at times for Faull, who had a tricky matchup and was tested physically in one-on-one duels. He competed hard nonetheless and made sound adjustments, proving most effective when hitting up on the lead. When supply was limited deep inside 50, Faull showed good work rate to push up the ground and could have had a couple more goals if he had put a pair of snaps on line.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Burmeister cannot be underestimated among this year’s tall timbre, as he again produced a dynamic performance up forward and through the ruck. He got on his bike with strong presentation up the ground, leaning on a solid athletic base to work over his opponent. Burmeister’s reach and booming left boot were weapons which helped GWV link inside 50. He also snared an opportunistic goal in the third quarter after attempting a screamer outnumbered in the goalsquare, only to gather the ball while on the ground and snapping it home.

#44 Charlie McKinnon
Forward | 189cm | 25/10/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

McKinnon is making a habit of creating nightmares for defenders with his forward 50 craft, proving difficult to beat one-out close to goal. The strongly built bottom-ager drew solid opposition but thrived on frequent and deep entries, where he read the ball well and marked strongly to generate scoring chances. His only goal came in the opening quarter, but he continued to be dangerous.