WESTERN Jets notched up an impressive fourth-consecutive victory in Round 11, thumping the Geelong Falcons by 74 points in Williamstown on Saturday. The soaring Metro region piled on seven unanswered goals in the opening term to set the platform for victory, with their scoring power proving too much to handle. We took note of the top prospects from either side.

WESTERN JETS 7.4 | 10.6 | 14.10 | 18.11 (119)
GEELONG FALCONS 0.1 | 3.2 | 5.2 | 7.3 (45)

GOALS:
Western Jets: O. Castro 4, C. Millar 3, K. Williams 3, J. Fenton 2, G. Barker, M. Buck, C. Davis, H. Hanrahan, S. Juricskay, A. Tippett
Geelong Falcons: R. McLeod 2, K. Charman, J. Cooney, J. Elek, D. Harrington, J. Keenan

BEST:
Western Jets: J. Marron, B. Wigmore, A. Tippett, K. Williams, L. Hicks, J. Djatschenko
Geelong Falcons: D. Harrington, K. Charman, A. Chamberlain, C. Montebello, J. Keenan, L. Blacket

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles, 5 clearances

Hicks continued his magnificent form, topping the disposal tally alongside teammate Angus Tippett. While both players did the inside dirty work, Hicks also leant on his running ability to dominate around the ground. There were several instances where he drifted forward unmanned, putting himself in the hole and reeling in brave overhead marks ahead of oncoming traffic. Hicks’ aerial ability was a feature throughout the day, leaping high and extending overhead. He distributed well by hand but can continue to refine his use by foot, kicking at around 50 per cent efficiency.

#10 Griffin Barker
Wing | 186cm | 13/08/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

It was once again a case of Barker’s high-impact and explosive style catching the eye while others filled their boots. Situated out on the wing, he was a viable outlet for the switch or when Western exited the stoppage laterally, rewarding teammates with a safe pair of hands. From there, Barker often looked to take off quickly, showcasing his burst speed and ability to attack the corridor. He sparked dangerous combination play and booted a running goal late in the first quarter.

#17 Billy Wigmore
Defender | 188cm | 29/03/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 10 marks, 6 rebound 50s

The Jets’ marking machine once again soared high for a series of intercepts, well and truly playing to his strengths throughout the day. Wigmore made early reads and attacked the ball like a forward, taking it cleanly overhead. At 188cm, his aerial ability is more reminiscent of a key position player. The top-ager helped lock the ball in Western’s front half with decisive marks, although tended to revert to default long-down-the-line kicks. There were instances where he showed he could get on the move and pick out more creative passes by foot, which he’ll need to do at that size.

#21 Kobe Williams
Forward | 186cm | 30/10/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 9 marks, 3 goals

Williams was near-impossible to contain up forward, posing a threat with his running power up the ground and smarts inside attacking 50. The over-ager frequently ventured well past the wing to help his side shift the ball back towards goal, doing so with creative intent. Most importantly, he once again forged several scoring shots, finishing with 3.3. Williams marked strongly and snapped well around the corner, though his best goal was a terrific checkside finish under pressure in the pocket.

#24 Noah McMenamin
Tall Defender | 192cm | 22/03/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Returning to the fold after a pair of VFL outings for Collingwood, McMenamin looked right at home. He provided a steady head with ball in hand, calmly distributing by foot and even taking on some of the kick-in duties. The over-ager was generally clean overhead and reeled in some quality intercepts at the top of his reach, arriving at those contests with great mobility for his size.

#25 Oliver Castro
Forward | 185cm | 01/06/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

Coming in for his first game of the season after debuting late last year, Castro certainly made an impact. The powerful forward was often situated deep inside 50, providing a strong marking target who could get out on the lead or hold his ground one-on-one. Castro’s clean set of hands and clinical set shot conversion were key elements of his game and proved difficult to defend. Much like Wigmore at the other end, he presents as a medium-sized type who can play tall.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Teaming up with fellow over-ager McMenamin, Marron ensured Geelong would be denied easy scores all day. He had a massive second quarter, racking up 10 touches and four marks in fine fashion. Marron was not only able to hold his own in aerial contests and intercept regularly, but also showcased his athletic traits when peeling off to join the attack. He marked the ball cleanly and used it just as effectively, blending composure with an added urgency on the rebound.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 36 hitouts, 1 goal

Buck has come a long way since starting out for Western and returned another fine performance. The high-leaping over-ager dominated both at centre ball-ups and around the ground, displaying the kind of craft which makes him a nailed-on ruck. Buck also spread well to get ahead of the ball and provided a confident aerial target down the line. He did the basics in terms of his ball use, either handing off or pumping the ball long. His deceptive nimbleness was shown with a quick snap goal in the second term. Otherwise, he competed hard in the air all day.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#4 Darcy Harrington
Midfielder | 176cm | 17/11/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 1 goal

Harrington flew the flag in a tough loss for his side, especially during a big lift out of the main break. Able to accumulate possessions all around the ground, his third term included gutsy overhead marks, sharp foot skills, and a terrific running goal from the 50m arc. When he wasn’t getting in-and-under or laying tackles, Harrington showed great agility to side-step opponents and remained poised when delivering inside 50. The crafty leftie looked at his best when going by foot, blending finesse with genuine grit throughout the day.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 8 marks, 10 hitouts, 1 goal

Battling against fellow over-ager Buck in the ruck, Elek did his best work outside the contest. He eventually found his groove at the centre ball-ups, but posed more of a threat with his marking around the ground. Incredibly mobile at 201cm, Elek attacked the aerial ball with vigour and took several strong marks, including on the lead once shifted forward. He leant on his agility in open play, and while sometimes guilty of holding the ball for too long, navigated tight spaces well. His lone goal came from a set shot in term three after drifting forward to mark with the flight.

#36 Nate Mensch
Key Forward/Ruck | 196cm | 11/03/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 14 hitouts

Geelong’s chop-out ruckman, Mensch proved to be a willing competitor in that realm. The bottom-ager stood his ground and threw himself at the ball when required, engaging well in physical battles. Mensch presented with authority on the lead and even turned provider by bringing the ball to ground for a teammate to score. His competitiveness stood out in both roles, providing a contest despite his side being handily defeated.