ROUND 1 of the new Coates Talent League season is in the books, yielding top performances from some of the competition’s leading prospects. We had eyes on all six fixtures around Victoria and made note of how said talent fared in the year’s first full edition of Scouting Notes.

>> ROUND 1: Snapshot | POTW | TOTW | RMC Medal Votes

Bendigo Pioneers 9.7 (61) def. Tasmania Devils 7.9 (51)

By: Adrian Dixon

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#1 Cody Walker
Midfielder | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 clearances, 1 goal

The Carlton father-son and Richmond NGA prospect once again showed he’s a player that’s going to be talked about for years so come. Walker set up the first goal of the game for Jonty Davis, then he snapped a goal on the run from a considerable distance which highlighted his kicking power and athleticism. He could have had another goal from a set shot, however that’s one area that could do with some improvement. His delivery inside 50 was dangerous for the opposition and showed clean hands and vision, while also getting boot to ball quickly while managing to find the targets at the same time, however his kicking efficiency can be improved upon too. Walker showed great maturity to compete against the bigger bodies, especially around the contest.

#2 Tom Evans
Defender | 180cm | 22/02/2006

Stats: 33 disposals, 4 clearances, 9 rebound 50s

Picking up from where he left off in the 2024 Wildcard Round, Evans adapted to his new role as a defender exceptionally well, finishing with a game-high 33 disposals while also being a trusted teammate to distribute the footy out of the backline. Evans also provided plenty of crucial presence around the contest where he demonstrated his ability to win the footy from the stoppages while also providing plenty of defensive pressure.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Just like his namesake, Evans was everywhere down back, marking everything possible that came his way. He used his play reading ability to his advantage and constantly repelled the Devils’ entries inside 50. He was never afraid to switch the play when possible and was composed across the last line, while also providing plenty of run and carry out of the backline and making smart decisions with the ball.

#9 Hunter Wright
Midfielder/Forward | 188cm | 20/10/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 clearances, 2 goals

Wright was perhaps the most influential player on the ground with his work up forward and in the midfield, especially around the contest. Wright started the game off in attack with an opportunist goal, and while he had the chance to add another one with a set shot from a considerable distance, he chose a better option. Wright worked up the ground well and looked to bring others into the game and could have backed himself with going for goal when he was within range. Wright also showed his physicality where he crashed a pack at a crucial moment in the third quarter that resulted in a Bendigo goal. To top off his day, he roved off a pack to kick a goal that effectively finished off the contest, showing great reflexes.

#10 Jaidi Jackson-Leahy
Midfielder | 183cm | 31/01/2007

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

After a slow start to the game, Jackson-Leahy had a huge impact in the second half where he used his body well in one-on-one situations to win several crucial contests for the Pioneers. Though at other crucial moments he managed to lose his footing, Jackson-Leahy was exceptional being in and under at the contest and delivered the footy into dangerous spots, including hitting up Angus Hoyne for a mark and goal in the third quarter. His follow up work was also a highlight.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#4 Jack Miller
Forward | 181cm | 13/04/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

After missing much of the 2024 season due to injury, Miller made a hot start to the game with two first quarter goals and showed what he can do with his marking and athleticism. Miller was skilful and creative with the ball at times especially on one occasion which resulted in his teammate breaking free along the wing. He was great with his evasiveness and pushed up well along the ground and competes well against bigger opponents. Miller was also proven to be dangerous when left unmarked as he then managed to kick a third goal from a set shot and also showed great closing speed throughout the game.

#9 Toby Callow
Forward | 187cm | 28/07/2007

Stats: 5 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Callow didn’t have a huge game possession-wise, however showed plenty of his potential with his strong marking ability along with being able to push up the ground. His set shot kicking was good where he kicked his first goal from close range while his second goal on the run was one of the plays of the day. Moves very well as you’d expect for a medium sized player and was clean at ground level in the dewy conditions. Showed great game awareness too where he continued to play to the whistle where he ran into an open goal which could have been his third for the game and changed the course, however it got called back.

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

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

Returning to represent his home state after a few years with the Sandringham Dragons, Sulzberger provided a physical presence around the midfield where he was first to the ball on many occasions. He also delivered the ball well by foot to find Miller early on, resulting in his side’s first goal. More often than not he managed to hit his targets by foot and read the stoppages well. Sulzberger does need to improve his pace, though, as he was the victim of a run-down tackle early on resulting in a free kick against him. Sulzberger will continue to put his name forward for the mid-season draft.

#13 Oliver Depaoli-Kubank
Midfielder | 178cm | 24/07/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 4 score assists

Depaoli-Kubank was quite zippy around the ground and provided plenty of pressure around the contest, while working hard between the midfield and the forwardline. His willingness to fight for his side and the ball resulted in him finishing off with four score assists for the game, stamping his authority on the contest. One of his score assists was a bullet like pass by foot where he set up Miller for a mark and his second goal for the game.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 tackles, 8 rebound 50s

Returning as an over-age prospect for 2025 while also mixing his duties at VFL level with the Casey Demons, Roney started the game off very well by recording 11 disposals for the quarter and finishing with a team-high 25 disposals. His first quarter saw him take a couple of intercept marks and also took the game on with flare and confidence where he constantly rebounded out of the backline while also using his penetrating kick to deliver the ball inside 50 into dangerous spots. Roney was composed under pressure and pushed up the ground in the second half while doing his best to execute plays with starting handball chains.

Sandringham Dragons 12.11 (83) def. Western Jets 6.6 (42)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#5 Ricky Theodoropoulas
Small Forward | 170cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

It was an all-action outing from Theodoropoulas, who looks like being one of the competition’s premier small forwards. The pint-sized prospect kicked his lone goal in the opening quarter and set up many more thereafter, working hard up the ground and using his speed on the way back. Theodoropoulas’ skill brought others into the game as he blended creativity with courage in a couple of terrific third quarter passages. His crowning moment was a magnificent piece of vision to flick a handball over his shoulder and assist Kayne Watt, moments after backing into a pack mark.

#6 Arki Butler
Forward | 181cm | 23/04/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Butler may not have stuffed the stats sheet but he made good on his chances and displayed mercurial talent inside 50. The bottom-ager was dangerous each time the ball entered his zone, proving clean and clinical with his opportunities. Butler’s movement and smarts made him difficult to contain, especially in the first quarter where he bagged a couple of goals. An imminent move to midfield and ventures higher up the ground will be the next step.

#9 Rory Wright
Midfielder | 183cm | 02/06/2007

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

One of the real finds of the opening round, Wright shot out of the ground as a smooth-moving left-footed prospect. He plied his trade on both sides of midfield, providing outside run and silky ball use heading inside 50. Wright also rode the hard knocks, including landing on his tailbone after a brave mark in the third quarter, but popped back up to continue impressing with his vision, agility and class. A goal at the start of term four was the cherry on top of his performance.

#27 Xavier Bamert
Midfielder | 185cm | 29/01/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Bamert was an absolute wrecking ball for Sandringham, drawing comparisons to Port Adelaide’s Sam Powell-Pepper for both his look and aggressive approach. The midfielder put his raw power on show with plenty of crash-and-bash play, attacking the ball with reckless abandon and breaking open the packs. He showed some class with a brave overhead mark in term three and got reward for effort with a goal in the fourth, making his presence felt.

#32 Miles Tyrer
Ruck | 200cm | 18/08/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 15 hitouts, 8 clearances, 1 goal

Tyrer put on an imposing display of ruck craft, not winning the hitout count against Macauli Buck but dominating on the follow-up. The strongly built bigman showed deceptive mobility to roam the ground and add to his initial efforts at the contest, using his big frame to stay involved. Tyrer’s ability to post and grab the ball from the ruck lended to hit clearance numbers, and he even used that method for a stoppage goal in the third quarter.

#34 Kye Fincher
Defender | 184cm | 18/11/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Fincher was Sandringham’s most prolific player with a team-high 24 disposals across half-back. The St Kilda NGA prospect adopted a high line to generate overlap run and accumulate possessions heading forward, breaking the lines in doing so. His ability to advance the play even saw him unleash a long ball which ended up in the hands of Kayne Watt deep inside 50, making for a goal assist.

#70 Kayne Watt
Key Forward | 199cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

One of Sandringham’s debutants, Watt looks like being a real find after stealing the shine from more highly touted teammates up forward. He started out with a strong pack mark deep inside 50 for the first goal of the game, following up with two more late in the third quarter. He showed good dexterity to finish on the move and with a snap around the body, while also following up at ground level to feed the Dragons’ smaller players by hand.

WESTERN JETS:

#7 Thomas McGuane
Midfielder | 178cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

McGuane went about his usual business on Sunday, racking up possessions as he has done at the level for some time now. The Collingwood father-son hopeful was typically classy in possession, displaying quick feet to shift into space and use the ball efficiently by hand and foot. He is the type of player who constantly wants the ball in his hands, even if his teammates are in better positions, backing his decision making to execute the right option.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Suffice to say Burton is one of Western’s best prospects, but he didn’t have it all his own way despite racking up a game-high 31 disposals. The defender was combative and prolific as usual, linking up out of defensive 50 with plenty of run and carry. Though, he often ran himself into trouble and had a few kicks he’d like back, perhaps trying a bit too much at times. He was much cleaner by hand and continued to work against the tide of both his own errors and Sandringham’s dominance. Midfield minutes may be in the offing as he builds into the season. His best is yet to come.

#25 Oskar Ainsworth
Midfielder | 186cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 5 clearances

Ainsworth was a player who got better as the game wore on, ending up with strong numbers against stiff opposition. The powerful top-ager showcased a clean set of hands to extract first possession and used his frame to help navigate out of tight spots. Ainsworth then began to break tackles and drive his legs from the contest, showing why the Jets rate him as the best prospect outside their current Vic Metro hub members.

Dandenong Stingrays 15.12 (102) def. Geelong Falcons 7.11 (53)

By: Declan Reeve

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#3 Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 16/11/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

The AFL Academy member was deployed across a few roles throughout the day, spending majority of the first half acting as a high half-forward, lining up directly on fellow Academy member Ben Rongdit, before moving into a centre square role for large portions of the second half. Hibbins-Hargreaves showed off everything that got him into the Academy and then some, with his quick and precise execution by hand impressive even in congestion, and his trademark kicking still sublime. Early indications are that he’s developed positively in his stoppage craft and contested game, looking confident with contact and pressure going for the ball throughout the match.

#4 Marcus Prasad
Small Forward | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

The bottom-aged forward put in a good performance, demonstrating all the key characteristics of a modern day small. Prasad was energetic around the ball, using his speed and evasiveness to avoid tacklers in congestion, utilising his vision and composure to get the ball to teammates when he ran into trouble. Out of possession, Prasad applied good pressure in the front half, forcing opponents into errors to create opportunities on goal, having converted a set shot from a free kick with ease early in the game. 

#10 Sam Lewis
Midfielder | 186cm | 25/02/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 9 clearances, 1 goal

Pegged as one to watch by coach Nick Cox during preseason, Lewis was a consistent presence in the Stingrays midfield group, acting defensively at stoppages for the most part in the first half, then getting off the leash a bit in the second half to win a few clearances of his own. Lewis covered the ground well defensively and offensively, leading to him getting a few uncontested marks in good spots through pure work rate, which is how he got his goal for the game. 

#11 Toby Sinnema
Midfielder | 180cm | 11/12/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s

One of the more experienced players for the Stingrays, the Melbourne NGA prospect was mostly damaging with his classy left-foot kicking through the game. Sinemma resumed his role on the wing in the first half, looking to break lines and change lanes every time he got his hands on the ball, and sliding inside defensive 50 to aid his teammates in transition. He spent some time on-ball in the second half with mixed results, looking rushed in possession through congestion

#64 Tairon Ah-Mu
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 7 hitouts, 1 goal

Ah-Mu was able to show off his stuff as both a forward and ruck through the game, starting off with a strong contested mark in the first quarter, following up with an attempted centring kick, then getting his goal from a kick off the ground in the goalsquare. The Falcons seemed to put a bit of effort into Ah-Mu from there, making it hard for him to hold marks as he’d often be going up against two or three, but he still had some moments where he got loose grab the ball in the air. Ah-Mu was solid in the ruck, often able to dictate exactly where the ball was going from the tap.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#6 Josh Lindsay
Midfielder | 183cm | 07/04/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 tackles, 7 clearances

Arguably the most impressive player on field, Lindsay was a shining light for his side in a new role in the centre square, having mostly played as a half-back to this point. Whilst early on Lindsay looked a little rushed in possession, it didn’t take long before he was pulling off some miracle disposals, with his ability to turn on a dime and quickly make the best decision a highlight, particularly in transition. The best example of this was when Lindsay received the ball on the defensive 50 mark, quickly spun 180-degrees and perfectly placed the footy to the advantage of a teammate running the opposite direction. Lindsay then moved to the forwardline for the last quarter, not seeing as much of the ball but remaining damaging anytime he got it. The move to the midfield should be a good thing for Lindsay’s draft stocks, with his stoppage craft and bodywork an area he’ll continue to work on through the year.

#9 Ben Rongdit
Defender | 184cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles

The other Falcons AFL Academy member, also linked to Geelong’s NGA, had a tough day at the office. Matched up on Hibbins-Hargreaves for a large portion of the first half, Rongdit had to remain focused and aware at all times. In the second half Rongdit got a bit more involved in offensive play, getting a few handball receives at speed to progress his side forward, demonstrating some neat disposal when not under pressure. His competitiveness and eagerness to defend can’t be overstated, as he often threw himself into contests to stop the Stingrays getting the ball out easy, however there is some work to be done on his cleanliness under pressure.

#39 Jack Pickett
Tall Forward | 193cm | 06/03/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

A member of the Vic Country Hub as a bottom-ager this year, Pickett was constantly moving into dangerous spots inside the Falcons forward 50 but struggled at times to hold his marks, often finding himself well marked by Adrian Cole or Josh Granger. It all came together in the second quarter to give a glimpse of what Pickett could be when he adapts to the level. His first two goals were a result of his well timed leap, one a free kick for chopping the arms and one in front of a one-on-one, with his final goal showing his smart positioning as he read the ball out the back of the pack, taking a mark just outside the goalsquare.

Murray Bushrangers 6.6 (42) def. by Gippsland Power 13.12 (90)

By: Adrian Dixon

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#1 Liam Hetherton
Key Forward | 197cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

Murray was behind the eight-ball from the start and with the lack of forward entries early against the wind, Hetherton worked up the ground to get into the game, build his confidence, and to try and lift his side. He did dive deep to take a good mark and his set shot kicking from close range was good, however not so good from further out, although you can say that the wind didn’t help his cause. Hetherton worked hard and kept presenting despite the scoreline and lack of opportunities and you could tell that his frustrations got the better of him later where he gave away a free kick, which showed he played for his teammates and wants his side to do well.

#4 Ryan Ash
Defender | 177cm | 20/03/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 17 kicks, 6 rebound 50s

The brother of GWS star Lachie provided plenty of run and carry out of defence with his line breaking speed, working well with the likes of Ben Kennedy and Harry Wilson. Ash was excellent with his kicking and decision making which saw the ball exit the defensive 50 safely taking the game on at all costs despite his team being beaten easily.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Returning to the Bushrangers as a 19-year-old for 2025 while also plying his trade in the VFL with Williamstown, Kennedy competed very well down back. His defensive pressure was excellent with his strong tackling, while he also displayed his strong marking ability. His work rate to push up the ground when he needed to was also a highlight and his kicking out of defence proved to be important.

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

Onley led his side with 28 disposals and early in the game showed he was up for the fight with a much-improved work rate compared to the previous season. It came on the back of a solid preseason with Collingwood’s VFL program where he would have learnt a bit. Onley kicked a nice long-range goal to kick start the game for the Bushies in the second quarter and produced a few good moments with his play reading ability to take intercept marks. His clearance work was excellent, however he seemed to tire as the game wore on.

#15 Harry Dean
Tall Defender | 193cm | 13/11/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 8 rebound 50s

The Carlton father-son prospect showed there is some excitement for Blues fans despite the heavy loss. Dean was one of the few bright spots for the Bushrangers where he stood out with his overhead marking, especially in the third quarter in a few two-on-one contests, including one where he nearly unintentionally did a headstand. Dean also showed his excellent movement with his speed especially after changing direction which is rare for a player of his height and also provided plenty of pressure around the contest.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 36 disposals, 10 marks, 5 clearances, 1 goal

One of the many contenders to be taken at number one in this years draft, Duursma was in everything on Sunday from the get-go. With his strong marking overhead and his kicking power, he impacted all over the ground playing in a new role as an inside midfielder. Duursma kicked the first goal of the game from an angled set shot kick, then set up another one where he attempted to centre the play inside 50 which turned out to be a chaos ball that found Tom Matthews for his second goal, bamboozling the opposition in the process. Duursma used the ball efficiently and looked a class above the remainder of the field. He showed on many occasions quick hands from the contest in close caught his opponents off guard. Although he tried to do too much at times and could have tried better options, Duursma held up well in tackles and juggled his marks well and looked laterally to make the right decisions in play.

#8 Thomas Matthews
Small Forward | 171cm | 28/02/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 goals

While not as prolific as other teammates, Matthews led his team with distinction on Sunday with two first quarter goals; the first from a stoppage, and a second where he got on the end of a chaos ball from Willem Duursma. His pressure in the forwardline proved to be too much for the Bushies defenders and he never got drawn into his opponent. Rotating between the forward line and the midfield, Matthews got around the ground well to provide pressure around the contest and also to provide a linking option for his teammates. Was unlucky not to have kicked more goals.

#11 Marlon Neocleous
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 26/02/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 2 goals

Neocleous showed his ability to accumulate the footy throughout the day along with executing the one-two play very well. For a smaller player, he managed to use his smarts to position himself well to out-mark his bigger opponents, which saw him snap one of his two goals for the game from the forward pocket which was one of the highlights of the day. Neocleous did make smart choices at times with the ball, however there is a scope for improvement with a few clangers made. He also demonstrated excellent pace and running power on the overlap, delivering the ball dangerously inside 50 numerous times.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 11 tackles, 1 goal

Atkins provided excellent support to the likes of Duursma and Zac O’Keefe in the midfield with his tackle pressure and strong technique, which resulted in 11 tackles for the day, the second highest amount for the game. While his defensive work in the contest was a strength throughout the day, Atkins also used the ball well by foot hitting targets however was a lot more efficient by hand with his vision and composure. Used his body well and has a bit of mongrel and topped off his day with a close-range goal.

#33 Wil Malady
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

The key forward built on from the promise from 2024 with his strong lead marking and while he finished with four goals from just the eight disposals, he easily could have had more to his tally for the day. He had a few misses in front, though his set shot kicks did hold up well against the wind. His set shot kicking on angles were better, and his timing and judgement of the ball on a lead was excellent where on one occasion he dived deep to slide in for a lead mark. Malady showed strong hands in the contest to take a good strong pack mark in the last quarter. While he was dangerous at the fall of the ball as well, it could be said he needs to improve his reflexes, especially when there’s an opportunity to go for an intercept mark.

#35 Zac Walker
Tall Defender | 191cm | 03/03/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 10 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Walker held up the backline for the Power on Sunday where he constantly repelled attack after attack, resulting in an equal team and game high 10 marks. He was composed when he had the ball in play and was excellent overhead. Walker can improve with his game awareness where on one occasion he let his opponent intercept a mark when the ball was intended for him. Walker didn’t get drawn into his opponent too much and was left on his own down back at times, getting into the right spots.  

Oakleigh Chargers 11.10 (76) def. by Calder Cannons 12.9 (81)

By: Michael Alvaro

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#5 Sam Grlj
Midfielder | 182cm | 26/07/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Grlj provided much of the impetus for Oakleigh in the first half, booting two goals in the opening quarter. His speed and daring running ability were features of his play, able to receive on the move and generate momentum for his side. Having previously done so as a defender or wingman, it was positive to see Grlj’s best qualities come to the fore in a relatively new role.

#7 Sam Allen
Midfielder | 183cm | 13/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Leading his side in Round 1, Allen did not have it all his way throughout the day but managed to grasp a few moments. Having showcased an incredible vertical leap at preseason testing, he soared bravely for a mark in the second quarter to catch the eye. He was generally strong over the ball but struggled to have a real impact at the centre bounces, even shifting out to a familiar wing role. His big moment came in the third quarter with a set shot goal to keep Oakleigh in the hunt.

#9 Aaron Sharkie
Midfielder/Defender | 183cm | 20/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles

Sharkie was one of the Chargers’ busiest and most consistent operators throughout the day, accumulating possessions quite seamlessly. While prone to dumping the ball under pressure at times, he began to work into dangerous launch zones and waxed well with his teammates – seemingly working in constant motion between his midfield and defensive roles.

#20 Archie Fogarty
Tall Forward | 191cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Fogarty was largely no frills but played his role beautifully as a connection piece in Oakleigh’s attack. The bottom-ager showcased a clean set of hands when called upon and lead into all the right lanes to bridge the gap between the midfield and forward thirds. He got reward for effort in the final quarter with an opportunistic grab and goal at the top of the goalsquare, which was deliberated on by the umpires for a close touched call.

#36 Hunter Holmes
Midfielder | 186cm | 19/02/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

A real surprise packet in the Chargers’ lineup, Holmes injected speed and energy to the play. He started out on the wing before being shifted into the centre bounces after half time, adding some dare and run through the middle. Holmes looked to take the game on when possible and hit the scoreboard with a nice set shot goal in the third quarter. He really had a go despite his light frame.

CALDER CANNONS:

#2 Hussien El Achkar
Small Forward | 171cm | 02/04/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 goals, 2 behinds

Emerging as one of the draft crop’s best small forwards, El Achkar doubled his goal tally in the final quarter with two more to give Calder some breathing space. The Essendon NGA prospect showcased terrific finishing ability on the run and often popped up like a cork in the ocean inside 50. In short bursts, he found a way to break into space and latch onto a snap, doing so twice in the second half to split the big sticks.

#6 Cooper Duff-Tytler
Ruck | 200cm | 22/08/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 14 hitouts, 8 clearances, 2 goals

Duff-Tytler’s performance can hardly be talked up enough, with the pick one contender burying highly-fancied opposition and showcasing enormous talent throughout the day. He made an electric start by slotting the first goal of the day on the run and was like a fourth midfielder with his movement. The 200cm phenom was impossible to contain as he stood up in tackles or evaded them, getting involved in open play and following up the initial ruck contest. He added a second goal in the opening half and took a couple of strong grabs to round out an incredibly balanced showing. He seems to have the balance of mongrel and mobility of great modern day talls.

#9 Felix Kneipp
Midfielder | 179cm | 01/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 2 inside 50s

Kneipp has made his name as a midfielder able to play defensive run-with roles, and often found himself quelling the influence of Oakleigh’s prime movers. With ball in hand, he was sharp and agile while having the point of difference of being a left-footer. He slowed down after half time having made a promising start, but has plenty more to give.

#23 Adam Sweid
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 14/09/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 clearances, 2 goals

After missing all of last year with an ACL tear, Sweid was pegged as one to watch by fellow Essendon NGA member El Achkar and has delivered on that. The crafty midfielder showed some pizzazz with his bursts of speed and sharp passes on the run, often breaking forward with creative intent. His ability to improvise on the fly made Oakleigh’s defenders sweat, and he even hit the scoreboard himself with two second half goals – from a set shot, then a snap.

#25 Cooper Herbert
Forward/Midfielder | 189cm | 19/01/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

An over-ager who garnered plenty of interest in the back-end of last year, Herbert returned to showcase just why that was the case. He’s a good mover at 189cm, boasting a strong frame and plenty of power as either a lead-up forward or impact midfielder. His clean hands were a feature in both roles and he wasn’t afraid to bring the game forward by driving his legs from the contest.

Northern Knights 7.12 (54) def. by Eastern Ranges 8.9 (57)

By: Declan Reeve

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#2 Sebastian Murphy
Midfielder | 176cm | 23/10/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

The Knights co-captain lead the game for disposals and was in the top handful for tackles, putting in a top notch effort to keep his side in contention through the game. Murphy was good in the contest, competing to win the ball well and often followed up with clean ball use by hand and displaying a knack for good decision making under pressure.

#3 Tyson Gresham
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50

The other co-captain of the Knights demonstrated his clean, one-touch work at ground level often, able to quickly execute clean kicks to teammates further afield – particularly impressive with his ability to turn on a dime and make good decisions. Gresham demonstrated his athletic traits well, able to shift gears to give the ball off by hand and get it back, or chase to apply pressure in the front half of the ground. Although Gresham didn’t hit the scoreboard despite spending majority of the game in the forwardline, his clean kicking, pressure work and knack for drawing in free kicks lead to plenty of opportunities on goal for his side.

#11 James Allison
Midfielder | 185cm | 23/02/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Allison took on the role of defensive midfielder for most of the match, paying particular attention to the Ranges’ Oliver Greeves at stoppage, doing particularly well in the first half with his tackling and pressure work from the contest. When Allison was more focused on winning the ball, he did most of his work at the coalface, throwing his body at the footy and dishing it out by hand to runners.

#15 Lewis Houndsome
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 10 hitouts, 1 goal

The 199cm bottom-ager showed promising glimpses in his first outing for the Knights, playing mostly up forward but rotating through as his sides second ruck. Houndsome was threatening in the air, with his first involvement in the game an impressive contested mark at the top of the 50, then a pinpoint kick to a teammate in the hotspot, and showed some cleanliness that’s rare in big men at ground level. He also showed great competitiveness in the ruck, not afraid to jump straight at his opponent, following up well at ground level post-stoppage

EASTERN RANGES:

#1 Blake Chambers
Wing | 181cm | 31/05/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 9 marks, 5 rebound 50s

A smooth mover around the ground, Chambers had a knack for popping up in the right spot at the right time, positioning himself well around contests to get releasing handballs. Chambers elected to run with the ball when he could, using clean skills to progress it further afield.

#8 Lachy Dovaston
Small Forward | 177cm | 29/05/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 goals

The Vic Metro hub member looks set to light up the Ranges forwardline this year, finishing the day with three majors and setting up a couple more, demonstrating his athleticism when he weaved through congestion or applied pressure in the forward 50. A real highlight of Dovaston’s game was his read of the play, demonstrated best with a couple of intercept marks in his forward 50 that he converted with ease, cutting off the corridor as Northern attempted to exit. Dovaston demonstrated strong contested ability despite his size as well, attacking ground contests at full speed, often winning the ball cleanly.

#26 Oliver Greeves
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 clearances

It was a mixed bag for the AFL Academy member as he struggled to get any separation from opposition early, getting wrapped up quickly anytime he got his hands on the footy. There were a few notable things still, with his ball use good on the rare occasion he got the footy in space or got an uncontested mark, but it wasn’t until the second half that Greeves started to get off the chain. Whether it was a mentality reset or a change in role around stoppage, Greeves looked a new player in the second half as he got separation from his opponent and started linking up well in chains, using his neat kicking and clean handballing to progress his team up the field. Greeves started meaningfully contributing defensively in the second half as well, helping keep his side in front.

#42 Oliver McKenzie
Defender | 185cm | 27/03/2007

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

McKenzie lead the game for rebound 50s and was a particularly big contributor for his side in the first half, intercepting well in the back half and more often than not running ball up the field to kick for distance forward, racking up a couple of 60-70 meter plays. McKenzie was also accountable defensively, not giving his opponents an inch in contests.