REIGNING premiers Sandringham Dragons have been handed a major selection boost in their bid to overturn a 4-5 record in Round 13 of the Coates Talent League. They will have access to a slew of APS-committed players and Vic Metro representatives for their clash against Calder Cannons tomorrow, which kicks off a double-header at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

WHEN: Saturday June 28, 12:10pm
WHERE: Highgate Recreation Reserve
WATCH: KommunityTV (subscription required)

IN A SENTENCE:

A bolstered Sandringham Dragons outfit will hope to get back to an even ledger when they face Calder Cannons on the road, who themselves are out to snap a three-game losing streak.

WHERE THEY SIT:

Calder Cannons – 4-4 | 109.5% | LLLWW
Sandringham Dragons – 4-5 | 96.6% | LLWLL

TEAMS:

Calder Cannons

1. James Manfre
2. Hussien El Achkar
3. Hamish Bird
8. Jack Dodorico
10. Jett Laidler
11. Jamieson Fleming
12. Taj Robinson
13. Jad Naim
15. Gus Papal
16. Jack Rutten
18. Sam Harris
23. Adam Sweid
27. Jackson Barber
30. Ben Taylor
34. Blake Justice
36. Tex Longmire
40. Aiden Harris
42. Zac Newman
45. George Holderhead
46. Nash McMahon
47. Slayde Law
49. Tevita Rodan
59. Campbell White
60. Oliver Watt

Sandringham Dragons

2. Jack Dalton
3. Max Matthews
4. Julian Galbally
6. Arki Butler
8. Sam Buck
9. Rory Wright
11. Archie Ludowyke
12. Keanu Nadji
16. Tyson Bradley
27. Xavier Bamert
29. Phoenix Janover
30. Darby Heelis
32 Miles Tyrer
33. George Dimer
34. Kye Fincher
37. Charlie Rozenes
41. Bennett Martin
48. Archie Edwards
60. Sacha Levine
63. Freddy Brayshaw
66. Eiden Pitt
70. Kayne Watt
74. Jack Davies
75. Willis Reidy

ONES TO WATCH:

Sandringham has access to all seven of its Vic Metro squad members, including train-on ruck Miles Tyrer, with the APS break and Metro bye coming at a perfect time. Recruiter will arguably be most keen to seen how Jack Dalton fares, with the hard-running midfielder keen to claim a Big V jumper.

Captain Xavier Bamert is the only Metro representative to have consistently been with the Dragons and should hold down a spot in midfield. Along with Dalton, Rory Wright will likely rotate between the inside and wing, while prolific defender Kye Fincher is a chance to feature there if needed.

Up forward, watch for key forward Archie Ludowyke to steer the ship with his leading patterns and goalkicking exploits. There’s also crafty bottom-ager Arki Butler at his feet, who is the only 2008-born player in the Metro squad. Both are teammates at Brighton Grammar alongside Fincher.

Meanwhile for Calder, Essendon Next Generation Academy pair Hussien El Achkar and Adam Sweid will be among the main attractions. They are both part of the Vic Metro squad alongside co-captain Jackson Barber, who will team up with over-ager Gus Papal as intercept defenders.

Along with the Under 18 representatives, Calder will field four of its six Vic Metro Under 18 squad members. Among them is Tevita Rodan, the son of David who is tied to Port Adelaide (father-son) and Essendon (NGA). Slayde Law is another to watch, a 194cm ruck/forward in the Metro setup.

PREDICTION:

Sandringham’s influx of top-end talent speaks to their intentions, while Calder has opted to blood plenty of younger talent with more of a long-term scope on team selection. The quality gap may be stark at times but Calder can scrap, even on the back of three-straight losses. Dragons by 25.

ROUND 13 FIXTURE

Saturday June 28:

Eastern Ranges vs. GWV Rebels
12:00pm @ La Trobe University

Calder Cannons vs. Sandringham Dragons
12:10pm @ Highgate Recreation Reserve

Western Jets vs. Oakleigh Chargers
1:10PM @ Avalon Airport Oval

Murray Bushrangers vs. Gippsland Power
2:40pm @ Highgate Recreation Reserve

Sunday June 29:

Bendigo Pioneers vs. Northern Knights
12:00pm @ Queen Elizabeth Oval

Geelong Falcons vs. Dandenong Stingrays
1:40pm @ West Oval Reserve