WEST Australian small forward William York continues to make a name for himself at League level with the 172cm top-ager producing another strong performance for Peel Thunder. He collected 15 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s, while laying four tackles and finishing with the solitary behind as the Thunder went down to East Perth by 38 points at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on the weekend.

The Round 5 match was York’s fourth for the season, having held his place at senior level for the Thunder and averaged 13.5 disposals, 3.5 marks and laid 3.5 tackles per game. Considering his size, he competes so well against senior opponents and was the sole West Australian State Academy member to step up to the top flight level. Given the amount of AFL-listed talent in the team, for York to play an important link up role is admirable.

>> WAFL Colts Scouting Notes: Round 5

While York was the sole West Australian top-ager in action, crossing the country there were plenty of over-age Victorians and Queenslanders tackling VFL-level football. Among them was Tasmanian Nathaniel Sulzberger who amongst a number of North Melbourne AFL-listed players, won the equal third most touches with 22. Sulzberger was predominantly outside, winning 15 uncontested possessions, but he also laid two tackles, had two inside 50s, a clearance and a mark for his troubles.

The VFL Q-Clash between Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns had a trio of Academy-listed prospects strut their stuff. Brisbane’s Ryan Gilder had seven disposals, three marks, one tackle and one clearance for the Lions, the most touches of the trio in what was a AFL-heavy contingent from both teams. He also had the last laugh in the nail-biting 14.11 (95) to 14.9 (93) triumph.

Gold Coast Academy duo Nelson Beikoff-Smart and Zai Millane both ran out for the Suns. Beikoff-Smart was playing his 13th game at the level. He managed three disposals, one mark, one tackle and one rebound 50 playing in defence. His only Coates Talent League game this year in Round 4 saw him notch up 25 disposals, three marks, seven rebound 50s and a goal to make our Team of the Week.

Millane was 23rd Player and had five touches, two marks, one tackle, one clearance and critically, three score involvements. The nephew of the late great 1990 premiership player Darren is not eligible to the Pies, but does have the family ties. In his sole Talent League match against the Stingrays – alongside Beikoff-Smart – Millane accumulated 23 disposals, two marks, two clearances, three tackles, two inside 50s and two rebound 50s.