ROUND 2 of the 2026 Talent League season was headlined by top prospects strutting their stuff in high-number performances, while others produced breakout games or stepped up in the absence of star teammates. We had eyes on all seven games across the weekend, taking note of the best prospects and performers.

>> Round 2: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Tasmania Devils 11.9 (75) def. Western Jets 8.15 (63)

By: Peter Williams

TASMANIA DEVILS:

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

Stats: 35 disposals, 6 marks, 10 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Beams brought his own ball to the game with a team-high 35 disposals coming out of defence. He consistently looked to run and gun or kick long out of the backline with repeat possessions and try and gain crucial meterage for his side. Always with an attacking mindset, Beams did turn it over a few times when going all-out, but as a while, he still was fairly efficient and even kicked a nice goal courtesy of a 50m penalty in the last five minutes.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles

Played a little higher this week for the Devils with Beams taking the bulk of the kickouts. It enabled Devine to still find plenty of the ball, though he often marked in between the thirds and looked to drive the ball forward. He worked back into defence to help out when required and is no stranger to the give-and-go. However he also cracked in and won a few crucial contested touches, and finished with a fairly high efficiency to-boot.

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

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

While his stats don’t jump off the page, Bula made just about every touch turn to gold. He used his body well one-on-one, clunked some great grabs, and also brought an enormous amount of heat to the front half of the ground. His balance of offensive and defensive capabilities were on show, and the North Melbourne NGA member got reward for his effort in the last term, booting two goals with the game on the line and essentially becoming a match-winner. Classy finisher.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 12 marks, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Best on ground across the four quarters, McCallum owned the wing and did just about everything. From mopping up in defence and using route one to go forward, he also got on the end of a couple to score two goals and impact in that way. McCallum’s second term major was the pick of the pair, collecting the ball cleanly just inside 50 and then bursting forward to finish on the run. Intercepted a fair bit of ball through the middle too, and continually popped up to keep Western on the back foot.

#16 Max Gulliver
Utility | 178cm | 04/11/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 8 marks, 5 inside 50s

Gulliver had some really nice moments that impressed, with his ability to play off half-back and win it deep in defence, push up to impact around the ball, and also rest forward. One major highlight was a driving ball down the middle to kick inside 50 to a leading target and providing a goal assist. Late in the game he had a set shot as well coming off a lead but it just fell short, otherwise had a strong game, particularly in the air and with his disposal.

WESTERN JETS:

#2 Khaled El Souki
Small Forward | 175cm | 04/07/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals

After just five touches in the first half, El Souki came alive with the game in the balance, booting three goals from 17 disposals after the main break. He was clearly a standout for the Jets during that period, and very nearly won them the game. Not only did he hit the scoreboard, but he applied pressure, set up his teammates and worked up the ground too. His kicks going inside 50 were pinpoint darts, and his ability to stand up in tackles was impressive as well.

#7 Angus Tippett
Midfielder/Forward | 194cm | 02/12/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 clearances

Had a consistent first three quarters with 22 of his 23 touches coming in that time and working really well with Hicks around the ball. His centre bounce work stood out, using his bigger body to advantage, and while at times he was a touch rough with his disposal, continued to find plenty of it around the ground. His positioning and strength were both ticks, and Tippett went forward in the last, but did not get a lot of looks at goal other than to have a mark bounce off his chest then set up a goal to Kobe Williams via a soccer.

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

Stats: 39 disposals, 10 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances

Had a stat-stuffing performance across the entire game finishing with a whopping 39 disposals. He set the tone early with 14 in the opening quarter, seemingly in multiple places at once. He covered the ground exceptionally well and did a little bit of everything, taking 10 marks and laying half a dozen tackles. Always got involved, and his contest-to-contest work was admirable. His impact-per-possession could improve, but he also played the percentages with a focus on ball retention.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Had his chances and finished with 2.2 from the game, both of which were clever snaps around the body at opposite ends of the contest. He had a few ‘almost’ chances, but flew for marks, read the play well and looked to apply scoreboard pressure both directly and indirectly. Always a focal point inside 50 and played his role when called upon to do so. Laying five tackles for a player of his size also signalled his defensive intent.

Eastern Ranges 3.3 (21) def. by Northern Knights 11.13 (79)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

#3 Jett Flower
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 25/05/2009

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 9 tackles

Flower is a familiar name to those in the know, as the grandson of late Melbourne champion, Robert. He was outstanding for Eastern in stifling conditions, first down back and eventually in midfield. His competitive nature and willingness to scrap for possession saw him earn the positional switch, ending as the Ranges’ top ball winner. Flower is just as capable as a run-and-gun type, entrusted with kick-in duties and driving his legs on the rebound. On Saturday, the bottom-ager’s hunt and repeat efforts were the standout traits as Flower held his own in a hot contest.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 clearances

The neatness of Knapp was a feature as the wet ball and heavily-contested game proved too much for some. He played the conditions well, sticking to his fundamentals and applying selfless team play to block for teammates at stoppage. The top-ager got stuck in but more notably provided touches of polish to bring the ball to the outside, albeit without a high rate of damage. He spent more time forward later in the game and laid a massive hit on one of Northern’s talls while competing for a ground ball, proving his toughness.

#9 Ryder Ham
Defender | 182cm | 27/04/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Much like fellow bottom-ager Flower, Ham provided an avenue out of defence with his run and foot skills. He consistently positioned well to get on the end of handball receives and used his legs to drive the ball forward. Ham also competed well with acts like his desperate diving smother and holding-the-ball tackle in term three, while having a handy knack for drawing free kicks throughout the day. He well and truly stepped up against the tide of Northern’s dominance.

#13 William Waller
Tall Defender | 192cm | 08/03/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Eastern’s defensive general, Waller had his hands full but stood tall in the face of constant pressure. He impacted aerially with shrewd reads as the third man up, but also held his own one-on-one when matched up on Gayfer. The top-ager consistently got a fist on the ball to split contests and tackled hard when the ball hit the deck, playing the percentages with minimal fuss. He perhaps didn’t reel in as many marks as he could have, though that was a product of the conditions.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 clearances, 2 goals

Working in tandem with Downes, Cooke continued his strong start to the season. The diminutive ball winner was a threat both in midfield and deep forward, proving capable of winning his own ball and hitting the scoreboard. Both of his goals came during the opening quarter, showing deceptive strength to fend off an opponent for his first, before a nice bit of bodywork for his second. Cooke’s power and physicality allowed him to charge forward with confidence, aided by his smarts and competitiveness around the contest. His style suited the dour conditions perfectly.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 clearances, 2 goals

Along with Cooke, Downes is a fringe Northern prospect who will push his case for Vic Metro honours. He was superb on Saturday, warming to the contest with explosive bursts out of midfield and two quality set shot goals. Downes was prone to being caught in possession early on but proved persistent and eventually found the space he was looking for. His cleanliness and core strength, along with good kick penetration, allowed him to clear the packs time after time.

#13 Jamison Leeson
Midfielder | 178cm | 10/02/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 clearances

Another of the Knights’ smaller mids who thrived in the conditions, Leeson was able to showcase his speed-endurance mix throughout the day. His turn of foot was a weapon when bursting out of packs, most notably when he sped off before hitting up Gayfer for a first quarter goal. Leeson wasn’t afraid to fend off opponents and his clean ground ball work made him all the more effective.

#14 Campbell Rooks
Defender | 181cm | 10/04/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Rooks was made for wet weather footy and applied his skills well on Saturday. His toughness and ability to win the loose ball came in handy in a game that was played at ground level, often mopping up the spills before setting off on the rebound. He looked to advance further up the field as the game wore on, using his run and drive to launch attacks on the counter. Whether deep or high, the bottom-ager had no trouble slipping into space and was never afraid to put his body on the line.

#15 Lewis Houndsome
Ruck | 198cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 27 hitouts, 8 inside 50s

In the absence of frontline ruck Harry Van Hattum, Houndsome backed up a quiet Round 1 performance to impose himself on the contest. His physicality was on show as he fought for front position, often getting first hand on the ball and standing up in packs. Houndsome wasn’t so much of a marking presence, but displayed a clean set of hands in open play and had several opportunities to punt the ball inside 50. Perhaps most pleasing was his coverage of the ground, dropping back when Northern lost possession and setting up behind the ball as the Knights attacked. While a natural forward, this game served a reminder of his dual-position value.

#18 Sam Gayfer
Tall Forward | 194cm | 21/05/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Gayfer showed the makings of much more than just a marking forward, using his mobility and competitiveness to stay in the game. He presented nicely at Northern’s kickers and launched into his marking attempts, while also showing deceptive strength in one-on-one duels. Gayfer chopped out with forward 50 ruck work and positioned well to intercept several Eastern kick-ins with his reading of the play and long reach. His aggression and pressure were also there, though he perhaps could have impacted the scoreboard a little more – finishing with 1.1.

Murray Bushrangers 15.6 (96) drew w/ Bendigo Pioneers 14.12 (96)

By: James Bell

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 clearances, 1 goal

The Richmond NGA prospect was dominant from the outset, snatching the first two centre clearances. He used his typically fast feet to both escape and arrive at contests consistently across the four quarters. Armstrong was also damaging with his punchy right boot, lacing out teammates on the lead and biting off uncharacteristically daring options. 

#8 Oliver Boddenberg
Midfielder | 181cm | 28/05/2009

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Boddenberg was one of a few bottom-agers on the field but was the standout 16-year-old on the day. He showcased a bit of dare with ball in hand, demonstrating a desire to run and bounce while zig-zagging around opponents. His burst from stoppages was eye-catching, and equally impressive was his desperation in the late stages of the game. 

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles

The prolific small/medium defender followed up his noteworthy outing against Gippsland with a similarly industrious 30-disposal performance. Hewitt is assured beyond his years. Thus far, he has played his role at half-back to perfection by generating run out of defence and intercepting both on the ground and in the air. 

#32 Izack Daley
Ruck | 198cm | 23/08/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 21 hitouts, 7 clearances, 1 goal

The big man put in a workmanlike performance, battling resiliently in a highly contested match. Despite receiving a chop out in the ruck, Daley was still a constant over the four quarters, as is reflected in his statistics. Early on, he set the tone with a ferocious tackle and even got on the end of a forward fifty pass before nailing his one set shot.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 11 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 1 goal

Speculation over Walker’s number one pick potential is likely to remain a talking point all season, and with this showing, it’s easy to understand why. The Carlton father-son nominee reliably won first possession at the contest, usually distributing by hand, and was more than happy to release teammates on the periphery rather than taking the game on himself. A feature of Walker’s game is his direct passing inside 50 on his penetrating right boot. He also boasts a sneaky sidestep, which he used to great effect. 

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Austin was the most lively small forward of the afternoon. Nimble and spring-heeled, the diminutive Pioneer’s persistence was infectious and a key reason the contest levelled in the second half. Austin’s ball use and will to win seemed to become more ambitious as the game went on. He well and truly earned his two goals and could have ended up with more if he were luckier. 

#26 Oscar Cail
Forward | 186cm | 11/09/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 4 goals 

Cail was easily the best forward on the ground. In a duplicate performance of last week, the over-ager drilled four goals, including a thumping 50-metre set shot. As a hybrid forward, Cail has all the necessary tools. He is a strong overhead marker with sticky hands and is clean below his knees. Those attributes were well and truly on show in this game. 

#32 Sonny Beasy
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 18/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

Beasy was the Pioneer’s most effective dual-position player for the game. His zip at stoppages and hard-nosed, blue-collar work ethic was more than welcome in this tight tussle. As a forward, he was equally competent, presenting well to ball carriers and remaining in the contest when the ball hit the ground. A highlight of the day was his powerful set shot goal from 45 metres out that he earned after taking an overhead mark on the lead. 

GWV Rebels 10.13 (73) def. by Geelong Falcons 11.11 (77)

By: Michael Alvaro

GWV REBELS:

#4 Ethan Drever
Midfielder | 188cm | 10/07/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 8 clearances, 2 goals

Drever very nearly dragged his side home on Saturday and lifted when the game was on the line. He was super clean on the inside and often sharked first possession off the rucks’ hands, before using his economical steps and poise to navigate traffic. Drever looked most dangerous when able to peel forward of the centre stoppage, booting a terrific goal that way in the final quarter. He hit the post with a carbon copy attempt even later in the day, which ultimately would have won the game. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be, but not for a want of trying from the skipper.

#22 Klay Nicholls
Defender | 187cm | 15/05/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Nicholls shouldered plenty of responsibility down back, playing above his 187cm standing and taking control of the defensive 50. He proved his wares aerially with several intercept marks, while often battling against the much taller Elek and doing enough to at least split the contest. Nicholls’ reading of the play and composure allowed him to play the percentages so effectively, providing a cool head with his defensive work and ball use on the rebound.

#23 Jackson O’Brien
Ruck | 205cm | 05/06/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 marks, 27 hitouts

A talented basketballer, O’Brien is one of the Rebels’ most exciting fresh faces at all of 205cm. The towering ruckman utilised his reach and size advantage at the centre bounces, getting first hand to the ball and slowly gaining confidence to impact outside the contest. He showed instances of clean handling and useful follow-up work, even sneaking free inside 50 to have a set shot in the second term. The best of O’Brien is yet to come as he continues to develop his craft.

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Daffy played with plenty of energy and intensity, first up forward before getting an extended run in midfield. The Richmond father-son prospect was tough and accepted contact, but also used his smarts to draw free kicks when he couldn’t drive the ball forward. Daffy’s surge style was more effective than the instances he held possession too long, and he snapped a quality goal in the third quarter to show his wares inside 50. Otherwise, he was also a handy link player heading forward.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 6 marks, 11 tackles, 6 clearances

Williams bossed the game from midfield, finding the ball in all parts of the ground. While relatively diminutive, he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in at the contest and hunt ground balls, refusing to be easily wrapped up. On the flip-side, he laid desperate tackles on opposition ball carriers. His clean handling and sharp turn of foot allowed him to break to the outside, where his foot skills would come into play. Williams also worked hard to rack up uncontested ball and did just about everything except hit the scoreboard throughout a well-rounded performance.

#12 Charlie Hanegraaf
Midfielder/Forward | 187cm | 10/11/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Hanegraaf was the hero for Geelong, with his sweet snap goal putting the Falcons ahead with under a minute to spare. He didn’t win a ton of outside ball but showcased his size and power at the contest, helping break open the clinches. The top-ager was also useful up forward as a strong hit-up option whose clean ball handling and one-on-one craft stood out.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 4 clearances, 4 goals

Elek looked on track for a huge day after booting all four of his goals in the first half. He was unstoppable at times, presenting nicely with his pace on the lead and reaching up to pluck marks overhead. On top of the set shots he earned that way, the over-ager showed outrageous agility to cut through a forward 50 stoppage and snap truly in the second quarter. Those exploits came to a halt in the second half, although Elek came back to life in the latter stages to help get his side over the line. While wickedly agile, he can continue to work on his physicality.

Sandringham Dragons 11.9 (75) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 15.9 (99)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 clearances

You’d be forgiven for thinking Brown was a midfielder given how eagerly he sprinted up from forward 50 to join the centre stoppages. He showed that perhaps he has a future running on-ball with how clean and agile he was through the packs, extracting the ground ball and navigating an exit in no time. Brown did the majority of his work by hand and made a few opponents look silly with his evasive skills, but couldn’t quite find ways to take the game forward or impact closer to goal.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 9 marks, 5 inside 50s, 4 goals

Griffin is an absolute powerhouse seemingly on a collision course for the mid-season draft. He put on another marking masterclass against Oakleigh, searching high up the ground and bringing down pack marks. The over-ager showed a great knack for accessing the ball at the top of his reach and tends to play above his 186cm listing, so much so that Sandy would have hoped to have two of him out there. Griffin also utilised his booming kick to get the ball moving forward, including with an unbelievable goal from inside the centre square. He has the capacity to catch fire at times and is a genuine competitor – which extends to his underrated pressure game.

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 7 marks, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Macgowan once again cracked the 30-disposal mark and did so on the back of a balanced midfield game. He was super clean and tough on the inside, showing great poise to draw and release by hand at stoppage. On the outside, Macgowan ran great patterns and used his vision to identify targets before attempting to hit them off either foot. He was rewarded for his hard work with a set shot goal in the third quarter after initially looking to hand off the chance to Arki Butler.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#6 Flynn Woolhouse
Key Forward | 195cm | 06/05/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Woolhouse somewhat took a back seat to Marsic on Saturday, but ended up with three handy goals – including two in the final term. He looked to be in good marking form early on, nudging Tyson Bradley under the ball to take a strong grab, shortly before getting an early jump to mark again overhead. That same aerial ability saw him get on the scoreboard in term two, and after a quiet patch, he finished the game with a crafty snap from the pocket. Woolhouse’s pace and agility for a tall are terrific and bode well for more productive work up the ground.

#9 Harper McCullough
Midfielder | 176cm | 29/05/2009

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 tackles, 10 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Barring the seven-goal man, McCullough was Oakleigh’s best and most important figure on Saturday. The dogged small midfielder was tenacious as ever, digging in to win his own ball while nullifying Sandringham players attempting to do the same. His competitive nature translated to repeat efforts and an utter refusal to be tackled, using his core strength and evasiveness to surge forward. McCullough found space to drive his legs on occasion and while he wasn’t always effective by foot, set the tone with his hunting work on the inside.

#48 Zane Adams
Key Defender | 197cm | 17/03/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50s

A solid contributor across the first two weeks, Adams got to good spots and made the right reads down back. He was reliable against a range of tall opponents, holding his own in one-on-one situations and impressing with his ability to intercept. The bottom-ager was clean overhead and acted swiftly on the play unfolding ahead of him to relieve pressure across the defensive half.

#56 Sebastian Marsic
Key Forward | 194cm | 30/08/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 7 goals

Marsic jumped out of the ground to produce an outstanding performance in just his second game at the level. He got on the board early with the game’s opening major and went on to score within the first two minutes of two more quarters. Marsic showed great mobility to present up the ground but also found space closer to goal and seemed to gain confidence as the game wore on, eventually clunking a pair of strong contested marks. The top-ager also applied pressure with punishing tackles and made the most of his many chances. His tally of goals catch the eye, but Marsic’s game was very well-rounded for a tall forward.

Gippsland Power 6.8 (44) def. by Dandenong Stingrays 13.16 (94)

By: Peter Williams

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Though a tough day at the office for the power, Neocleous did his part through the midfield and up forward with some incredible touches that really stood out. His kick inside 50 that hit Cody Templeton on the lead from a centre bounce free was elite, and then he almost kicked one himself later in the first term from the tightest of angles on the boundary. That one hit the post, but Neocleous made no mistake from straight in front during the second term where he played full-forward, taking a confident grab striding out of the goalsquare. Ran at 80 per cent efficiency on a day where the going was much tougher than in Round 1.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

Provided his usual run around the ground and always looked to be the release option by hand through give-and-go’s. Stephenson finished the game as one of the better Gippsland players, working hard transitioning the ball from defence to offence. He showed off his lateral sidestep by dancing around opponents late in the second term to nail a short pass by foot. Has a penetrating kick that can be refined, but is ultra-exciting.

#39 Cohen Dent
Ruck | 210cm | 08/04/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 37 hitouts, 2 clearances

When you stand at 210cm, you’re always going to win the bulk of the hitouts, and Dent did just that. However on top of his tap work, Dent seemed to improve on his Round 1 performance with some more involvement and follow-up work around the ground. He showed a nice ability below his knees for a player of his size, and won a team-high three hardballs, while also using his body well. His execution can still improve, but he has such rare size and even rarer mobility for that size.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Without his partner in crime Clancy Snell back there, Ladbrook did his best in the face of stiff opposition. He was arguably Gippsland’s best, or at least for the first half, clunking eight marks – one contest – and consistently rebounding the ball from the back half. He was a little overwhelmed in the second due to weight of numbers and the Stingrays made a conscious effort to limit his intercepting abilities. That lead to the floodgates opening, and while Ladbrook used the ball well when he had it, never had too much time or space.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Donning the eye-catching white headband, Kennedy was in charge of the kick-outs or being the next player up from the kick-outs in the match. He has a lovely long kick when he can have that time and space, and Kennedy set up a number of teammates with scoring chances, including a nice kick deep to Ah-Mu’s advantage midway through the final term. When under pressure he could rush a touch, but overall was an impressive player for the Stingrays, and continually moved the ball well and went on-ball too, collecting a couple of centre bounce clearances.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

Best on ground for his impact without a doubt. He had at least five disposals in every term largely playing as a small forward, but then getting his chance on-ball too. He kicked his first goal late in the second term after a 50m penalty, then nailed a second one getting to the right spot inside 50 to rove the ball, snap and goal. He went at the next centre bounce and actually even won a centre bounce clearance. His lateral movement and ability to get out of trouble was a delight, and his skills going inside 50 was a point of difference in a game where territory over accuracy was the focus.

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 7 clearances, 5 inside 50s

Lead the way through the midfield with a game-high seven clearances from 28 touches and won it both at the coalface, and in transition. He covered the ground well to get back and help the defence, then when rotated forward looked a strong target inside 50. Had a set shot from long-range that went out on the full, but otherwise did not do a lot wrong, playing a consistent brand of football and kept the ball moving forward with swift hands or quick disposals.

#32 Corey Ah-Mu
Key Forward/Midfielder | 196cm | 22/05/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

Started as a midfielder then went forward, utilising his bigger frame against a midfield that lacked size. He knows how to use his strength both at ground level and in the air, even winning a great one-on-one with Ladbrook midway through the third term to clunk a good grab. Kicked an early goal from long-range, then got two more gimme’s from the top of the goalsquare thanks to the aforementioned bodywork and positioning. Is mobile enough to find the ball around the ground and rarely made a mistake to be right there with Prasad amongst the best.

Suns Academy 6.5 (41) def. by Lions Academy 16.19 (115)

By: Michael Alvaro

SUNS ACADEMY:

#12 Archie Hill
Defender/Midfielder | 181cm | 04/03/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Hill was his productive self on Sunday, having little trouble racking up possessions – especially across half-back. He took up aggressive positions and looked most dangerous as an overlap option in transition, sparking several quick passages of play. Hill’s supportive runs and attacking instincts were a feature of his game, though they perhaps took a back seat when he was thrown into the midfield. While he can tend to show the opposition a little too much of the ball when going by foot, Hill took on productive options and even got on the board with a third quarter goal.

#24 Jake Callinan
Midfielder | 190cm | 18/08/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 3 clearances

Callinan was up against it as a mainstay of the Suns’ midfield, with Brisbane’s on-ball unit driving a decent clearance advantage. Still, he used his size and clean handling to be a useful distributor when required, while also showing great poise and deceptive speed on the outside. Callinan drove his legs forward when the rare opportunity presented and is far from a stagnant ball winner.

#37 Cooper Collins
Defender/Midfielder | 188cm | 13/11/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Returning as an over-ager, Collins took on plenty of responsibility as one of the Suns’ primary distributors down back. He worked hard to support teammates transitioning the ball out of defence and added spurts of speed to the play, even if erratic at times. Collins was brave when contesting the ball overhead and showed a strong vertical leap, battling hard for his side all day. He swapped with Hill into the centre bounces but the going was tough in there against a quality Lions unit.

LIONS ACADEMY:

#4 Benjamin Lillico
Midfielder | 176cm | 09/09/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 7 clearances, 1 goal

Another prominent over-ager in this clash, Lillico was the most prolific inside ball winner afield. His clean hands and core strength allowed him to access the ball with ease, often shrugging tackles and dishing off to teammates. He also worked hard to accumulate on the outside and got to showcase some sharp left-foot kicking, including a snap goal in term two. Lillico was stylish at his best, complimented by great vision and awareness in open play.

#12 Ashlon Prindable
Midfielder | 180cm | 03/10/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 3 clearances

Another Prindable coming through the ranks, Ashlon showed plenty of expected hallmarks. He was so clever in tight spots, intercepting opposition handballs or getting a hand in when it was there to be won. He hardly fumbled – if at all – and looked calm in possession despite a few exit kicks going awry. Still, the top-ager was neat and quick to offload the ball under oncoming pressure.

#13 Matthew Owen
Midfielder | 180cm | 01/03/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 5 clearances

At his best, Owen is an expert in racking up possessions so it was no surprise to see him lead all comers on Sunday. The hard-running midfielder did it inside and out, prising five clearances and getting around the ground to become an option when Brisbane controlled possession. While time and space where sometimes hard to come by, Owen managed to get loose and made his mark.

#16 Caylen Murray
Defender | 181cm | 03/01/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 clearances, 4 rebound 50s

Another of the Lions’ highly touted prospect this year, Murray operated off half-back and did so with class. He was super clean and efficient with ball in hand, making crisp decisions when moving the ball by hand and foot. The smooth moving top-ager offered support on the overlap and timed his runs well, looking most ominous when able to run and attack. Otherwise, he was just as assured in slower kick-mark passages and gladly shared the ball around.

#19 Harrison Bridge
Defender | 182cm | 04/09/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

After missing much of his top-age year through injury, Bridge returned to the fold and got to turn out alongside younger brother Jackson. The classy left-footer was arguably the Lions’ leading transition defender and backed his skills to either bring the play forward or hit unique angles inboard. He bossed the game with his overlap run and looked stylish in doing so, making good reads to support his teammates on turnover. A positive start as he pushes for higher honours.

#21 Cooper Hodge (Hawthorn F/S)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Captaining the Lions on Sunday, Hodge was typically hard-working and gutsy in his mid-forward rotation. He rode the bumps and was clean at ground level, pouncing on loose balls and applying great pressure. His speed and ability to launch the ball inside 50 were assets, while he got on the board with a set shot goal in term four. Tied to two clubs, Hodge will have the decision to make this year on whether to pursue his academy ties to Brisbane or father-son eligibility at Hawthorn.