PROSPECTS from around the nation feature in the latest edition of Caught the Eye. With competition starting up in Western Australia, there was some underage talent making the early step-up to senior level, while usual suspects in both South Australia and Victoria continue to impress with game-changing performances. We highlight some of the eye-catching stories from the weekend’s play.

Thursday night saw a tight SANFL Under 18s contest between Woodville-West Torrens and West Adelaide, featuring plenty of talent expected to be drafted this year. The first half saw the Eagles take control with Adam D’Aloia’s clearance work and Mattaes Phillipou’s attacking nature forming a dangerous partnership through the midfield. Phillipou has managed to hit the scoreboard from the midfield in his last two 18s games, kicking three goals in each while also proving a consistent ball winner. If he maintains such form, he will continue to rise up draft boards as an in-vogue 192cm midfielder.

West Adelaide managed to fight back due to the reliable Kobe Ryan in midfield, and key forward sensation Tom Scully who kicked 7.2 in a commanding performance. The 200cm-plus forward had no defender close to his height, which helped him take 11 marks, but it was his ability to keep on the move that made him so hard to stop and he was everywhere inside 50. He always sought to get involved and could have had an even bigger day with a few set shot kicks going out on the full.

Back to Ryan, who was sensational in the last quarter, he finished the game with 33 disposals, eight clearances and two last-quarter goals to drag his side over the line. Ryan has been arguably the most damaging midfielder from South Australia so far, and looks set for senior football sooner rather than later. Others to impress included bottom-age key defender Will Patton, athletic ruckman Harry Barnett, and Eagles captain Nathan Barkla.

West Australian football finally kicked off and a tight game in the Colts between Claremont and West Perth opened the round with Claremont almost coming from behind to take the win. The Tigers were led by the likes of bottom-age key forward Dan Curtin, key defender Hugh Davies and Fremantle NGA prospect Conrad Williams.

Williams was outstanding on the wing with his clean hands, agility and composure, finishing the game with 20 disposals. For West Perth it was the consistent trio of Griff Julian, Luke Michael and Kane Bevan who helped get their side over the line. 192cm midfielder Bevan was a clearance machine with his clean hands and strong body helping his side win first possession. He was the leading possession winner all day, finishing with 27 disposals and a goal.

Complimenting him in the middle was former defender Julian, who had 24 disposals and five tackles. Leading the way down back was the reliable Michael, who controlled the backline with his reading of the play and accurate kicking. Other players to impress included speedy midfielder Will Bailey, and 19-year-old small forward Jack De Marte.

Later in the day, Swan Districts prospect Elijah Hewett and East Perth’s Reuben Ginbey both made their League debuts, playing against each other in a tight contest. Hewett spent most of his time in midfield with stints in the forwardline, and although he only had the 10 disposals, he looked comfortable throwing his weight around with five tackles. Hewett’s power will make him a highly sought after midfielder in this years draft.

Ginbey, on the other hand, played a very different role as a hybrid defender. The 188cm left-footer match up on a range of forwards and gave away nothing, with his speed and leap proving handy to shut down his variety of opponents. Ginbey only had the eight disposals, but he made them count and it was his ability without the ball that will likely keep him in the League side going forward.

Over in Victoria’s NAB League, the Oakleigh Chargers did it the hard way again. Looking dominant early on, their kicking at goal let them down (11.21), with star forward Matthew Jefferson kicking six behinds in what was a great performance despite the inaccuracy. Jefferson was tough to beat in the air, taking plenty of contested grabs inside 50 and some nice marks up the ground, showing he isn’t just an inside 50 forward.

The real star of the day was pick one contender Elijah Tsatas who had 42 disposals, spending time on the wing early before moving into the centre where his elite stoppage work came to the fold. He found the ball on the inside and outside and it seemed like he was just about everywhere, gaining possessions all over the ground even taking a few nice intercept marks with 12 grabs in total.

Fellow pick one contender George Wardlaw had a quieter game, mostly due to rotating more forward after quarter time and showing another string to his bow. Wardlaw’s toughness and skill came to the fore up forward, and he could certainly play there at AFL level if he ends up at a club with a deep midfield.

The player who really kickstarted the midfield dominance early was ruckman Hudson O’Keeffe, with his tap work a real highlight – giving the likes of Wardlaw, Tsatas, and Alwyn Davey Jnr silver service. Another strong performer was draft bolter Josh Weddle, who spent time on the dangerous Nick Watson early, before moving to a wing once Watson was ruled out with injury. He didn’t look out of place, using the ball well and working hard both ways.

Eastern’s stars were good in patches with the likes of Watson, Kai Windsor, Zac Greeves and Lewis Hayes all having some good moments. The Ranges’ best was 19th-year talent Tyreece Leiu, who was unlucky not to be drafted last year. Leiu started down back, playing well before he was moved forward and kicked two goals, even playing some time in midfield to showcase his greatest AFL attribute – versatility.