IT was a blustery weekend, but no team was blown away across the three Country/Tasmania conference fixtures in Coates Talent League Wildcard Round. We took note of some of the top performers and prospects from each hotly contested game on Sunday. You can find the Metro conference notes here.

>> Snapshot: 2024 Coates Talent League Wildcard Round

Gippsland Power 7.9 (51) def. Murray Bushrangers 6.8 (44)

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Duursma continued his run through midfield on Sunday and was among Gippsland’s top five ball winners, even with heavy forward rotation in the second half. While fumbly in the early stages, the bottom-ager had little trouble getting his hands on the ball and navigating out of tight spots once in possession. He showed a strong ability to sit in the pocket and fire off disposals or step around opponents who looked to rush him. Duursma’s big moment came in the last quarter as he struck a pure set shot goal to decisively put Gippsland into the lead.

#11 Marlon Neocleous
Forward/Midfielder | 167cm | 26/02/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Neocleous had arguably his best performance at Coates Talent League level with strong impact and numbers. He started forward and much like fellow small Thomas Matthews, showcased great craft and evasiveness. The 16-year-old jagged a goal in the second quarter by cutting in with a sharp step and snapping home – something we’re likely to see on repeat for years to come. Neocleous also spent time in midfield after half-time and looked to be creative with every possession.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

One of Gippsland’s many promising bottom-age talents, Atkins trailed only Jesse Craven atop the Power’s disposal charts on Sunday. He made a happy knack of impacting with disposals in the front half, hitting the scoreboard with a second quarter goal advantaged by the wind. Atkins displayed strong inside midfielder traits with a solid frame and set of hands, while also proving willing to get them dirty when the ball was there to be won.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Tauru was utilised at both ends of the ground, starting down back when Gippsland kicked against the wind, and being recast as a forward with it. He leant on his raw athletic traits to provide overlap run, but was also a highly effective interceptor as the loose player inside defensive 50. His hands were strong out in front and overhead, including on the lead in term four as he nearly bagged a goal.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#8 Ben Kennedy
Defender | 189cm | 02/07/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Kennedy flies under the radar as a reliable lockdown defender, but he came into his own with matchups on a couple of dangerous Gippsland forwards. He was consistently in the right place at the right time and hardly put a foot wrong in that regard, while also providing some punch on the rebound with his penetrative kick distribution.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Whitlock had a day out on Sunday and was arguably the best player afield. As he has done recently, he spent larger blocks rolling through the ruck to go with his usual work up forward. Whitlock took only a couple of minutes to find the goals but struggled to convert into a tough breeze thereafter, despite having several attempts at the big sticks. The mobile tall traded conventional hit craft for snatching clearances from the ruck contest, snapping the ball clear on both feet. His overhead marking and athleticism were on show as he took the ball cleanly and was able to step around smaller opponents with relative ease. It was an imposing, dominant performance from the big man.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Fend-offs were a feature of Onley’s game on Sunday, as he backed his ability to break tackles and treated the opposition with disdain. The bottom-ager showcased terrific balance and poise in the clinches, spinning his way out of trouble and charging forward with confidence. His clean hands and neat handball distribution were also on point, particularly across a strong first half.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 10 rebound 50s

As he always does, Warburton provided plenty of drive and impetus off half-back with his constant surge style and metres-gained mentality. While frustrated at times by the wavering skills in tricky conditions, the top-ager himself found it difficult to be pinpoint by foot and was a little scrappy at times. Nonetheless, his direct approach and ability to rack up bulk possessions meant he not only repelled numerous Gippsland attacks, but launched them for Murray.

Tasmania Devils 5.4 (34) def. GWV Rebels 4.12 (36)

TASMANIA DEVILS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 14 hitouts

Though conditions were hardly conducive to dominant talls, Hay fit the bill as a more mobile type and came into his own when the game was at its toughest. He swept back to support the defence nicely all day, but really began to impose himself amid the third quarter downpour through sheer effort. Hay competed hard in the ruck, won clearances, and tackled hard, including with an outstanding holding-the-ball effort in the forward pocket. Having been bested in the hitout department, he found other ways to have a say.

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

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

Another dextrous tall at Tasmania’s disposal, Mapley showcased terrific touch for a player his size – no less in wet and windy conditions. His foot skills and comfortability with ball in hand were exceptional, able to intercept the ball cleanly and distribute it with assuredness. Mapley had a good battle with Jonty Faull throughout the day, keeping him to one goal and quelling his marking influence as the two went blow for blow.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Roney was another player to defy the conditions, with his ball use proving elite as he racked up a game-high 29 disposals. The medium defender picked off all the right options – not just the easy ones – from kick-ins and got good depth on his kicks, helping Tasmania exit the defensive half seamlessly. He was willing to get involved on the overlap and adopt a high line, and also showed good game awareness to break out the torpedo punt when quick territory was required.

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

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 goals

Douglas kicked over half of his side’s score on Sunday, booting three straight goals and seemingly regaining a bit of touch in front of the big sticks. He was certainly economical, only needing a few moments to hurt the Rebels and showing good instincts to make gilt-edged chances work. Douglas’ speed was menacing as he crumbed front-and-centre and weaved through opponents, while also allowing him to bring the heat defensively. His best goal came in term three as he forced a spill while tackling, before recovering the ball and snapping it home to reclaim the lead.

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Charleson had the early matchup on Douglas and while holding it down defensively was tough at times, he provided ample effort on the attack. The rebound runner utilised his speed and foot skills to carve up Tasmania in transition, even getting creative with a handball to himself when hemmed in on the boundary. Charleson’s constant drive was then complimented by a pair of clutch intercept marks in the final quarter to help shut out the game.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s

An opportunity presented for Unwin to take on even more midfield minutes and he welcomed it. The lively small brought his usual energy between the arcs and helped surge the ball forward once he escaped to the outside. He was a threat at stoppages with crisp ground level craft and while his ball use was tested by the conditions, Unwin’s craft allowed him to win key moments. He showed good game awareness to draw free kicks and hold up play in the tense dying stages.

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

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

Lalor was well and truly in the wars on Sunday, suffering what looked to be a corked thigh just as he looked like taking over in term two, before being planted in the goalsquare for the remainder of the game. Up to that point he hardly looked like fumbling the greasy ball, even when hitting it at speed, and used his power to exit the contest ominously. Lalor was agonisingly close to clunking a few strong marks close to goal but nothing seemed to come off for him, and he was often double teamed when flying for the ball. He even copped some friendly fire for his troubles in term three.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal

Ough led the Rebels’ disposal count and many of his best traits were suited to the conditions. The tall midfielder was quite neat and efficient by hand and foot, even slotting a 45m set shot in term two after nabbing Oliver Hannaford’s free kick. Ough then did much of his best work in the second half, using his size to stand in tackles or shrug them off before dishing handballs. That kind of polished inside craft was key in the wet, but his soccer kicks off the deck were also necessary.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Hannaford continued his strong run of form in GWV’s forwardline, thriving in the poor conditions with robust work over the ball. He started out with a terrific bit of bodywork to mark one-on-one before bagging the Rebels’ opening goal of the day. The top-ager went on to work up the ground and showcase his power going both ways, hunting opponents with repeat efforts and brushing them aside when he had won the ground ball. He also spent some time at the centre bounces in term four.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Faull could hardly be faulted for effort despite being made to alter his usual game in tough conditions and with a decent matchup. The spearhead forward worked hard to have an impact up the ground and surge the ball forward with scrappy kicks. He was willing to chase opponents and follow up at ground level to help GWV connect the ground. His third quarter set shot goal was judged beautifully in the wind, and he made some crucial efforts to force stoppages in the dying stages.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Lloyd was resolute as usual down back and played the percentages to ensure GWV could restrict Tasmania’s scoring avenues. He judged the ball beautifully and moved quickly to either force spoils or take intercept marks, having the licence to peel off his direct opponent to impact contests third-up. One of his best defensive moments was a holding the ball tackle on Connor Ling during term three, which was one of his best periods.

#23 Flynn Penry
Ruck | 201cm | 20/04/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 33 hitouts

Penry showcased terrific craft in the ruck and comfortably won the hitout count with 33. He nullified the athleticism of Tasmania’s talls by posting against them with one arm outstretched and directing his taps, which fed a lively bunch of midfielders. Penry also impacted around the ground by dropping back into handy spots to relieve pressure and displaying outstanding composure with the ball. He was nimble enough to step through traffic and his foot skills were superb, particularly during the first half. The only thing lacking, despite a couple of intercepts, was a strong contested marking influence.

Dandenong Stingrays 12.7 (79) def. Bendigo Pioneers 7.11 (53)

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

It was an indifferent day for Hynes at times, though he still managed to have a say with two first half goals and many more opportunities. The midfielder-forward combined hard work on the inside with creative disposals on the attack, and had little trouble finding space inside 50 to score himself. After judging the wind well with his first two set shots, he missed a pair of near-identical attempts in the third quarter as Dandenong set up a winning position.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

Finding the ball was no issue for Langford throughout Sunday’s game, though he took some time to adjust and sharpen up his disposal. His handball game suffered in the early stages and he became more damaging as he utilised his kicking to greater effect in the second half. Langford’s ability to feed teammates and rack up several possessions while cruising along the same transitional chain was dangerous, and it even nabbed him a second goal in the final quarter.

#5 Riak Andrew
Tall Defender | 192cm | 17/02/2005

Stats: 12 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Having arguably been bested by Jobe Shanahan in their previous two meetings this year, Andrew faced the daunting task once more and kept Bendigo’s spearhead forward goalless for just the second time. The over-ager stuck tight to his direct opponent and was able to nullify his marking influence when Bendigo had the wind advantage. After some tough moments in term two, one of Andrew’s best moments was a rundown tackle late in the piece to exemplify his effort and intent.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Hopkins was Dandenong’s main avenue out of defence on Sunday and sparked a good amount of transitional play on a day where it was relatively limited. His ability to carry the ball and use it aggressively helped the Stingrays go end-to-end with fluency, and he also made an impact by cutting across to take a few solid intercept marks.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Yet another important over-ager in the Stingrays’ side, Doherty’s mobility and impact around the ground were impressive. He acted as an extra clearance winner at stoppages and was an effective link player when resting forward, even hitting the scoreboard with a wobbly finish on the run. Doherty’s ability to move through traffic was eye-catching and he waxed well with teammates like any smaller player would, only at 199cm.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Peckett continues to rise in estimations, which is bittersweet news for St Kilda fans and recruiters alike given his status as a father-son prospect. He was particularly prolific in the early stages, displaying a good ability to connect by hand and cover the ground, popping up multiple times in the same passage of play from one end to the other. He bagged a goal with a quickfire shot in the second quarter and utilised his strong frame to be a solid extractor at stoppages, with over half of his 24 disposals being handballs.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Day-Wicks found the going tough early on as Bendigo’s deepest forward, planted one-out in the goalsquare with either limited or wavering supply. He bagged a goal in term one nonetheless, making a good adjustment on his second set shot from a similar angle. The top-ager went on to venture through midfield and his aerial game continued to be strong, while he also looked to weaponise his kicking. Day-Wicks did have one poor moment though, as he ran around for a hand-off on the wrong side atop the forward 50.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 11 tackles

Being utilised as a midfielder with rotations forward, Travaglia’s usual run and carry was limited but that did not stop him from cracking in at the coalface. He laid a game-high 11 tackles and could hardly be faulted for effort having also reeled in a couple of gutsy overhead marks in the opening stages. He was swung to defence in term four as Bendigo shuffled the magnets.

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Evans led all0comers and was clearly Bendigo’s top ball winner, racking up a personal-best 33 disposals and stuffing the stats sheet across the board. He was typically tough on the inside and leant on his work rate to stay involved in the play around the ground, consistently popping up in each third. As he usually does, Evans also hit the scoreboard with a third quarter goal.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles

Bendigo’s coaches played a couple of wildcards over the weekend and Shanahan being shifted up to the wing against the wind was one of them. He struggled to impact with the elemental advantage up forward, but took most of his four marks with terrific judgement up the ground in term two. Needing a different look in term four, Shanahan was even thrown into the ruck to end what was overall a tough outing where Riak Andrew – his direct opponent – arguably got the chocolates.

#42 James Barrat
Utility | 193cm | 23/11/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

Barrat capped off a remarkable back-end of the season as arguably his side’s best player once again. The versatile tall was tasked with manning Langford at the centre bounces, but also rotated forward and shifted to defence. He was up for the scrap with his Vic Country teammate and got an early win by slamming home a 60m goal in term one. Barrat’s overhead marking and penetrative field kicking were useful in trying conditions on a day where he was hardly beaten.