TEAM Heppell stormed home to take out the annual AFL National Futures match over Team Sloane, in the AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser on Saturday. Having trailed by a game-high 25 points in the final quarter, the previously inaccurate green side straightened up to snatch victory with a barrage of goals.

Tall forward Archie Ludowyke was the hero, overcoming some early yips to take his chance when it mattered with a clutch mark and goal for the lead. His one and only major was the cherry atop of five-straight for Team Heppell to see out a 9.16 (70) to 9.9 (63) victory on the hallowed MCG turf.

Winning captain and Brisbane Lions Academy member Daniel Annable lifted the trophy for his side. Classy Geelong Falcons leftie Josh Lindsay (20 disposals, seven marks) was named best afield for the victors, while Queenslander Beau Addinsall (34 disposals) took out the same honours for Team Sloane.

TEAM HEPPELL 1.6 | 2.9 | 4.12 | 9.16 (70)
TEAM SLOANE 2.3 | 6.6 | 7.7 | 9.9 (63)

GOALS:
Team Heppell: C. Banfield 3, B. Latanis 2, S. Cumming, A. Ludowyke, A. Schubert, W. Walley
Team Sloane: L. Hetherton 3, Z. Uwland 2, J. Dalton, J. Ison, R. Onley, T. Whan 

RMC BEST:
Team Heppell: J. Lindsay, O. Greeves, D. Annable, T. Burton, S. Cumming, C. Banfield
Team Sloane: B. Addinsall, Z. Uwland, T. Whan, F. Kneipp, B. Kelly, D. Sharp

BOG:
Team Heppell: Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons)
Team Sloane: Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy)

SCOUTING NOTES

TEAM HEPPELL:

By: Michael Alvaro

#1 Thomas Burton (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Defender/Wing | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s

With both teams moving the ball quickly and attempting to play an attractive brand of football, defenders like Burton were integral to rebounding effectively. The prolific prospect ran into trouble at times but worked things out more often than not, going at 100 per cent efficiency by hand and delivering neat passes by foot. Burton released pressure and turned defence into attack by waxing well with teammates, amassing 19 uncontested possessions and 14 handball receives. A competitive small, he endeavoured to do the dirty work and was attended to after being crunched in the final quarter.

#2 Charlie Banfield (Claremont/Western Australia)
Wing/Forward | 188cm | 18/07/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

Somewhat of a surprise packet for his work in the forward half, Banfield finished with an equal game-high three goals and essentially kept his side in the game. He booted all three in the second half with kicks over the mark, having showcased terrific ability overhead for a non-tall. The West Coast father-son candidate and Claremont premiership Colt came up clutch late in the piece with a huge pack grab and the goal to tie things up with under three minutes left to play.

#3 Harley Barker (Sturt/South Australia)
Defender/Wing | 187cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Having mostly cut his teeth on the wing this year, Barker spent time there but also saw heavy exposure to the Team Heppell backline. The Sturt product swept the ball out of defence, displaying an agile step and good size to roll out of tackles. His best moment was a three-bounce foray along the wing in the third quarter, with that kind of transitional play an asset of his game. He got stuck in with four one-percenters and did well to contain Zeke Uwland in a tackle as he burst through the corridor.

#4 Luke Candy (Glenelg/South Australia)
Defender | 183cm | 16/05/2007

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

Candy enjoyed a particularly busy start to proceedings, mopping up seemingly everything across Team Heppell’s defensive half with six first quarter disposals. He pounced on turnovers and helped get things going forward off a high line. One of the South Australian’s best second half moments saw him stream through the corridor with a handball receive and launch kick inside 50.

#5 Lachlan Carmichael (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Defender | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Carmichael has played to such a high level in defence this year that it was no surprise to see him show his quality once again on Saturday. He got involved early with a brave intercept mark, but went on to impress most when attacking. Carmichael’s timing and smarts allowed him to peel off and get into space to be a quick outlet on turnover, resulting in 15 uncontested possessions. His work rate and positioning off the contest were essential to such numbers as he helped set up the play in transition.

#6 Samuel Cumming (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Forward/Midfielder | 184cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 11 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Cumming was one of Team Heppell’s standout players, both as a forward in the first half and midfielder thereafter. The South Australian was just about untouchable as he worked hard up the ground to link his side into attack. His sole contested mark was a strong overhead effort in the first quarter, though Cumming missed his two early set shot opportunities. He went on to showcase quick feet at the stoppages and ended up bagging a free kick goal to spark Team Heppell’s unlikely late comeback.

#7 Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Defender/Midfielder | 191cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 marks, 3 clearances

One of the early top pick contenders for next year, Duursma displayed his versatility with a half down back before shifting into midfield. He was entrusted with the kick-in duties and looked most dangerous when able to utilise his athleticism on the attack, carrying the ball and distributing it at 95 per cent efficiency. He was made to play tall at times, and while that was a challenge against game opposition forwards, he looked comfortable getting his hands on the ball in midfield. Duursma played with great dynamism to cover the ground, take overhead marks, and snatch metres.

#8 Bailey-Dean Latanis (Giants Academy/NSW-ACT)
Forward | 182cm | 07/12/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Latanis injected his usual energy to the match, booting two goals and having some lively passages up forward. The Giants Academy prospect got going with a snap goal in the second quarter having previously missed a set shot, and went on to chain some possessions up the ground. He had a poor moment trying to dribble the ball home with a Team Sloane defender camped in the goalsquare, but made amends by later converting into the open goalmouth to keep his side’s decisive scoring run rolling.

#9 Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Wing | 182cm | 07/04/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Lindsay overcame a slow start to be named Team Heppell’s best on ground, showcasing superb ball use and decision making. The classy left-footed wingman racked up 20 uncontested possessions and 18 of his disposals were kicks, going at 89 per cent efficiency. He timed his runs superbly to be a constant release point from stoppages, often cutting onto his favoured side and weaponising his kicking. While somewhat dependant on his left boot, Lindsay made his touches count and was reliably fed throughout the day to make good use of the ball, playing his role to a tee.

#10 Thomas McGuane (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 6 disposals, 4 marks, 2 inside 50s

One of the many club-tied prospects afield, McGuane struggled to get his hands on the ball as often as he is used to. The Collingwood father-son gun started in the forwardline and worked high up the ground, finding separation to take four marks and move the ball on with sharp decisions. He was given a run in the midfield after half time but again battled to reach his typically prolific output.

#11 Dylan Patterson (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 09/09/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 3 clearances

Having spent much of the year as a midfielder-forward, Patterson brought his flair and dashing style to Team Heppell’s defence. His pace off the mark is an elite trait and got him out of trouble plenty a time, but was also useful when snatching quick metres on the rebound. The Suns Academy member even used his speed defensively with a goal-saving diving smother in the first quarter. Patterson then moved into midfield where he was again difficult to lay a hand on, taking off with the ball in powerful bursts and looking dangerous when carrying it on the attack. 16 of his 20 disposals were handballs.

#12 Kalen Russell (Sturt/Northern Territory)
Wing/Defender | 180cm | 15/04/2007

Stats: 5 disposals, 3 marks, 1 rebound 50

One of the quieter players on the winning side, Russell had a handful of touches and managed to display his efficient short kicking game. He nabbed his first disposal in the second quarter, taking an uncontested mark in defensive 50 and contributing a short pass to the slow play. Having started on the wing, he was moved to defence after half time for similar types of contributions.

#13 Wes Walley (Subiaco/Western Australia)
Forward | 180cm | 29/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

If not for inaccurate goalkicking, Walley was on track for a big day out in Team Heppell’s forwardline. He was still one of his side’s most viable attacking threats and got on the board early with one over the back. The West Coast Next Generation Academy member went on to have four more shots at the big sticks, proving a menace with his movement inside 50 and pace off the mark. He was difficult to contain on the lead, working up the ground and backing himself to convert from difficult spots.

#14 Daniel Annable (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 183cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

While showcase games are often suited to flashy types, Annable’s work rate and hunger stood out as desirable traits. The Team Heppell captain is a renowned inside ball winner but showcased a different side to his game by racking up 22 uncontested possessions on Saturday. His ability to connect with teammates – aided by 17 handball receives – was exceptional, with the Queenslander popping up in all parts of the ground to drive the ball forward. His hard running on the spread translated to effective work as a high forward in the second half, where his clean hands and connectivity were of use. With a bit more polish on his kicking, he shapes as a complete midfield prospect.

#15 Noah Chamberlain (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Forward | 192cm | 21/03/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 7 marks, 4 inside 50s

Chamberlain was a key connection piece for Team Heppell up forward. The versatile Swans Academy talent initially found it difficult to build separation on the lead but got going with eight touches and four marks in the third quarter, thriving off his side’s quick ball movement from end-to-end. He failed to convert his influence to scoreboard impact, but showed strong potential in said purple patch.

#16 Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Forward | 198cm | 23/03/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 8 hitouts, 3 clearances

Fresh off a strong end to the Coates Talent League season, Emmett was selected as Team Heppell’s primary ruck. The mobile tall also rotated forward and was able to create a few contests early on when presenting up the line. He competed for first hand and possession in the ruck, which led to a few free kicks while jostling, including once inside 50. He put the set shot wide but usually troubles the scorers.

#17 Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Defender | 191cm | 07/02/2007

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

Greeves was Team Heppell’s top ball winner and embodied the attacking style of play both sides were attempting to execute. The Josh Smillie clone started in midfield and waxed well with teammates, often having the last kick heading inside 50. His combination work and smooth movement were then utilised down back, where Greeves racked up many of his 23 uncontested possessions with productive overlap run and daring passages through the corridor. While caught in possession on occasion, he has high potential with his ball use if he can consistently make the right decisions.

#18 Matthew LeRay (Central District/South Australia)
Midfielder/Wing | 189cm | 22/02/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles

It was an all-Centrals affair during the first quarter as in one passage, LeRay stopped Dyson Sharp in his tracks with a strong tackle, and then seared a pass inside 50 for Aidan Schubert. The powerful midfielder showed a good ability to cover ground for a player his size, bursting away from the contest and using that same explosiveness to chain possessions together on the move. LeRay was also utilised on the wing and swept back to defence, even taking a kick-in during the final quarter.

#19 Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Key Forward | 195cm | 19/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

It may not have always been Ludowyke’s day, but he grasped his moment when it mattered most. The high-flying forward clunked a terrific mark at full extension and put some earlier misses behind him to slot the goal to sneak Team Heppell in front. Ludowyke showed a few glimpses of his aerial ability and competed well overhead, also getting good separation on the lead with his speed off the mark.

#20 Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder/Defender | 184cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 clearances

Another of Team Heppell’s starting midfielders, Rodriguez generated momentum coming out of the stoppages. He looked most impactful when wheeling around and disposing by foot, getting good length on his left-foot kicks but proving just as capable of releasing on his right side. The West Australian was shifted to defence after half time and still managed to provide some drive through the middle.

#21 Aidan Schubert (Central District/South Australia)
Key Forward/Ruck | 195cm | 21/12/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

Schubert’s best moment came in the final quarter, where he pounced to intercept a loose Team Sloane kick close to goal and made the opposition pay to cut the margin to six points. The lightly framed, mobile tall showed promising signs up forward with his movement and skills, before also being thrown into the ruck. He made some gutsy efforts to compete aerially around the ground.

#27 Cody Curtin (Claremont/Western Australia)
Key Defender | 197cm | 18/05/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Curtin was a brick wall in Team Heppell’s backline. He competed hard one-on-one and was seldom beaten in the air, if at all. His competitiveness could also be observed when the ball hit the deck, as he hustled to apply pressure and ensure the opposition had no easy possessions inside 50. Curtin also got going on the rebound and while not overly quick, used the ball superbly for a player his size – much like big brother, Dan. His full-chested, gutsy approach was terrific to watch.

#28 Jasper Hay (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
Ruck/Forward | 198cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 1 disposal, 2 tackles, 2 hitouts

Hay had a go in every third of the field, starting up forward with a ruck rotation and even being trialled in defence late in the piece. He showed a willingness to compete when leaping at the ball but faced some stiff competition on both sides of the ledger and couldn’t quite have the same impact he often does at Coates Talent League level. Still, he’s a high-upside tall talent.

TEAM SLOANE:

By: Peter Williams

#1 Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Utility | 178cm | 24/04/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Uwland is a perfect utility in the way that his strengths are able to adapt to any role. Rotating between half-back, midfield and the wing, he still managed to hit the scoreboard with two goals – including a 70m bomb – with his running capacity a highlight in the game. He might only be small, but his skills and decision making standout, and Uwland was amongst the best for Team Sloane, pairing up well with fellow Suns Academy member, Addinsall.

#2 Jai Murray (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 183cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Playing his role in the back 50, Murray was able to get his hands on the ball and provide some rebound, while pushing up to add an extra number further afield on the wing. He took a strong mark in the defensive goalsquare during the third term and though often under pressure was able to remain involved for his side. His own pressure could lift further but he gets into ball-winning positions to transition the play from defence to offence.

#3 Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 34 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

Voted best afield for his team in the loss, Addinsall was outstanding across the four quarters. Collecting a match-high 34 touches, he started on-ball and then went forward where he was able to distribute well into attack. Most importantly, he covered the ground well to help out in defence, often winning it behind centre and hitting up targets on those 45-degree angles to open up the play. Addinsall was very impressive at finding space and when confronted showed nice strength to still dispose of the ball. One who has plenty of upside given his inside-outside balance.

#4 Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Wing | 177cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Started forward and looked dangerous around the goals, even if a little wayward and rushed at times, but the Sandringham Dragons premiership player was able to spend time up on a wing during the second term. He provided some nice passes going inside 50, and though he got caught ball watching at one stage as his opponent found space, he did well to force contact in the marking contest. He gave away the free kick but then smothered to force the turnover. Had a few ‘almost’ chances throughout the day inside 50.

#5 Raphael Geesu (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Forward | 172cm | 23/07/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles

Though not a massive ball-winner, Geesu was able to work his way into space in the front half of the ground and apply important pressure when required. Geesu boasts quick hands and even when not credited with tackles, was able to force opponents to rush a little in their disposal off half-back. He had a nice moment through the second term where he showed clean hands and a nice passage of running through the corridor.

#6 Sam Grlj (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Defender/Wing | 182cm | 26/07/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Grlj really caught the eye bursting off half-back and using his running capacity up on a wing for three of the four quarters. His speed and smarts to get behind the ball and move it quickly was very good, and his impact-per-possession was very high. At times he would look to bite off the risky kicks, but nailed a brilliant pinpoint pass into the corridor coming off half-back. He continually remained involved and by the end of it, Grlj was one of his side’s best players considering

#7 Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Wing/Forward | 185cm | 16/11/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 5 inside 50s

The talented Stingrays forward showed a strong pair of hands in the air and found his fair share of the ball around the ground, rotating between his wing-forward roles which he does so well. A naturally offensively-minded player, he helped set up some scoring chances inside 50. His gather under pressure at half-back during the second term was very good, and though his high risk, high reward style opens the door for turnovers, his knack to create something out of nothing was very impressive.

#8 Jack Ison (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Forward | 189cm | 26/02/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

The Carlton Next Generation Academy member showed some lively moments throughout the game and though there are elements within his profile that can improve, looms as a prospect with upside. He played up forward and has a neat sidestep, impacting the game in the front half with nice kicking inside 50 and a clever finish off the left from a tight angle. He applied pressure up the ground and has some outstanding vision with ball in hand.

#9 Joshua Reichelt (Central District/South Australia)
Defender/Wing | 180cm | 18/06/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 2 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Starting in defence and then moving onto a wing, Reichelt provided some hard running throughout the contest and looked to kick the ball long down the field. A kick-first player who had his head on a swivel focusing on ball retention and remaining open to switch play, Reichelt took some of the kick-outs and looked to win multiple possessions within a chain thanks to his contest-to-contest running from deep in defence up the field.

#10 Dyson Sharp (Central District/South Australia)
Utility | 188cm | 23/05/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances, 4 rebound 50s

A clearly readymade prospect, Sharp’s strength on the inside and ability to dispose of it even with a couple of players hanging off him is what sets him apart from others. His contested work, clearance ability and ground coverage are all very good, and he did spend time off half-back and even off a wing at times. His handball release and strength overhead are additional elements that help him take control of a one-on-one, and while not picking up video game numbers as he has at times in the past, was still rock solid throughout the match.

#11 Toby Whan (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder/Defender | 182cm | 09/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 goal

Another player who seemingly had more impact on the game than perhaps his statistics suggest, the West Australian provided great run from the back half and was able to also step in and play his role through the middle. He finished off from a long-range set shot early in the game and nearly kicked his second goal from a similar range but was rushed across on the line. His handball release work and clean hands off half-back were eye-catching and his overall game was impressive.

#12 Harrison Wilson (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
Defender | 188cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Wilson had a mixed back of a day with some nice moments coupled up with a few errant plays out of the back 50. He had a shot on goal that went out on the full, and then gave away a free kick with a tackle in the defensive 50 which cost a goal, but he also showed some great second effort work when taking the kickout and looking to run past for the next disposal which he got at one stage in the first term. He saved a goal in the opening minute of the third term with his ability to get back on the goal line and was otherwise solid across the board in the defensive 50.

#13 Lucas Wootton (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
Defender | 178cm | 11/05/2007

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

The Tasmanian was a handy contributor throughout the match, playing off half-back and looking composed with ball in hand. He seemed to make the right decisions and hit passes coming out of the defensive 50, with great vision and understanding of where his teammates were. One who knew his role and played it to perfection with reliability throughout the four quarters, particularly in the first half.

#14 Felix Kneipp (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Defender | 177cm | 01/01/2007

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

A late inclusion for the injured Xavier Bamert (shoulder), Kneipp made the most of his call up to finish among the better players on his side. He looked lively coming out of defence and did well supporting his side from the back half, while also playing aggressively up the field as well. He took a number of kickouts and dished off well even when under pressure. He found a lot of uncontested ball, but was elite by hand or foot, running at 100 per cent from his disposals and having 10 handball receives.

#15 Koby Evans (Perth/Western Australia)
Forward | 186cm | 08/09/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 tackle, 2 clearances

Not everyone can impact in essentially an exhibition match, and while Evans had a quieter game compared to most, still found 11 touches and worked his way into the contest through the middle two quarters. Mostly restricted to handballs, the West Australian worked hard to win a number of touches pushing up the ground outside of the forward 50 and contributed in close to win a couple of key hardballs and clear the ball from congestion.

#16 Blake Kelly (Swan Districts/Western Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s

Among the better players afield, Kelly provided nice run and carry and used neat foot skills going forward. His vision helped set up a number of potential scoring chances, while able to time his handball releases well. Kelly can weight kicks and find targets in traffic going forward, and though his own chances on goal sprayed to either side – one from a set shot and one from a snap – he was highly impactful around the ground, particularly working from midfield to attack.

#17 Taj Murray (North Adelaide/Northern Territory)
Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 05/02/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 1 mark, 5 hitouts

Had to share the ruck load with two other players which made it tricky, but still held his own. A raw prospect who has a variety of areas where he can improve, particularly at ground level, but has a nice leap and moved well once the ruck stoppage was complete to get involved otherwise.

#18 Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Forward | 194cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Less than a week after Patrick Cripps won the Brownlow Medal, another tall midfielder who is powerfully built and capable of winning the critical contested work stood up on AFL Grand Final day. Onley has nice smarts around the ground and while he does lack that speed some have, at 194cm, he is hard to shift and uses his body well. Onley’s strength overhead allows him to play forward as well, and his outstanding goal off a step during the third quarter was brilliant. He can sharpen up his polish but is a natural big-bodied midfielder.

#19 Ben Rongdit (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Defender | 183cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle

While Rongdit was only credited with one tackle for the game, the Geelong Falcons defender showed plenty of pressure acts throughout the match. He was a little quiet compared to others but remained involved with his off-ball work and looked to provide some run and carry from the back half down the field.

#27 Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Forward | 199cm | 22/08/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 10 hitouts, 4 inside 50s

Started in the ruck and had stints through there in each of the four quarters, Duff-Tytler not only controlled the stoppages but his follow-up work to get involved around the ground was also very good. The Calder tall used the ball well for a big and had 10 handball receives showing he is not afraid to run past and get the ball before driving it forward. One of the more high-upside talls, Duff-Tytler is one to keep an eye on next year and showed his potential through the ruck with a game-high 10 hitouts despite limited minutes due to the rotations through the role.

#28 Liam Hetherton (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
Forward | 195cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 8 marks, 3 goals

The most dangerous Team Sloane forward, Hetherton has a lot of potential for what he could become, with just inaccuracy at times letting him down. He missed a couple of chances he would have nailed, but found his range through the second term and never looked back, finishing with three goals including working hard towards goal to mark unimpeded in the goalsquare for number three. His work inside 50 to clunk grab after grab and read the leading lanes stood out and he was rewarded on the scoreboard.

#29 Kalani White (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 198cm | 05/05/2007

Stats: 7 disposals, 5 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Attached to two clubs through the Suns Academy and also Melbourne as a father-son prospect (Jeff, 236 games), White played the deepest defensive role and was often involved one way or another. A couple of times he got caught behind but when in front he was able to quell any attack with a great leap and timed his spoiling well. Playing it safe with his disposals which were often neat, short passes while on the last line, he clunked five marks – one contested – and was among the better players on his side despite having the least disposals, showing his impact in pressure situations.

#30 Tairon Ah-Mu (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 1 tackle, 5 hitouts

The Dandenong forward rotated into the ruck worked his way into the game when doing so. Though quiet on the day, Ah-Mu was able to gain great experience and won a few centre bounce hitouts and was able to get his hands free on a few occasions when in the contest to feed off to his teammates.