DANDENONG Stingrays utility Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves became synonymous with kicking crucial goals in 2024, doing so regularly across a strong bottom-age campaign. Mixing his time between the wing and forwardline, he booted 23 majors in 16 games at an extraordinarily efficient rate (82 per cent).

Having represented Vic Country at Under 16 level and made his Coates Talent League debut in the same year (2023), Hibbins-Hargreaves has long been on the radar. He went on to earn a Vic Country Under 18 berth as a bottom-ager having strung together an impressive run of games – his star turn.

In a four-match stretch from Rounds 8-12, the Stingrays managed a draw, a six-point win, and a one-point win. Hibbins-Hargreaves featured in each result and played a key hand with his habit of coming up clutch at the death. He kicked seven goals in those three outings, including four in the final quarters.

Among those term four majors was the first of five unanswered for Dandenong as it came back from 31 points down to draw against the Brisbane Lions Academy. Next, Hibbins-Hargreaves levelled the scores 40 seconds into the final period as the Stingrays went on to beat GWV Rebels by a single kick.

But, above all else, arguably his crowning moment came in the next game, against Bendigo Pioneers. The then 16-year-old snared a new personal-best of three goals, with two coming in the last 25 minutes – including the match-winner. He slotted home on the run after Bendigo drew level with four minutes left.

Such exploits led to his National Championships call-up, turning out in the Big V against Western Australia. Hibbins-Hargreaves also broke new ground upon returning to Stingrays colours, kicking four goals from 21 touches and seven marks in a 31-point win over Murray Bushrangers.

It led to even bigger and better things, with Hibbins-Hargreaves selected to play in the National Futures game and earning his place the AFL Academy. Before he turns for home as a top-ager, we dig deeper into the match which put his name in lights last year in the latest edition of Star Turn.

>> Star Turn: Liam Hetherton | Josh Lindsay

Dandenong Stingrays, Vic CountryForward, Wing

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves

Height: 185cm

Weight: -

DOB: 16-11-2007

2024 Coates Talent League averages:
16 games | 14.9 disposals | 4.4 marks | 2.3 inside 50s | 23 goals (total)

2024 Coates Talent League Round 12
Dandenong Stingrays 14.12 (96) def. Bendigo Pioneers 14.11 (95)
Saturday June 22 @ Shepley Oval

Stats: 18 disposals (13 kicks), 6 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

>> Click here for the full Scouting Notes

Having already regularly popped up with important late goals, Hibbins-Hargreaves headed into Dandenong’s Round 12 clash with Bendigo on a high. His side was also riding a strong 50-point win over Oakleigh and had the bye to look forward to.

The bottom-ager started up on a wing where he would be a mainstay until the all-important fourth quarter. He showcased his strengths en route to 18 disposals (13 kicks) and six marks, displaying a clean set of hands and technically sound ball use by foot.

Usually not one to waste a kick, Hibbins-Hargreaves was sucked into the frantic and high-paced nature of the contest at times, but managed to hit the scoreboard with a steady set shot conversion in term two. By three-quarter time, Dandenong led by an even two goals and it was time for him to go forward.

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Hibbins-Hargreaves made an immediate impact inside 50, sticking an overhead grab and slotting another goal over the mark. The major eased some scoreboard pressure on the Stingrays, who coughed up a pair of late goals in term three to see their buffer cut in half.

Such was the nature of the match, Bendigo went on to hit back and level the scores with four minutes left on the clock. Enter Hibbins-Hargreaves, who latched onto a handball at full tilt and slammed home the decisive goal. After nabbing a handy point, Dandenong held out to win by the barest of margins.

Having established himself as a player for the big moments, Hibbins-Hargreaves looks set to be Dandenong’s top prospect in 2025. What’s more, he promises to be among Vic Country’s best and brightest, and will represent his country in the National Academy matches.

SCOUTING NOTES

“Hibbins-Hargreaves can sometimes go under the radar when not impacting the scoreboard, but he hardly wastes a possession. Starting on the wing, the bottom-ager got his hands on the ball early and was composed with his use going into attack. He proved efficient by hand and and foot, showcasing great skill to either link up with teammates on the move or hit up leading targets. He had a chance to score in term four but instead laced out Tairon Ah-Mu to kick the sealer.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 CTL Quarter-Finals

“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.” – Michael Alvaro, 2024 CTL Round 19

“Hibbins-Hargreaves covered the ground extremely well as he constantly contributed in all phases of the game, getting back to aid his defensive unit moving the ball out of the 50, but also working just as hard to utilise his precision kicking moving inside 50, often looking to take inside 45 options that presented. The bottom-age wingman got to show off some physicality as well, not being pushed off the footy easily.” – Declan Reeve, 2024 CTL Round 17

“The lively talent has become familiar with clutch goals, and he yet again came up trumps when it counted. Challenged by Murray, Hibbins-Hargreaves put the game to bed with back-to-back majors, then a third in the final term via a mark at the top of the goalsquare, to make it four for the match. He showed that touch of class around the ground and executed well by foot, spotting up targets effectively. The best of the Stingrays in the win.” – Peter Williams, 2024 CTL Round 14

“Hibbins-Hargreaves played his role as a high half-forward exceptionally well. He showed excellent athleticism with his vertical leap to jump and mark at the ball, and is dangerous when in space. His set shot kicking from angles was efficient, however the bottom-ager could back himself more often when in range of goal, deciding to hit up teammates at a closer range instead of going alone. His work rate was solid, moving up the ground to provide options for teammates.” – Adrian Dixon, 2024 Victorian U18 trials