THE FINAL home-and-away round of the Coates Talent League season saw a number of leading prospects further enhance their stocks, while impressive bottom-agers continue to emerge on the eve of the postseason. We highlighted a bunch of the top prospects and performers from each fixture.

>> CTL Round 19: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Northern Knights 7.14 (56) def. by Calder Cannons 10.15 (75)

By: Declan Reeve

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

The tough midfielder was a consistent presence around stoppages for the Knights, utilising his burst of speed to get onto the end of a couple of loose balls from rucks’ hands and drive his side forward. That desire to move forward when in possession was a constant for Allison, who often put speed on the ball. He made a habit of being used as a marking option when his side was exiting the defensive half, and would burst away to deliver long into the forward 50. Allison’s ability to link by hand was a highlight of his game, finding teammates through congestion superbly.

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

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

Not too dissimilar to Allison, Driscoll also looked to utilise his burst speed to drive the ball forward for the Knights, pumping it long when faced with pressure. Driscoll consistently found himself in good spots to receive handballs forward of the contest where he could really utilise his speed heading forward and help carve up the opposition.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 12 hitouts, 4 clearances, 2 goals

It was a bit of an ‘almost day’ for Houndsome, with the bottom-aged tall leading into good spots all game but being a little let down by the delivery from further afield. Still, he was able to hit the scoreboard with two majors, one coming as he received a handball from a pack and snapped truly, while the other came via a set shot he had earned with an intercept mark at the top of the 50. When stationed in the ruck, Houndsome played the role well with his ability to position down the line.

#20 Harry Van Hattum
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 16 hitouts, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Playing the reverse role of fellow bottom-ager Houndsome, Van Hattum took majority of the ruck duties and looked simply unmatchable once he found his groove. It took some time before Van Hattum looked truly comfortable in the ruck battle, giving away a couple of early free kicks for holding the man, but from then on he was able to effectively control the drop zone, grabbing the ball from the ruck and quickly firing off effective handballs on a couple of occasions. Not too dissimilar from his ruck work, Van Hattum took some time to fully impact with his disposal, but became a valuable contributor once he got a couple right. Van Hattum’s sole goal came from a nice overhead mark inside the forward 50, slotting the set shot from 45 out. 

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

The Essendon NGA prospect threatened to tear the game apart in the first quarter, slotting all three of his majors and having a hand in a couple more within the first 25 minutes. Although, he didn’t sustain the same level of impact in the final three terms. All three majors came from different avenues which demonstrated how well rounded his craft is; the first was a dribble kick from the boundary around 35 meters out, the second came as he took an overhead mark back with the flight, snapping truly after playing on, and the final goal was earned from a well timed run to get a handball inside forward 50 heading to goal.

#19 Levi West (Bulldogs F/S)
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 13/08/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances

A name that Bulldogs fans will be tracking over the next 12 months, the bottom-ager was ferocious at the coalface, hunting relentlessly around stoppage in an effort to win the ball and get it out to runners, but also provided plenty of spark in the forward half with his work rate and repeated leads. Whilst West kicked it more often than he handballed, the highlight of his disposal was undoubtedly his quick hands under pressure, able to keep his arms free in tackles and find teammates through congestion, with a smart handball overhead in the forward 50 leading to a direct goal assist early on.

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

Sweid put in the type of performance many have come to expect from him to round out the home-and-away season, with his one-touch work at ground level and around stoppages allowing him to release teammates well from congestion. Sweid’s kicking has looked to be on a steady upwards trajectory through the year, with his ability to hit teammates at speed or quickly change lanes by foot a real highlight of this match. Sweid’s work rate to get from contest-to-contest was noticeable throughout the match, getting into good spots for teammates to relieve pressure.

#34 Blake Justice (Essendon NGA)
Forward/Midfielder | 190cm | 29/09/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

Justice continued his move into a more prominent midfield role against the Knights, able to show off his speed around the ball and competing strongly at ground level and in the air, generally finding a way to win the ball or create a stoppage when outnumbered. Justice demonstrated some impressive cleanliness around stoppages, able to take the ball out of the air and spot teammates out wide by hand. Whilst there is some consistency to come in his disposal, Justice showed off some creativity with his work by foot in the front half.

Western Jets 10.6 (66) def. by Eastern Ranges 13.12 (90)

By: Adrian Dixon

WESTERN JETS:

#7 Thomas McGuane (Collingwood F/S)
Midfielder/Defender | 178cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Returning to the side after his 12-disposal effort the previous week playing for Collingwood’s VFL team, McGuane would often rotate between the backline and both inside and outside midfield. In each role, he utilised his long powerful kicking, using the angles and providing run on the overlap as often as possible to provide drive out of defence. While he was often receiving the footy from the kick-outs, McGuane would often use his vision to spear passes looking laterally, and when he needed to go around the body his kicking power was shown. When he went into the midfield, he showed the capabilities of his inside game by getting the ball out of the contest, while he was very skilful by hand – especially in close.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 marks, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Burton was busy from the start for the Jets, doing his best to win it out of the middle and providing support all over the ground. He was rewarded for his efforts in the second quarter when he went straight through the middle of the ground to kick a direct long goal. Burton would provide talk and direction around the ground when his side needed it the most, while also contributing strong tackle pressure around the contest as usual. While Burton moved well around the ground, he can continue to improve his decision making as there were a few occasion where he had put himself or his teammates under pressure.

#17 Billy Wigmore
Forward | 187cm | 29/03/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Wigmore took a while to get into the game, however once he started to use his work rate up the ground, the bottom-age prospect began to get his aerial game going. The first of his two goals for the day came when he played in front midway through the second quarter to mark strongly and convert the set shot kick. Playing as the second forward to Jake Miller, Wigmore would continue to provide a good leading option and took a strong mark early in the third quarter to score and get the Jets going in the second half. Wigmore had numerous chances to hit the scoreboard later on in the game, not taking them but showing good nous to get into scoring positions.

#26 Finnegan Davis
Defender | 187cm | 21/01/2007

Stats: 37 disposals, 7 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Davis was everywhere for the Jets down back with his pressure acts and his constant ability to accumulate the ball, while dropping off from his opponent and intercepting when he needed to. At times his kicking made it look like he had the ball on a string, although Davis would also turn over the ball at times when switching the play, which allowed the opposition to pounce. Outside of that, Davis utilised his aerobic underpinnings to provide run on the overlap and help drive the ball out of defence, highlighting his work rate.

#34 Angus Tippett
Midfielder | 192cm | 12/02/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 7 clearances, 2 goals

Another bottom-age prospect for the Jets, Tippett had a slow start but came to life in the second quarter, kicking a goal on the run from a snap within the first 30 seconds. It got the Jets the start they needed, and Tippett constantly provided great spread from the contest around the ground as a marking option, while also showing his long kicking ability to drive the ball forward. He was rewarded for his efforts later on in the day again when he marked the ball on an angle all on his own, and kicked his second goal on the run to keep the Jets in the contest.

EASTERN RANGES:

#7 Jordan Knapp
Midfielder | 179cm | 05/01/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Picking up from where he left off last week, Knapp was strong around the contest and while he did show a great kicking action on the run, turned the ball over at times. However, his ability to win the footy all around the ground and to get it out to his teammates was key to the Ranges’ fortunes. When Knapp did hit the target, which was done by using his vision in the long range, he was ultra effective. That was highlighted when he speared a nice ball across the middle of the ground after executing a one-two handball to eventually find Blake Chambers.

#9 Josiah Landy
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 27/01/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 9 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Playing both as a small pressure and leading forward, Landy’s work rate was evident and he was quick to pounce on loose balls in the forwardline. Landy was prepared to work up the ground and provide support to the midfield when needed, evidenced by his mark on the centre wing position that went to a contest for Jamie Gilchrist to gather from the spill and goal. His tackle pressure was solid, which was a key to the Ranges’ success on the day. Landy kicked his first goal with sharp reflexes from a pack spill to score early in the second half. Taking nine marks overall, Landy would break away on a lead late in the final term and convert from the set shot goal as the Ranges broke away in the end.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks

Continuing his consistency with the Ranges, Taylor played further up the ground as a high back where he showcased his play reading and intercepting ability, while constantly working hard to provide overlap for his teammates. Using his speed and agility to offer drive out of defence, Taylor would make smart, clean decisions with the footy while also covering the ground well. One of the highlights of his game included where he drifted forward to intercept and use his vision to handball off to Sullivan Robey, who goaled on the run to put a seal on the contest.

#23 Jamie Gilchrist
Forward | 185cm | 03/02/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 goals

Another player who took time to get into the game, Gilchrist showed strong positioning to goal on the run via his left foot following the ball being spilled from the contest. Late in the second quarter, Gilchrist would go through a purple patch where he marked the ball from an Oliver Greeves delivery and converted the set shot, then followed up moments later with an overhead mark to goal from long range for his third goal for the day. Gilchrist would kick his fourth goal where he won a free kick, then converted from close range as the Ranges further extended their lead.

#55 Sullivan Robey
Tall Forward | 192cm | 04/10/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Robey started off well with a leap and mark inside 50, resulting in a set shot kick at goal that went straight through the middle to get the Ranges into the lead for the first time. Robey showed a great work rate up the ground and was prepared to work over his opponent. If Robey wasn’t kicking goals, he was delivering them inside 50 effectively or dangerously, and although he did turn the ball over at times, he was able to make up the deficit by taking a few intercept marks. Not only did Robey kick the first goal of the game, he also kicked the last where he received a handball from a Xavier Taylor intercept and finished on the run from just under 50 to put an exclamation mark on the contest.

Sandringham Dragons 15.13 (103) def. Oakleigh Chargers 9.10 (64)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#2 Jack Dalton
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 37 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Dalton has been on a tear since returning from injury mid-season and continued that run with arguably his best performance to date. The hard-running accumulator roved packs cleanly and seemed to be in all the right spots to help Sandringham transition out of defence. He racked up 29 uncontested possessions, mostly between the arcs and on the outside where he could take ground. While Dalton’s kicking on the run remains an area for improvement, he snuck forward for two goals and was simply everywhere at times. Few can match his running power.

#6 Arki Butler
Forward | 180cm | 23/04/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 2 goals

Having put together consecutive five-goal hauls at the level, Saturday wasn’t Butler’s day but he was still dangerous each time the ball entered his area. No defender had a chance of matching him when isolated one-on-one, with the crafty forward reading the ball quickly and moving into prime position to mark. He manufactured nearly all of his scoring opportunities that way, including two goals, operating almost exclusively inside 50 before venturing up the ground later in the piece.

#9 Rory Wright
Defender | 184cm | 02/06/2007

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

Wright continued his venture into Sandringham’s defence, operating as the side’s prime ball user from the back. He sparked transitional play with his flat left-foot bullet kicks and willingness to chain run through the corridor. By attacking in such a direct fashion, Wright put Oakleigh on the back foot and gave impetus to the Dragons’ ball movement. He also got stuck in to lay six strong tackles, but thrived as a key playmaker and showed good core strength with ball in hand.

#10 Gus Teixeira
Midfielder | 179cm | 29/03/2008

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

An emerging bottom-ager in Sandringham’s ranks, Teixeira was a mainstay among the Dragons’ midfield mix. Such exposure on-ball allowed him to showcase traits like his explosive speed and strength over the footy, proving a capable distributor. Teixeira held his own on the inside but also spread hard on the outer, perhaps only lacking a touch of polish when going long by foot. Still, he was one who constantly looked to advance the play by driving his legs and linking up by hand.

#34 Kye Fincher (St Kilda NGA)
Utility | 185cm | 18/11/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Fresh off a fruitful VFL debut with the Zebras, Fincher was back in Dragons colours and up to his old tricks. He spent the majority of the game as a midfielder-forward, but ended up dropping behind the ball to help settle his side in term four. His agility and spatial awareness stood out throughout the day, able to step through traffic and bide his time in possession. Fincher’s creativity and willingness to link up on the run added fluidity to Sandringham’s ball movement, and he often changed angles effectively to keep the Chargers guessing. His spring to mark overhead earned him a goal in term two, and while prone to an error or two, he was industrious all day.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#3 Jai Saxena (Collingwood NGA)
Forward | 180cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 goal

Saxena was one of Oakleigh’s most integral forward threats, registering several shots on goal for a single major score. It came in the opening quarter from a late free kick off the ball, converting the set shot having previously been a connection piece high up the ground. He was opportunistic, clean and dangerous at the fall of the ball, but just lacked the touch of composure and polish needed to make a bigger imprint on the scoreboard.

#4 Jack Ison (Carlton NGA)
Midfielder | 190cm | 26/03/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 8 inside 50s

Once he found his rhythm, Ison’s kicking heading inside 50 was nothing short of weaponous for Oakleigh. The left-footer consistently found space in the attacking phase, either taking metres through the corridor or marking at half-forward where he could spot up leaders on the move. He drilled the ball low and flat to take defenders out of the equation, proving an exceptional user when said kicks didn’t fall short. Ison also proved his ability to be a physical presence, at 190cm, collaring a couple of opponents and laying six tackles for the day.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal

If not for Dalton, Grlj had claims on being best afield in a losing side. His unique ability to accelerate away from opponents caused headaches, doing so with ease and breaking the lines on repeat. He would often find a short kick and catch up to the ball to demand a handball receive, showcasing great vision and decision making skills while moving at speed. Grlj’s power was on show with a one-step goal from long-range in term three, while his finesse was evident in several clean pick-ups below his knees. His competitive streak was another prominent feature, getting stuck into several of his former Vic Metro teammates.

#75 Jai Leach
Ruck | 198cm | 24/11/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 11 hitouts, 4 clearances

Leach was a surprise packet on debut for Oakleigh, venturing down to the Coates Talent League from his native Queensland. He made an impression in the ruck with spring-heeled leaps at the centre bounces and agile movement on the follow-up. Leach competed in the air and landed on his feet, either recovering the ground ball or wrapping up opponents to sustain his impact. His closing speed when tackling and comfortability with ball in hand hinted at promising athletic potential, despite being raw in other elements of his game.

Dandenong Stingrays 13.8 (86) def. Gippsland Power 11.9 (75)

By: Michael Alvaro

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks

Hibbins-Hargreaves led from the front, rotating between the wing and centre bounces. He showcased quick and clean hands in tight, although was arguably most effective when accumulating uncontested possessions around the ground and utilising his foot skills. The first round prospect aided his side’s ball movement out of defence and was relatively fierce with his attack on the inside. He went without a goal for just the second time this season – after a bag of five last week – although had a set shot chance in term three.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Sinnema was another Dandenong midfielder who started on the outside but got his chance to run on-ball, while also dropping back to support the defence. He wasn’t afraid to fold in on the contest and step into traffic, prising four clearances. The Melbourne NGA prospect helped spread the play from side-to-side down back and even featured at the other end of the ground with a set shot goal in term three.

#17 Mitch Toner
Forward | 186cm | 16/01/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Making just his fifth Coates Talent League appearance for the season, Toner showcased his power and strength up forward. The bottom-ager constantly looked to charge his way through tackles, taking on opponents for better or worse. His intensity and explosiveness put Gippsland on the back foot at times, able to connect the play inside 50 with his directness. Toner also nabbed a couple of majors with clever work out the back and off hands at the goalmouth.

#29 Callum Smith
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 12/09/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 goals

Smith’s numbers don’t flatter him, but he made an impact with is 13 touches on Saturday evening. He found his usual knack for prising first possession, handling the ball cleanly at stoppages and getting good purchase on clearing kicks. He also made an impact inside 50 with two goals, both coming from marks and shrewd finishes. The second was a terrific left-foot snap from the pocket. His strong hands and frame were key to a crucial late mark which helped milk the clock.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles, 2 goals

Capping off Gippsland’s minor premiership-winning campaign, Duursma delivered yet another best afield performance. His improved contested and defensive output carried on, with the athletic utility getting his hands dirty. He was also an enormous threat rotating forward from midfield, utilising his leap and reach to extend at the aerial ball. Duursma ended up with two set shot goals from four scoring shots and was lively throughout the evening with his piercing drill kicks on the move.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 goal

It was a high impact-per-possession kind of game from Templeton, rotating between the midfield and forwardline. He exhibited his ability to win contested ball, doing so on the move and injecting speed to the game. The bottom-ager linked up nicely by hand and brought the play to the outside effectively. He ran out the game well as a forward, rising for a strong overhead mark and goal, and having another chance to bridge the unassailable gap later on.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 8 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Another highly promising bottom-ager in Gippsland’s ranks, Neocleous joined Templeton as a high-impact type. While usually the smallest player afield, he once again held his own with deceptive strength when both applying or combating tackles. He was super clean in tight spots, winning ground balls and dishing off to open teammates with minimal fuss. Neocleous’ kick penetration was also useful when moving between the arcs, and he booted a long-range set shot goal late in the first quarter which sparked a heated melee.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 goals

It was a typical kind of performance from Atkins, who was prominent at the contest all game. He did the dirty work, winning first possession and denying Dandenong of it on repeat. His clean extraction work was complimented by two first half goals, both won by cleverly drawing free kicks. The first came in a one-on-two battle which he did well to split and stay engaged in.

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

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 marks, 2 goals

Malady was a constant threat inside attacking 50, drawing free kicks and offering a mobile marking target. His ability to leap and extend at the ball made him difficult to contain on the lead, proving a tough matchup with his speed and aerial ability. All of Malady’s chances came via set shots, converting one apiece in the second and third terms from a total of five opportunities throughout the match.

Bendigo Pioneers 11.13 (79) def. GWV Rebels 7.13 (55)

By: Michael Alvaro

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#1 Cody Walker (Carlton F/S)
Midfielder | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 marks, 9 clearances, 1 goal

Walker’s late-season form has been nothing short of remarkable, and it continued in his final home-and-away appearance. The Carlton father-son hopeful was tough on the inside, crashing through packs and bursting into space. He caught the eye most when driving forward on the outside, leaning on his strong running ability to cover plenty of ground and connect the lines with penetrative kicking. He was everywhere at times and showed an ability to draw repeat possessions in single passages, staying on his toes throughout the match.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

Evans was arguably best afield in what was his final regular season outing in the Coates Talent League. The over-ager started in defence and provided his usual overlap run, making aggressive forays through the corridor and meeting the ball at speed. He backed his skills to bite off dangerous kicks in the first half before being swung forward, where he presented as an active leading target. He connected nicely up the ground and ended up with two goals, including a terrific set shot from the boundary in term three.

#4 Willem Bennett
Tall Forward | 191cm | 19/01/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

Bennett was a prominent forward target for Bendigo and got his side off to a ripping start. The left-footer converted the Pioneers’ first three scores, including a nice long-range snap goal. At 191cm, he presented at the kicker and took the ball cleanly overhead while proving strong in one-on-one battles. His low and flat set shot kicks didn’t always find the mark, but Bennett registered five scoring shots for the day in a productive outing.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Wright was among the Bendigo onballers who helped drive a healthy clearance advantage, winning seven throughout the day. He utilised his strong frame and clean hands to be effective on the inside, but also go dangerous when released into space. There, Wright constantly looked to take the game forward and capped off his runs with penetrative left-foot kicking to breach attacking 50. With both methods combined, he proved to be a balanced ball winner and user.

#44 Zaydyn Lockwood
Ruck | 198cm | 25/01/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 6 marks, 16 hitouts, 7 clearances

Another of Bendigo’s in-form over-agers, Lockwood did a bit of everything in a showcase of his athleticism. He exhibited a terrific leap to not only compete in the ruck, but also clunk several marks around the ground. Lockwood’s reach allowed him to pluck the ball at high points, beating opponents one-on-one or in packs. He also had a purple patch in term two to consecutive targets heading inside 50, setting up scoring chances. Grabbing out of the ruck and following up at ground level were added features of the tall’s game, winning seven clearances.

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Taylor injected energy and speed to the game with his spurts of possession, lighting up in short passages throughout the match. He was employed in midfield and had a dip at stoppages, bursting away with ball in hand to break the play open. His acceleration was dangerous in the forward half, like when he streamed inside 50 for a checkside attempt on goal, or when he drilled a kick to a teammate inside 50.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 9 hitouts, 5 clearances

Burmeister was arguably GWV’s best in a losing effort, offering a dynamic forward target before rotating into the ruck. He showcased the ability to gain separation on the lead and his athleticism was respected as smalls took his matchup early in the piece. The over-ager was too good for them aerially but couldn’t quite make his marking feats count on the scoreboard. A terrific bit of pressure to catch Lockwood holding-the-ball in term two highlighted Burmeister’s mobility in open play.

#37 Max Clancey
Ruck | 195cm | 06/04/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 tackles, 15 hitouts, 3 clearances

Clancey was somewhat of a surprise packet, making just his fourth appearance at the level having debut in Round 16. It was arguably his most impactful outing to date, with the bottom-ager showing good mobility in open play and holding his own in the ruck. While not as springy at the centre bounces as Lockwood, he fared well in jostles around the ground and was clean on the follow-up.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 6 hitouts, 1 goal

Putting together arguably the best performance since his first appearance this season, Finck got his hands on the ball as a primary forward who chopped out through the ruck. He presented up the ground and reliably clunked the ball overhead, proving mobile as an option down the line. Finck wheeled around for a goal in the first quarter and was clever enough to draw a high free kick in the third term, but put the set shot wide.

Murray Bushrangers 5.5 (35) def. by Geelong Falcons 12.15 (87)

By: James Bell

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles

Corrigan’s size and grunt were welcomed at the coalface in a relatively small midfield. The long-kicking mid was able to find space inside 50, evincing forward craft on top of his stoppage prowess. He was one of Murray’s most consistent performers throughout the day and remains a draft chance.

#15 Harry Dean (Carlton F/S)
Key Defender | 193cm | 13/11/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

It was another strong showing for the likely Carlton father-son. He surprisingly started the game with two 50 defensive clearances and a deft pass into the corridor before reverting to his usual style as a steady interceptor and rebounder out of the back half. His defensive desperation was also on show as he laid a powerful tackle to prevent a forward entry and was subsequently awarded a free kick, then took a pack mark late in the same quarter to foil a forward foray.

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

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

Following up his five-goal effort against the Knights, the dynamic and powerful small forward showed flashes of brilliance, including a hanger in the third quarter and another big mark late in the game, proving he still had gas in the tank. On top of that, he displayed a brilliant effort in the first term inside 50 that saw him blind turn out of a stoppage and shoot at goal. Definitely one to watch for next year.

#27 Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
Midfielder | 176cm | 27/02/2008

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

The diminutive bottom-age midfielder reliably won first possession at stoppage and displayed fast hands and sharp reflexes in close. Armstrong was the most effective player at ground level throughout the afternoon. He also tackled effectively at times, winning a holding-the-ball free kick in the second quarter.

#28 Caden Ratcliffe
Defender | 188cm | 12/03/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 2 rebound 50s

The Bushrangers defender is an aggressive interceptor who uses his power to impact aerial contests. He frequently showed bravery down back, flying into oncoming traffic before playing on and commencing possession chains. 

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 13 kicks, 3 tackles

The highly-rated half-back continued to demonstrate his class. Deployed in the midfield, primarily on the wing, the Falcons looked to find Lindsay in the forward half of the ground to utilise his precise kicking. This investment in the midfield paid off on a couple of occasions, and in one instance, he was instrumental in one of Jack Pickett’s goals. Lindsay’s instincts with ball in hand are a point of difference; he regularly looks to pass into the corridor and is able to bite off kicks that others can’t. 

#10 Hugo Mikunda
Midfielder | 180cm | 13/03/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s

After a strong carnival for Vic Country, the 180cm midfielder continues to improve his case for a spot on an AFL list in November. Although his output appears limited on the stat sheet, he was potent with the majority of his possessions. Mikunda did most of his work forward of centre and his considered ball use directly resulted in scores for his side.

#37 Riley McLeod
Forward | 191cm | 13/06/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

The bottom-ager was one of two multiple goalkickers on the ground, scoring in ways that were atypical for a player his size. His first came after he snaffled a fumbled mark from an opponent inside 50, then played on and kicked a goal. The other was a ground-level collect and goal in general play; both goals showcased decent agility. McLeod also showed a willingness to work up the ground in order to leave space for the on-song Jack Pickett.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

Pickett was the standout player on the ground in the first half. The 17-year-old key forward proved hard to contain in the first quarter with three goals and a couple of other unsuccessful shots. His size and reach caused the Murray defenders headaches, particularly Mackenzie Calleja, who battled hard all afternoon and was able to reduce Pickett’s impact late in the piece.