THE SYDNEY Swans Academy kicked off the Pool B portion of this year’s Under 16 National Championships with a 24-point win over local rival, the GWS Giants Academy. A five-goal third term set up the Swans’ victory at Blacktown International Sportspark, in what was otherwise a competitive hitout.

GIANTS ACADEMY 1.2 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 9.5 (59)
SWANS ACADEMY 2.2 | 6.3 | 11.9 | 12.11 (83)

GOALS:

Giants: L. Hetherton 2, H. Bromson 2, H. McMaster, B. Quilter, L. Gronow, R. Corrigan, T. Shepherd
Swans: N. Chamberlain 3, L. Mintoff 2, M. King, L. Jans, O. Baget-Juleff, T. Ryan, B. Hocking, N. Hardman, H. Millmore

RMC BEST:

Giants: H. Wilson, R. Corrigan, L. Gronow, H. Bromson, R. Hayman, L. Hetherton
Swans: N. Chamberlain, L. Carmichael, J. Cochran, Z. Nandlal, M. King, L. Jans

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#3 Liam Gronow
Small Forward | 167cm | 22/06/2007

A zippy small forward with sharp lateral movement, Gronow snared a single goal out the back for his efforts on Saturday but produced some exciting spurts. He looked lively with ball-in-hand, often cutting in onto his right side and looking to carve kicks inside 50. His end product lacked at times, but Gronow was certainly one of the more productive Giants forward of centre.

#15 Lachlan Moresi
Defender | 178cm | 08/03/2007

Moresi was one of a few Giants defenders who had their hands full on Saturday. The 178cm prospect stood tall with some strong intercept marks, but also swooped on loose balls at ground level and looked to take it to Sydney on the rebound. A left-footer, his kicking mechanics left him down at times, but Moresi otherwise provided a good attacking presence from defence.

#32 Ryder Corrigan
Midfielder | 185cm | 14/03/2007

One of the Giants’ midfield mainstays, Corrigan produced a well-rounded game. There were clean overhead marks in attack, desperate lunging tackles in defence, and some terrific inboard kicks in the middle of the ground to support his ball strong winning work, with Corrigan doing a bit of everything in the losing effort. The 185cm onballer also nabbed a richly deserved goal in term four.

#33 Harrison Wilson
Defender | 185cm | 03/02/2007

Wilson was the Giants’ main accumulator and designated kicker out of defence, often bringing the ball back into play and using it with composure. He adopted a largely casual style with ball in hand but was usually effective in manufacturing ways out of defensive 50. At 185cm, he did well to get to the fall of many contests and mop up before rebounding.

#38 Harper Bromson
Tall Forward | 190cm | 26/03/2007

Bromson has the makings of a handy marking target at 190cm, having come to life in term two on Saturday. He booted two goals in said period to keep his side in the hunt, clunking the ball nicely overhead at full stretch. That area of the game is Bromson’s strength, though he had limited opportunity after half-time to add to his goal tally.

SWANS ACADEMY:

#2 Lachlan Mintoff
Small Forward | 173cm | 03/02/2007

One of the Swans’ two multiple goal kickers, Mintoff snared two as his side’s most productive small forward. He proved elusive with ball in hand, slipping tackles and turning opponents inside out to either prize a shot at the sticks, or move the ball inside 50. Mintoff worked hard to get to the fall of the ball and once he gained possession, was one of the more creative players afield.

#7 Zachary Nandlal
Midfielder | 171cm | 30/01/2006

Hard to miss in his white helmet, Nandlal started like a house on fire with the first clearance of the game and plenty of possessions around the ground. The 171cm talent was constantly busy, staying on the move and looking sharp when afforded enough time in little pockets of space. He would likely have finished with strong numbers after a big shift in midfield.

#11 Louis Jans
Forward/Midfielder | 178cm | 31/01/2007

Starting as a high forward before shifting into midfield after half time, Jans got his legs pumping as the game opened up and gained good meterage between the arcs. He backed his pace on the outside but also proved capable when competing over ground balls, making for a good balance in his play. He bagged a set shot goal in term two and later hit the post with a long-range checkside.

#12 Lachlan Carmichael
Defender | 180cm | 27/08/2007

After producing a few glimpses in the opening half, Carmichael came to life after the main break and proved incredibly difficult for GWS to get past. The 180cm defender popped up with a series of intercept marks and held a high line behind the play, allowing him to use his speed on the overlap and launch the ball into dangerous areas. 

#30 Noah Chamberlain
Tall Forward | 191cm | 21/03/2007

The only 2007-born Swan to have played in the Under 18 side this year, Chamberlain imposed himself on the contest with a game-high three goals. He came to prominence with consecutive scores to start term two, proving a mobile spearhead before getting his marking game going. Chamberlain also followed up strongly and finished with class, with his left-foot preference being a handy point of difference in general play.

#32 Joel Cochran
Tall Defender | 195cm | 28/03/2006

One of three 2006-born prospects in the Swans’ squad, Cochran played like an older and more confident player down back. He’s a good size at 195cm but isn’t limited to locking down a tall, and got involved both with intercepts and as an outlet option in transition. He seemed to pop up everywhere at times, proving strong aerially and shrewd with his reading of the play in either phase.

#33 Max King
Midfielder | 193cm | 09/01/2007

Potentially one of the tallest midfielders in the entire carnival, King is an eye-catching type. He moves well for his size and displayed such dexterity with a super goal in the opening quarter, spinning out the front of a stoppage, getting the ball back at pace and slamming home a goal from 50 metres. King continued to cut through traffic and showcased a bit of his aerial range in a strong outing, living up to some of the quality of his namesake.