RICHMOND-TIED prospect Tanner Armstrong was among the standouts as the AFL Academy suffered another loss in its second and final showcase game for 2026. The Under 18 outfit pushed Richmond’s VFL side through three quarters, but ultimately went down by 49 points at IKON Park on Saturday.

Armstrong’s audition against potential future teammates saw him rack up a team-high 27 disposals. Carlton father-son nominee Cody Walker was quite literally at home with 22 touches, while Gippsland Power key defender Xavier Ladbrook (13 disposals, six marks) took out best on ground honours.

The Academy got off to a hot start with two goals in the opening three minutes before Richmond clicked into gear. It was goal-for-goal for much of the day, although two late majors to finish the first half saw the Under 18s sneak ahead heading into the main break, thanks to Gabriel Patterson‘s checkside finish.

Richmond spurned a bunch of chances in the third term but reclaimed the lead come three-quarter time, before Daniel Lowther‘s five-minute hat trick blew the floodgates wide open. The Tigers kicked away with eight goals to one in the final quarter, including six in a row to salute 16.11 (107) to 9.4 (58).

We took notes on ALL 23 Academy players.

AFL ACADEMY 2.1 | 6.3 | 8.4 | 9.4 (58)
RICHMOND VFL 3.3 | 5.6 | 8.9 | 16.11 (107)

GOALS:
AFL Academy: K. LeCras 3, W. Malady 2, E. Herbert, M. Neocleous, G. Patterson, N. Williams
Richmond VFL: D. Lowther 3, S. Toner 3, M. Yassine 2, T. Burton, R. Cantwell, S. Cumming, T. Ferguson, J. Milner, J. Pollocks, N. Roberts-Thomson, H. Scott

RMC BEST:
AFL Academy: K. LeCras, T. Armstrong, M. Neocleous, C. Walker, A. Butler, X. Ladbrook
Richmond VFL: S. Cumming, S. Toner, H. Scott, O. Hotton, R. Cantwell, D. Lowther

BOG MEDAL:
AFL Academy: Xavier Ladbrook
Richmond VFL: Sam Cumming

Absent: Darcy Szerszyn, Jack Pickett, Aidan McCartney, Dougie Cochrane

>> Scouting Notes: AFL Academy vs. North Melbourne VFL

#4-21: By Michael Alvaro

#4 Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 23/04/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s

Butler was once again afforded plenty of on-ball exposure and picked up the majority of his possessions in the middle third. He was typically clean and explosive around the contest, using his sharp turn of foot to dart out of traffic. Butler’s agile steps also helped him buy time to assess his options and hit targets ahead of the ball. As a forward, he provided connectivity up the corridor and was dangerous on the way back to goal. His core strength to shrug tackles and foot skills have held up well against senior opposition over the last two weeks.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s

West Coast NGA

Kenh was among the Academy’s most productive rebound defenders and found a lot more space to take ground than last time out. The West Australian cruised off half-back without necessarily hitting full speed, but nonetheless drove his side forward in transition. He uncharacteristically ran at under 50 per cent by foot and perhaps invited pressure with some of his decisions, although made up for it with an increase in defensive output. One of Kenh’s best moments was his goal-saving tackle in the third term, wrapping up an opponent who had snuck out the back for a joe-the-goose chance.

#6 Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg/South Australia)
Forward/Wing | 184cm | 26/03/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Patterson offered more of the same pressure and competitiveness of game one, showing glimpses of his athletic gifts in the process. While a little fumbly and manic at times, the Glenelg product had some slick moments with ball in hand, using his speed and side-step to cut through traffic. One such instance saw him take the ball at speed, evade an opponent and checkside the goal to put his side ahead just before half time. Patterson also caught the eye as he turned another opponent inside-out on the boundary in term three, but put his shot across the face. He tends to have that capacity to make miracles, but just lacked the finishing touch at times on Saturday.

#7 Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 177cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal

After a best on ground performance in game one, Williams’ output was a little steadier on Saturday. He started on-ball before shifting into defence after half time, balancing his slick work in possession with tenacious defensive efforts. Williams’ laser-like left foot was effective when exiting the stoppage and he made unbelievably poised decisions under pressure. His moments of class were juxtaposed by gritty efforts to win the ball and lock up opposition ball carriers, defying his 177cm standing. The Geelong Falcons star also snapped home a long-range goal in the second term to highlight how damaging he can be by foot. High level smarts and skills.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 9 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Chapman lifted his output massively in game two, coming into his own as an outside ball carrier. His ability to transition both ways was noticeable; tracking back to aid his side’s rebounds out of defence, and just as eagerly peeling forward to join waves of attacking play. Chapman’s smooth movement made each carry a good watch, capped off by crisp foot skills to hit targets on the move. He picked up 14 uncontested possessions and nine marks, covering the ground nicely to offer a stylish avenue forward. There is no denying Chapman’s potential in full flight.

#9 Heath Mellody (Claremont/Western Australia)
Defender/Wing | 184cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s

Mellody was absent for game one but didn’t miss a beat in his first competitive outing for the year. He started down back and showed no signs of rust to execute a deft slider kick in the early stages. His technique and decision making were terrific throughout the day, weighting each pass nicely either on the run or from a standing start. Mellody’s work rate was another key feature, hunting the ball at ground level and supporting teammates when the ball was in dispute. His ball use suited how the Academy played, controlling possession in kick-mark passages down the field.

#10 Archie Hill (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Wing | 181cm | 04/03/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Hill achieved the feat of operating at 100 per cent disposal efficiency on Saturday, and was another player who benefited from the Academy’s ball movement patterns. The Suns Academy standout ran hard to find space and become an option as his side looked to control possession. He connected the lines well with driving long kicks and dashes of speed, helping launch attacks up the line. When ground is there to be taken, Hill does so and is expertly effective as a high back.

#11 Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 181cm | 03/01/2008

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

Akin to Hill, Murray found mostly uncontested ball and was accustomed to dictating play. He tended to slow things down and provided a low-risk option for his side to maintain possession, often peeling off and asking for the ball in space. Despite that standard method, Murray was hard at ground level when required and showed his agility with a couple of nice moves to gather at speed off the back of centre bounces. He’s no stranger to getting high up the ground and utilising his foot skills.

#12 Tanner Armstrong (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Small Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 9 marks, 6 tackles, 7 clearances

Richmond NGA

Armstrong had claims on being the Academy’s best player for large parts of the game having come to life with a midfield move in term two. The scrappy utility racked up 12 of his team-high 27 disposals during that time, pouncing on loose balls and providing strong tackle pressure. He was dominant in the ground level game and won a considerable seven clearances, while showing great work rate to find outside ball in all parts of the ground. Armstrong’s agility afforded him space to use his foot skills, although he ran up several clangers under heightened pressure. He also had a couple of set shot opportunities but couldn’t quite find the target. Still, you can never fault him for effort.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

Neocleous again proved exactly why he belongs in the Academy side, providing sound skills and decision making amid the chaos. He snapped home the game’s first goal after marking strongly near the point post, and went on to showcase terrific hands overhead throughout the day. The diminutive talent operated at speed as he worked up the ground, running intelligent leading patterns and using the ball cleanly by foot. Neocleous’ energy was an asset as his side moved the ball forward, proving a difficult player to contain while holding his own against hardened opposition.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 8 inside 50s

Carlton F/S

Walker would have been familiar with his surroundings on Saturday given he spent much of the preseason training at IKON Park. The Carlton father-son gun again had little trouble finding the ball, but this time did so leaning more to the uncontested side. He was most effective as a high forward, covering plenty of ground to be a leading option ahead of the ball. Walker’s leap and strong hands overhead showed shades of his famous father, while his speed out of stoppages was just as eye-catching. While there were plenty of positives, Walker’s tendency to wheel and go quickly lended to a few skill errors by foot where he rushed and perhaps sacrificed technique on the run.

#21 Jack Gordon (Central District/South Australia)
Utility | 185cm | 05/01/2008

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

Gordon played a bit of everywhere on Saturday. He started down back before a second half move into the midfield and finished in the forward-wing rotation. The South Australian notched up several intercept marks, showing clean hands overhead and neat foot skills to follow. His mature frame allowed him to compete at the contest, although his efficient ball use also made him useful in the Academy’s kick-mark passages. While Gordon stood up in tackles, he can continue to find ways to drive his legs out of congestion more often.

#23-38: By James Bell

#23 Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy/NSW)
Wing/Defender | 186cm | 04/09/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 2 Inside 50s

The GWS-tied prospect started on a wing, then worked his way into the game after half time when he was moved to the backline. This repositioning yielded him a greater share of the ball and an aggressive rundown tackle that earned him a free kick. Matthew’s ball use was typically measured and reliable. 

#24 Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

The South Australian on-baller was red hot from the opening bounce. Edwards immediately showed off his typically manic style at contests, which resulted in a couple of free kicks going his way. He was occasionally overzealous by foot, but what he lacked in polish, he made up for in pressure and intent. 

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

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals 

The rangy forward can consider himself unlucky. He was largely deprived inside 50 and at times was cruelled by ball use up the field. A couple of early chances almost went his way but he remained patient before getting his first genuine look in the second term. Importantly, Malady took his opportunities when he got them, snaring two set shot goals.

#27 Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia)
Forward/Wing | 192cm | 26/04/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals

Arguably the Academy’s best player, the mobile forward played his high half-forward role expertly. LeCras led up and down the fat side wing throughout the afternoon, he even started on the wing in the second half. In what was a bleak fourth quarter for his side, LeCras’ brilliant 18th-minute goal was a clear highlight, as was his second-quarter snap finish from the left-hand pocket. He exhibited outstanding mobility and dexterity for a player his height.

#28 Kale Matthews-Hampton (Sturt/South Australia)
Defender | 187cm | 19/05/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Taking advantage of his late call-up into the squad, the young defender continued to exhibit impressive aerial ability. Matthews-Hampton spoiled and marked athletically at times, showcasing his best qualities. A high-flying intercept in the first half was particularly eye-catching, while his defensive 50 rebounding and distribution were solid all afternoon. 

#29 Tate Hodgson (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Defender | 197cm | 24/07/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Hodgson’s measured approach with ball in hand was essential on the day. The key back provided assurance and calmness to an occasionally confused and overwhelmed defence. He is also genuinely brave and unafraid to stand under high balls with potential threats veering towards him. 

#33 Xavier Ladbrook (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Defender | 201cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle

Gippsland’s rangy key back was one of the game’s most prominent defenders. When allowed to run and jump at contests, he was able to both spoil and clunk incoming kicks using his extended reach and aerial aggression. Ladbrook was fortunate at times to be matched up on smaller opponents who didn’t require a lot of physical pressure, but showed an increasing level of tenacity as the game wore on. He was duly awarded the Academy’s best on ground medal.

#34 Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 01/11/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

Playing nearly entirely as a forward, the competitive tall started promisingly with a goal in the first three minutes of the game after marking on the lead. He proved the Academy’s number one target inside 50 but was relatively well held. Herbert applied repeated efforts in general play to great effect, involving himself in scores despite a lack of opportunity for time and space to mark unimpeded. 

#35 Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 3 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles

Although unable to seriously impact with ball in hand, the Academy’s captain was still able to lead by example through acts of ferocious aggression. He again showcased his strong hands on the lead, which resulted in a successful shot on goal. Houndsome was also tried in the ruck, exemplifying his versatility as a player. Unfortunately his day ended early after coming off second best in a third quarter contest.

#36 Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 205cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 8 hitouts, 3 clearances 

In a team littered with ruck options, it was telling that Van Hattum started rucking from minute one. Out of every big man who spent time on-ball, he looked the superior athlete with his spring and linear speed standing out among the pack. The Northern Knights product was moved forward at stages and took a juggling mark late in the game.

#38 Benji van Rooyen (Claremont/Western Australia)
Key Forward/Ruck | 203cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 3 hitouts

Took over from primary ruck Van Hattum 11 minutes into the first term and got to work immediately. The Claremont tall ended up as one of his side’s most industrious players, mainly through canny positioning and high work rate. van Rooyen knew where to stand around the ground to take advantage of his impressive height, and at the contest, he battled valiantly for possession at ground level.