MATCHES played across numerous states made for plenty of opportunities for recruiters to see the top AFL Draft talent in action through the Coates Talent League Boys competition. Fronting up for Round 5, a host of National Academy members made their returns to respective sides as the AFL club-aligned Northern Academies won all four matches against their rivals.

>> ROUND 5: Snapshot | Team of the Week

All notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Swans Academy 9.16 (70) def. Oakleigh Chargers 9.11 (65)

By: Peter Williams

SWANS ACADEMY:

#8 Nicholas Andreacchio
Midfielder | 178cm | 10/03/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Andreacchio had the ball on a string all throughout the match and was a prime mover for the Swans in getting the ball forward. He won it in all thirds of the ground and knows where to run to get into ball-winning positions. His quick release by hand and clearance work went hand in hand, and to his credit, Andreacchio worked hard to get back and help the defence. His two-way running aided his team in getting the narrow win, and while his stats show he was largely outside, that was through hard running more than anything else.

#10 Lachlan Carmichael
Defender | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 8 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Like Andreacchio, Carmichael just knows where to go to find the ball, and he went and did just that. A creative player through his run and carry, Carmichael worked into the game as it went on and got higher up the ground when required. He did make some mistakes at times, but ran hard both ways and was a consistent option for teammates to utilise in transition. Favoured a lot of neat, short, sharp kicks with a follow-up to win a secondary possession.

#11 William Jenkin
Wing | 177cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

One half of the Jenkin wing twins, William was really aggressive in his play, looking to drive the ball forward, while remaining accountable defensively. He had less touches than his brother, but felt his ground coverage and overall impact across all three lines really stacked up against the best players in the game. Jenkin seemed to find pockets of space here, there and everywhere, with his contest-to-contest work designed to apply speed to the ball really shining through in the win.

#20 Guy Jenkin
Wing | 177cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 rebound 50

On the other side of the ground, Guy was providing a similar, yet different role to his brother. He found space really easily and showed his running capacity early in the first term. Pushing back into defence, Jenkin took an intercept mark, then worked forward to win another touch while on the move to kick further afield. Time and time again he would look to either switch play or dish off short passes, though his ability to lower his eyes and nail targets in the front half of the ground was very good.

#30 Noah Chamberlain
Tall Forward | 194cm | 21/03/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Though playing forward, Chamberlain’s first instance was a strong mark at half-back, showing his willingness to push up the ground and provide an extra number. Boasting an array of draftable traits, the National Academy member was incredibly strong in the air, and once he had ball in hand, used it well. For a taller player, Chamberlain moves well and was able to snap a late goal in the second term. His stats might not leap off the page, but what he did caught the eye.

#33 Max King
Tall Forward | 192cm | 01/09/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Touted as the best player outside the National Academy, King continues to shown signs of being that enigma who can do it all be it midfield or up forward. He was the latter in the match, and in true enigma style, missed a set shot from 25m out on a slight angle before the next quarter won it on the wing, took two bounces and slammed home a goal from outside 50. His ridiculous vertical leap and athleticism already have him as a terrific prospect, but he has the know how to impact both on the scoreboard himself and setting others up.

#35 Aidan McCartney
Forward | 191cm | 04/11/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds

The North Melbourne father-son presented as a strong marking forward who plays taller than his 191cm height suggest. While still a bottom-ager, he looked up to the task against the Oakleigh defence, and though he had some bad misses, was able to kick three majors including one that just snuck in before the half-time siren. Found space inside 50 and made numerous leads throughout the course of the match to end with six scoring shots on the day.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 behinds

The brother of Geelong’s Max is a promising player who is still raw but has some similar signs to his older sibling at the same age. His explosive burst is what stands out the most, and he has a great technique and clean hands, while still looking to refine the precision element going forward. He would gather, burst ahead and deliver a penetrating kick that perhaps was just a foot above the leading target, but still in the right area. With refinement and further development, Holmes could certainly be an intriguing prospect for the future.

#42 Lachlan Bell
Midfielder | 182cm | 04/04/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds

Won an early touch with a lateral kick to the wing and proceeded to rack up more ball than any other Charger. He was largely a second or third possession ball-winner from the midfield and got on the end of chains to deliver inside 50. While at times his delivery going forward was picked off or spoiled, he looked to switch and always tried to create some run and carry down the ground.

#64 Josh Shepherd
Forward | 190cm | 14/12/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 1 tackle, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds

Had some lively moments in the match even without hitting the scoreboard. Quite often presented up the ground and even won it in the back 50, before getting deep inside 50 and being a scoring option. He took a couple of marks inside 50 in the second half, and though both chances missed, he continued to provide an option and looked to set up his teammates as well.

Sandringham Dragons 10.7 (67) def. by Giants Academy 11.15 (81)

By: Peter Williams

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 4 goals, 1 behind

Theodoropoulos played the type of game that everyone has come to expect from him. When within sight of the goals, he lights up and can hit the scoreboard consistently, including two majors in the first term with his second coming as the siren sounded. Theodoropoulos is one of the smarter small forwards going around and he just looks lively and like something is going to happen when it is in his vicinity. While not as explosive as some others, the Sandy Dragons small has fantastic evasion and a booming kick which he utilised on the run early in the match.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Sandringham’s best on the day, Wright continues to rise up draft boards and it is easy to see why. He is neat by hand or foot, starts on the inside and works to the outside and moves in a similar fashion to ex-Dragon now Dog, Ryley Sanders. It could be the high socks, but he can clunk a mark in the air, work hard both ways and rack up the ball at will when on his game, and his opening centre clearance out of the middle to lower the eyes and hit up the leading Bamert was simply sensational.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 3 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Started on-ball then went forward and had an impact, kicking the first goal of the second term leading out and converting from long-range. He missed an almost identical chance three minutes later, though was best known for his repeat efforts around the ground. He popped up everywhere, and though at times his efficiency waned and would be the knock on his game, Bamert’s work rate and contest-to-contest efforts had him among the better Dragons.

#41 Bennett Martin
Defender | 177cm | 26/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Buzzed around the ground and provided some run in transition as well as composure by hand or foot. He usually played the safer options from the back half of the ground but aggressively ran forward to pump the ball inside 50 on a few occasions as well. Contributed well throughout the four quarters and was capable in the air, and clean off the deck. A handy game from the top-age talent.

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#5 Ethan Matthews
Defender | 185cm | 04/09/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Absolute class from the back half of the ground and was able to use his weaponous left-boot to full advantage. Running at an elite 95 per cent disposal efficiency while winning half of his possession in a contest, Matthews was able to weight his passes from defence, pick the right options and execute every time. Early in the game he flew for a mark that he could not quite take but it looked exciting. Plenty of upside for the bottom-ager who was tasked with the kick-ins, but did far more than that for the Giants and their transition game.

#20 Bailey-Dean Latanis
Forward | 183cm | 07/12/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

A lively in the forward half who though building his week-to-week consistency, has traits that catch the eye. He kicked two goals and set up numerous teammates, leading hard from the forward 50 and then getting reward for effort later in the match. He had a few rushed opportunities that either sprayed wide or were intercepted, but he looked dangerous when the ball came in his area and can play that high half-forward role well. Latanis showed solid defensive pressure in the front half of the ground as well.

#38 Tallis McMillan
Tall Forward | 191cm | 11/04/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 4 goals, 2 behinds

A powerful prospect who plays taller than his 191cm height suggests, McMillan was a menace in the air and able to read the ball in flight going inside 50. His first goal from 50m invoked a big celebration, and then he went on to kick three more. Left some out there as well with a couple of behinds, but was a presence inside 50 which is all the Giants could ask of him.

#39 Jim Houston
Ruck | 196cm | 10/02/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 12 marks, 20 hitouts, 5 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Clearly best on ground, the undersized ruck did just about everything in the air and around the ground. His aerial was was superb, being that target of kickouts, as well as at half-forward to deliver inside 50. Houston consistently got into ball-winning positions, and was involved in transitional play across the ground. His marking was not the only strength, with Houston’s ability to palm down the ball to his midfielders when in the middle another great highlight of his game. Huge game from the key position player.

Murray Bushrangers 12.10 (82) def. Northern Territory 4.10 (34)

By: Erin Piez

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 5 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 3 goals, 2 behinds

Hetherton made the most of his chances, nailing two set shots in the second quarter. He showed courage with a brave mark inside 50 in the third term and continued to be a reliable target throughout the match. His movement inside 50 and ability to find space under pressure added value to Murray’s attacking options.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 3 goals

Kennedy’s run and carry were top notch, and he provided several moments of individual brilliance. In the second quarter, he found space with confidence and kicked a sensational long-range goal that bounced through from distance. He showed excellent composure with ball in hand and applied strong pressure when off it. Kennedy’s explosive speed and smart positioning made him a threat all game, affecting the play tirelessly from defence to attack.

#22 Lenny Koller
Tall Defender | 194cm | 21/03/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 6 hitouts, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Koller was tidy around the contest, with good disposals and positioning early. He had a standout second quarter with a brilliant run through space, ending in a long-range bomb that went all the way through for a goal. His anticipation and ability to be an option in transition play added an extra layer of threat.

#23 Cody Gardiner
Defender/Midfielder | 176cm | 12/01/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 marks, 12 tackles, 8 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A standout for Murray, Gardiner was consistent across all quarters. He applied strong physicality at stoppages and tackled well, winning multiple free kicks. His work rate and positioning around the ball were crucial, constantly linking play from defence to attack. Gardiner regularly moved into space to receive and distribute efficiently, and his pressure acts, especially around the ruck, were key to Murray’s midfield ascendancy.

#26 Blake Newton
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 16/12/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 behind, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

Newton brought energy early, winning a free kick with a terrific chase and tackle in the first term. He followed that up with smart positioning in defensive chains, helping Murray work out of their back half to effect. Newton continued to present as a steady option up the field and was clean with his disposals under pressure.

#29 Oscar Roberts
Defender | 187cm | 08/03/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 16 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

Roberts provided a composed presence across the field for Murray. His intercept marking was excellent, and he read the play well throughout. He linked up play beautifully with safe hands and e effective disposals and had a few big moments, like a strong run up the wing and an important smothered kick recovery. Roberts continually found space and delivered accurately under pressure.

#32 Flynn Grumley
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 30/07/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Grumley was a key link-up player around the ball for Murray. He consistently ran through lines, provided clean disposals under pressure, and followed up his own plays with strong support positioning. His repeat efforts and involvement in multiple scoring chains stood out, making him a crucial cog in Murray’s midfield-forward transitions.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

#1 Malakai Le Rossignol
Wing | 177cm | 30/05/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Le Rossignol showed grit and determination across all four quarters. A main example of his efforts and abilities was when he produced one of the highlights of the first term with a gutsy intercept mark, then backed it up with an aggressive run along the wing despite opposition pressure. Though his initial kick was smothered, he regathered and kept running, eventually delivering a perfect kick to a teammate. He continued to apply strong pressure around the ball, working hard to move the ball out of dangerous spots, shining as one of NT’s bests of the day.

#2 Sonny Smiler
Defender | 176cm | 20/10/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Despite not dominating the stats sheet, Smiler had a very impactful game, showing his class with an eye-catching contested mark in the opening term, followed by a slick pickup and kick to inside 50 while being dragged by the jumper. He showed strong pressure acts throughout, working hard to shut down Murray’s play from the backline. His intercept marking, link-up play, and relentless running helped keep NT competitive, including a clean intercept mark in quarter two and several strong supportive runs.

#10 Adrian Scott
Midfielder | 179cm | 30/07/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 6 inside 50s

Scott’s pressure around the contest was a highlight, particularly in the first quarter where he laid several effective tackles and helped force turnovers. His chase-down efforts and smart positioning consistently helped his squad turn defence into attack, including a key chase and tackle that launched a Northern Territory counter. He backed it up in the second and third terms with clean pickups and strong support play through the middle.

#12 Clay Shadforth
Midfielder | 179cm | 11/04/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 goal, 1 behind, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 9 inside 50s

One of the most active players around the contest for NT, Shadforth brought solid pressure and intensity from the first bounce. His tackling was a feature early, and he consistently positioned himself well around the contest. He showed clean hands and good vision with multiple deliveries inside 50. In the second term, he pushed forward aggressively, snapping a minor and later following up a brilliant run from half-forward with a composed goal on the move. His tracking, pressure and link-up play were crucial for his side, and made him a standout in Round 5.

#25 Taj Murray
Ruck/Forward | 199cm | 05/02/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 behind, 8 marks, 2 tackles, 29 hitouts, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Murray brought his usual reliability and strong presence to the field for Northern Territory in Round 5. He especially stood out in the ruck contests in, consistently winning strong hitouts. Murray was clean below his knees, including a great pickup in traffic in the second term, and consistently showed his ability to contest for the ball, even when outnumbered. He backed up his ruck work with ground-level follow-ups, showing mobility and second-effort intensity.

Tasmania Devils 4.8 (32) def. by Lions Academy 12.8 (80)

By: Declan Reeve

TASMANIA DEVILS:

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

The AFL Academy tall has adapted to his role in the defensive 50 well, with his trademark competitiveness shining through any time he’s near the footy. Hay displayed his strong contested marking at times, with his ability to take the ball at it’s highest point, or protect the drop zone when one-on-one, proving difficult for his opponents to stop.

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

Tassie’s speedy midfielder looked to display his ability to breaklines every opportunity he got, taking on opposition head on when he won the footy to get it moving forward. Wootton was mostly clean at ground level through the game, not backing down from oncoming pressure when putting his head over the footy. Wootton’s had arguably the highlight of the day with Tassie’s first goal, receiving a handball from the contest in the middle of the ground, driving the legs to get more separation heading forward and kicking it from outside 50. 

#21 Ethan Bonde
Defender | 182cm | 13/02/2007

A breakout performance of sorts, Bonde registered his highest disposal tally in Talent League for the season, fighting hard in the defensive half to neutralise Brisbane’s attacking forays. Bonde was safe with his ball use through the game, mostly looking to gain small amounts territory with chip kicks forward, and occasionally following up with a run from behind to get the ball back. 

LIONS ACADEMY:

#8 Matthew Owen
Wing | 179cm | 01/03/2008

The bottom-ager found plenty of the footy on the outside through the day, holding space well and positioning smartly around contests to be in his teammates eyes for the releasing handballs. Owen’s positioning smarts extended to more open play as well, as he got into good spots for teammates to easily hit up from closer to the defensive 50. Owen’s ball use was good through the game, showing some nice composure with ball in hand to spot out some more difficult disposal options under pressure. 

#13 Cooper Hodge
Midfielder | 182cm | 26/07/2008

Hodge displayed a nice balance between inside and outside duties through the midfield, as he demonstrated his hard nosed hunt for the ball and opponent alike when looking to win possession off the deck, but was equally impressive with his ability to hold space and run good patterns to receive the ball at speed. Hodge’s disposal was mostly good when winning the ball on the outside, but he was prone to pump the ball long when faced with some pressure. 

#18 Caylen Murray
Defender | 183cm | 03/01/2008

The fleet-footed bottom-ager once again racked up the footy in the defensive half of the ground, taking a few kick ins and receiving a couple of chips from the defensive goal square to help this number, and often looked to utilise his speed advantage by running the ball as far as he could, following up with most clean use by foot.

#23 Daniel Annable
Midfielder | 184cm | 05/04/2007

The AFL Academy member has done nothing but perform every time he’s taken to the field this season, leading the contest for disposals with 11 more than the next best. Annable’s running capacity and workrate underpin his ability to accumulate footy at will, often working harder than anyone else on field to get into the right spots for handball receives, and clearly enjoying linking up in the same chain multiple times. Annable was smart with his positioning at stoppages as well, able to read queues and react accordingly whether it was his time to go or not, proving one touch when acting as the first possession winner, and holding his space outside the contest well to receive the ball at speed. Despite his skill by hand, Annable heavily favoured disposal by foot and was able to cleanly deliver given the space he often found himself in, weighting the ball well for teammates to run onto without breaking stride. 

Eastern Ranges 6.10 (46) def. by Suns Academy 15.11 (101)

By: Peter Williams

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Looked on for a big day early when in the opening few seconds gathered cleanly at half-forward and snapped around his body. Though it went wide – and he would finish with just one behind for the day which was a set shot from long-range in the second quarter – he did buzz around and pop up at different points. His sidestep to get out of trouble and ankle break opponents stood out, and while sometimes he ran himself into trouble, offered himself up as a lively option in the front half of the ground to set up his teammates.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Was one of the most reliable Ranges and played an important role in the back 50 alongside Barker. He took a number of intercept marks and looked composed with ball in hand. Even when tackled, Taylor showed signs of composure to get his hands free, and got involved in transitional play turning defence into offence. His last quarter was a highlight, taking three huge intercept grabs and using the ball well by hand or foot.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Started full-forward and then rotated into the middle later in the game. Greeves was a non-factor in the first half with the Suns controlling the game and having just four touches, before going on-ball and asserting himself with a 15-disposal second half. His strength overhead was important and he aided in the defence dropping back, while having a couple of chances on goal, slotting one in the opening two minutes of the second term and then looking dangerous late in the match. Once he got his midfield opportunity, Greeves was able to have a greater influence on the match.

#29 Ryan McConnell
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 04/08/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 1 tackle, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Was arguably Eastern’s most consistent four-quarter performance on the day, predominantly playing midfield then rolling forward to kick two majors. Both came from set shots either side of the game, and throughout the middle he was able to consistently extract the ball from the stoppages. A neat player who showed her could win the ball on both the inside and outside, McConnell was not afraid to throw his body on the line to win the ball and as a point of difference showed off a nice leap such as his huge grab midway through the fourth term.

#31 Andrew Barker
Tall Defender | 191cm | 18/06/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 9 rebound 50s

No doubt without Barker behind the ball, the deficit could have been even greater with the strong marking tall able to clear the danger time and time again. His positioning in defence was important in thwarting some attacks, and with ball in hand he appeared composed, even if he did take some risks which resulted in turnovers. As a whole he tried hard throughout the game and defended bravely against a strong Suns attack.

SUNS ACADEMY:

#8 Koby Coulson
Midfielder | 180cm | 31/07/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 behinds

Coulson has used his VFL experience with the Suns to good use, and played an important supporting role to the returning midfielders while showing he was just as vital to the team’s success. Had a couple of chances on goal that went begging but was involved in numerous passages transitioning from half-back down the ground. Not minding to opt for a no-look handball to breakaway from congestion, Coulson was a touch hit or miss with his execution, but followed up well and has a roosting kick.

#10 Beau Addinsall
Midfielder | 182cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 33 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Returned from the National Academy match to have the ball on a string and work in tandem with Patterson as that pair of elite talents who take control of matches. He kicked two goals at either end of the second half with his gut-running and contest-to-contest work always opening the door for Addinsall to impact on the scoreboard. He was slick out of a stoppage, cracked in to win the contested ball, but was quite often a second possession winner where he could break away from the congestion. Was smart and quick thinking around the ground, winning the ball in all thirds of the ground, kicking the last goal of the match with a classy finish on the run.

#13 Dylan Patterson
Utility | 183cm | 01/09/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

The standout player in terms of his ball use and impact, Patterson was unbelievable in driving the ball forward on the outside. His execution more often than not was able to pick out targets forward of centre, and he almost despised holding play up. Patterson looked to put speed on the ball and immediately break down the opposition’s defensive zones, hitting targets forward of centre well. His first kick was an incredible thumping kick to the goalsquare to set up Hudson for his first goal. While predominantly utilised on the outside, he did roll through the middle to win his own ball too.

#14 Jai Murray
Midfielder | 187cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Might have played an underrated game given the plaudits that will deservedly come the way of the above three prospects. He definitely contributed to the win though, constantly looking to burst away and gain separation, drawing opponents and dishing off to teammates. Murray possesses a booming kick and slotted through a goal with a classy finish in the first term after intercepting off a bounce at half-forward. Began to rack up the ball midway through the match and bobbed up here and there throughout the contest.

#26 Max Hudson
Tall Forward | 192cm | 11/01/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s, 4 goals

After five goals and Player of the Week last round, Hudson booted another four for the Suns Academy in Round 5. He had other chances too, but his key traits were reading the ball in flight and taking strong grabs, often within easy goalkicking range. Booting three majors by early in the second term – two from the goalsquare – and then getting a fourth on the end of great team play, Hudson was more often than not the deepest option and able to get one-out with his opponent. Competes really well one-on-one.

#32 Caleb Nancarrow
Tall Defender | 191cm | 31/01/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 rebound 50

The over-ager has always had the athleticism without the consistency, but Nancarrow was pretty consistent on the weekend. Still raw and still needing to iron out his precision, he was able to impact the match with his competitiveness in the air and reading the play like a boot from the back half of the ground. While most of his intercepts came just outside the defensive 50 – hence only credited with the one rebound 50 – he was very often playing that key interceptor role and driving the ball down the ground. Does not mind taking the game on as well.

#33 Harry Heathcote
Tall Defender | 194cm | 03/08/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 8 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Not that the Gold Coast Suns Academy are short on talent, but Heathcote is one player who emerged from the game as another name to jot down. He had the job on Greeves when the National Academy member was forward and not only held his own but won some critical contests. Then when Greeves moved into the middle, Heathcote shone in his own right, with some big intercept grabs and getting involved as a switch option. Has a nice leap and times his jumps well which ticked some boxes.

#38 Kalani White
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 05/05/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 11 hitouts, 4 inside 50s

The Melbourne father-son prospect started on the bench and then moved to full-forward in the eighth minute where he presented a headache for the opposing defence with his ridiculous vertical leap. A competitive key position talent who will crack in both in the air and at ground level, White is still improving his footy IQ, but has all the raw foundational traits that impress recruiters. Rotated through the ruck which of course favoured his aforementioned athleticism.

Western Jets 7.5 (47) def. by Northern Knights 18.20 (128)

By: Adrian Dixon

WESTERN JETS:

#4 Rani Pavlidis
Defender | 174cm | 19/09/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 2 inside 50s

Pavlidis ran up and down the ground throughout the day combining well with Burton often generating running patterns to execute chain plays and breaking lines to give and get. Pavlidis showed great agility, quick hands and vision while he was also quick to pounce on a loose ball get. His follow-up work to provide an option after disposing of the ball by foot was also a highlight, however he lost concentration at crucial moments of the game and needs to tighten up on defending his man – too often he was found unmarked.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 7 marks, 6 clearances, 7 rebound 50s

Rotating between the midfield and across half-back, Burton did his best to set an example in a heavy loss. He generated plenty of run out of defence with the highlight being taking a nice intercept mark in the first quarter and was efficient by hand and foot while also showing excellent follow up work after disposing of the ball. He managed to hit targets inside 50 and if they weren’t hit they would be put in a dangerous spot which on one occasion led to a goal. Burtons clearance work was also strong around the stoppages.

#13 Hok Marial
Defender | 191cm | 29/08/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 4 rebound 50s

The bottom ager did his best to lead an under-siege backline where he positioned himself well to take a few good contested and intercept marks. Marial was not afraid to switch the play he had the right intent with his kicking though at times he did turn it over however his disposal was above average throughout the day. Marial competed hard and did his best to drive his side out of the backline and read the ball often very well when it came down there.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances, 11 inside 50s

Starting on the ball, Ainsworth started off well using his strong leap to take a mark across halfback early in the first quarter then followed it up later to win the clearance to hit up a teammate inside 50 which later led to a goal not long after. Ainsworth did his best to be creative with the footy in play and consistently delivered the ball inside 50 where they were hitting targets or ending up causing chaos for the opposition backline and kicked a nice long goal before half-time.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals, 4 behinds

Peppering the goals early missing a few chances, Murphy was rewarded for his efforts with a goal in the second quarter using the wind well to his advantage. Showing quick hands and excellent coverage of the ground, Murphy was dangerous when the ball hit the ground and could easily have had a few more goals considering the Knights dominance however wasn’t helped by the blustery conditions. He marked and played on to kick his second midway through the third quarter from a Driscoll delivery and then his set shot in the fourth quarter just scraped through early on for his third goal, highlighting his kicking power against the wind.

#4 Liam Farrar
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 14/02/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s, 5 clearances

Farrar showed his versatility throughout the day with his exceptional coverage of the ground with his two-way running, pushing up from the forward line. His delivery inside 50 saw him hit targets taking risks that came off and if not they caused chaos for the opposition in the backline. Farrar competed exceptionally well in the contest with his defensive pressure and his marking around the ground was good. He was rewarded for his efforts with a goal early in the third quarter where he spread out to get free.

#6 Nick Canavan
Forward | 191cm | 09/11/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 7 marks, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds

Canavan was prominent up forward throughout the game where he kicked two goals, his first in the first quarter from a set shot kick and was excellent on a lead, while his second came from a snap deep in the forward pocket very early in the third quarter. His height makes him a difficult match up while it also showed his versatility. Canavan did his best to find more suitable options up forward instead of just going for goal while he worked hard to get up the ground to provide a high option.

#10 Sean Tyrrell
Ruck | 198cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 23 hitouts, 5 clearances

Tyrell was dominant in the ruck where he used his body to win the ruck contests along with his IQ and athleticism while also providing an option around the ground for his teammates. For a player of his size he used the ball incredibly well by foot while his follow up work from the contest was also a feature, continuously supporting his midfielders in play. His dominance especially at the centre bounces were a huge factor in the Knights overall dominance throughout the day.

#12 Nicholas Driscoll
Midfielder | 181cm | 07/04/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 1 goal, 4 score assists

Driscoll had a prominent start to the game racking up 10 disposals in the first quarter which included an excellent kick to hit up Canavan resulting in a goal towards the end of the first quarter. Driscoll’s ball reading ability in the conditions were a highlight and his set shot kicking held up well. While his clearance work was strong often reading Sean Tyrrell’s ruck work, where they combined perfectly to hit up Murphy in the third quarter. Driscoll was a go to player around the ground for the Knights and continually drove the ball inside 50, while also having a hand in quite a few goals.