THE COATES Talent League quarter-finalists are locked in after six Wildcard Round fixtures narrowed the premiership race down to eight contenders. With heightened stakes, plenty of prospects were out to impress, and we noted down some of the top performers from each game, across several age brackets.

>> Snapshot: 2025 Coates Talent League Wildcard Round

GWV Rebels 16.13 (109) def. Tasmania Devils 7.9 (51)

By: Michael Alvaro

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Locking in at least one more Coates Talent League appearance, the over-aged Burmeister put his athleticism on show. He utilised his strong leap to soar in the ruck, often bringing the ball down with him to prise six clearances. His agility was evident in open play as he stepped out or wheeled around to get quick snap kicks away – one resulting in a goal. While only credited with two marks, both were strong grabs with nice extension at the ball overhead.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 9 tackles, 1 goal

Byrne’s form as a forward has been extremely promising and he did arguably his best work attacking inside 50 on Saturday. The powerful small booted one major from four scoring shots, but peppered the goals early in the final term with attempts off either foot. His game-high nine tackles included a big spearing effort in the second term, and he showed great desperation to win the ball in dispute. His crumbing ability was top notch at the fall of the contest all day.

#16 Fraser Molan
Forward | 186cm | 04/07/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 6 goals

Having put together a consistent season playing mostly through midfield, Molan has made a splash since shifting to spend more time up forward. That culminated in a six-goal performance on Saturday, with the top-ager proving a constant threat inside 50. He created chances with strong marking overhead and competitive ball winning efforts, dominating seasoned opponents in one-on-one battles.

#26 Wilbur Shea
Midfielder | 183cm | 07/08/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 clearances

Shea was the Rebels’ leading ball winner in a well-balanced outing, crashing in on the inside and working hard to sustain his impact on the outside. He was strong over the ball and used his size to absorb or break through physical pressure, proving a clean extractor while also shutting down Tasmania’s ball winners. His impact was felt in contests all around the ground as GWV’s midfield mainstay.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

Miller comfortably achieved his best disposal haul at the final time of asking in 2025, leading all comers with 29 disposals. He racked up 19 of them in the second half, thriving on a move into the centre bounces and having little trouble finding his 20 uncontested possessions in all parts of the ground. The Allies representative got to showcase his neat kicking skills amid breezy conditions, and while relatively safe in his execution, was neat and tidy nonetheless.

#7 Jasper Hay
Ruck | 199cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 18 hitouts, 7 clearances

Hay offered one final reminder of his raw talent as Tasmania’s primary ruck. Competing against a physically prominent over-age opponent, Hay utilised his leap and agility to navigate the battle. His athleticism extended past the initial contest, able to collect the ball on the move or at ground level to stay involved in open play. Hay also dropped back to take several intercept marks, supporting the defence with his reading of the play and ability to pluck the ball at the top of his long reach.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 tackles, 8 clearances, 2 goals

Wootton was Tasmania’s best player in a losing effort, providing all-round impact throughout the day. He was on the move at stoppages, collecting the ball cleanly and utilising his darting steps to escape to the outside. Able to drive the ball forward that way, the top-ager proved to be the game’s most dangerous first possession winner. Wootton also applied himself defensively with strong tackle efforts and hit the scoreboard with two goals. His first was a terrific strike with the wind from a density free kick, backing his kicking power from atop the 50m arc.

Dandenong Stingrays 7.9 (51) def. Murray Bushrangers 4.3 (27)

By: Adrian Dixon

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances

Slow to get into the game to start with, Hibbins-Hargreaves began to make his presence felt in the second quarter and would use his vision to combine well with his teammates, while also receiving plenty of the footy on the outside. As his side’s co-captain, Hibbins-Hargreaves would provide direction around the ground and be a calming influence – especially late when the game wasn’t quite sealed yet. While it may have looked unconventional in the conditions, Hibbins-Hargreaves was solid with his disposal where he looked to find ways to get the ball to his teammates, while also using the conditions to his advantage when sliding and lunging out to reach out to reel in balls that dropped short. He was also typically strong with his overhead marking.

#11 Toby Sinnema
Wing/Defender | 180cm | 11/12/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles

Calm and collected with his disposal by foot in the contest, Sinnema would rotate between the backline and the wing and pushed high up the ground. While his ball use was a bit inconsistent considering the conditions, his left-foot kicking held up well and he used the angles to switch the play when he needed to. Sinnema would showcase his running power out of the backline and at times did his best to provide an option for his teammates to pass the ball to on the overlap, providing strong defensive pressure which was highlighted by his tackling.

#25 Jack Lawrence
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 12/09/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Despite not quite hitting the scoreboard as much as he perhaps would have liked to, Lawrence’s defensive pressure was crucial to the Stingrays’ fortunes – especially when it came to the opposition attempting to transition out of the backline. Rotating between the forward 50 and the midfield, he was rewarded for his efforts with a goal early in the third quarter where he launched a set shot just inside 50 to kickstart the Stingrays’ surge. Lawrence was clean at ground level and kicked a nice chaos ball that went through the legs of an opponent which then found Callum Smith for a goal late in the third quarter, which extended the Stingrays’ lead.

#26 Louis Hodder
Midfielder | 176cm | 27/06/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Hodder would use his vision to release the ball further up the field and open the game up for his team, while his defensive pressure was immense – especially at crucial stages of the game where it resulted in turnovers or free kicks. His run on the overlap would prove vital along with his follow-up work that saw him drift forward to deliver the ball dangerously inside 50. Such play resulted in the opposition having to scramble, especially given how hotly contested the game was early on with the playing surface presented to both sides.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 10 tackles, 2 goals

Smith’s physicality was a feature for the Stingrays all day. Forming part of the Stingrays’ midfield rotation, Smith would provide great spread around the ground to receive the footy. He also enforced strong defensive pressure with his tackling, which stopped the opposition from getting a run on. His disposal would hit targets while also using his vision to take risks, especially when it came to switching the play. Smith managed to kick two crucial goals, the first was where he cleanly picked up a ground ball from just under 50 metres on the run, and his second came from a mark in the forward pocket in the last quarter, converting a set shot around the body.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#3 Zac Harding
Ruck | 199cm | 01/01/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 29 hitouts, 4 clearances

Starting off with winning the first hitout of the game, Harding would continually move well around the ground and utilised his long kicking which held up well in the conditions. Harding did his best to use his vision and release teammates forward while also moving well around the ground like an extra midfielder, where on numerous occasions he managed to intercept the ball. When it came to the ruck contests, Harding would position himself nicely and used his body to win hitouts to advantage, while also strategically taking the ball out of the ruck when he needed to.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Despite the conditions making for unconventional play at times, Wilson was a constant go-to man when it came to his team finding an avenue to clear the ball out of the backline, highlighting his accumulation ability. Wilson would provide excellent running power out of the Bushies’ defensive 50, and used his long kicking to clear his lines while also getting the one-two handball with teammates to generate even more run when and where possible. Wilson competed exceptionally well one-on-one, while his tackle pressure also stood out, and he showcased his strong hands by taking several crucial marks.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 11 tackles, 4 clearances

Starting up forward, Gardiner would use his vision and creativity to cause problems for the opposition and positioned himself smartly not only when it came to deliveries in the forwardline, but also when it came to the opposition attempting to bring the ball out of the defensive 50. Moving into the midfield in the second quarter, he would do his best to make it a scrap for the Stingrays with defensive efforts and strong tackling technique. Gardiner released his teammates to roam through the ground and competed well above his weight in the conditions, especially at ground level.

#27 Tanner Armstrong
Midfielder/Defender | 176cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 32 disposals, 11 clearances, 7 rebound 50s

While he struggled to keep his footing in the conditions to begin with, Armstrong did his best work defensively around the contests with his constant presence and pressure that made it a scrap for the opposition. Starting in the midfield, Armstrong’s ball use would hold up in the conditions where he utilised the angles to get the ball to teammates looking laterally along the ground. He would constantly fight for the footy all day to keep his side in the contest and to retain possession, while also dropping back to help provide an option to rebound out of his defensive 50.

Geelong Falcons 11.10 (76) def. Bendigo Pioneers 11.6 (72)

By: Michael Alvaro

GEELONG FALCONS:

#4 Jesse Mellor
Forward/Midfielder | 185cm | 04/01/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 4 goals

After a quiet first half by his standards, Mellor put the Falcons on his back to play an integral part in their thrilling victory. He compiled 14 disposals, four marks, and 3.2 after the main break, including a major score to momentarily snatch the lead. Mellor rose to the finals-like atmosphere, celebrating with vigour after each goal, getting stuck into opponents, and thriving on the big moments. He split the big sticks from all angles, doing so from a left-foot snap, on the run from 50, and with a clutch set shot. Even with his switch into midfield, he displayed high intensity and a want to win.

#19 Darcy Harrington
Wing | 177cm | 17/11/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles

One of the Falcons’ most talented bottom-agers, Harrington topped his side’s disposal charts with 23 as a productive asset out on the wing. The pocket rocket showcased good spring to not only compete aerially, but to also drive his legs and take metres with punchy kicking. Harrington’s polish with ball in hand led to a few flashy touches, though his most important moments came in the final quarter as he made repeat forward 50 launches and assisted Mellor’s fourth goal.

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

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 5 goals

Along with Mellor, Pickett was well contained with only one touch in the first half but impacted when it mattered most. His crowning moment was the last of the day, first splitting a crucial one-on-one deep inside 50, then peeling off to kick the winning goal over the back. He proved he only needed a few touches to make his mark and was difficult to beat one-out close to goal, booting all five of his majors in the second half. His goalkicking record has been exceptional this season, slotting 30 in just six games with five consecutive bags of four or more.

#47 Noah Williams
Midfielder | 176cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 12 tackles, 6 clearances

Yet another promising bottom-ager at the Falcons’ disposal, Williams packed a punch with his play on Saturday. His turn of speed was evident when slicing through traffic or bursting from congestion, proving a line-breaking player at his best. That kind of play took somewhat of a back seat to his tough inside work, though, with Williams laying a game-high 12 tackles and getting stuck in at the bottom of packs. His clean hands, agility, and deceptive power all held up, especially with crucial stoppage breaks in the dying stages.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Walker rounded out a phenomenal bottom-age campaign with a balance of contested work and driving passages from midfield. He consistently did the tough stuff, winning his own ball and even dropping into defensive 50 to take an important early mark with pressure closing. The Carlton father-son prospect demanded possession and while seemingly frustrated at times, continued to give his all in the loss. Refining his kicking will be a key area of improvement as he prepares to launch into his top-age season next year.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals

In what was his final Coates Talent League appearance, Evans very nearly dragged his side over the line at the death. He prised a free kick and dobbed the goal to put the Pioneers ahead with only around a minute left to play, taking his big moment with both hands. The over-ager was a handy connection piece up the ground and used his running tank to work opponents over. Needing a spark in the final term, Bendigo switched Evans into the centre bounces and he impacted immediately with a goal on the run, which was followed by another major for the lead.

#13 Patrick Blake
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 27/12/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Blake produced some serious moments of power and explosiveness on Saturday, showing touches of flair along the way. His clean hands and strength were useful around the contest, where Blake dished out a few fend-offs and looked to surge his way forward, or shut down opponents. His intensity matched the occasion, as did a terrific crumbing goal in the third quarter.

#24 Jessie Johnstone
Defender | 185cm | 21/09/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 17 kicks, 5 rebound 50s

With Evans’ role switched up, Johnstone was afforded more exposure as one of Bendigo’s prime distributors from defence. The state draft combine inclusion went by foot with 17 of his 21 disposals, playing to his strengths and looking to create momentum on the overlap. Johnstone’s left-foot kicking found a target 65 per cent of the time, although he sometimes gave his passes a little too much air when delivering at full tilt. Still, his ability to break the lines and spark counterattacks gave Bendigo some rebounding impetus.

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 marks, 11 tackles, 34 hitouts

Lockwood’s second half of the season has been superb, finding a real groove as Bendigo’s leading ruck. He covered plenty of ground away from the contest to reel in seven marks, but made the most impact at stoppage. The over-ager’s leap and reach were assets against a physically robust opponent, while his agility allowed for willing follow-up work. Lockwood prised a game-high 18 contested possessions and fought hard to the end, but was unable to drag his side over the line.

#59 Max Thompson
Defender | 175cm | 06/03/2009

Stats: 28 disposals, 9 marks, 12 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Playing his fifth game as a 16-year-old, Thompson saved his best for last. The All-Australian forward plied his trade down back where he dished out 23 kicks and 12 rebound 50s among his 28 disposals. Entrusted with some of the kick-in duties, Thompson’s reliable ball use on the move stood out, as did his clean hands overhead to reel in a few intercept marks. Thompson also snuck forward in the second quarter to slot a set shot goal which swung back a remarkable amount with the wind.

Eastern Ranges 20.14 (134) def. Western Jets 7.3 (45)

By: Adrian Dixon

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

Knapp once again starred in the midfield for the Ranges, often blazing away from the contest where and when possible to get his long kicking game going, while using his football smarts to position strongly. Knapp would eventually spend some time up forward where he kicked two goals in the opening quarter, both from long range set shots to highlight his kicking power. Knapp’s vision throughout the game was a highlight and kicked a great ball around the body that found Tom Swainston for a goal late in the third quarter.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 goals

Despite a slow start to the game, Dovaston would come into his own in the second quarter, kicking his first major for the day midway through the second quarter where he pounced on an error to goal off the ground as the Ranges extended their lead. However, it was the third quarter where he came to the fore, kicking three goals – the first was from where he pounced on a loose ball while a free kick had been called advantage, the second came after dropping a chest mark then gathering the spill at ground level to goal on the run, and the third from point blank range where he received a free kick for a block. Dovaston used his pace to burn off the opposition while his constant repeat efforts and defensive pressure made it hard for the opposition defenders.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 goals

Landy set the tone early with his strong tackling pressure in the midfield and coverage around the ground, using his vision and proficiency with his disposal especially by hand to release teammates. Landy kicked two goals in the opening quarter, the first after receiving a push in a contest and converting the set shot kick from close range, then the second where he broke away on a lead on an angle and converted the set shot that looked like a cross-field kick. While more opportunities may have gone begging, Landy would eventually set up Jaden Lawerence from close range, keeping his composure at a fast pace under pressure.

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

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

Taylor’s efforts once again were a key to the Ranges’ dominance, able to cut off many forward thrusts whether that be inside or just outside the defensive 50. Playing further up the ground, Taylor demonstrated a great aerial ability not only to mark but also to halve contests, while also showing plenty of second efforts that helped the Ranges turn defence into attack. Taylor would eventually drift forward late in the game and as a result, took a mark inside 50 – however his set shot was off target. Still, given his midas touch, it still resulted in a goal to his side.

#34 Archie Spencer
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 24/09/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Spencer kicked off proceedings for the Ranges with a goal on the run, proving composed under pressure at the five-minute mark. Spencer was relentless with his physicality throughout the day up forward with his pressure ensuring that the opposition exits from defensive 50 were covered and his tackling technique also held up well. When Robey was moved into the midfield, Spencer would play the linking role as the third forward and was able to spread and push up the ground to ensure that the Ranges had a target, while also impacting with his clean disposal and delivery inside 50.

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

Stats: 40 disposals, 9 marks, 7 inside 50s, 3 goals

Continuing his red-hot form, Robey would again start in attack where he had a presence as a third hit up forward early playing a vital linking role especially with his work rate up the ground. However, it was a first time move into the midfield for the second quarter that allowed him to stamp his mark on the game using his hands, vision and creativity in close to release the ball to his teammates. Robey’s follow-up work was a feature along with his defensive pressure, in spite of giving away a few high free kicks. Robey would eventually finish with three goals for the game and utilised the kicking angles when he needed to, while showcasing a great aerial ability to mark or halve contests.

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 goal

McGuane marked strongly from outside 50 then received a 50-metre penalty to kick the opening goal of the game for the Jets. He then backed it up moments later from an Angus Tippett delivery where he perfectly timed the length of his kick to find Billy Wigmore, who couldn’t convert. McGuane would repeat the effort where he found Wigmore in the same spot inside 50, highlighting his creativity and skill. McGuane constantly knew when to utilise his running patters accelerating and decelerating when he needed to, and used his vision to release his teammates.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

Fighting hard for the footy all day was Burton, continually highlighting his leadership abilities as he looked for ways to bring teammates into the game. His vision opened up opportunities for Tom McGuane early on, while also hitting targets inside 50 – including a nice ball to Kobe Williams who marked strongly. Burton would provide good run on the overlap and utilised his athleticism to take an intercept mark in the last quarter. He managed to redeem himself moments missing a set shot, later kicking a goal from long range on the run after being released by McGuane.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Despite taking some time to get into the game, Davis would once again be a rock down back for the Jets, and it could be argued that the margin could easily have been worse if it wasn’t for his presence down back. There, he fought hard for the footy and ensured that the opposition wasn’t going to get it easily. Davis once again would play a key intercepting role dropping off his opponent when he needed to and utilised the kicking angles coming out of defence using his vision to locate teammates across the field, with his line and length kicking hitting targets.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s

A prominent Tippett continued his strong form in the midfield for the Jets. He constantly provided defensive pressure around the contest, using his big-bodied frame when tackling, while also spreading from the contest to provide an option on the overlap. Tippett’s ground coverage was also a highlight, using his aerobic underpinnings to drop back and help out his teammates to clear the ball out of defensive 50, while also showing strong hands with his marking.

Calder Cannons 9.13 (67) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 11.15 (81)

By: Michael Alvaro

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 clearances, 4 goals

El Achkar capitalised on limited opportunities to end up with four second half goals, including two consolations in the final five minutes. The Essendon Next Generation Academy prospect was hardly sighted in before half time, but had his moments thereafter with typical hunt-and-gather type of play. El Achkar’s finishing touch held up on the run as he created opportunities through speed and pressure.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 11 marks, 14 hitouts, 2 goals

Producing the kind of performance befitting of his strong reputation, Duff-Tytler posted 11 marks and seven scoring shots with plenty of time spent up forward. He started in the ruck though, enjoying a few jostles with Vic Metro and AFL Academy teammate Louis Emmett while showcasing his ability to spread from the contest, or provide a marking option down the line. The pick one contender’s movement also wrecked havoc inside 50, where he was repeatedly found in space. After two first quarter goals, he lost his radar to finish with 2.5 but was ultra-impressive nonetheless.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 8 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Kneipp was back to his industrious best after returning to action last week, thriving as a key playmaker across half-back. The hard-running prospect was in constant motion, linking up in transition with a sharp turn of speed amid creative passages of play. He consistently took the game on and was difficult to contain with his darting steps and short kicks. He eventually found his way into the centre bounces and should earn greater exposure there in the upcoming quarter final.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

Sweid led all comers in a prolific outing, getting busy in the attacking phase to help launch his side forward. He sent the ball inside 50 eight times by consistently finding the space in transition and driving his legs to possess the ball in dangerous positions. While it was a tough day to finesse kicks, the Essendon NGA member looked to screw the ball inboard or get it deep to give Calder’s forwards the best chance at scoring. On the inside, he rode the bumps well and was typically clean en route to chaining his way to the outside.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#4 Jack Ison
Midfielder | 190cm | 26/03/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 5 tackles, 10 clearances, 1 goal

In what was arguably his best game to date, Ison brought all his best traits to the fore. His poise and decision making were key features throughout the day, with Ison seemingly slowing down time in the process of identifying targets and hitting them lace-out. He baulked opponents and stepped through traffic with class, proving a polished clearance winner who could also get dangerous on the spread. After his eyes lit up for a few wasteful scoring attempts inside 50, Ison eventually bagged a stoppage goal in term three as reward for his efforts to set others up.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Grlj’s attacking instincts were again at the forefront of his game, with the speedy midfielder running hard to chain up possessions between the arcs. His productive style and ability to run in waves brought teammates into the play, often acting with dare and creativity. After coming off the ground from a heavy knock in term three, Grlj spent time deep forward to see out the game and was tenacious as ever in the defensive aspect.

#9 Aaron Sharkie
Defender | 184cm | 20/01/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

It was a typical kind of performance from Sharkie, who transitioned the ball aggressively and at a high tempo. He was unfazed by a few early skill errors and continued to venture forward with his speed and dual-footed kicking. The Vic Metro representative looked dangerous when attacking the corridor and was able to penetrate the forward 50 with daring overlap run. He could hardly be faulted for effort and intent as he hunted and willed the ball forward.

#11 Louis Emmett
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 23/03/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 28 hitouts, 2 goals

Emmett led the Chargers into battle and imposed himself firstly as a forward, before going on to own the ruck domain. He was a viable attacking 50 target in the early stages, drawing a crowd and booting two goals at one end of Mars Stadium. His physicality, attack on the ball, and ability to bring it to ground were highlights of his forward craft, and those traits translated well to his ruck work.

#14 Max Kondogiannis
Tall Defender | 190cm | 14/11/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 7 rebound 50s, 1 goal

A player who ticks plenty of boxes each week, Kondogiannis made a prominent start with his aerial ability and even slotted a set shot goal in term one. The tall backman roamed free as an interceptor and was brave when leaping at the ball, before taking off with spurts of dash and dare on the rebound. He was perhaps more expansive than usual in that sense, showing a willingness to run and attack rather than solely distributing the ball long by foot.

#36 Hunter Holmes
Wing | 187cm | 19/02/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

Holmes has all the makings of an effective outside player, so it was no surprise to see him thrive once unleashed on the wing. In the expanses of Mars Stadium, he utilised his running ability up and down the line, while finding more freedom to use the ball effectively by foot. His ability to track into either arc or find space in transition made him a viable outlet throughout the day, and Oakleigh looked for him when spreading the play wide.

Sandringham Dragons 17.8 (110) def. Northern Knights 9.3 (57)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 2 goals

It was no surprise to see Dalton comfortably lead all comers once again, continuing his prolific form to crack 30 touches for the third time in a row. He started the game up forward before becoming a mainstay at the centre bounces, proving key to Sandringham’s transitional ball movement. His smart and hard running got him into good spots to help form chains on the outside, though he broke some of them under pressure. Still, Dalton did enough to hit the scoreboard once again with a set shot, and then a terrific forward 50 stoppage snap.

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

Butler blew the game wide open in the third quarter, booting three consecutive goals in a four-minute purple patch. He slotted two set shots and snapped the other to further establish the Dragons’ unassailable lead. The bottom-ager’s forward 50 craft was simply unstoppable, reading the ball best in one-on-one situations and knowing exactly how to access it. His finishing was polished and he helped continue the onslaught with a fourth major in the final term.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Wright continues to thrive since shifting to Sandringham’s defence and produced another productive performance on Sunday. He tracked high up the ground and showed a willingness to attack, peeling off to provide overlap run and distribute the ball up the field. His kicking skills held up in tricky conditions as he spread the play wide with good penetration to cut through the breeze.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

Playing with plenty of power, Teixeira continues to boost his stocks heading into next year. The bottom-ager was a productive link in transition, often seen surging through the corridor and taking ground with ball in hand. He also impacted up forward with strong marking on the lead and a nice set shot goal in the second quarter, while his holding-the-ball tackle in term one established a tone to follow for the rest of the day.

#16 Tyson Bradley
Key Defender | 196cm | 16/09/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Another name to jot down for next year, Bradley impressed more and more as the game wore on. With a strong frame and ample defensive craft, the bottom-ager was hardly beaten in one-on-one situations and looked unfazed under pressure. When he couldn’t complete the intercept mark, he mopped up with minimal fuss and was quite clean with ball in hand. Bradley even held his own against the towering Van Hattum, reading the cues and holding up physically to neutralise him.

#27 Xavier Bamert
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 29/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Bamert was relentless in his ability to possess the ball in dangerous launch zones, delivering flat and penetrative passes inside 50. While he didn’t always find a direct target, he lowered his eyes on a couple of occasions to show development in that area. His pure work rate made Sandringham all the more dangerous in transition, and he capped off his day with a long-range set shot goal in the final quarter. He can certainly hit the ball powerfully.

#34 Kye Fincher
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 18/11/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

Continuing his venture through Sandringham’s midfield rotation, Fincher showed an ability to get his hands on the ball both at stoppage and on the spread. He looked most dangerous when shifting gears on the move and looking to be expansive, using his speed to attack. While forced into low-percentage kicks at times, Fincher slotted a set shot goal in the second quarter after taking a nice mark against Gabriel Stumpf.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

One of half of the Knights’ twin tall pairing for next year, Houndsome imposed himself as a strong marking presence. He did so through his sheer size and ability to extend at the ball while standing in packs, plucking it at the top of his reach. Houndsome played the percentages with ball in hand and dished off to teammates, proving quite clean in open play. He also hit the scoreboard with a fluent set shot in the third quarter.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 18 hitouts, 1 goal

Van Hattum has the potential to be a genuine powerhouse and proved as much in aerial contests on Sunday. Much like Houndsome, his sheer size and reach helped him make a play at the ball and bring it to ground at a minimum. He got physical to prise clearances out of the ruck and clunked a few towering grabs, the best of the lot leading to his sole goal in term three. Van Hattum also enjoyed a good battle up forward against fellow bottom-ager Tyson Bradley, whose craft held up well in one-on-one situations inside 50.

#21 Kai Parker
Tall Defender | 190cm | 17/10/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Another of the Knights’ promising bottom-agers, Parker exhibited his dynamic style of play. He got his marking game going early on with a couple of athletic intercepts, also showing great desperation to win the ball back for his side. That kind of intent translated well to his daring rebound work, taking the game on with speed and taking ground up the field. His ability to do both is eye-catching.