THE STAGE is set for Wildcard Round in the Coates Talent League after an eventful final home-and-away round which saw plenty of top prospects impress. We took not of how they fared, along with a raft of state representatives and bottom-age talent, in the latest edition of Scouting Notes.

>> EXPLAINER: 2024 Coates Talent League Wildcard Round

Geelong Falcons 10.13 (73) def. GWV Rebels 9.8 (62)

By: Michael Alvaro

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 3 goals

In what was arguably his best performance for the Falcons yet, Stevens was a reliable avenue into attacking 50. The North Melbourne father-son hopeful presented up the ground and was crafty as an extra at the contest, contributing repeat pressure efforts and showing good smarts to win ground balls. Having connected the lines with busy work all day, Stevens got reward for effort with crucial back-to-back goals in the final quarter to restore Geelong’s lead.

#11 Josh Sanders
Forward | 176cm | 11/01/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal

Along with Stevens, Sanders was an ideal fold in the high forward role. His work rate and strong hands made him an effective hit-up option between the arcs, often getting separation to his opponent before taking the ball cleanly and wheeling around into attack. Sanders also laid strong tackles to compound his overall work ethic, competing hard in all facets of play.

#18 Noah Caracella
Defender/Wing | 188cm | 17/06/2006

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

Caracella has put himself on the radar as an Essendon father-son candidate and again showed his wares as a composed rebound defender. He was often the outlet for overlap run and took the game on in short bursts. Much of his work was done facing forward, proving an attacking asset from the back and always looking to accelerate out of traffic. Although, he perhaps could have done with a few shifts down the gears when repeatedly blasting the ball long by foot.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Coming off a prolific month, Jaques was a touch down on his recent numbers but got the opportunity to have a run in midfield. The Falcons co-captain attempted to utilise his agility to find exits from the contest and was typically quick when identifying targets to kick to. When posted in defence, Jaques hunted the ball with speed and showcased his terrific intercept ability. In those instances, his leap and attack on the ball were what stood out most, even if to just split to contest.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 28 hitouts

Faced with a pair of quality rucks on the opposition side, Pike imposed himself on the contest and dominated his domain. The over-ager showcased his ability to leap at centre bounces and was clean below his knees on the follow-up. While able to monster other talls, Pike also spread nicely around the ground and showed a deft touch with some of his ruck craft. He also popped up to clunk a strong mark inside 50 during the dying stages, but missed his shot on goal from close range.

GWV REBELS:

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

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

Unwin was busy as ever as GWV’s most prominent high forward. He hit the contest hard off the line of centre bounces and got involved up the ground as a key connector between the arcs. While his end product again could have done with more polish, Unwin’s energy and ability to read the ball off hands translated well to his stints in midfield. There, he had an instant impact with slick centre clearances on the move.

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

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

Lalor was clearly the best player afield in a losing side and recaptured his strong clearance winning form. The midfield bull was ultra-clean at stoppages, showcasing a strong core and rare power to drive his legs through tackles and to the outside. Lalor most often fed teammates by hand as his kicking wavered a touch in tricky conditions. His short, explosive bursts were most effective in straight lines, and he even lined up a huge fend-off in the third quarter to add a touch of flair. Outside of the contest, Lalor clunked a series of strong pack marks and looks to be hitting his peak.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Fresh off a five-goal haul, things didn’t come as easily for Hannaford on Saturday but he still had his moments. The physically impactful utility created scoring chances with his agility and power, applying plenty of pressure to Geelong’s defenders. His strong contested work and ability to scrap for the ball saw him given a run in midfield during the final quarter, after displaying terrific forward craft to turn an opponent inside-out and drive the loose ball over the back into an open goal.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles

Caldow was a mainstay in the relatively tall GWV midfield, and his 189cm frame was a factor at the contest. He sharked the ball cleanly off hands and used his size to shrug tackles, proving prolific during the opening stages. His slick handling and ability to cover the ground made him an outlet both on the inside and outside, though his ball use was a little inconsistent at times.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Lloyd had the matchup on Geelong’s Daniel Lowther and both players had their wins throughout the day. The GWV defender judged the ball well in one-on-one contests and fared well when the Falcons’ delivery allowed him to intercept off the back shoulder. He was hardly beaten on long entries and rebounded the ball with his booming kicks, but found it more difficult to shut down Lowther on the lead. It was a tough gig, giving up some size and having to absorb 51 entries.

Bendigo Pioneers 10.8 (68) def. by Murray Bushrangers 14.14 (98)

By: Declan Reeve

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals

Despite missing a fair chunk of the first quarter due to injury, Travaglia still managed to be one of his side’s key pieces. He brought his typical intercepting and rebounding game through the first three terms, looking particularly impressive when distributing the ball by hand as he often looked to find options forward of the contest. Travaglia provided a bit of spark for his side early in the fourth quarter when he was swung forward, kicking back-to-back goals, with his second one coming from a left-footed snap.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 6 goals

Displaying some of his best form at VFL level recently, Shanahan carried it into his Coates Talent League return, snagging six majors to kick over half his sides’ score for the game. Shanahan’s ability to get separation on the lead was a major part of his dominance in the front half, taking most of his marks essentially uncontested as he ran strong patterns. Although, he did still reel in a couple of contested marks, one from flying above a pack, to make it a pretty complete marking display. Whilst most of his goals came from set shots at varying distances, Shanahan showed some good work at ground level with his second goal, cleanly taking it off the deck and snapping it through. 

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 9 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Barrat’s efforts aerially were tremendous throughout the four quarters as he bravely sat under the footy on a few occasions to hold marks and quell Murray’s attacking plays. It wasn’t only his bravery that stood out, with Barrat’s physicality aiding him in consistently when battling for front spot in marking contests. His follow up ball use was typically clean, looking to distribute the footy wide coming out of the defensive 50. 

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 4 inside 50s

Whilst not an overly productive game compared to the lofty standards he has set for himself, Berry continued to show the traits that have him firmly in the first round mix come November. Berry’s ability to execute his skills at speed, as well as pick the ball up cleanly, was standout through the game, placing the ball well by foot for his teammates to run onto it and mark. 

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals

Spending a bit more time in the ruck than he typically does, Whitlock remained competitive in the contest and looked particularly dangerous when the opposition ruck couldn’t engage physically, but did his best work covering the ground and taking intercept marks down the line. As is standard for Whitlock at this point, whenever he had the front spot in a contest it was a foregone conclusion that he would hold the mark, remaining alert in transition and gaining separation on the lead to ensure that was typically the case. Whitlock’s ball use was clean for the most part, with some misjudged kicks his only blemishes for the game.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

Whitlock once again got the opportunity to play as the Bushrangers’ main forward target for majority of the contest, pushing up the ground as a link-up option when the ball was in his side’s defensive 50. When Whitlock got on the move it was difficult for opposition players to stop him from cleanly taking the footy in the air or at ground level, however there were a few times where he was out-marked by smaller opponents when they engaged him physically. 

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 4 inside 50s

The bottom-aged Country representative has been a good inclusion for the Bushrangers since the completion of the APS season. He utilised his big frame through the midfield to confidently win contested footy, keeping his arms up through tackles to still release teammates by hand. Onley was clean when he won possession outside of the contest as well, showing decent pace and using the ball safely by foot, while remaining expansive by hand. 

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Despite sometimes lacking composure and class by foot, Warburton kept trying to make things happen when he won the footy, often taking riskier options to quickly advance his side forward. A constant of Warburton’s game was effort, whether it was diving into a contest to win the footy, chasing an opponent into goal, or following up to receive the ball back – Warburton did it all at 100 per cent, never wavering from that. 

Northern Knights 12.7 (79) def. by Eastern Ranges 15.12 (102)

By: Adrian Dixon

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

Dattoli struggled for impact early in the game with a quiet first quarter where he hardly touched it up forward. However with his strong spread and coverage of the ground, he was able to have more of an impact on the game – especially in the midfield where he was able to find the ball. His second of his three goals for the day was kicked on an angle from a long range and for his third goal he was front and centre, highlighting his sharp reflexes. Marking and tackling especially around the contest was strong, however he could have made better decisions with the footy. His third quarter coincided with the Knights’ small comeback before the Ranges got away again, with Dattoli having 14 of his 26 disposals for the day during said period.

#5 Taj Logan
Wing | 181cm | 05/10/2006

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

The Northern Knights captain had one of his better performances of the season, pulling all stops to drive the standards for his side to compete and win. Logan provided good outside run, however his decision making and ball use could have been sharper. He positioned well defensively and showed quick hands, looking to keep the play moving at all costs, while when the Knights had the footy he didn’t get drawn into his opponent. One moment that stood out was when he chased Eastern’s Christian Moraes through the middle of the field, and even though Logan was beaten for pace, Moraes delivery inside 50 didn’t come off, highlighting an example being set to his teammates.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 clearances, 2 goals

Like he has done for most of the season, Lawson committed to the contest often on Saturday for the Knights, being strong around the ball and providing a physical presence in the midfield. Lawson continually drove his side forward, however his decision making can still do with some improvement. Still, he positioned himself and covered the ground well, especially on a few occasions where he was able to drop back and take intercept marks.

#34 Jordyn Gillard
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 02/12/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Rotating between the midfield and the forwardline, Gillard more than often had the right intent all day with and without the footy, however at times however could have positioned himself better once he released the footy in order to get the ball back. Gillard, as a small forward, was able to break away from his opponent on the lead and showed great kicking power to slot a nice long goal on the left from a long range in the second quarter. Positioning around the ground was excellent where he managed to take a few marks.

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 clearances, 2 inside 50s

Anderson wasn’t as influential as he has usually been for most of the season, however still managed to play his role in the Ranges’ win. Starting on the bench, he came into the game during the first quarter and managed to have an impact where he set up Jak Ryan‘s goal after sharking the ball straight from a Remy MacLean hitout to dish it out to Ryan, continuing the Ranges’ strong start to the game. Anderson once again was good at ground level and fought hard for the ball once rotated into the midfield. Still has some work to do on his kicking and decision making, with a lot of his impact on the weekend implementing a ‘see ball, get ball’ style.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 tackles, 3.1 goals, 3 score assists

Dovaston started in the forwardline and had an immediate impact, using his strong body work and football IQ to beat his opponent to kick his first for the day early in the first quarter. He was then was front and centre and showed great evasiveness to kick goal number two, and it could have been more in that quarter. Dovaston’s evasiveness and strength were highlights of his game and he held up well, especially against bigger and stronger opponents.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

The big-bodied midfielder was dominant from the start, winning the first clearance of the game and rotating between there and the forwardline where he was able to provide a leading option. Smillie was strong all-around and was ran through the ground where he weighed his kicks to perfection. His ball delivery inside 50 was a highlight, proving incredibly composed to spot his teammates and looking to bring them into the game.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 11 hitouts, 4 goals

MacLean took a strong pack mark to kick off proceedings and kicked the first goal of the game from an easy set shot. He positioned himself perfectly throughout the day and led up to the footy where he took great marks on the lead and in the contest, though at times dropped marks he should have taken. MacLean showed his strong work rate once again and was thrown into the ruck for relief where he showed his ability to be clean below the knees.

Gippsland Power 11.15 (81) def. by Dandenong Stingrays 14.7 (91)

By: Michael Alvaro

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

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

Lindsay made a red-hot start to proceedings despite the scoreboard being heavily tilted in Dandenong’s favour. The Gippsland captain was sorely missed thereafter as he went down with a suspected PCL injury early in the second quarter. Before then, he looked to have his usual zip on stoppage exits, accelerating to the outside and unleashing long kicks inside 50. His untimely injury casts doubt over whether he’ll be able to participate in October’s National Draft Combine.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Duursma has been trialled in a variety of roles this year and got an extended run through the middle on Saturday. Of his team-high 26 disposals, 16 were handballs, as the bottom-ager scrapped for possession and fed the ball out to teammates. His usual hurt factor was impacted a touch, though Duursma spent plenty of time up forward and showcased his dynamism in the third quarter. He kept Gippsland in the hunt with a goal out the back and was able to not only fly for the aerial ball, but land upright and recover the spills.

#10 Max Donohue
Wing | 180cm | 19/03/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 marks, 8 tackles

For a specialist winger, Donohue displayed serious toughness and deceptive strength with some of his acts on Saturday. In particular, his courageous overhead mark in front of Harvey Langford, and subsequent crunching tackle on the Larke Medallist during term four were outstanding efforts. Donohue also worked hard to pop up in good areas to launch the ball deep inside 50, providing his usual outside run and ball delivery in transition.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Mentha has been recast as a defender during the back-end of the season and continued in that role over the weekend. He seems to have some of the spark and swagger of his bottom-age season back, with the Alice Springs native contesting the ball confidently and showcasing composure in possession. Mentha was involved in plenty of slow play across the backline and distributed the ball efficiently, while also repelling attacks with sharp intercepts and spurts of run.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles

Tauru has rare gifts in the aerial department that make for some of the most outrageously good highlights at Coates Talent League level. He was again tasked with starting up forward and competed well in the air, while also following up with great dexterity and showing raw athleticism as he carried the ball forward. His attack on the ball never wavered and resulted in a super speccy in term three, as he was shifted back behind the ball. Intercepting is Tauru’s bread and butter, but he is also capable of taking the game on with speed.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles

Hynes was slightly down on his usual numbers, although some of that can be attributed to the sheer dominance of Langford. The Stingrays’ co-captain was creative with his use by foot, displaying measured decision making and hitting targets forward of the play. Hynes’ strength was another key feature as he used his frame to ride the bumps and stay upright when extracting the ball cleanly.

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

Langford had an absolute blinder on Saturday. Starting alongside Hynes and Elwood Peckett in a tall centre bounce trio, the co-captain burst through tackles like an NFL running back and covered ground like a wide receiver. His power was evident with a pair of snap goals in the opening quarter, as he swung the ball home perfectly on both occasions. Langford made it three majors in the opening half-hour of play with a set shot, and his ability to clunk overhead marks resulted in a fourth during term three. He copped some heavy knocks and found inconsistency in some of his kicking, but was dominant in all areas of the ground on the back of a ravenous work rate.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

One of the competition’s premier bottom-agers, Hibbins-Hargreaves helped his side maintain its momentum during term two. Posted up forward, he was difficult to shut down on the lead and took some excellent overhead marks. His work inside 50 resulted in two goals and a direct assist within four minutes during the second quarter. Hibbins-Hargreaves was then shifted up to the wing where his running ability and ball delivery were allowed to shine.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 11 marks, 1 goal

Hayes has broken out over the last fortnight and having broken past the 20-disposal mark last week, did so again on Saturday. The 189cm forward was a key link piece up the ground, showcasing his marking ability and looking confident as he flew for the ball. The result was a game-high 11 marks, and Hayes’ productive work was rewarded with a goal early in the third quarter.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 12 hitouts, 1 goal

Acting as a fourth midfielder of sorts in Dandenong’s engine room, Doherty may not have particularly dominated the ruck realm but had an impact on the follow-up. He moved with the ball like a small, weaving through traffic and showing great composure to draw opponents before disposing of the ball. His skills were there too, proving neat by hand and foot. Doherty also snuck forward to take a mark and convert his lone goal of the match at the end of the opening quarter.

Oakleigh Chargers 16.13 (109) def. Sandringham Dragons 10.10 (70)

By: Michael Alvaro

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Alger was one of the most pertinent threats in Oakleigh’s forwardline, mostly as an undersized leading target. He ventured high up the ground with strong work rate, but also ran good patterns inside 50 to utilise his overhead marking. He looked to craft shots on goal in open play, though could only manage a single major with his conversion over the mark in term one.

#5 Finn O’Sullivan
Midfielder | 182cm | 30/05/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Don’t call it a comeback. O’Sullivan never really left, but has been up against it this year with a spate of injuries. Having been managed last week off his VFL debut, the pick one contender looked to have his usual power and strength back when operating through midfield. He also spread hard off the centre bounces and became a threat inside 50. O’Sullivan made a hot start with two set shots in the opening minutes, slotting the second from long-range after a typically clean overhead mark. He seems to be regaining some of his timing, but got on the end of a clean centre break from Jagga Smith to slot his second of three goals on the run in term two. He looks primed for a massive postseason, should Oakleigh make it past Wildcard Round.

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

The superlatives are quickly running out for Smith, who is asserting himself more than anyone as the leading prospect of this year’s crop. His first quarter was stunning, with the midfielder racking up possessions at will both in slow play and out of the centre bounces. He shared the ball beautifully with teammates by hand throughout the day, but also did damage with his kicking on the run. Smith’s spatial awareness and ability to dictate play were Nick Daicos-like, as he hardly wasted a touch. Fittingly, he capped off the game with an unbelievable goal, breaking out from a stoppage on the wing and continuing his run to get the ball back inside 50 before converting on the snap.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Gross’ power and speed complimented the likes of Smith and O’Sullivan in Oakleigh’s midfield. He was not afraid to fend opponents off and got into them physically, showing great signs of high competitiveness. Gross played with swagger and backed it up with his work rate around the ground, where he could drive his legs and launch the ball forward. His kicking was notably more effective in slow play, no less off both feet, and he snared a fourth quarter goal on the end of a 50m penalty.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Emmett has been in imperious form of late, and was essentially another midfielder for Oakleigh after the ruck battle. He covered serious ground to get into good spots behind the ball, clunking strong marks and looking difficult to stop with a clean run at the contest. His agility shone in possession, as Emmett proved capable of using the ball effectively and contributing to open play like a small-medium player would. He had a particularly strong first half and slotted a nice goal on the run in term two. He’s one of a few tall talents on the rise for next year.

#21 Blake Leidler
Defender | 181cm | 20/03/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Leidler absolutely carved Sandringham up with his relentless and aggressive overlap running. He owned the corridor and was reliably fed by his midfielders as he came streaming past them, chaining possessions up the ground with repeat running efforts. The slingshot-style defender was particularly dangerous in transition and while one-faceted at times, proved he has a repeatable set of skills. He penetrated both arcs four times each and connected the ground effectively.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

On a rare day where Sandringham – at relative full-strength – was comprehensively beaten in midfield, Sulzberger looked the most likely of the Dragons’ on-ballers to provide some power and burst. While not as prolific as others, his size and explosiveness were factors at the contest. The Tasmanian also showed he could carry the ball and find possessions around the ground, where he used the ball neatly in the short-range. On top of his midfield exploits, Sulzberger booted Sandringham’s first goal of the game after marking an errant shot across the face.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Reid was arguably Sandringham’s best player in a disappointing defeat, and began to get going after his side was left shellshocked in the opening half-hour. He had little trouble accumulating possessions in slow play around the ground, but shone when utilising forward handballs to release teammates into dangerous space. Reid’s cleanliness and creativity were tested against quality opposition, but he showed a rare moment of line-breaking pace when he took three bounces and slotted a goal on the run in term three. Usually he’s allowing others to do the same.

#31 Bailey McKenzie
Forward | 191cm | 10/03/2006

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Given Harry Armstrong was relatively well held, McKenzie partnered up with Archie Ludowyke to kickstart Sandringham’s scoring. With the scoreboard reading 50-9, he slotted a timely goal in the second quarter and assisted Ludowyke shortly after as the Dragons worked back into the contest. McKenzie was a reliable option inside 50 and even ventured up the ground at times, proving a key avenue to goal. After a couple of nice moments, he added a second major in the final quarter from a forward 50 stoppage.

#36 Samuel Marshall
Midfielder | 185cm | 19/01/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 5 inside 50s

Along with Reid, Marshall was among Sandringham’s most reliable midfielders on a day where Oakleigh owned the engine room. The Lions Academy prospect ran hard both ways to accumulate possessions, but was also clean at the stoppages and displayed an agile step in tight spots. His ability to identify options was strong, as was his transitional running, which began to be rewarded in the second half as Sandringham chained together some end-to-end passages.

Calder Cannons 16.9 (105) def. Western Jets 10.5 (65)

By: Adrian Dixon

CALDER CANNONS:

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

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

After failing to complete the game last week, Hollow showed why his captaincy and leadership is and was a big part of the Cannons finishing first of all the Metro teams in the Coates Talent League. Getting the first kick of the game, Hollow showed great composure and vision and his delivery inside 50 was dangerous all day, hitting targets or putting the Jets’ backline under pressure. Hollow’s hard running was a highlight, while he also looked to bring other teammates into the game, identifying better options for the benefit of his team.

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

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

Finishing off his season strongly, Gallagher once again played a key role for the Cannons from the back. He pushed up through the ground and positioned himself strongly, spreading well to contribute to key plays throughout the game while also showing strong reading of the play in anticipation. Gallagher did well to clear out effectively from the defensive 50 considering the game was played in difficult conditions, especially in the third quarter.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 6 tackles, 7 clearances

King continued to accumulate the footy around the contest, while also providing plenty of defensive efforts around the like he usually has all season. Working with Hollow in the midfield, King’s grunt work at stoppages enabled Hollow to receive the ball and he showed great evasiveness while also being exceptional at ground level, especially at the bottom of the packs. His disposal wasn’t helped by the conditions, though.

#37 Hussien El Achkar
Forward/Midfielder | 171cm | 02/04/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals

The Essendon NGA prospect for 2025 provided a glimpse of what’s to come, managing a five-goal haul, with four coming in the first half. El Achkar picked up where he left off last week, combining strong running with positioning to kick his first goal. His second major came after being front and centre at the spill of a pack, then utilising his kicking skills to convert. He then read a stoppage perfectly to nab goal number three, all before quarter time. When he wasn’t kicking goals, he was delivering cleanly inside 50 and pushed up the ground when playing as a forward. El Achkar moved into the midfield later in the game and kicked goal number five fending off an opponent to run in to goal from long range. He covered the ground very well and with the absence of fellow NGA prospect Isaac Kako for the post season, he will continue to play an important role for Calder.

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

The captain returned to the Jets after spending invaluable time with long-time VFL aligned club, Williamstown, and his presence was immediately felt. His physicality was crucial in the midfield along with his ability to cover the ground well, while also marking around the ground strongly. Grego was composed with his ball use all day and was rewarded for his efforts when he speared a pass inside 50 to Ayden McCarroll, then from the misfired set shot kick, Grego managed to mark again and converted from the himself against the wind.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 clearances

In this game, Burton performed just as strong as he did in the corresponding game earlier in the year on Good Friday, spreading and positioning well and also providing plenty of pressure around the contests. Burton, once disposing of the footy, got into good spots to get the ball back while also showing great running patterns and provided some drive from the midfield. Down back he was composed, especially under pressure, while up forward late in the game he showed the right intent to pass considering the windy conditions. However, like he has done a few times all season, he would be well within his rights to go for goal instead considering he is often within range.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 7 rebound 50s

McArthur continued his solid campaign in defence after missing a reasonable period during the middle of the season with injury. His kicking has improved throughout the season and he used the difficult conditions to his advantage where he gained considerable length on his kicks especially out of defensive 50. McArthur pushed and peeled off his opponent quite well and worked hard to provide an option for his teammates. The over-ager’s versatility and athleticism saw him provide a running option out of defence and he tackled strongly, forcing turnovers with his pressure while also marking half the time the ball came down his way.

#25 Oskar Ainsworth
Forward | 185cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

Ainsworth once again showed he is a prospect to look out for in 2025, his top-age year. While conditions were difficult and opportunities at times were limited, Ainsworth managed to provide a good option on a lead, taking a few crucial marks and working up the ground well, while also attempting to be creative with his disposal. Ainsworth’s set shot kicking from long and short range was good, and he judged the wind well to convert his goals.