LEO Steed and Ethan Matthews were the stories of the weekend as the Under 18 National Championships got underway. The former co-captained Western Australia to an upset win over title-holders South Australia, while the latter was outstanding as his Allies went down to Vic Country. With both players strengthening their top 15 chances, we highlight a few more prospects rising in stocks.

>> Rolling Rankings: Top 30 AFL Draft prospects

RISING STOCKS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

Leo Steed (Swan Districts)
Midfielder | 177cm | 07/03/2008

Stats: 30 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Steed has been absolutely flying this season, playing with a fire in his belly and plenty of quality. The Swan Districts prospect has thrived as a high forward at WAFL League level, playing seven matches, but was unleashed in Western Australia’s midfield on Saturday. While diminutive, his competitiveness and running power propelled him to a game-high 30 disposals in an utterly dominant display. He seemed to be everywhere at times and looks like a nailed-on first round prospect.

Current Range: 12-20

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George Gale (Claremont)
Wing | 190cm | 06/09/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s

Gale is steadily making his climb after an outstanding start in the West Australian pathway. The 190cm utility has racked up over 30 touches in two of his three Colts games and carried that form into the state trials. Co-captain to Steed, Gale was used out on the wing on Saturday and proved more than comfortable in the role. His IQ and running patterns are terrific, able to find space and become a threat in the attacking phase, while also dropping back to use his aerial prowess. The only real question mark is his lack of speed, which somewhat takes away from that strong running power.

Current Range: 25-40

>> Scouting Notes: Western Australia vs. South Australia

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Harvey Croker (Glenelg)
Wing | 185cm | 15/08/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 marks, 4 inside 50s

Labelled a surprise packet out of Saturday’s game, Croker has been doing the job for Glenelg all year. Averaging 27.8 disposals in the AAMI Talent League, he is yet to drop below 20 across his eight games and has gained plenty of exposure on-ball. Croker was back in familiar expanses on the wing and provided great width for South Australia, getting in position to receive out of the packs. With more of the same performances at this level, he could well push his name right up the order.

Current Range: 40-60

Anthony Long (West Adelaide)
Forward | 185cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

Adelaide NGA

Long is among South Australia’s most talented prospects this year and showed his game-winning qualities on Saturday. Stationed up forward, he proved a difficult matchup with his speed on the lead and power over the ball, capable of shooting for goal from a variety of situations. His eyes light up when opportunities present and while he was slightly wayward with 3.3, his impact-per-possession remained high. Adelaide fans will keep a close eye on the nephew of Izak Rankine, who is NGA-tied to the Crows.

Current Range: 30-45

ALLIES:

Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy/NSW)
Midfielder | 186cm | 09/04/2008

Stats: 35 disposals, 8 marks, 11 clearances, 11 inside 50s

Matthews well and truly converted his early-season form onto the representative stage, proving utterly dominant in a losing side. He racked up possessions at will, showcasing unmatched running power and using the ball with his patented efficiency. Whether accelerating out of stoppages or getting on the end of handball chains, Matthews’ movement and laser-like kicking made him a constant threat in the attacking phase. Despite limited fanfare to this point, he is comfortably in the top 10 mix.

Current Range: 5-12

Henry Meaney (Swans Academy/NSW)
Midfielder | 184cm | 23/08/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 marks, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Another Northern Academy talent who followed through on his early-season form, Meaney provided the perfect fold for Matthews. Possessing similar running power and inside-outside balance, the Sydney-tied midfielder has no trouble finding the footy. His hands and lateral movement make him a menace at stoppage, while he has the ability to spread and accumulate on the outside. Meaney has made a habit of hitting the scoreboard too, which is important given he tends to do much of his work by hand.

Current Range: 25-40

Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 181cm | 16/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

Murray ran riot on Sunday with his relentless attacking pursuits off half-back and is capable of doing serious damage. He times his runs well to provide an overlap option and puts speed on the ball, able to generate quick transitional ball movement with his speed and foot skills. Murray may also be exposed to different roles on the wing and in midfield, but looks very comfortable as a playmaker from the back. His style suits the modern game and should put him well into first round calculations.

Current Range: 15-25

Ben Pignatelli (Swans Academy/NSW)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 14/03/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

Another prospect of note out of the Swans Academy, Pignatelli showcased his contested marking ability inside the Allies’ forward 50. While slightly undersized as a tall marking forward, he is a regular goalkicker who has proven capable of scoring in bunches. He ended up with three majors on Sunday, drawing a crowd and holding firm close to goal. The left-footer has improved his finishing and perhaps the next step will be to have more of an impact working up the ground as a mobile target.

Current Range: 40-60

>> Scouting Notes: Allies vs. Vic Country

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VIC COUNTRY:

Wil Malady (Gippsland Power)
Tall Forward/Wing | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals

Malady was outstanding in Vic Country’s forward half, particularly as a focal point inside 50. His timing, IQ and athleticism were on show as he presented out for several marks on the lead, gaining separation to take the ball comfortably out in front. Also capable of extending overhead, Malady had several opportunities to score but was on the edge of his range for most, ending with 2.3. His scope to develop as a dynamic wingman was shown late in the piece, and if consistent, he looms as a top 15 talent.

Current Range: 8-15

Jackson Phillips (Dandenong Stingrays)
Wing/Midfielder | 184cm | 30/01/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Phillips was marked from as early as Round 1 as a big improver, and settled nicely into Sunday’s game. The smooth moving midfielder kicks fluently off either foot and runs in combination with teammates to surge the ball forward. His play style suits key elements of the modern game and he can play inside or out. After a few hiccups in the first half, Phillips’ two second-half goals were a measure of his class and he looks poised to make a tilt at locking into the top 20 places.

Current Range: 12-25

Keenan Boi (Gippsland Power)
Forward | 182cm | 03/11/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Hawthorn NGA

A flashy forward who can do damage both high and deep, Boi continues to produce well-rounded performances. He was one of Vic Country’s most reliable connection pieces on Sunday, working up the ground and using his speed on the way back to goal. Boi takes the game on with his speed and looks to be creative with every touch. While that sometimes invites pressure and errors, he steadied nicely for two goals and should catch the eye of all clubs – not just Hawthorn – if he keeps his form up.

Current Range: 30-45

Archie Elliott (GWV Rebels)
Forward | 182cm | 10/08/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Elliott is a prospect just waiting to explode on the big stage, and certainly had his moments on Sunday. Having kicked 21 goals in seven Talent League games this year, he cemented a chance at representative level and looked in ominous form early. Much like Malady, he has terrific speed off the mark and provided a viable target inside 50, taking the ball very cleanly out in front. At 182cm, Elliott has the traits to play slightly taller and despite only managing the one major, often scores in bunches.

Current Range: 30-45