THE SECOND round of Coates Talent League action is in the books for 2025, with prospects continuing to emerge. Three of the weekend’s six games were decided by a goal or less, leaving plenty of players to rise to the occasion. We took note of some of the top performers from every fixture.

>> ROUND 2: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week | RMC Medal

Calder Cannons 16.9 (105) def. Tasmania Devils 4.7 (31)

By: Adrian Dixon

CALDER CANNONS:

#2 Hussien El Achkar (Essendon NGA)
Small Forward | 171cm | 02/04/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 tackles, 3 goals

The Essendon NGA prospect continued his strong start to the season as he pushed up the ground well from the forward 50. He snapped the first goal for the Cannons in the first quarter following a missed kick-out and some brilliant vision from Carled El Khodr, then followed up for his second goal later on in the second quarter following another receive from El Khodr. He kicked his third for the day with a snap straight from a stoppage that highlighted his sharp reflexes. His pressure was excellent throughout the day, especially around the contests.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 23 hitouts, 6 inside 50s

Was dominated early by Oliver Dean in the ruck, however he broke even with him in the end and faired much better around the ground with his spread. Duff-Tytler was quick to use his hands in the contest and provided an excellent ability to read the play and use his vision and composure when it came to ball use by foot. Duff-Tytler’s follow-up work from the contest was good and while he can do better with his ball delivery going inside 50, he kicked it into dangerous spots. One moment of note saw the ball spill from a pack to end up with Sam Harris, who finished nicely early in term four.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 marks, 5 clearances

Kneipp was efficient with his use of the footy throughout the day by hand and foot, starting early with an excellent delivery to Carled El Khodr inside 50, then again for Taj Robinson who had a shot on the siren. He gave his opponents the wheel around with his breaks from the contest, using his evasiveness before making sensible and smart decisions with the footy. He used his running power to provide spread and overlap with a strong work rate to provide opportunities for his teammates to use and receive the ball. Kneipp was solid with his clearance work and used his gut running to cover the ground.

#21 Carled El Khodr
Key Forward/Ruck | 07/09/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 score assists, 2 goals

One of the few 19-year-old prospects for the Cannons in 2025, El Khodr started off with a good forward 50 entry kick on the run to hit up Taj Robinson late in the first term. He missed a set shot at goal on an angle later on that quarter, however intercepted a kick-out and was clean below the knees with his vision to set up Hussein El Achkar for the Cannons’ first of the day. He then read the ball well to get on the end of a kick deep in forward 50 and then snap to kick the Cannons ahead early in the second quarter, then received a handball and snapped a great kick from 45 metres out highlighting his kicking power. El Khodr competed well in the ruck to relieve Cooper Duff-Tytler and did his best to keep the ball alive in congested situations. He was a focal point up forward with a big presence and moves so well for his height.

#23 Adam Sweid (Essendon NGA)
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 14/09/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal

Another Essendon NGA prospect, Sweid continued his strong start to the season after recovering from a knee reconstruction in 2024. Sweid provided excellent tackle pressure and was ambitious with his disposals at times as he looked to get the play moving quickly at all costs. Swied showed his great long kick, getting the footy into good spots and hitting up his teammates on the lead. He booted a powerful set shot kick at goal that just snuck over on an angle for his one major of the day. Sweid showed great evasiveness and was dangerous at the fall on the ball.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 8 marks, 1 goal

While Herbert was not as prolific as some of his Cannons teammates, he was impactful with his disposal by foot while also being first to the ball in the contest. His kicking was a tad erratic early, however it improved as the game went on and he did well to switch the play when he needed to. His set shot kick was strong and powerful late in the game especially from an angle where he kicked a goal. Herbert showed great running patterns and endurance along with speed and evasiveness to back himself to beat his opponents during the day, and showed great hands to set up Gus Papal for a goal in the last quarter. His marking was also strong.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#10 Oliver Dean
Ruck | 202cm | 16/08/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 18 hitouts, 4 marks

Dean was dominant in the ruck early with his hiitouts to advantage and it could be said he had the better of Cooper Duff-Tytler having given his midfielders first use of the footy, while also being strong in the contest at ground level and overhead. Dean provided ample pressure around the contest and great follow-up work. The over-ager covered the ground well to take marks on the last line of defence and was athletically sound throughout the day.

#12 Rylee McHenry
Midfielder | 179cm | 17/07/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 8 clearances, 8 inside 50s

The Tasmanian captain did his best to continue to drive his side forward with his strong work around the contest, winning clearances and providing defensive pressure. A nice, neat kick of the ball, McHenry was efficient with his disposal throughout the game and was physical around the contest with quick hands. He competed hard all day for his side despite the lopsided margin in the end. He showed his kicking power, and his follow-up work was a highlight.

#19 Lucas Wootton
Midfielder | 179cm | 11/05/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Wootton tried his hardest all day by showing excellent vision and composure to look for his teammates by hand, and was excellent by foot especially when he switched the play. With a booming long kick, he used his acceleration well to break away from contests and boot the ball into dangerous spots. Wootton competed hard, never stopped trying all day and laid a great tackle in the back pocket resulting in a free kick. However, he could improve his marking ability and positioning to receive the footy, being more spatially aware with opponents lurking around.

Murray Bushrangers 13.5 (83) def. by Bendigo Pioneers 13.11 (89)

By: Declan Reeve

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 7 hitouts, 5 goals

The AFL Academy tall was one of the Talent League’s joint top goal scorers for the week, slotting five straight goals and demonstrating he’ll have multiple avenues to goal at the next level; with two set shots from marks and three open play scores. The goals from marks both showed good forward craft, with the first coming after he nudged his opponent off balance to hold front spot, and the second a nice reach over a pack, tapping it to himself and holding it on the way down. In open play, Hetherton got to display his speed when running back to goal, beating his opponent to the ball, and later sticking to ground level to rove from a marking contest for another. Hetherton’s final goal came from a forward 50 throw-in, where he grabbed it out of the air and snapped truly.

#7 Ryder Corrigan
Midfielder | 186cm | 14/03/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 inside 50s

Corrigan played like a bull at the gate all game, attacking every contest at 100% regardless of what pressure was coming the other way. Corrigan had some moments where he looked like he could break the game open, displaying good burst speed from congestion and looking to move the ball forward as often as possible, but was at times let down by his disposal under pressure.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 8 clearances

Another AFL Academy member to take the field for the Bushrangers, Onley accumulated well through the game. He demonstrated a good work rate in the attacking phase as he looked to work into space as a marking target, or link by hand when his side was moving quickly. He was typically strong over the ball and slick with his work by hand, rarely knocked off the footy or taken down in a tackle and able to execute precise handballs at speed without issue. Onley could have worked harder defensively at times, with his two-way spread from the contest leaving a bit to be desired.

#19 Harrison Wilson
Defender | 189cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s

The budding Allies representative had a good outing as a rebound defender and demonstrated his potential as an intercepting threat as well, with some smart positioning seeing him cut off a couple of Bendigo’s opportunities heading forward. Wilson was composed with ball in hand and made good decisions exiting the defensive half, generally playing it safe with his disposal but not afraid to attempt inboard kicks when the option was there.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 10 clearances, 1 goal

Threatening regardless of where he was positioned, Wright demonstrated his physicality and burst speed at every opportunity. Often lined up on Riley Onley around stoppages, Wright did well to quell his opponent’s influence and managed to get away to win a few clearances himself, often looking to clear the ball long on his favoured left side, but showing he could hit up targets when necessary as well. His understand of contested craft was evident, nudging opposition under the ball at stoppage and in marking contests to give himself more space to work with. 

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 5 inside 50s

Marked as one to watch heading into the season, Jackson-Leahy followed up on his impressive Round 1 performance with another influential display against the Bushrangers. Whilst he’s more than capable of winning contested footy, the emerging top-ager looked best as a receiver around the ground, able to best use his sublime skills in space and deliver quality passes forward to kick-start his side’s attacking forays.

GWV Rebels 8.13 (61) def. Geelong Falcons 8.11 (59)

By: Michael Alvaro

GWV REBELS:

#1 Ethan Drever
Defender | 185cm | 10/07/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 8 rebound 50s

A bottom-ager who debuted last year, Drever is one of the Rebels’ best emerging talents. While perhaps midfield exposure is in the offing later down the line, he operated off half-back as one of GWV’s designated ball users. Drever had a productive third quarter and while his usually efficient kicking wavered at times, he handled the ball cleanly and worked hard to get it moving in transition.

#3 Archie Taylor
Midfielder | 178cm | 25/05/2007

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

Having played every game last year, Taylor enters his top-age campaign as one of the Rebels’ most integral figures. The crafty small was employed in midfield as advertised during preseason, showcasing his sharp turn of speed in impactful bursts. Taylor gained quick metres and left opponents in his wake, but had to blow out a few cobwebs with his disposal. He made up for any errors with a couple of defensive acts, including a rundown tackle on Ben Rongdit in term two.

#5 Floyd Burmeister
Key Forward | 199cm | 04/05/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

While still a work in progress, Burmeister imposed himself as any good over-ager should on Saturday. The athletic tall was difficult to contain on the move, gaining ample separation to his opponent on hit-up leads or when mopping up errant entries. Burmeister kicked all his three goals at one end of Mars Stadium, with two coming from snaps and one a more conventional set shot. He had two majors on the board within the first 10 minutes in a signal of his intentions.

#9 Talor Byrne
Midfielder | 174cm | 14/11/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Entering the season off two goals in last year’s Grand Final, Byrne was full of both flair and substance in this outing. The diminutive midfielder immediately showcased his speed with powerful bursts from stoppage, and more traits were uncovered as the game wore on. He was brave when marking overhead and defied his size with a couple of aerial efforts, including a mark deep inside 50 which led to his third quarter goal. Byrne’s darting left-foot was also an asset, especially when able to use it to get out of trouble – looking laterally instead of blazing away long.

#45 Chad Finck
Ruck | 195cm | 22/04/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 18 hitouts, 6 inside 50s

Another exciting find for the Rebels this year, Finck impressed in the primary ruck role. While arguably undersized at 195cm, he comfortably won the hitout count with 18 and covered the ground well in open play. His aerial attack was terrific, leaping confidently and extending at the ball to take some strong grabs. He was also willing to stand under the high ball and got stuck in at ground level, following up to sustain his impact past the initial contest.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#4 Jesse Mellor (Geelong NGA)
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 04/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles

Leading all comers alongside Lindsay, Mellor was very nearly the hero for Geelong. His quickfire snap bounced ever so slightly into the post in the dying seconds, leaving the Falcons a couple of points short despite some thinking he had done enough. The Geelong NGA member rotated through midfield but looked most lively possessing the ball across half-forward, working into good launch zones. His size and gutsy aerial feats were handy traits, though he just lacked the finish product with three minor scores.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

After a steady start playing on-ball, Lindsay began to hit top form upon reverting to his favoured role across half-back. He was quick-thinking and clean but struggled to have an impact at the stoppages, registering zero clearances and just two contested possessions. Once released down back he showcased his elite ball use and decision making, able to play to his own tempo and distribute the ball effectively. As usual, he did most of his work by foot with 21 kicks, operating at 72 per cent efficiency.

#9 Ben Rongdit (Geelong NGA)
Defender | 184cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s

The second of Geelong’s National Academy members, Rongdit continued to display desperate intent down back. The raw and athletic defender launched himself into contests and while overzealous at times with four free kicks against, his effort could not be faulted. Rongdit’s ability to compete aerially and follow up at ground level was noted, and he showed good game sense to hold a high line and move the ball with greater urgency in the dying stages.

#25 Jett Elek
Key Forward/Ruck | 201cm | 17/04/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 2 clearances

After a promising debut last week, Elek produced a few more glimpses of his potential. The mobile tall looked dangerous when presenting straight at the kicker, and while he could have been a little stronger in the contest, reliably provided an option on the lead. Elek proved his ability to impact around the ground when rucking and even dared to step around speedy 174cm Rebel Talor Byrne in the fourth quarter. His best is yet to come, one to watch.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Pickett put together a phenomenal first half, taking all six marks and booting both his goals before the main break. He was a constant threat up forward, proving strong on the lead with an ability to either mark close to goal or connect the play into attacking 50. He was Geelong’s main avenue and slotted two set shots without fuss, striking the ball cleanly. Maintaining four-quarter consistency will help the bottom-ager take another step. He draws comparisons to fellow Torquay product Charlie Curnow with his frame, power, and strong aerial ability.

Northern Knights 4.10 (34) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 16.15 (111)

By: Adrian Dixon

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#2 Tyson Gresham (Carlton NGA)
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 goals

Gresham did his best to compete well in the contest aerially despite being undersized. He provided one of the highlights of the game kicking the Knights first goal nearly halfway through the third quarter from a close range snap on the run. His follow-up work and second efforts throughout the day were solid and kept on fighting despite the margin. He hit up a nice pass for Hugh White early in the last quarter who converted from a set shot.

#13 Roman Moxon
Small Defender | 175cm | 11/06/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 tackles, 10 rebound 50s

Continuing his strong start to the season, Moxon tried his best to compete throughout the day and kicked the ball well out of the backline. He consistently hit targets, especially when he was under pressure, showing a great amount of composure. Moxon provided plenty of drive out of the backline for a defence that was under siege throughout the game, reaching double figures in rebound 50s, and was also solid with his defensive work around the ground with his six tackles.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 10 hitouts

Another bottom-aged prospect, Houndsome worked hard around and up the ground, showing strong hands and presenting well on a lead. He displayed excellent composure and vision for a player of his size, always looking for the better option when possessing the ball inside 50. He could perhaps throw his weight around a little bit more at the contest, especially in one-on-one situations, but confidence in that area will grow over the next year.

#45 Hugh White
Midfielder | 183cm | 26/08/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 clearances, 2 goals

An over-age prospect, White went in hard at the contest and made smart decisions with the footy. He broke away from the contest well and used speed and evasiveness to his advantage to break tackles, which was also supported by his strength. He showed great vision to find teammates around goal who just couldn’t convert. Competitive and strong bodied, he continued to work hard up and down the ground all day and topped his day off with a goal seconds before the final siren to make the scoreline look a little bit more respectable, having kicked one earlier in the fourth quarter from a set shot.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#3 Jai Saxena (Collingwood NGA)
Midfielder | 179cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals

The Collingwood NGA prospect was very potent at the fall of the ball and showed a neat kick off one step. He worked hard up and down the ground while also providing voice and direction to his teammates. He delivered it dangerously inside 50 and worked his way to run into good spots to get a run on, while also juggling his marks well and hitting targets inside 50. Saxena showed excellent clean hands and a good set shot kick for goal on an angle, while his follow-up work was excellent after pushing up the ground. He is very dangerous in open space and timed his running patterns well when it came to the ball hitting the deck. He took a nice overhead mark in the last quarter and a set shot kick from long range went through for a goal. He could have easily had more goals but selflessly went for closer options in the forward 50.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Grlj read his ruck’s work at the stoppages well while his tackle pressure was strong and forced turnovers. Grlj took on the opposition often, breaking away easily from them at the stoppages. While he was creative by foot, he tried to do too much against the opposition in one instance by using that evasiveness and was run down caught holding the ball. His delivery inside 50 was good and was shown where he did well to hit up Louis Emmett in the third quarter. Grlj knows when he needs to utilise his running power and his lateral movement.

#8 Zac McCarthy (Collingwood NGA)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 27/10/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 clearances, 17 hitouts, 1 goal

Another Collingwood NGA prospect, McCarthy started up forward while providing strong support to Louis Emmett in the ruck. He kicked the second goal for the Chargers with a nice long-range set shot kick to continue the good start. McCarthy covered the ground exceptionally well and ended up spending most of the game in the ruck with Emmett spending a bit of time up forward. He kicked a nice long-range set shot goal from a free kick in the second quartet to extend the Chargers’ lead. McCarthy has excellent speed for a player of his height, however his decision making with ball delivery inside 50 can be better. He worked well with his midfielders and showed excellent composure to hit targets inside 50. As expected, he timed his jumps in the ruck well and his follow-up work was excellent, while he also showed strong athleticism and overhead marking.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Oakleigh’s leading possession getter on the ground, Sharkie physically used his body smartly to deny his opponent in contests. He spread well to provide options for teammates while rotating between the backline and on-ball. Has strong hands and juggled a good intercept mark in the first quarter. He then showed excellent vision in the second quarter to hit up Flynn Woolhouse for a mark and a goal. Sharkie covered the ground exceptionally well while showing excellent vision again where he switched the footy from one side of the forward 50 to the other side to hit up Mingara Clark for an assist where he easily could have gone for goal himself. He has a beautiful kicking action and is not afraid to look laterally for better options.

Sandringham Dragons 14.6 (90) def. Eastern Ranges 13.6 (84)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

It was another highly promising outing from Wright, who burst onto the scene last week. While he spent time on the wing, he had had a greater impact on-ball with seven clearances and 13 contested possessions, proving strong through the hips and tough in tight spots. Wright’s ability to hit leading targets inside 50 with his sharp left foot was exceptional, and he lifted when the game was on the line – even bursting through to level the scores with a late goal.

#11 Archie Ludowyke
Key Forward | 197cm | 19/11/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

Ludowyke dragged his side to a one-goal victory with his fifth late in term four, building on last week’s performance to get reward on the scoreboard. He owned front position and seamlessly gained separation to his opponent on the lead, but also reacted well to quick entries and held his own one-on-one. Ludowyke came to life with consecutive goals in the second quarter and it gave him the boost in confidence needed to add another three. Another pleasing feature of his game was his pressure acts out of possession.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 23 hitouts, 4 clearances

Tyrer again looked to impose himself in the ruck and won the hitout battle at centre bounces, but was beaten around the ground. That was when he didn’t opt to grab the ball himself and clear it, taking a direct approach to his craft. Tyrer positioned well behind the ball when Sandringham attacked, though most of his impact came around the contest where his big frame took toll.

#38 Jhett Haeata
Forward | 185cm | 25/10/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Haeata was a livewire in Sandringham’s front half, showing plenty of flair en route to several score involvements. He kicked two first half goals using the inside and outside of his boot, but also set up an array of other opportunities, including back-to-back assists for Ludowyke. He would possess the ball at half-forward and use his pace to drive forward, finishing off with good ball use going inside 50. The cherry on top was a handy one-on-one speccy in the final quarter.

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 goals

It was another electric performance from Dovaston, who snared his second three-goal haul in as many weeks. He started out with a classic front-and-centre crumbing goal in the opening quarter and looked lively when hitting up further afield. His pressure and persistence at ground level were also noticeable. Dovaston added a couple of bigtime goals in the second half, including one where he hit the ball loose in a tackle and swooped on it before snapping truly. His fourth quarter major momentarily put Eastern ahead.

#22 Xavier Taylor
Tall Defender | 191cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles

Taylor put in a resolute performance down back, showcasing his versatility with intercept and rebound qualities. He contributed a game-high five one-percenters, indicating his willingness to do the hard work before switching tact. Taylor took some strong reliving marks inside defensive 50 and while a little raw with his ball use, looked to drive it forward with intent.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 6 clearances, 10 inside 50s

Greeves was once again dominant through midfield, leading all comers and proving a threat in attacking phases. He would often move proactively, peeling off into space when Eastern won the ball to be free in dangerous launch zones – hence 10 inside 50s. Greeves waxed with teammates well on the outside but was his usual self at the contest, including with an eye-catching shark and spin to clear in the third quarter. He looked a little casual in the early stages and was caught trying to take on or shrug off every opponent possible, but built into his work brilliantly. At 191cm, his dynamism was impressive.

#37 Rod Ali
Defender | 186cm | 11/01/2006

Stats: 6 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles

Having previously been involved in basketball, Ali decided to give Coates Talent League footy a crack in his over-age year and gave it his all on debut. His competitiveness was outstanding, applying desperate double efforts and competing both aerially and at ground level. Ali’s athleticism was evident in such instances as he closed in on the contest and chased down opponents rapidly. He also proved his ability to play tall as a defender at 186cm, briefly taking the Ludowyke matchup. He didn’t get to showcase as much ability in possession, but hits hard and is a raw prospect.

Gippsland Power 11.8 (74) def. Dandenong Stingrays 8.8 (56)

By: Declan Reeve

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Duursma was used a bit differently from Round 1, spending large chunks of the game up forward as a tall target for the Power. He slotted his one major after a well timed lead as his side got a clearance, but was otherwise well held inside the 50. Duursma was threatening when deployed through midfield, proving difficult to tackle as he spun his way out of tackles, and showing some crafty ball use under pressure. His quick and precise handballing allowed his side to keep moving at a high tempo, often finding options forward of the contest moving into space. Duursma’s athletic ability was also on display throughout, looking to take space and demonstrate his speed anytime he won the ball on the outside.

#10 Cody Templeton
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 01/01/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 3 clearances, 5 goals

The bottom-ager proved a problem too difficult to solve for the Stingrays, piling on three goals in the third term to ultimately put the game to bed. Templeton started the game higher up the ground, providing a link-up option and rotating into stoppages, accumulating well and demonstrating a strong contested game. When moved deeper in the second half, Templeton showed he’s someone that has multiple avenues to goal and is a natural modern day small forward, with his pressure game and cleanliness at ground level standing out. His best goal of the day was his last, as he dropped a mark deep inside 50 but was able to recover it on the deck, stand up in a tackle, handball in the air to himself and dribble the ball past two opponents.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Another impressive bottom-aged small for the Power, Neocleous was constantly up to the challenge on Sunday, with his hard edge and love of tackling standing out. Despite giving up some height on most of his direct opponents, Neocleous made up for it with his endeavour and often let his opponents know about it when he won the ball or caught them in a tackle. He demonstrated his burst speed on numerous occasions exiting stoppage and was typically clean with his disposal.

#16 Jobe Scapin
Wing/Forward | 187cm | 01/05/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Scapin was one of the few players who consistently judged the wind well, with his kicking largely unaffected by the conditions. Stationed primarily on the wing, Scapin demonstrated a sound understanding of the role as he held his space well, getting on the end of a few handballs out of contest, and often presented as a change of lane option for his side out of the defensive half. Scapin was a good link in handball chains throughout the day, with his ability to cover the ground allowing him to outwork opponents offensively.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Atkins is one that’ll turn up every week throughout the season and perform his role as a contested ball winner. Often too strong around stoppage to keep away from the footy, Atkins made some impressive runs and demonstrated good stoppage craft, looking to burst out with the ball at speed. Although Atkins often looked to kick long, there were a couple of occasions where he demonstrated some precision kicking, which is an aspect of his game he could look to show off more often.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Whilst many of his teammates were rushed with their disposal or misjudged the howling wind at Morwell, Prasad was classy throughout the game and stood out with his ability to spot up targets by foot heading forward, or weight his handballs to runners. Prasad worked hard to get into good spots to take uncontested marks, proving a vital link into the forward half. His cleanliness was impressive at speed, best demonstrated with his goal as he ran full tilt past a stoppage, grabbing the ball mid-air off the ruck’s hands and slotting it with ease. 

#9 Luca Tonner
Tall Forward | 193cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 7 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Whilst not setting the stats sheet alight, Tonner showed some exciting athleticism and aerial work, often operating as Dandenong’s deepest forward. Tonner’s leap and speed were clear assets to aid his aerial game, able to get good separation before holding onto marks well when the ball was at its highest point. Whilst he could refine his disposal somewhat, he showed class with one of his goals as he converted a set shot from the boundary with a drop punt.

#11 Toby Sinnema (Melbourne NGA)
Midfielder | 180cm | 11/12/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

Not too dissimilar to Round 1, Sinnema was primarily stationed on the wing in the first half before moving into an on-ball role for the final two quarters. Sinnema covered ground well and demonstrated his speed in space, and after adjusting to the wind, was typically damaging with his ball use by foot. When inside the centre square, Sinnema was at his best when he was receiving the ball to get out of the contest, backing his speed in to outrun opposition and remaining composed as the pressure came. 

#20 Josh Granger
Key Defender/Ruck | 197cm | 06/02/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 5 hitouts

A member of the Vic Country summer hub, Granger demonstrated his competitiveness and mobility for a tall prospect throughout, occasionally beating smaller opposition in foot races to the footy and holding onto a couple of contested marks in the defensive 50. Granger was moved into the ruck for the final quarter, with his follow-up work from the tap and neat use by hand giving Dandenong a few good opportunities out of stoppage.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

It was a mixed bag for Ah-Mu on Sunday. His marking and leading, particularly when his side transitioned from the defensive half, was consistently at a high level, but his disposal occasionally let him down after the hard work winning possession. Ah- Mu was good from set shots however, converting two opportunities from 45m out in the first and fourth quarters.