THE NEWLY renamed AAMI Talent League got underway on Wednesday night with a double-header at Coopers Stadium. Reigning premier Sturt powered away from Central District to win by 63 points in the season-opener, before North Adelaide did the same to Norwood in a 30-point victory at The Parade.

The following night at Richmond Oval, Glenelg ran out comfortable victors over Woodville-West Torrens, while West Adelaide snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against South. In what was a genuine thriller, the Bloods kicked three goals in as many minutes to turn around a nine-point deficit.

We took note of the best prospects and performers from all four games.

WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS:

#4 Blake Karpany
Small Forward | 174cm | 27/06/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Karpany was certainly busy as the Eagles’ main scoring avenue and source of creativity. He worked his way up the ground and utilised his classy left-foot kicking to get the ball moving inside 50, or to simply keep the chain of possession in flow. His tendency to wheel and go quickly put the Bays’ defenders on the back foot and made him the player Woodville-West Torrens wanted delivering the final kick. Karpany’s two second-quarter goals were integral to getting the Eagles going and he had plenty more opportunities on the fly. His knack for drawing free kicks only boosted those chances.

#7 Jack Leys (Richmond F/S)
Wing/Midfielder | 182cm | 11/05/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Starting out in his customary wing role, Leys showed deceptive power and grunt throughout the day. He proved able to fold in on the contest or burst through traffic, often using his power and agility to escape congestion cleanly. Leys’ fend-offs and work rate to track back helped his side regain possession in the back half before looking forward. His darting short kicks gave way to a booming goal on the run in term four having earned some time on-ball. That allowed him to have more of a forward-half impact, where he can certainly do damage at his best.

#15 Noah Atkinson
Tall Forward | 192cm | 02/08/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Atkinson ended the day with 2.4 to his name and while somewhat wayward, showed plenty of promise to earn his opportunities. The bottom-ager ironically sprayed a few more straightforward set shots, but slammed home his second major in open play with a flukey long-range effort under pressure. Atkinson’s speed off the mark and one-grab ability overhead made him a viable target both inside 50 and up the ground, where he found space with ease. His read of the play, combined with that mobility, meant each of his six marks were taken uncontested.

Others:

Starting at the source, mainline ruck Jack Marks imposed himself with 19 disposals, six marks and 16 hitouts in the defeat. Small midfielders Khye Maddern and Will Trengove (both 20 disposals) worked hard, while forwards Lachlan Marshall-Bates and Harvey O’Brien provided good aerial presence when presenting up the ground. With plenty of ball in the defensive half, distributors like Hunter Rowe (18 disposals, all kicks) had ample opportunities.

GLENELG:

#2 Gabriel Patterson
Forward/Midfielder | 184cm | 26/03/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 2 clearances

It took Patterson a little time to find his groove, and while his numbers weren’t overwhelming, he showed a knack for making things happen. The speedy forward looked most dangerous inside 50 where his desperate pressure and ground level work helped produce scoring opportunities – mainly for others. He also had flashes up the ground and eventually found his way into the centre bounces, proving his ability to find the ball. The National Academy member shook off a big hit from Leys to run out the game. He went from being a touch manic to putting together more polished plays.

#5 Jacob McNicol
Midfielder/Forward | 178cm | 28/06/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

McNicol dined out on Thursday, filling his boots and impacting the scoreboard in a dominant outing. He started out as a key distributor on the inside, winning first possession and releasing teammates into space. His clever work in tight spots, aided by a sharp turn of foot, allowed him to do so effectively. McNicol was also dangerous as a launch player heading inside 50, often turning onto his favoured left side and looking to hit direct targets. The best of his three goals ironically came off the right boot, as he twisted and snapped truly in the second term.

#10 Kobe Gibson
Midfielder/Forward | 178cm | 09/07/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

An over-ager in the mix, Gibson added plenty of quality to Glenelg’s stacked mid-forward rotation. He looked quite natural inside forward 50, finding space on the lead several times to help supply his six scoring shots (three goals). Gibson’s smooth movement and neat skills also made him an effective transition player, where he would carry the ball and hit targets on the move. His ability to cut through traffic with touches of poise caught the eye, too.

#11 Harvey Croker
Midfielder/Wing | 184cm | 15/08/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Croker was in the wars at times during the second half but managed to lead all comers with 28 disposals. He sent forward the opening clearance and hit the scoreboard early with a shot which sailed home off his favoured left foot. Rotating between the wing and on-ball, Croker showed nice poise in traffic but was also prone to a few less ideal kicks from congestion. Still, he moved the ball stylishly and took over from McNicol in to be a more prominent ball winner on the inside.

#12 Jimmy Hele
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 28/10/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles

Another left-footed midfielder in the Bays’ ranks, Hele added touches of class throughout the attacking phase. His clean handling and smooth movement made bringing the ball out of congestion a breeze, either linking up by hand or stepping out into space. The top-ager impressed with his ability to cut onto his favoured side and hit targets on the move, producing some nice entry kicks.

#29 Harry Franz
Key Defender | 193cm | 27/11/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks (3 contested), 3 rebound 50s

While Glenelg’s mid-forwards dominated proceedings, Franz was arguably the most effective key position player afield. Three of his five marks were contested, clunking some towering grabs as he built confidence after half time. On top of Franz’s aerial acumen, he provided a cool head with ball in hand and was able to not only relieve pressure inside defensive 50, but also make good reads to impact up the ground. In possession, he showed great composure and agility for a player his size.

Others:

A wealth of bottom-agers made their mark for the Bays. Josh Jarrad was a dangerous target up forward and finished with 1.2 from his eight touches (six marks). Wingmen Joey Ottoson-Crossling (23 disposals) and Jack Evitts (17) had no trouble finding the footy, while Tim Cain provided dash off half-back. In the top-age category, the likes of Rishabh Arcot, Ben Copping, and Brody Fox were energetic up forward, as was Jack Rutten (son of Ben) off the wing. Connor Ramm (brother of Harrison) also had a strong showing in the ruck.

EAGLES 0.0 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 7.8 (50)
GLENELG 4.3 | 6.10 | 11.15 | 12.18 (90)

GOALS:
Eagles: N. Atkinson 2, B. Karpany 2, J. Leys, K. Maddern, H. Wellgreen
Glenelg: K. Gibson 3, J. McNicol 3, R. Arcot, H. Croker, B. Fox, J. Jarrad, C. Mander, C. Ramm

RMC BEST:
Eagles: B. Karpany, N. Atkinson, H. Rowe, J. Leys, J. Marks
Glenelg: J. McNicol, K. Gibson, H. Croker, J. Hele, H. Franz

WEST ADELAIDE:

#1 Laurence Andriani
Midfielder | 171cm | 19/08/2009

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 clearances, 1 goal

Andriani could not be denied on Thursday night, racking up a game-high 30 disposals and willing his team to victory. The diminutive midfielder hunted possession from go to woah, getting stuck in with repeat efforts at ground level and desperate defensive acts. His all-action style helped generate forward momentum for West Adelaide, and he did his best to be creative with ball in hand. While Andriani’s disposal was sometimes impacted by physical pressure, he dealt South a death by a thousand cuts with truly unrelenting effort.

#7 Dean Hatedakis
Defender/Midfielder | 179cm | 14/01/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Operating off half-back before a second half move into midfield, Hatedakis looked at his best when he was in position to turn intercepts into attacks. The bottom-ager operated off a high line behind the ball and bravely cut off opposition kicks, before using his sharp side-step to get Westies’ transitional play going. Hatedakis also took on some of the kick-in duties and showed good game awareness late in the piece to move the ball with urgency out of defence.

#23 Anthony Long (Adelaide NGA)
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Long is one for Crows fans to keep an eye on given his NGA ties to the club, where uncle Izak Rankine is a star. The powerful midfielder-forward is a similarly high-impact player, and proved as much on Thursday night. Whether accelerating into a snap on goal, flying for a one-on-two speccy, or throwing his weight around with defensive acts, Long made his presence known. He showed great class to match his physical impact, but it was his burst speed which made the difference both up forward and in the guts. He looked dangerous each time he took possession.

#30 Charlie Bradford
Tall Forward | 192cm | 08/02/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

Bradford is another Westies prospect with family ties to the top level; he’s the grandson of 1962 Brownlow Medallist Alistair Lord, and cousin of Port Adelaide forward Ollie Lord. He started out like a house on fire on Thursday night, booting 2.3 in the opening term to give his side the ascendancy. The mobile marking forward presented well up the ground and showcased his skills to snap off either foot, although couldn’t quite capitalise on his wealth of chances. The Panthers ended up switching Jackson Blacker onto him, but that didn’t stop the top-ager from getting on his bike and providing a useful connection piece heading into attack.

Others:

Josh Wooldridge provided a handy point of difference with his size and aggression in midfield, contributing 16 disposals, six tackles and a crucial goal. Josh Bell and Nicholas Dessmann won the game with their late majors and finished with two each, as did the diminutive Ted Seager, whose speed was an asset all game. Down back, Calvin Jones and Ben Scheuffele combined for several gutsy aerial efforts, while Harry Hutton had a solid night in the ruck.

SOUTH ADELAIDE:

#1 Kodah Edwards
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 clearances, 4 goals

The South skipper was very nearly a match-winner for his side, booting four goals as a highly effective resting forward. He finished off a relatively quiet opening half by booting two goals in five minutes to get South going, proving a difficult matchup deep inside 50. He showed good technique to snap home on his left foot when required, but also finished well on the right – like with his dribbling effort over the back in term four. Edwards did all the tough stuff too, tackling and hacking clearances forward, while also producing an excellent diving smother in the closing exchanges. He arguably should have ended up with five or six goals, but couldn’t have done much more.

#5 Angus White
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s

A prospect usually of high class, White lifted in the final quarter when the game was on the line. He boosted his physical presence and was able to win clearance possessions more effectively during the late exchanges, barrelling the ball forward after crashing in to win it. He had been involved in more stagnant kick-mark play between the arcs during the first half, showing less of the explosive elements that made him more impactful thereafter.

#9 Cain Florance
Midfielder/Forward | 176cm | 13/03/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s

In a frantic game littered with errors, Florance’s class was clear to see. He generated forward motion through the corridor and used the ball stylishly, often doing so on the move with the intention of finding a target inside 50. The top-ager cut through traffic and worked hard up the ground as a forward to help his side’s connection, while even getting stuck in with repeat tackle efforts.

#13 Hudson Boal
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 16/10/2009

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 5 clearances

Boal was excellent in midfield, offering slick clearance play and evasive work to find space. While relatively slight, the bottom-ager wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty with double efforts to not only tackle, but then recover the loose ball. His handling in tight spots was exceptional and he was nicely balanced when the time came to absorb contact. Otherwise, he stepped clear of it effectively.

Others:

South was not short on state squad members, with a further three taking the field on Thursday night. Port Adelaide NGA nominee Zemes Pilot started deep forward and showed glimpses of his athletic prowess as he shifted into midfield and the ruck. Kody Shortridge was relatively quiet as a forward/wing, while Jackson Blacker showed sharp foot skills upon fulfilling his lockdown duties down back. Elsewhere, Judd Cleggett did some nice things and finished with two goals moving forward off a wing, while Cooper Knowles managed one but showed good aerial acumen.

WEST ADELAIDE 3.7 | 6.11 | 9.12 | 13.13 (91)
SOUTH ADELAIDE 2.1 | 5.2 | 10.3 | 13.4 (82)

GOALS:
West: C. Bradford 3, J. Bell 2, N. Dessmann 2, T. Seager 2, L. Andriani, A. Long, M. Perin, J. Wooldridge
South: K. Edwards 4, J. Cleggett 2, T. Connelly 2, C. Hyland 2, B. Dittmar, C. Knowles, S. Walsh

RMC BEST:
West: A. Long, C. Bradford, L. Andriani, T. Seager, J. Wooldridge
South: K. Edwards, H. Boal, J. Cleggett, C. Florance, C. Knowles

CENTRAL DISTRICT:

#18 Jake Eime
Defender | 182cm | 29/07/2008

Stats: 30 disposals (25 kicks), 5 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

Eime ran the Bulldogs’ offence from half-back, starting from the kick-ins and often ending up in the forward half. He racked up a game-high 30 disposals and often looked to go by foot, driving the ball into dangerous spots. While erratic at times, Eime was creative through his running and lowered his eyes when afforded time and space. His first moment of the game was his best, recovering a one-on-one contest at half forward before sliding an inboard kick to assist Jai Thomas’ opening goal.

#29 Jack Gordon
Midfielder | 185cm | 05/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 tackles, 4 clearances

The Central District skipper was solid all day, directing traffic through midfield as a quality in-and-under ball winner. He took some time to get his handling up to speed but then began to drive his legs and step to the outside when all the pieces came together. Gordon’s intent to carry the ball forward and gave his forwards good looks as he used his reliable kicking to give them ample marking opportunities. One of his best moments was a burst from the centre square in term four, linking up with the ruck before heading towards goal.

#30 Charlie Moss
Forward | 183cm | 02/05/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals

Moss popped up with a few exciting passages, despite his numbers not jumping off the page. He got the crowd up and about with his third quarter goal, running straight through a forward 50 stoppage to shark the ball and finish with a classy checkside on the move. The top-ager also slammed home a set shot in the second term and showcased some of his aerial acumen with a couple of lovely plucks presenting up the ground. That ability to clear out the forward 50 and act as a connection piece between the arcs makes him a key role player.

Others:

The Bulldogs were served well by their talls. It all started with Callan Semmler in the ruck, whose bodywork and raw strength were key to winning 28 hitouts. Jack Ryan chopped out for him while fulfilling his duties up forward with five marks and 1.3, competing well in the air. Speaking of, bottom-age tall Brayden Whimpress had some highs with two of his three marks being contested. Midfielders Tony Marrone (23 disposals) and Joel Kotsano (17) were also solid in defeat.

STURT:

#8 Lachie Werts
Small Forward | 175cm | 17/01/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 goals

Werts was an absolute livewire in Sturt’s forward half, lighting up the contest with four quality goals and plenty of tricks in between. The top-ager put his agility on show early as he evaded two opponents deep in the pocket before snapping the ball through for his first major. He broke out the back with multiple running bounces on several occasions, trusting his pace to create scoring opportunities. Werts also got stuck in defensively with some terrific tackles, including a huge rundown effort on Central District speedster Jake Eime. He did it all and was duly rewarded.

#25 Jack Nelson
Midfielder | 186cm | 29/09/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 clearances, 2 goals

Often matching up on opposition captain Jack Gordon, Nelson held his own with composed work at the coalface. At 186cm, he used his size to advantage when extracting stoppage possessions and proved a calm head in the cut and thrust of the contest. Nelson’s assured handling and slick distributive work was credit to his ability to stay upright and remain poised. The smooth mover also got to work while spreading forward, booting two goals within 10 minutes of gametime.

#35 Kale Matthews-Hampton
Defender | 187cm | 19/05/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s

In his usual role across half-back, Matthews-Hampton took an aggressive approach to intercepting and rebounding. He would often hit hard off the square and peel away from opponents to impact the play, making good reads in those instances. The basketball convert has worked on his kicking and composure, but tended to rush a little as a product of his intention to play direct. Still, he wanted the ball in his hands as much as possible and looked to be Sturt’s main driving force from the back.

#48 Harvey Chapman
Key Defender | 195cm | 10/08/2009

Stats: 18 disposals (16 kicks), 3 marks, 10 rebound 50s

If Matthews-Hampton was Sturt’s main transitional weapon further up the ground, then Chapman was the go-to deeper in defence. The bottom-ager was assigned kick-in duties and often looked to go long on his favoured left boot, comfortably clearing the defensive 50 arc. Out of possession, he looked best when able to fly third up in contests but ended up clunking a couple of strong intercepts to relieve pressure in the final term and keep the Double Blues on top.

Others:

Sturt skipper Angus Mills was his busy self in midfield, racking up 21 disposals, four clearances and a goal in the win. The likes of Mitchell Brook, Will Ekberg, and Nick Ricciuto (all 17 disposals) were also solid as part of the on-ball rotation. On the outside, bottom-age star Taj Garrett exhibited his speed and smarts to drive up and down the line. Tom Lindsay also showed a bit on the wing and up forward, providing a marking option with six in total. Speaking of, Ivan Wilkinson was difficult to stop in one-on-one situations and bagged 4.3 from his nine disposals (five marks).

CENTRAL DISTRICT 3.2 | 4.7 | 5.10 | 5.12 (42)
STURT 4.3 | 6.5 | 9.11 | 15.15 (105)

GOALS:
Central District: C. Moss 2, J. Ryan, J. Thomas, B. Whimpress
Sturt: L. Werts 4, I. Wilkinson 4, J. Nelson 2, B. Beaven, R. Davies, O. Dixon, T. Lindsay, A. Mills

RMC BEST:
Central District: J. Gordon, J. Eime, T. Marrone, J. Ryan, C. Semmler
Sturt: L. Werts, J. Nelson, A. Mills, I. Wilkinson, H. Chapman

NORWOOD:

#5 Charlie Best
Midfielder/Defender | 181cm | 23/02/2009

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 tackles, 8 clearances

Best topped Norwood’s disposal charts, but his work without possession was arguably more pleasing from a development perspective. The classy left-footer got his hands dirty with eight tackles, including several wrap-up and holding the ball efforts to provide two-way impact. Despite still being bottom-aged, he gave instructions at stoppage and was instrumental there with eight clearances, while also being a handy option when the ball broke to the outside. The balancing out of his profile looks to be coming along nicely in that sense, as he had no trouble finding his own ball.

#7 Kai Ivins
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 14/09/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Ivins provides plenty of excitement in full flight and looked to use his pace to advantage all night. He generated run by providing an overlap option or bursting away from congestion, sometimes finding his way into trouble when bringing the game to North Adelaide. While his disposal and handling were scrappy at times, Ivins proved how damaging he could be going forward with a few sharp inside 50 kicks and a second quarter goal. He cramped in the final term but showed good focus and intent to catch Zackariah Young holding the ball late in the third.

#12 Will Tanner
Midfielder | 176cm | 15/07/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 tackles, 9 inside 50s

Tanner is a real goer and imposed himself on the midfield battle despite his lighter frame. He brought great energy to the contest, putting his body on the line and operating at full tilt from go to woah. His all-action style became infectious and that translated to the Redlegs’ dangerous waves of forward handballs. Tanner’s turn of speed and slippery nature was typical of a player his size, allowing him to break out of tight spots and amass his team-high nine inside 50s. He rounded out his performance with strong defensive efforts and a bunch of heavy tackles.

#16 George Serocki
Defender/Midfielder | 180cm | 18/02/2009

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Another of Norwood’s promising bottom-agers, Serocki was Best’s accomplice through midfield and off half-back. He arguably looked most effective in the latter role, helping direct play up the field with aggressive positioning and calm ball use. The lefty made great reads to intercept up the ground, and equally took his opportunities to run hard when it meant he could link up with another possession. An accumulator on the night, Serocki’s work was integral to his side’s ball movement out of the back with a high of six rebound 50s – shared with Best.

Others:

Norwood’s core four – noted above – were central to the side’s fortunes, although there were plenty more steady contributors. Joseph Nak kicked 2.5 from 10 disposals and five marks (three contested), proving to be a reliable target inside 50. Oliver Wilkins was another key avenue to goal, booting two, and showing good ability overhead. Elsewhere, Harvey Pearce and Tom Waught had their moments in midfield, as did Tom Neal with a bit of dash from defence. Wingman Eddie Sorensen was another who brought impetus to the Redlegs’ play.

NORTH ADELAIDE:

#1 Ethan Herbert
Ruck | 199cm | 01/11/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 marks, 7 clearances, 16 hitouts

Herbert was arguably the best player afield on Wednesday night and truly did it all. He showcased an well-rounded skillset; applying great bodywork and craft against a 208cm ruck opponent, spreading well to get involved in chains of possession, and lifting his marking output around the ground. Herbert’s clean handling, matched with his deceptive agility and poise, made him an asset as North moved the ball forward by hand. He knew when to draw his opponent and kept his arms free while navigating traffic. His best moment saw him gather at half-forward before accelerating away from an opponent and hitting his kick inside 50. Top marks.

#13 Archie Simpson
Forward | 182cm | 30/03/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 4 goals

There wasn’t much between the two sides up to half time but Simpson’s moments of magic helped Norwood gain the ascendancy. He lit up The Parade with three second-term goals, including two utterly ridiculous showings of raw pace. The first saw him take on his opposite number 13 twice in one passage – initially tripped – but recovering to steady and finish on the run. He backed that up by escaping a sea of opponents on the boundary line before snapping the ball home. He caught fire and it was incredible to watch. Simpson capped off his night with the sealing goal, again steadying nicely out the back and celebrating his work. Low-volume, high-impact, massive highlight reel.

#29 Sam Tassone
Defender | 180cm | 12/02/2008

Stats: 27 disposals (22 kicks), 4 marks, 12 rebound 50s

Everything seemed to go through Tassone as North Adelaide looked to move the ball out of defence. He was tasked with the kick-in duties and distributed nicely by foot, doing so with 22 of his 29 disposals. His playmaking style helped the Roosters transition from end-to-end, with plenty of his possessions ending in scoring opportunities. That was particularly evident when Tassone worked up the ground, timing his moves well to drive the ball into attack and finish off with an inviting kick.

Others:

North Adelaide’s midfield was superb, led by skipper Bradley Rogers (26 disposals, 10 inside 50s). Vice-captain Alby Bradshaw (15 disposals, one goal) showed his wares on the outside, while the Blake Amos diminutive teamed up well with Mitchell Crosby to boss the inside. Up forward, pocket rocket Armani-Jacom Scullino provided a noticeable spark while linking his side inside 50. State squad member Zackariah Young finished off with a classy running goal after also contributing some great physicality after half time. He often matched up on Ivins down back.

NORWOOD 3.1 | 6.5 | 7.11 | 8.12 (60)
NORTH ADELAIDE 3.2 | 7.4 | 11.5 | 14.6 (90)

GOALS:
Norwood: J. Nak 2, O. Wilkins 2, O. Easton, K. Ivins, F. Myall, T. Waugh
North Adelaide: A. Simpson 4, M. Wareing 3, F. Blieschke 2, A. Bradshaw, M. Crosby, A. Scullino, Z. Young, A. Zerella

RMC BEST:
Norwood: C. Best, K. Ivins, W. Tanner, G. Serocki, J. Nak
North Adelaide: E. Herbert, A. Simpson, S. Tassone, B. Rogers, A. Bradshaw