THE SYDNEY Swans Academy improved to a flawless 5-0 record after their second half demolition of Eastern Ranges at the Kennedy Community Centre on Saturday afternoon. Forward Benjamin Pignatelli spearheaded the 46-point win over last year’s premiers with a haul of seven-straight goals.

After leaking 10 scoring shots in the opening term, the Swans’ accuracy proved pivotal in snatching a half time lead, before accelerating away with 10 goals to three thereafter. With plenty of budding Vic Metro and Allies representatives afield, we noted some of the top prospects from either side.

EASTERN RANGES 3.7 | 5.8 | 6.13 | 8.14 (62)
SWANS ACADEMY 2.0 | 7.0 | 11.3 | 17.6 (108)

GOALS:
Eastern Ranges: R. Hoffman 2, B. Wilson 2, M. Gillan, B. McMillan, A. Nichol, B. Sruk
Swans Academy: B. Pignatelli 7, H. Lamond 3, D. Delaney-Fielding 2, L. Macri 2, L. Price 2, O. Griffiths

BEST:
Eastern Ranges: J. Knapp, A. Spencer, B. Wilson, B. Nicholls, J. Lewis, C. Wood
Swans Academy: B. Pignatelli, P. Smith, O. Clifton, L. Price, E. Redfern, H. Lamond

EASTERN RANGES:

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

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

It was a relatively quiet day for Flower until the final quarter, where he racked up 12 of his total 19 disposals with a move into midfield. The bottom-ager came to life, showing off his ability to shrug tackles and accelerate out of stoppages with a sharp turn of speed. Flower benefitted from the inside grunt work of teammates and looked dangerous on the way forward, complimenting some of the toughness and determination he is usually renowned for.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

It was an ‘almost’ kind of day for Wilson, who finished with 2.4 and was a constant threat close to goal. Situated deep inside 50, the lively forward ran riot in the early stages and was difficult to tie down on account of his constant movement. He always seemed to find space or a viable leading lane but was inconsistent in the way of finishing. Capable of slotting a snap over his shoulder or playing above his size with aerial attempts, Wilson certainly has the talent to turn a game.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 5 marks, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Knapp was simply everywhere for the Ranges, getting a lick of the ice cream in every passage of combination play. He was typically clean and sharp to win the ball at the source, but would then spread and cover enormous ground on the outside. Knapp often received the ball on the move and wheeled around to kick, showing intent to take the game on. His disposal suffered a little under physical pressure, but there were also moments where the top-ager cut through traffic with poise.

#8 Archie Spencer
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 24/09/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 11 tackles

Often locking horns with his opposite number and fellow midfield bull Patrick Smith, Spencer gave it everything on Saturday. Above all, it was his tackling which stood out most, lunging desperately at opponents and locking them up to force stoppages. Spencer also showed plenty of power with ball in hand, including with his lateral movement and ability to clear the contest.

#11 Mitch Gillan
Small Defender | 181cm | 27/05/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Gillan is a natural accumulator down back and again showcased his playmaking prowess. Whether restarting off the last line or getting dangerous with overlap runs up the field, he had little trouble finding the ball. Gillan’s poise and short kicking ability were on point, helping the Ranges maintain possession while chipping a way forward. He was swung into attack late in the game and finished with a nice snap goal having not seen many opportunities inside 50.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 2 clearances

It was somewhat of an up-and-down day for Chapman, who produced an outstanding opening term. The National Academy member immediately caught the eye with his smooth movement, collecting the ball at speed and shifting gears to exit the contest. When able to escape untouched, he could then use his foot skills to hit targets ahead of the ball. Despite his hot start, Chapman couldn’t quite maintain the same impact throughout four quarters and was shifted out to the wing, where he continued to thrive in link-up play on the outside and showcased his deadly side-step.

#25 Baxter Sruk
Utility | 181cm | 18/07/2009

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

One of the most highly touted players for next year’s draft, Sruk finally turned out for his Talent League debut. The bottom-ager found a home on-ball but also rotated forward and even finished the game down back. He eased into proceedings and really hit his stride in the second quarter. Sruk’s solid frame, balance and clean fundamental skills meant he had no reason to panic with ball in hand, distributing it confidently by hand and foot. Sruk proved capable of winning the inside ball but also spread well in the attacking phase, highlighted by his running goal in term two. He simply doesn’t fumble or miss, and that scoreboard impact has become a staple of his game.

SWANS ACADEMY:

#8 Patrick Smith
Midfielder | 187cm | 07/05/2008

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

Smith showed all of his patented power in midfield, but elevated his game with touches of composure and selfless ball use. The top-ager assessed his options while navigating traffic and dished off most of his disposals by hand, only blazing away long when forced to. While prone to taking on one tackler too many, Smith trusted his instincts to side-step and shrug off opponents, frequently bringing the ball to the outside and lowering his eyes to deliver inside 50.

#9 Lachlan Price
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 11/08/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 10 tackles, 2 goals

Price’s physicality and power were once again the standout traits of his game, particularly on the defensive end. He led from the front with robust tackles, nailing opponents at stoppage or chasing them down on the outside. When the Ranges got a hold of him, he was strong enough to remain standing and dish the ball off, or drive his legs into space. Price also hit the scoreboard with the game’s opening goal, and a classy snap in term four after intercepting on the move.

#11 William Jenkin
Wing | 179cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles

It was another typical kind of Jenkin game, with the hard-running wingman putting his work rate on show. While lightly framed, he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in with tackles and even produced a terrific rundown effort in term two. Jenkin tracked back to help the Swans’ transitional ball movement, but remained equally involved on the way forward to chain possessions together. His ball use was efficient as always, often hitting the short target before getting on the move again.

#14/18 Henry Meaney
Midfielder | 184cm | 23/08/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s

Meaney’s sparkling form continued and not even a ripped guernsey could stop him from finding the ball. The midfielder showed his knack for slipping out of congestion untouched, taking the ball cleanly before either accelerating away or stepping laterally. He also spread hard to accumulate in the Swans’ waves of attacking play, balancing out his game to be a threat in every phase. He hardly fumbled or put a foot wrong, although couldn’t impact the scoreboard this time as he has done regularly of late. Definitely one to watch ahead of Allies trials and selection.

#23 Guy Jenkin
Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s

GPS manufacturers hate to see Jenkin coming as he seems to blow up their devices every weekend. Despite spending much of the game either as a high forward or midfielder, the top-ager facilitated several passages out of the back half with his speed and combination play. Jenkin was there to support teammates on turnover or when breaking out of stoppages, receiving on the outside and taking off with intent. He linked up with twin brother Will on several occasions and again had some outstanding moments kicking inside 50. All class.

#31 Mason McGroder
Tall Defender | 195cm | 18/09/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles

It’s impossible not to take note of McGroder when he comes bounding out of defence at breakneck speed. The athletic tall showed remarkable pace and dare to launch end-to-end forays, instinctively taking ground in front of him and breaking the lines with intent. McGroder was also prepared to mop up and fight for the ball at ground level, showing improved composure to dish it off cleanly under pressure. His pure size and power helped in those situations, too.

#33 Benjamin Pignatelli
Tall Forward | 188cm | 14/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 7 goals

This Swans forward was happy as a Pig’ in mud inside forward 50, dining out with a massive haul of seven goals. He thrived on his side’s quick ball movement and deep entries, proving clinical with seven straight majors. The top-ager tends to play a little taller than his 188cm standing, providing a mobile marking target who can also snap goals in open play. His conversion over the mark and around the body held up well on the day to ensure the Swans got full value for their attacks.

#34 Oscar Clifton
Ruck | 198cm | 28/10/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 14 hitouts, 9 clearances

Clifton again stood tall in a competitive ruck battle, contributing to more than just the initial contest. The over-age tall looked comfortable with ball in hand, grabbing it cleanly and either dishing off to runners or dumping a long kick forward. Clifton positioned well to stick marks down the line, either dropping back to intercept or standing tall in packs to maintain possession. His repeat efforts saw him finish as the game’s highest clearance winner, mostly from stoppages around the ground.