Oakleigh Chargers have had a fantastic season, bouncing back from a disappointing season in 2013 to be equal leaders at the halfway mark. They have a number of talented stars who will make their way onto AFL lists in November and a number of them are quite underrated. It’s no wonder they are in contention for the flag, something they won just two seasons ago in 2012.

Kade Answerth must surely be one of the most underrated players in the TAC Cup. From five games, he’s amassed an average of 24.2 disposals, five marks and 6.6 tackles per game to complement his one goal a game. He doesn’t have the hype of his other teammates such as Alex Urban or Darcy Moore, but Answerth is one that could quietly go about his business and find himself on an AFL list with an average of 106.6 DT ponts and 102.6 SC median points.

Alex Urban is an incredibly classy midfielder who was a star late in 2013 as a bottom-age player. In 2014 he is averaging 26.1 disposals, 3.7 marks and 4.4 tackles, showcasing his all-round ability. He’s got all the talent to suggest he’s a first round pick and don’t be surprised if that’s where he goes. Fantasy wise, he averages 96.1 DT points and has an SC median of 92.

Jack Sinclair is another Oakleigh player who has improved rapidly in 2014. He’s collecting 21.9 disposals, 4 marks and 5.6 tackles a game, leading the team in the latter. He has also booted four goals to help him to a 95.1 DT average and 92 SC median average.

Jordan De Goey was rewarded with Vic Metro honours this season and he has certainly earned them. Averaging 18.3 disposals with a team-high 7.3 marks and 2.3 tackles, he has been sensational at moving the ball smoothly in transition. It’s impressive for a medium-sized player of 187 cm to lead the marks at the club ahead of key position players Darcy Moore, Hugh Beasley and Dan Houston.

The Top 10:

1. Kade Answerth (5 games, 5 goals, 24.2 disposals, 5 marks, 6.6 tackles)
2. Alex Urban (9 games, 2 goals, 26.1 disposals, 3.7 marks, 4.4 tackles)
3. Jack Sinclair (7 games, 4 goals, 21.9 disposals, 4 marks, 5.6 tackles)
4. Jordan De Goey (3 games, 5 goals, 18.3 disposals, 7.3 marks, 2.3 tackles)
5. Lachlan Waddell (6 games, 9 goals, 14.8 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3 tackles, 13 hit-outs)
6. Liam Kinsella (6 games, 5 goals, 18 disposals, 2.2 marks, 4.7 tackles)
7. Toby McLean (9 games, 11 goals, 18 disposals, 5 marks, 2.1 tackles)
8. Tom Phillips (4 games, 0 goals, 17.25 disposals, 4.25 marks, 3.5 tackles)
9. Marc Pittonet (4 games, 1 goal, 12.25 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 21.75 hit-outs)
10. Darcy Moore (6 games, 7 goals, 12.2 disposals, 6.3 marks, 1.3 tackles, 4 hit-outs)

Remaining Fixtures:

Round 10: vs. Sandringham Dragons (H)
Round 12: vs. Bendigo Pioneers (A)
Round 13: vs. Gippsland Power (A)
Round 14: vs. Northern Knights (A)
Round 15: vs. Calder Cannons (A)
Round 16: vs. Dandenong Stingrays (H)
Round 17: vs. Geelong Falcons (A)
Round 18: vs. North Ballarat Rebels (A)

Oakleigh Chargers will feel like they are constantly on the road with six of their remaining games away from Warrawee Park. They face Calder in round 15 which could be a play off for minor premiers, however they also face the Falcons the week after which will be a tough draw. On current form, the Pioneers, Power and Knights games should be considered wins, but a number of those games are 50/50 and the Chargers will be keen to exact revenge on the Rebels who defeated them earlier in the season.

Prediction: 2nd