TOP PROSPECTS showed out as the Talent League returned for season 2026, with ideal conditions and one-sided results among the themes of Round 1. We had scouts on the ground across all six fixtures, taking note of the top prospects and performers from each side.

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Oakleigh Chargers 4.8 (32) def. by Northern Knights 15.15 (105)

By: Adrian Dixon

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#1 Boyden George
Utility | 180cm | 22/09/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances

Starting off playing a high half-forward role, the Chargers captain was one of few who stood up for his side on what turned out to be a tough day, showcasing his leadership and resilience. He presented very well up the ground and showed good power in his long kicks down the line. In the contest he was strong bodied and tough to tackle. George worked hard all day to cover the ground, take marks and keep fighting for his team. He then went behind the ball in the last quarter to provide some support to a backline which was under siege and took risks when switching the play.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#5 Harvie Cooke
Midfielder | 176cm | 12/04/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 clearances

From start to finish, Cooke was industrious for the Knights. He was a key driving force in the team’s success with his desire to execute quick ball movement from the stoppages and around the ground. He utilised kicking angles and showed great vision to set up scoring chances. Cooke has a bit of mongrel about him with his tackle technique and let his opponent know about it after winning a holding the ball free kick. He provided direction on the ground and showed second efforts at the stoppages, however there is room for improvement with his decision making by hand and foot.

#7 Max Downes
Midfielder | 182cm | 09/07/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Complimenting Cooke in the midfield, Downes made the most of the opportunities provided by Harry Van Hattum‘s ruck work. His defensive pressure strength in the contest were evident, on top of his line and length kicking to hit short targets. Downes showed great run on the overlap in the third quarter to hit up Harrison Leeder, and that type of play was indicative of his willingness to take on the game with quick ball movement through the middle of the ground.

#16 Harrison Leeder
Tall Forward | 193cm | 03/12/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 9 marks, 3 goals

After a quiet first half where he struggled to get into it, Leeder’s second half was exceptional. He utilised his leading patterns to stretch the opposition defence, showing great work rate by pushing hard up the ground to provide linking options. He kicked the first of his three goals with a sliding mark in the third quarter. For his second, he won a free kick in the last quarter and converted from a slight angle. To make it three, he used strong body work to out-mark two opponents and converted his set shot to make it a promising overall display on debut.

#20 Harry Van Hattum
Ruck/Key Forward | 205cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 20 hitouts, 2 goals

Van Hattum dominated the ruck from the start to finish with his intelligence and bodywork, while also proving a handful up forward. He worked well with Cooke and Downes in the midfield, who fed off his ruck work at the stoppages. The National Academy member didn’t get drawn into his man at contests, instead using his football IQ to beat his opponent in other ways. His follow-up work was excellent and he always ensured he was there around the contest to support his teammates. Van Hattum leaped high over an opponent to take a mark in the third quarter to convert a set shot, then took a mark deep before the game’s end and converted duly from in front. His kicking was unconventional, however was still effective.

Bendigo Pioneers 14.8 (92) def. Tasmania Devils 9.19 (73)

By: Michael Alvaro

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 8 clearances, 2 goals

It was a powerful performance from Walker, who willed his way through tight checking and solid opposition pressure. He showed he meant business with a huge bump in the opening quarter and brought his usual grunt to the midfield battle, surging the ball forward in repeat-effort bursts. While his kicking was scrappy under duress, the Pioneers co-captain showed class with a long-range goal on the run during term two and tended to cover the ground nicely. His aggressive, straight-line hunting of the footy was a consistent feature.

#2 Carter Reid
Forward | 185cm | 27/12/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

A crafty player inside forward 50, Reid showcased terrific smarts and skill execution with his nine touches. He leant on his vision and awareness to find Max Thompson with a clever kick back and across the forward 50, resulting in the half-back’s opening goal. He later repeated the feat in term three with a class effort his body to further prove his playmaking prowess. Reid snared a goal of his own from an early forward 50 stoppage, but couldn’t make good on two set shot chances.

#3 Eamon Austin
Small Forward | 171cm | 14/09/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 5 inside 50s

Austin played the high forward role expertly, emptying out up the ground to provide a reliable connection piece between the arcs. On top of his speed, the top-ager’s strong hands overhead made him such an effective part of the chain as Bendigo moved into attack, with Austin able to gain separation and clunk the ball while leading. His agility and smarts showed when he gained possession a little deeper, though he was also given a run at the centre bounces.

#7 Max Thompson
Small Defender | 174cm | 06/03/2009

Stats: 32 disposals, 8 rebound 50s, 2 goals

Thompson ran the game from half-back, operating with endless amounts of creativity. Among his highlights were two quality goals from long-range, proving he hasn’t lost his forward craft despite a switch to defence. Thompson took up perfect positions in the corridor on both instances; first as an option inboard, and then to intercept en route to goal. A natural accumulator and hard runner, the bottom-ager chained his way up the ground with relative ease, although had his classy ball use tested by physical pressure. Still, he could hardly have been more impressive in his role.

#14 Riley Travaglia
Wing | 181cm | 21/03/2009

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

There are several shared traits between Travaglia and his elder brother Tobie. The gutsy wingman showed his class on the outside, providing plenty of run and fluency in transition. He was efficient with ball in hand and simply didn’t fumble, most notably as he dropped back for a solid intercept mark in the third quarter. Still only a bottom-ager, there’s some good development left in him.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#5 Jake Beams
Defender | 181cm | 22/12/2009

Stats: 27 disposals, 8 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Making an early push to be considered among the upper echelon of bottom-age talent, Beams was terrific on debut. While only slight, he wasn’t afraid to attack the ball nor take the game on with his agility and stylish left-foot kicking. Beams’ skill with ball in hand was integral to Tasmania’s efforts to slingshot out of defence, as he mopped up the spills, evaded tackles, and often found a kick.

#6 Archie Devine (North Melbourne NGA)
Defender/Midfielder | 181cm | 13/02/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Devine was among the main catalysts for Tasmania’s second half revival as he switched from defence to midfield. He had fulfilled his kick-in duties and proved how easily he could rack up possessions as an overlap runner, before getting his hands dirty on-ball. Devine worked into dangerous launch zones and wasn’t afraid to back his foot skills, like when he stepped around an opponent at centre half-forward and slammed home his third-quarter goal. He held his own at stoppage to compliment the class he usually brings in more outside-leaning roles.

#7 Jess Bula (North Melbourne NGA)
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 09/02/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 clearances

Another Tasmanian tied to North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy (NGA), Bula is a powerhouse in the making. The strongly-built utility started forward before making his way into the midfield, collecting a team-high 11 contested possessions. He used his speed and power to attack, proving difficult to tie down as he took ground with ball in hand. Bula also made his presence felt defensively, hunting opponents and closing in with big rundown tackles or even bigger bumps.

#12 Hugh McCallum
Wing/Defender | 181cm | 10/08/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Along with the likes of Beams and Devine, McCallum accumulated possessions with relative ease and was one of Tasmania’s prime movers. He covered plenty of ground between his two roles, adding touches of class as he drove the ball forward on the outside. McCallum brought a kick-first approach and was most effective when afforded space, though it wasn’t always easy to come by.

#25 Ewan Dillon
Ruck | 202cm | 18/01/2008

Stats: 4 disposals, 2 marks, 37 hitouts

Towering over his opponents at 202cm, Dillon dominated the hitout count with 37 and showed signs of high upside. His mobility is impressive and he used it to help manoeuvre his way to two intercept marks down the line, clunking the ball nicely overhead. Dillon is typically a low-volume player, but his leap at centre bounces is eye-catching and he clearly has some tools to work with.

Calder Cannons 10.15 (75) def. by Western Jets 16.8 (104)

By: Adrian Dixon

CALDER CANNONS:

#19 Charlie Robbins
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 08/02/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

One of the many Cannons who have had family members play AFL football, Robbins formed a part of Calder’s midfield rotation where he provided great defensive pressure, while also going forward to hit the scoreboard or create opportunities for teammates. He took a great intercept mark early to repel a defensive 50 exit and positioned himself well to snap the first goal of second quarter. Robbins showed quick hands and was often good at releasing teammates into space, while his defensive work was strong at the stoppages. His work rate from the forwardline up the ground was another often displayed trait.

#21 Nicholas Staropoli
Tall Defender | 190cm | 21/12/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Picking up from where he left off in 2025 after joining the Cannons for the last part of the season, Staropoli held up a Cannons backline that was often under siege and undersized against bigger opponents. He used his play reading ability to repel several forward thrusts from the Jets, and showed good athleticism to intercept an early ball long down the line. He followed that up moments later with another one. Staropoli tried his hardest to be creative in getting the ball out of his defensive 50 and kept on intercepting in front of packs with his aerial ability, showing great anticipation. His kicking and footy IQ can improve, looking a bit rushed at times.

#27 Jack Dodorico
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 30/05/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Playing in a new role as a high half-forward as opposed to his preferred midfield/defensive role, Dodorico played to his strengths and utilised his long kicking to hit the scoreboard in the first half, keeping the Cannons in the contest. Starting off as a leading forward, he kicked a nice snap goal in the first quarter and from then on was careful with his decision making looks for better options. He decided to back himself on two occasions in the second quarter with a pair of goals from long range – highlighting his long kicking as one of his weapons. Dodorico went into the midfield in the second half, however his best work was done up forward.

WESTERN JETS:

#9 Lachlan Hicks
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 19/01/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

Despite looking under duress as the game went on, Hicks was damaging with the ball in hand all over the ground, while also having an impact when resting up forward. He laid an important tackle early to force a turnover and had a great run on the wing where he found Griffin Barker with a nice kick resulting in a goal. Hicks was solid with his ball movement, but after half time he went down into the forwardline to rest as he looked like he was playing through injury and snapped a goal from a great ground ball. His work rate and running patterns were sound and would never stop to keep providing an option. He drifed forward again in the third quarter and kicked a great goal from the boundary line after taking the advantage from a free kick. His ability to read off Macauli Buck‘s ruck work in the contest and stoppages were excellent. Despite looking like he was playing with an injury, Hicks showed great resilience to play out the game.

#15 Jake Miller
Key Forward | 197cm | 07/05/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 11 marks, 3 goals

One of the nation’s best bottom-agers, Miller presented well all over the ground and worked hard to be a target down the line for the Jets, while also playing with imposing presence inside 50. His work rate was good, providing a target for his defenders with clearing kicks, while Miller always used his vision to find the best possible option across the ground. He utilised the angles, executed the switch and led up the ground to provide a linking option to keep an open forwardline. Miller showed great line and length kicking with his left foot and while his set shot kicking may have been inconsistent, he still managed to impact the scoreboard.

#21 Kobe Williams (Hawthorn F/S & Bulldogs NGA)
Forward | 186cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Another over-age prospect who is listed with the Footscray VFL program, Williams has been touted by a few as a mid-season draft chance. With his work ethic and endeavour, he didn’t do his chances any harm. He started off up forward and showed his solid work rate up the ground. His hands were strong in the contest and overhead, while also demonstrating a great ability to read the play and get creative by foot. Williams showed great reflexes to respond to a spilled pack to kick his goal in the third quarter, highlighting his tricks as a forward.

#23 Macauli Buck
Ruck | 199cm | 12/10/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 22 hitouts, 8 clearances

An over-age prospect who has returned to the Western Jets as a 19-year-old having spent some of his preseason with VFL club Werribee, Buck was perhaps the most influential player on the ground. His dominance in the ruck set the tone for the Jets from start to finish. Buck played to his strengths with his tap work and used his body work to give his midfielders first use of the ball. He would win clearances and gained metres with his dump kicking. His follow-up work was there and Buck is incredibly agile for his height, looking like he was the fifth midfielder out there. While Buck has shown his kicking ability, he could be a bit more consistent in that department while also providing more defensive pressure around the contest.

#35 Jacob Marron
Key Defender | 195cm | 27/11/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Returning to the Jets as an over-ager, Marron played the sweeper role in the defensive 50 ensuring many opposition forward thrusts were repelled. He worked well with his fellow key defenders, showcasing his trademark play reading and intercepting ability. Looking confident and cleaner with ball in hand, Marron executed the switch across goal when he needed to, highlighting his decision making, however he can continue to improve in that area. 

Sandringham Dragons 19.13 (127) def. Eastern Ranges 10.15 (75)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#2 Archie Bakoulas
Tall Defender | 191cm | 05/02/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Bakoulas certainly ended the day on a high note, posting eight disposals and five marks in the fourth term. Needless to say, he showcased his aerial prowess across the final 25 minutes with a series of high marks, including a couple of confident defensive 50 intercepts. Earlier, the bottom-ager’s composure was impressive as he broke through tackles and looked to set off on the rebound. His core strength and speed caught the eye in those instances.

#4 Arki Butler
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 23/04/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 clearances, 4 goals

Butler took out our Player of the Week nod after a high-impact performance. He started on-ball and having made stoppage work an area for growth over the off-season, won 17 contested possessions and five clearances. He also turned it on when resting forward, booting four goals including a purple patch of three in four minutes during the opening term. Butler proved his ability to break games open in that surge, looking to do damage and create with every possession. His goal sense, one-on-one prowess and crumbing nous were all at elite levels to start the season.

#13 Angus Brown
Small Forward | 175cm | 27/05/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Brown was among the best players afield in the first half and managed to run out the game despite being helped off the field in term three. The lively bottom-ager provided outstanding energy and creativity as a high forward, utilising his turn of foot to cause headaches for opposition defenders. Brown was a dangerous connection piece through the corridor and swooped on ground balls, often coming away untouched and looking to make something happen. He snared a classy goal late in the second quarter but otherwise worked to put others into scoring positions.

#16 Tyson Bradley
Key Defender | 195cm | 16/09/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles

Arguably the centrepiece of Sandringham’s rock solid defence, Bradley provided a cool head and sheer reliability across the last line. He was often the deepest-lying backman and acted as a general, but acted swiftly when his number was called. Bradley used his big frame to attack the loose ball and escape pressure, proving deceptively nimble when repelling danger. He otherwise took a no-nonsense approach to his defensive craft and was strong aerially.

#21 Ollie Griffin
Forward | 186cm | 04/06/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

An over-ager who will push for midseason draft attention, Griffin operated at 100 per cent on Saturday. The powerful forward took no time to get into his work, taking a super grab and kicking the game’s first goal. His attack on the aerial ball was eye-catching and he exhibited the same intensity when applying pressure at ground level, proving to be an imposing presence. While he can be erratic, Griffin’s work rate and athletic acumen are traits which demand to be noticed.

#35 Albert Macgowan
Midfielder | 187cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 31 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s

Resembling a taller version of former Sandringham running machine Jack Dalton, Macgowan seemed to be everywhere at times as he accumulated possessions at will. On top of his work rate, one of the top-ager’s best weapons is his ability to kick on both feet and he consistently backed himself to pick off inboard targets. While sometimes ineffective, Macgowan carried the ball into dangerous launch zones whether utilised on-ball or along the wing.

EASTERN RANGES:

#6 Brodie Wilson
Small Forward | 177cm | 03/02/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 goals

Wilson provided a spark for Eastern as the antithesis to Sandringham’s Brown. He worked up the ground and consistently looked busy as an avenue towards the attacking 50. The top-ager proved dangerous when taking the ball on the move and had his chances to score in open play, ending up with 2.3. His best finish was a set shot from the boundary which he duly celebrated as any good small forward should. He certainly catches the eye with his speed and flair.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles

An accumulator in every sense of the word, Knapp went about his usual business and led all comers in a losing side. The polished midfielder exhibited neat fundamentals and handled the ball cleanly, racking up most of his possessions on the outside. His smart and hard running was complimented by good decision making to link up by hand. Knapp finished the game strongly with 16 disposals in the final quarter, highlighting his aerobic underpinnings.

#8 Archie Spencer
Midfielder | 181cm | 24/03/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 clearances

Spencer did much of the grunt work for Eastern as the likes of Knapp and Chapman amassed 47 uncontested possessions between them. All three linked up well by hand and Spencer’s cleanliness helped his side’s cause at the coalface. The inside bull used his power to exit congestion with either brute force or explosive steps, but can perhaps look for more refinement in his kicking. Nonetheless, he gave his all throughout the day and allowed others to be freed up.

#16 Harrison Chapman
Midfielder | 189cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s

Chapman notched up 30 touches seemingly without breaking a sweat, covering the ground effortlessly. He glided across the turf and showcased terrific agility for a player his size, side-stepping opponents in typically smooth style. The National Academy member has a great ability to carry the ball forward and was influential in Eastern’s running waves. After being caught in possession early on, his decision making and skills lifted to his usual standard.

#59 Marcus Krasnadamskis
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 18/06/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 tackles, 15 hitouts

Having spent part of the preseason vying for an SSP spot at Richmond, Krasnadamskis continues to show signs of steep development. The talented tall rode a size advantage in the ruck but seemed to float at centre bounces and followed up nicely. His diving smother in term three and ability to get involved in open play handball chains pointed towards being a multi-dimensional ruckman. If he can impact more consistently and find some form up forward, he’ll be a leading MSD prospect.

Dandenong Stingrays 16.14 (110) def. Geelong Falcons 8.11 (59)

By: James Bell

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#3 Gus Kennedy
Midfielder | 186cm | 21/02/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

You couldn’t miss the Stingrays’ captain. Donning a white headband, Kennedy was a constant presence across the four quarters and was typically clinical at stoppages. He also showed off his damaging right boot, bombing a goal from just inside the centre square late in the first term. 

#4 Marcus Prasad
Small Forward | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 goals

The agile small forward was swarmed almost every time he got near the ball. Thankfully, he is blessed with lightning hands and superlative agility. His pair of goals were similarly thrilling; one involved him clunking a contested grab over an opponent, and the other was a precise dribble from the boundary. Prasad spent time up the ground where he pinpointed teammates with his piercing left boot. 

#5 Bentley Avenell
Key Forward | 198cm | 28/11/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

It wasn’t a series of pack marks that earned the tall forward his shots on goal. Instead, Avenell sharked, snared and intercepted his way onto the stats sheet, taking his limited opportunities and turning them directly into scores. Still, he demonstrated his key position bona fides at times with a couple of nice one-on-one wins.  

#6 Mitch Toner
Forward | 186cm | 06/10/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Despite a relative lack of efficiency, Toner was a threat all day. He appears to be a standout athlete who boasts impressive lateral movement and strength. A ferocious rundown tackle inside 50 earned him his only goal of the game. Throughout the afternoon, he proved to be a real team player, unselfishly handing off chances in front of goal on multiple occasions. 

#7 Andrio Sousa
Midfielder | 182cm | 11/08/2008

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

The Stingrays’ vice-captain showcased his bravery by foot. Sousa showed a willingness to go inboard with by foot, opening up the contest for his side. His hunger at contests and ability to slip tackles or escape the opposition with swift footwork stood out. 

#11 Jackson Phillips
Forward/Midfielder | 182cm | 30/01/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Phillips is clearly powerful for his size. He was able to fend off larger opponents and blast long kicks inside 50. In the first term, Phillips wheeled around on his right boot and drilled a goal from outside 50 for the Stingrays’ first score. He was also reliable at the coalface, winning clearances and occasionally delivering on his opposite foot. 

GEELONG FALCONS:

#1 Fletcher Pulleine
Tall Defender | 189cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 7 rebound 50s

The promising defender ended up as one of the Falcons’ biggest ball winners. Pueller possesses decent speed and can read the ball in the air better than most. Pair that with his strong overhead marking and, at times, combative nature, Pulleine is set to be a key player in Geelong’s Talent League campaign. 

#3 Archie Daffy (Richmond F/S)
Forward/Midfielder | 175cm | 24/09/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Within the first minute, the tenacious and sturdy small forward snapped the Falcon’s first goal of the season. His second required similarly quick reflexes and gimlet-eyed accuracy. The Richmond father-son candidate jumped at the opportunity to play up the field. Daffy appeared reenergised in the second half when playing on the ball and ended up boosting his possession tally as a result. All 14 of his disposals were kicks.

#5 Noah Williams
Midfielder | 177cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

The highly-rated prospect played as an inside midfielder, regularly attending centre bounces and scrapping it out in tight. Williams was at his best when provided time and space. He possesses genuine hurt factor when delivering on his favoured left boot and was particularly effective when receiving from stationary teammates across half-back. 

#25 Jett Elek
Key Forward/Ruck | 201cm | 17/04/2007 

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 18 hitouts, 1 goal

The over-ager was dominant in the ruck, winning hitouts early before he moved forward. The over-age tall is very competent overhead and enjoys working his way up the ground. Elek is also decently mobile and dexterous for a player of his height. It was a strong all-round effort from the big man. 

Murray Bushrangers 8.8 (56) def. by Gippsland Power 22.11 (143)

By: Peter Williams

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#1 Rory Kennedy
Forward/Midfielder | 181cm | 16/09/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Kennedy provided a little bit of a spark when the game was done in the fourth term, kicking a clever goal off hands in the forward pocket, before moving on-ball a little after and set up teammates with a couple of nice deliveries going forward. His middle two quarters were quiet other than his first goal due to a lack of opportunity, but his bookended terms really stood out. Moved well and just looked a point of difference when on-ball, dishing out to teammates to clear as both a first and second possession winner.

#3 Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 36 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

The clear standout for the Bushrangers, Armstrong played predominantly midfield and was just really consistent across the board. His numbers leap off the page with 36 touches and seven clearances, and that is down to his work rate and ability to get into ball-wining positions. A lot of his touches were second possession or link-up chains as he aimed to move the ball on quickly. Neat by hand or foot, it was one of those performances where he just did a lot right.

#11 Jackson Hewitt
Defender | 182cm | 19/03/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 10 marks, 6 tackles

The next best behind Armstrong, Hewitt provided a steadying force behind the ball and honestly for his size, competes really well in the air. Hewitt showed courage at different points against bigger opponents or under pressure, and was clean when he stuck the mitts out. Though sometimes defender statlines that read like his might suggest he won a lot of cheap possessions, this was not the case because Hewitt continually worked hard, put his body on the line and applied just as much defensive pressure as offensive impact with half a dozen tackles to complement his 10 marks.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#3 Jimmy Little
Defender | 179cm | 06/03/2009

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

The bottom-age small defender impressed in the back 50 by complementing the array of talls there. He provided nice run-and-carry and utilised his smart skills effectively, often looking to hit-up targets and keep the ball moving in transition. While he was essentially that outside receiver, he played the role well and was the one teammates looked to link up through to send the ball downfield.

#6 Judd Burgiel
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 04/06/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 tackles, 11 inside 50s, 1 goal

Started on-ball and played the bulk of the game in the midfield where he had a real day out both offensively and defensively. Time and time again, Burgiel would drive the ball inside 50 and showed off a penetrating boot. His defensive pressure was just as impressive, and it was that pressure that earned him a free kick – then subsequent 50m penalty for not receiving the ball back – and goal from 30m out straight in front in the second term. Burgiel is capable of weighting his kicks and overall was effective in his disposal. One of the best with Malady and Templeton.

#7 Keenan Boi (Hawthorn NGA)
Small Forward | 177cm | 03/11/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

The Vic Country hub member had a quiet start to the game, but really came alive in the final term with two of his side’s last three goals in the space of seven minutes. His first from close-range after a 50m penalty was an easy one, but then Boi kicked one of the goals of the day from the pocket under immense pressure, thumping it high and watched it curve around the goal post and bounce on the line for six points. Looked lively at times, did not win a heap of it compared to some others, but chipped in with his fair share and had his moments.

#10 Cody Templeton
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 01/01/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

Templeton started the game forward and then got his chance through the middle at times, but with Gippsland dominant for four quarters, it was clear Templeton could use his power and ground level strength to advantage. He only needed 30 seconds to kick his first when he snapped under pressure collecting the ball at speed, which was similar to another he kicked during the third term. All-up with his two set shots Templeton finished with four, but could well have had more given his four behinds. Has a really strong core and low centre of gravity which will hold him in good stead for the future.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Wasn’t his biggest game, but he is one of those players who impacts with ball in hand. Started midfield and then spent a lot of time forward with the way was going. Given his size and the strength of the Murray midfield, Neocleous did his best work in space where he could burst away, win the footy and then use his skills to hit up targets forward of centre. Ended up winning the bulk of his possessions in transition, but did hit the scoreboard with a first quarter set shot goal.

#15 Thomas Macmillan
Defender | 181cm | 21/03/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Really liked his ball use and ability to lower his eyes when driving the ball forward. He played the percentages with his skills and was often seen streaming forward and then nailing a pass going inside 50. His vision was a weapon alongside his execution, with each touch proving to have some sort of an impact. A really aggressive runner who despite playing off half-back, held a high line and opened up play for teammates going forward. Ran at 87 per cent by foot.

#16 Oscar Henwood
Forward/Midfielder | 185cm | 11/06/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 goals

Similar to Boi, Henwood booted both of his goals in the final term with the game done and dusted, but for the number 16, it was more reward for effort across the first three quarters. His first delivery going inside 50 to Malady was outstanding and he set up numerous goals going forward, including a highlight reel centre clearance in the third term to hit a low bullet inside 50. Looks likely to provide a nice mid-forward rotation, with his defensive pressure a nice complementary feature to go with his offensive impact.

#17 Leo Stephenson
Defender/Wing | 183cm | 08/07/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

There are not too many players capable of matching up on Stephenson athletically, with the half-back/wing not needing a lot of disposals to be remembered. He flew for huge grabs, burst away from opponents and despite only being credited with one tackle, did apply great pressure at ground level. Funnily enough, the opposition usually rushed a disposal as soon as they saw Stephenson on their case knowing the closing speed he has. Kicked a nice goal using his explosiveness during the third term, and while at times he could do a touch too much, his unrewarded defensive work included a first quarter full body smother which set up a team goal.

#27 Charlie Fischer
Wing/Midfielder | 179cm | 07/04/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 2 inside 50s

Held a strong line on the wing and spread well, with his performance seemingly far more impactful than his 13 touches might suggest. He still has work to do to round out his game, but he looked good in the air for his size, even taking a contested mark at 179cm. One of his last touches in the first term was an elite pass on a 45 over opponents to land in the lap of a teammate. Potential is there, and he will only get better from here.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 6 goals

What a performance from the athletic medium-sized talent who plays like a tall with her aerial prowess and speed off the mark. He timed his leads so well and flew with courage, often plucking some great grabs in the front half. When he had his chances, Malady took them, with regulation set shots barely making the goal umpire move. The talented forward’s best moment came during the third term when he came off the bench and Murray had kicked consecutive goals, telling his teammates to “keep the foot on the pedal”. To walk the walk and lead by example, Malady went back and booted two goals in as many minutes to keep the domination going. One of the performances of the weekend and a clear best on ground.

#40 Xavier Ladbrook
Key Defender | 201cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 10 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Any player over 200cm who can use the ball effectively is a talent, and Ladbrook – who could slot into any third on the ground – certainly showed that. He doesn’t panic under pressure or throw the ball on the boot as you would often see with some key defenders, and instead takes the extra split second to weigh up his options. To run at 100 per cent disposal efficiency while clunking 10 marks and still having a defensive role – not just a loose interceptor – is a credit, and while the likes of Malady and Templeton will receive plenty of deserved plaudits, Ladbrook was sensational in the back half.

#41 Clancy Snell
Tall Defender | 196cm | 21/08/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Complemented Ladbrook really well in defence and helped out being that other key post alongside over-age Jonah Walker. Like Ladbrook, Snell’s disposal out of the back half was remarkable given he too had a big job, and 16 of his 17 disposals were effective. While his aerial work and kicking will be highlighted, Snell’s vision at times – such as during the second term to look inboard rather than just go down the line on the wing – and defensive work – such as a big smother to stop a forward thrust from the Bushrangers – were also big ticks.