SANDRINGHAM Dragons were spearheaded towards a third consecutive Coates Talent League premiership by their A-list cast of draft prospects on Saturday. A host of representative stars and combine invitees took the field for the Dragons and GWV Rebels, as featured in our Scouting Notes.

>> Match Report: Club-tied stars dominate as Dragons go three-straight

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#3 Levi Ashcroft
Midfielder | 179cm | 18/12/2006

Stats: 29 disposals, 8 marks, 6 clearances, 3 goals

A proven big game player, Ashcroft rose to the occasion one final time at junior level to take out his and Sandringham’s third-straight premiership. The serial winner was among the top two players afield, just behind Sam Marshall, in terms of the standout performers. He won his share of clearances – without fumbling – but was also prolific on the outside and dangerous in the front half, where he booted three quality goals. Ashcroft’s finishing ability shone with an early checkside, a snap over the mark, and a long-range set shot from the wrong side boundary.

#6 Harrison Oliver
Defender | 181cm | 15/06/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s

Oliver’s courage was a key feature of his game on Saturday, as he put his body on the line several times in defence. The integral playmaker was not afraid to back into the contest and played above his height when competing overhead, or with opponents coming the other way. He was also typically productive on the attack, operating across a high line and chaining possessions deep into the forward half where his sharp ball use and decision making shone.

#12 Harry Armstrong
Key Forward | 195cm | 14/06/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

Armstrong has a happy knack for hitting the scoreboard in a big way, and it was almost inevitable he would given Sandringham’s dominance. Not to be denied on the big stage, he booted a game-high four goals and had a marking presence inside 50. While direct opponent Mitchell Lloyd battled manfully, Armstrong proved too big and strong on some occasions and had the reach advantage to take toll when leaping at the ball. His conversion rate was typically sound, and his repeat efforts brought about opportunities for teammates to score. Three of his majors came after half time.

#15 Lennox Hofmann
Tall Defender | 190cm | 08/08/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

With Luke Trainor missing through injury (concussion), Hofmann essentially stepped into his role and did so with aplomb. He showcased a good ability to rebound and carry the ball confidently, but intercept marking was the pillar of his game. The St Kilda Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect impacted as the third player up at packs and hardly looked like fumbling as he snapped up the aerial ball. His decisive reading of the play and composure suited the occasion.

#31 Bailey McKenzie
Tall Forward | 191cm | 10/03/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

Having booted six goals in the preliminary final, McKenzie went without a major on Saturday but still managed to showcase some of his promising traits. He started strongly, working up the ground where his mobility made him a dynamic link player between the arcs. He was skilful by hand and covered the ground smoothly, which saw him shifted up onto the wing after half time. McKenzie’s agility and creative ball use also saw him set up scores for others heading inside 50.

#33 Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott
Defender | 178cm | 18/01/2006

Stats: 21 disposals (all kicks), 10 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Along with Oliver, Kirkwood-Scott brought some impetus to Sandringham’s transitional play. All 21 of his disposals were kicks, with the state combine invitee opting for aggressive passes and taking the game on in running spurts. His flair and attacking instincts on the overlap made for some hit or miss execution, but one aspect which remained clean was Kirkwood-Scott’s intercepting. He took 10 marks overall with three being contested, handling the hot footy well.

#36 Sam Marshall
Midfielder | 185cm | 19/01/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Marshall was rightly named best afield after an incisive and consistent four-quarter performance. The midfielder carved GWV up with his relentless work rate, exemplified best when he won a centre clearance, then popped up to mark and goal in the same passage during term one. He went on to bag another opening quarter goal with a left-foot snap, and was among the Dragons’ most decisive players in the front half. The Lions Academy prospect combined well with teammates and moved the ball to the outside effectively, leading all comers in arguably his best outing yet.

GWV REBELS:

#3 Rhys Unwin
Midfielder | 178cm | 11/10/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 11 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Unwin led GWV’s effort to win the clearance battle on Saturday, racking up a game-high 11 with typically slick work at the contest. His handling, even with one hand, was sublime, with the agile midfielder able to shark the ball on the move and flick off flashy passes under pressure. Unwin’s energy and creativity were great to watch on an otherwise dour day for the Rebels. He even went alone with a bounce handball around an opponent to navigate the boundary line, and was rewarded for effort with a consolation fourth quarter goal.

#6 Jack Ough
Midfielder | 194cm | 15/12/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

Ough was one of GWV’s steadiest performers and worked around the ground to compliment his stoppage contributions. The tall midfielder tracked well away from the contest to take uncontested marks and help his side momentarily control possession. He handled the ball cleanly and ran out the game despite a head knock in the third quarter, where he picked up seven of his 21 touches.

#7 Oliver Hannaford
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 01/09/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 9 tackles, 7 clearances, 1 goal

Hannaford was integral to GWV’s much improved second half, coming to life with 12 touches in the third quarter. He started up forward but through a lack of opportunity was thrust into the midfield earlier than usual. Hannaford’s penchant for stepping up in big moments came to fruition as he slotted the Rebels’ opening goal with a terrific long-range set shot from the boundary. He hunted the opposition all day and was able to drive his legs with ball in hand, showcasing his explosive streak. His refusal to be tackled led to 15 contested possessions and seven clearances.

#8 Jonty Faull
Key Forward | 195cm | 01/02/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks (4 contested), 6 inside 50s

While he was held goalless, Faull arguably got the better of direct opponent Adrian Cole in a true heavyweight battle. He competed hard and won several one-on-one contests to take clean marks, though all of them were taken outside attacking 50, limiting his scoring opportunities. Four of Faull’s five marks were taken in a contest, and his only score – a behind – was kicked from a ruck infringement during term four. He could hold his head high despite the result.

#20 Floyd Burmeister
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 04/05/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 6 hitouts, 2 goals

Burmeister showcased his versatility by not only taking on his usual ruck/forward rotation, but also being utilised up on the wing. The mobile tall snapped a classy goal off hands during term two, and added another in the final quarter with a set shot. His mobility was evident with a great chase on Bailey McKenzie in the third quarter, and Burmeister threw himself at the ball when attempting marks or rucking. He has significant upside at 198cm, especially in an athletic sense.