THE ANNUAL Under 17 Futures showcase saw Team Boak score a 13-point win over Team Docherty in Saturday’s curtain-raiser to the AFL Grand Final. A pair of Vic Country prospects took out best on ground honours as 45 of the nation’s best prospects for next year strutted their stuff on the MCG. We took note of how each player fared.

TEAM BOAK 2.1 | 6.1 | 9.4 | 14.5 (89)
TEAM DOCHERTY 2.4 | 5.5 | 8.8 | 11.10 (76)

GOALS:
Team Boak: W. Malady 5, M. Neocleous 3, A. White 2, A. Butler, D. Cochrane, C. Hodge, H. Spawton-Guy
Team Docherty: K Edwards 2, A. McCartney 2, G. Patterson 2, J. Pickett 2, J. Knapp, M. Owen, H. Van Hattum

BEST:
Team Boak: N. Williams, W. Malady, M. Neocleous, G. Kenh, A. Hill, T. Armstrong
Team Docherty: C. Walker, C. Murray, K. Edwards, J. Gordon, H. Mellody, K. LeCras

BEST ON GROUND:
Team Boak: Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Team Docherty: Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)

SCOUTING NOTES

TEAM BOAK:
By: Peter Williams

TEAM BOAK:

#1 Garrison Kenh (East Perth/Western Australia)
Defender | 182cm | 19/04/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

One of the best afield for his ability to link up out of defence and bite off those riskier passes downfield. Kenh’s knack for a slick sidestep and dancing between opponents was outstanding, and he continually worked back to assist then drive the ball forward. A highly potent user out of the back 50 with outstanding offensive traits. Had 17 disposals to three quarter time.

#2 Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Wing/Forward | 176cm | 22/02/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 tackles, 7 inside 50s

Williams had a massive first quarter where he racked up seven disposals off a wing, and had 11 by the main break. Though a quieter second half, Williams still got involved in driving the ball forward and ended up winning the MVP for his side. One of a number of Boak players who was highly damaging by hand or foot and made good decisions with ball in hand. An exciting talent for the future.

#3 Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 23/04/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Had his moments largely up forward where he was ultra-clean and looked dangerous each time he went near it. His sole goal came after holding his ground under a high ball inside 50 and he went back and nailed the set shot 25m out. Butler should have had a second with a clever snap on goal but was touched on the way through. Went on-ball in the last term and while he only had the two touches, one was a huge centre clearance.

#4 Tanner Armstrong (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Defender/Midfielder | 176cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances

Incredible to think the Bushrangers’ talent did not attend a centre bounce in the first half, but finished with seven clearances for the game. Armstrong won a centre bounce clearance from every third one he entered (four from 12) and made a massive difference at the coalface. He looked clean when in space and as one of the more consistent four-quarter performers, winning the ball in a manner of ways both in transition and under pressure.

#5 Harrison Chapman (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Defender/Wing | 189cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 clearances

Not a massive game by any stretch, but was highly effective, running at 100 per cent disposal efficiency from his 10 touches. Tried to link up moving from the back half going forward, and worked hard to get into good positions even when it did not necessarily come his way an awful lot. Busy covering ground when on the wing.

#6 Archie Hill (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Wing | 182cm | 04/03/2008

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

Team Boak’s skipper lead his side to victory, playing largely out of defence and taking the kickouts. He used the ball well with a 85 per cent disposal efficiency, and teamed up with Kenh out of that defensive 50. A pure outside running role, Hill pushed hard offensively when the chance was there, and spread exceptionally well. Got time on a a wing, and attended three centre bounces as well.

#8 Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy/NSW)
Wing/Defender | 185cm | 04/09/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles

Matthews started the game on the wing and then rotated into defence as he so often can, using the ball well with outstanding efficiency. It was a shame he only had the three kicks because that were pinpoint, and 12 of his 13 touches were efficient too. Another outside running talent who linked up effectively and brought others into the game.

#9 Kale Matthews-Hampton (Sturt/South Australia)
Defender/Wing | 186cm | 18/05/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 3 inside 50s

Matthews-Hampton spent the first half in defence before going onto a wing, and it showed with a busier second half including a great centre bounce clearance. He spread well and his speed to affect a kick at half-back was sensational, and given his mix of footballing and athletic traits, he has some plenty of upside too. Good strength for a medium sized player as well.

#10 Sonny Smiler (Wanderers/Northern Territory)
Forward/Defender | 176cm | 20/10/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s

The NT native did not find a lot of it, starting forward and then going into defence in the second half. Smiler had Cody Walker for company at some points during the third term, and while his production was not that high, had a great few tackles inside 50. Smiler also had an inside 50 in the final minute of the game running hard off half-back to push up the ground.

#11 Marlon Neocleous (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Forward/Midfielder | 168cm | 26/02/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 7 inside 50s, 3 goals

Bearing similar traits to Nick Watson, what the 168cm Neocleous lacks in size, he makes up for in skill. He booted three goals including a ripping one from the boundary that is one of the more difficult skill executions to pull out, and used the ball exceptionally well inside 50. He weighted passes, took the responsibility to go himself, and also attended three centre bounces for the match, finishing with a couple of clearances.

#12 Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 189cm | 13/02/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances

While the exhibition game always provides players with far more rope than they would expect in a regular competitive game to play a more flair-based style, Robinson only knows one way and he was the contested ball-winning talent at the coalface. He only had the three kicks for the game, with the bulk of his touches being handballs out of congestion, but won five clearances from his first 11 disposals, before resting forward at times in the last quarter.

#14 Archie Van dyk (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Defender | 188cm | 28/07/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Started the game in perfect style with the first clearance out of the middle, and while he only finished with two for the game, linked up well with his teammates. The South Adelaide prospect’s pressure was strong, and he was not afraid to get his hands dirty to win the ball for his side. Had his moments and contributed.

#15 Angus White (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Lined up alongside fellow Panther Van dyk in the second term and attended the bulk of the stoppages through the second and third quarters, while still managing to hit the scoreboard. He found space well, and then nailed a fine finish in the fourth quarter, with half of his time spent inside 50 looking dangerous as that medium-sized forward with a balance of offensive and defensive traits.

#16 Cooper Hodge (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Utility | 182cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

The Hawthorn father-son prospect who is also tied to the Brisbane Lions had a solid day without being outstanding, but he did have an outstanding moment when snapping truly from the boundary on a set shot. He played largely forward and even on a wing after starting on-ball but only had one centre bounce after the first half. As competitive as anyone else out there and brings the heat too.

#17 Dougie Cochrane (Central District/South Australia)
Key Forward/Defender | 196cm | 02/05/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

After an incredibly unusual quiet first term, the potential pick one contender ripped the game open in the second quarter with his three high-impact disposals. They were two goal assists then one goal – from a towering mark in the goalsquare – which just reminded people of what he is capable of. Went into defence for the second half and did not have a lot to do, but competed strongly.

#18 Xavier Ladbrook (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Defender/Forward | 200cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 marks

The high-upside key position utility got his chance at both ends in the match, and though at one point his opponent in Harry Van Hattum comfortably outbodied him in a marking contest, Ladbrook was focused on the cause with a couple of great defensive acts including a clear spoil on the wing in the second term to put the ball out of bounds. Only had two disposals forward in the second half, with a snap on target but intercepted on the goalline.

#19 Wil Malady (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 8 marks, 5 goals

Malady will long be remembered as the hero from last year’s National Development Championships, but he played one of his best games since with five goals from 10 touches and looking unstoppable on the lead. As a confidence player, the Gippsland Power talent was clunking just about everything that went his way, and really filled his boots in the last 25 minutes with three of his five goals. Showed great forward craft and aerial smarts.

#20 Harvey Spawton-Guy (West Perth/Western Australia)
Key Forward | 194cm | 08/09/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

The West Perth tall did not have a lot of looks with Malady dominating the air and Neocleous doing the job at ground level, but he worked hard up the ground and presented well. He took a fantastic grab in the third term and booted a goal off a step, before a similar case happened where he set up Malady with a nice kick. His impact was far greater than six touches might suggest.

#26 Mitchell Stirling (Peel Thunder/Western Australia)
Key Defender | 196cm | 20/08/2008

Stats: 3 disposals, 1 tackle

As expected, Stirling played deep in defence on a number of opponents, laying a strong tackle in the goalsquare during the first half to lock the ball up, then having a notable play at half-back in quarter four with involved an effective release handball. Played a role.

#27 Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Ruck/Forward | 200cm | 01/11/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 17 hitouts, 4 clearances

Really liked the way Herbert moved because 200cm players do not often sell candy bursting out of a stoppage. Some of his kicks were not perfect, but his clean hands, evasive techniques and ruck craft all really stood out in the game. When in the air, Herbert clunked some big grabs, and he was not afraid to follow-up with repeat touches as well. Had the most hitouts in the match (17) including a game-high nine at the centre bounce.

#28 Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 hitouts

Gave Herbert a chop out in the ruck when otherwise not playing forward, and competed strongly in the air and at ground level. Like many of the other targets inside 50, Houndsome did not get a great amount of looks, with a set shot in the second half that just fell short. Has a nice jump and while not a massive day out, he used his big frame well.

#29 Mitchell Harris (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
Tall Defender | 190cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 3 disposals, 1 rebound 50

The other pure tall defender with Stirling, Harris also had minimal involvement and just played his role on the big stage. While three touches does not sound like much, he applied several attempted spoils and one-on-one bodywork, saving a certain goal and trying to stop a snap from Aidan McCartney with a tackle, but the ball still sailed through. Competed strongly.

TEAM DOCHERTY:
By: Michael Alvaro

#1 George Gale (Claremont/Western Australia)
Defender | 187cm | 06/09/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Gale got going in the third quarter after a quiet opening half. He went without a kick before the main break but began to utilise that weapon to showcase his sharp distribution on the rebound. He built into the game with one-percenters like his big aerial spoil and low intercept mark during term three. That helped him find a groove going the other way, where he usually shines.

#2 Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg/South Australia)
Forward | 182cm | 26/03/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Patterson was one of Team Docherty’s main attacking threats, registering four scoring shots for two majors. The lively Glenelg goalsneak finally got a ball to fall his way in the second quarter, crumbing an errant set shot and cutting in to snap home his first goal. He worked up the ground at times, but looked most dangerous inside 50 and ended up with a second goal with a set shot in term four.

#3 Jack Gordon (Central District/South Australia)
Defender/Midfielder | 184cm | 02/01/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Gordon acted as his side’s main distributor out of defence in the first half before a move into midfield. The left-footer used the ball well off the restarts and looked to create overlap run further afield, even launching inside 50. He then exhibited clean hands as an onballer and while not as effective in the clinches, had little trouble finding the ball. There were times where he coasted in possession on the outside, where he looked more comfortable.

#4 Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Edwards was everywhere during the second quarter, notching seven disposals, three marks and a goal with plenty of enthusiasm. He was part of Team Docherty’s starting midfield mix and threw himself at everything, including a gutsy mark with the flight which earned him his first major. The South Australian tackled hard and made repeat efforts to win the loose ball, while showing flair with a handball over his shoulder, and then a dribble attempt on goal in the fourth term. His ability to spread forward from midfield was dangerous, before starting ahead of the ball after half time.

#5 Jordan Knapp (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 05/01/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 1 goal

Knapp was one of three inclusions on Saturday and earned his spot with terrific form in Eastern Ranges’ premiership side. He can find the footy anywhere and proved it once again, providing a link-up option as Team Docherty moved forward. Usually poised and efficient, Knapp slotted a set shot late in the first quarter but put another out on the full in term four. He limped off injured in the second quarter but recovered to run out the game, playing on-ball after half time.

#6 Guy Jenkin (Swans Academy/NSW)
Wing/Defender | 177cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles

Jenkin went about his usual business on Saturday, finding space on the outside and using the ball with patented efficiency. His kicking was unblemished throughout the day, helping connect the lines by quickly spotting up targets and hitting them with minimal fuss. One such instance saw him receive wide off the centre bounce and find a surging Edwards for his second quarter goal. Jenkin was also gutsy in a third-up marking attempt against two talls, operating between the wing and half-back.

#7 Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Named best on ground for Team Docherty, Walker showcased unbelievable work rate and power throughout the day. He dominated the first half in midfield and continued to rack up possessions as a high forward, displaying his patented burst speed to advance the play. The Carlton father-son prospect was clean and looked to exit contests like a bull out the gate, before finding wide options or blasting long into attack. He even showed hallmarks of his father’s game with a terrific leap and mark in the third quarter, only missing a goal in his well-rounded game. He’ll be a pick one contender.

#8 Heath Mellody (Claremont/Western Australia)
Wing/Defender | 181cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 2 tackles

Fresh off a terrific end to the WAFL Colts season with premiers Claremont, Mellody was at his productive best on Saturday. He started out on the wing with rotations to defence, providing a link in the transitional chain all day. He suited the half-back role with his ability to turn intercepts into counterattacks, showing great smarts to position well a kick off the play. While he needed a few bites to collect the ball at times, Mellody impacted in the air and at ground level to then facilitate his sharp use.

#9 Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 03/01/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles

Murray was another Team Docherty player to showcase his well-roundedness on Saturday. Usually a clean and classy ball user, he also got stuck in with strong lock-up tackles and a shrewd intercept mark in his time down back. He then swung into midfield and continued to used the ball in direct fashion by foot, providing overlap run and a threat through the corridor. He’s a smooth operator.

#10 Matthew Owen (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 01/03/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 clearances, 1 goal

Owen signalled his intentions by nailing the first goal of the day, snapping home with a sharp finish on the move. While a terrific outside runner and accumulator, Owen proved he could get it done with clean hands on the inside to feed teammates or link up on the way forward. He ended up shifting forward after half time and showed great finesse with an adjusted kick around the corner to help exit defensive 50.

#11 Gus Kennedy (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 185cm | 21/02/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 rebound 50s

A crash-and-bash type of operator, Kennedy was the fourth member of Team Docherty’s original midfield rotation. His power and aggression at the ball helped to break open packs, also ensuring the opposition got no easy looks. He looked a little more comfortable when moved to defence after half time, still lacking a touch of polish with his ball use but competing hard and showing good burst to bring the play forward.

#14 Charlie Bovill (Tasmania Devils)
Tall Defender | 192cm | 30/03/2008

Stats: 1 disposal, 3 tackles

Finishing with just the one disposal, Bovill was unsighted after half time but remains one of Tasmania’s top talents for next year. He played down back and won his only handball in term two, absorbing pressure at the fall of a contest as he dished off. He has a solid frame and can play at both ends of the ground.

#15 Blake Justice (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Forward | 190cm | 29/09/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks

It was a relatively quiet day for Justice, who played nearly exclusively as a forward. He ended up having some midfield exposure late in the piece with Team Docherty comfortably down in the clearance department, but couldn’t quite impose himself. The Essendon NGA prospect otherwise had his best moments in the opening term, winning four of his six touches, including a neat turn and kick at half-forward. He worked high up the ground and got to showcase his strong hands overhead.

#16 Aidan McCartney (Swans Academy/NSW)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 04/11/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 2 goals

McCartney had his moments throughout the day, including two goals and some nice movement for a player his size. He provided a mobile marking target and was effective when working up the ground, able to either carry the ball or hold it up as Team Docherty worked a way forward. He further showed his turn of foot with a good chase on Kenh in term two, while his open play snap goal in term four was classy. McCartney is father-son eligible to North Melbourne, on top of his Swans Academy status.

#17 Clancy Snell (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Defender | 195cm | 21/06/2008

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

Showcase games aren’t always suited to key defenders, and Snell’s impact came largely in the bookends of the match. He took both his marks in the opening term and competed well to either split packs or help his side recover inside defensive 50. Snell has shown a steep rate of improvement this season, and an ability to contribute at either end of the ground.

#18 Darcy Szerszyn (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Tall Defender | 188cm | 20/05/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Szerszyn was tasked with manning Cochrane at times and was tested by the South Australia’s sheer athleticism. Still, he did well to nullify his aerial impact up the ground and showed great reading of the play down back. The Vic Country representative also exhibited some of his intercept quality with clean grabs and was willing to move the ball on quickly with relatively efficient skills. He’s a genuine in-betweener who can play both tall and small when required, but thrives on the former.

#19 Cody Templeton (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 01/01/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 2 clearances

Templeton brought his patented energy to the game, looking to create scoring chances out of stoppages. While unable to do so effectively, he was flawless by hand and proved one-touch both overhead and at the contest. He was eventually thrown into the midfield mix after starting forward, as has been the case for much of the year with Gippsland Power.

#20 Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia)
Tall Forward/Wing | 191cm | 26/04/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 3 inside 50s

A familiar name to footy fans in WA, LeCras is the nephew of premiership Eagle Mark, and son of six-game Roo Brent. Koby played mostly forward for Team Docherty, displaying a terrific ability to leap and extend at the ball when leading. His aerial nous made him a difficult matchup, and led to several unselfish score assists in the front half. The rangy left-footer also fared well on the wing and used his foot skills to spot up targets heading inside 50. He’s a dynamic type.

#21 Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Key Forward | 193cm | 06/03/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Pickett hit the scoreboard as he seemingly always does, booting a pair of set shot goals in the second half. He had his opportunities in the opening term too, putting a pair of attempts wide having made himself an option inside 50. He proved he can get on his bike to impact in open play – outside of his lead-up marking style – and reacted well to the ball heading long into his area.

#22 Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 202cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 11 hitouts, 1 goal

Van Hattum is a seriously exciting tall talent, possessing great athleticism and an imposing frame at 202cm. He was tough to beat aerially, popping up with a pair of terrific intercept marks in the opening quarter. The Northern Knights ruck went on to take another grab one-out over the back for his second term goal, and beat Herbert in a jostle on the wing. He also applied himself with good follow up work and application at ground level, staying engaged in all phases of play.

#26 Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Wing | 185cm | 10/07/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

One of three call-ups for the exhibition game, Drever took his opportunity with some outstanding touches along the wing. His ability to weight kicks when heading long and direct caught the eye, including with one effective forward 50 entry in the first term. He got good length on his kicks off minimal runway and was an effective link player in Team Docherty’s outside ball movement.

#27 Tyson Bradley (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Key Defender | 199cm | 16/09/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 rebound 50s

Bradley shapes as Vic Metro’s primary key back next year and showed why with plenty of solid acts on Saturday. He had some tough matchups, including Malady who kicked five goals, but competed hard in the air and was tough to move off the line of the ball. In possession, his hand and foot skills were reliable as he continually got the job done in economic fashion.

#28 Benji van Rooyen (Claremont/Western Australia)
Ruck | 202cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 5 disposals, 2 marks, 15 hitouts

A strong crop of ruck prospects is forming for next year and van Rooyen is among them. The brother of Melbourne forward Jacob went to battle against Herbert and did his best work competing in jostles around the ground. He showed nice touch with a sweeping handball on the move in term three and presented well in his time forward during the final term.