A MAMMOTH round of action in the Coates Talent League Boys competition saw eight matches take place across three days and three states. We cast our eyes across each game and some of the players that caught the eye.

All notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Tasmania Devils 14.8 (92) def. Giants Academy 8.5 (53)

By: Peter Williams

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#4 Jack Miller
Forward | 181cm | 13/04/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 5 goals, 1 behind

A really lively small who produced a match-winning performance for the Devils, largely being the difference on the scoreboard considering the 39-point margin. Miller kicked three of his goals in the final term – including two in the last four minutes – but was still busy throughout the contest. His first major was the best with a boundary snap that went all the way home in the opening 30 seconds of the second quarter. He also set up a couple of other scoring opportunities and went in to win the ball when required.

#7 Jasper Hay
Defender/Ruck | 198cm | 10/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 7 hitouts, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The mobile big man started off largely able to peel off in defence and provide some intercepting, while also getting up the ground and being proactive with his forward running. He clunked seven marks and was largely competitive in the air, though did drop a couple that would have further enhanced his performance. Starting in the ruck through the fourth term, Hay showed his nice vertical leap, and while he has had bigger game, played his role and was able to be a target down the ground.

#19 Lucas Wootton
Midfielder | 179cm | 11/05/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 8 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Definitely threatened to be the most damaging player on-field with his explosiveness from the stoppage and ability to find targets forward of centre. He worked his magic at the coalface and got to the outside where he could flourish, putting the ball into dangerous positions going forward. His lovely low long-range bullet pass into Miller inside 50 midway through the third term was a treat and when he had any time and space, pinpointed targets forward of centre.

#20 Max Roney
Midfielder | 186cm | 16/03/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles, 10 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

The over-ager put in a hard-working shift and was the most consistent four-quarter performance. He was the quintessential first-possession winner, though it was his defensive craft that really stood out on the day. Laying seven tackles – two of which were huge run-down tackles at either end of the game – Roney did not give his opponents an inch. He put his body on the line, cracked in to win a lot of contested ball and then cleared from danger going forward. While not as polished as some others, his workmanlike effort was huge.

#25 Charlie Bovill
Tall Forward | 192cm | 30/03/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 3 goals, 1 behind

The contested marking tall who plays above his 192cm size, Bovill did not wait long to make an impact. In the opening minute he took a strong mark on the boundary and converted a set shot, and then kicked two more during the next two quarters. While not getting a heap of ball into him, he clunked four marks – should have kicked four goals at least – and if he did not mark it he brought it to ground for the crumbers to swoop.

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#10 Brody Kane
Defender | 181cm | 31/10/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 9 rebound 50s

Kane attempted to apply plenty of speed to the ball in transition, and though his risky plays could sometimes come back to bit him, he more often than not opened the game up from defence. Largely finding space to work across the defensive half of the ground, Kane was predominantly outside, but looked to win multiple possessions within a chain. He did get caught holding the ball a couple of times, but when it worked out, it really paid off.

#24 Oliver Withers
Midfielder | 183cm | 11/01/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 8 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

His consistent season continued against the Devils with the midfielder finding plenty of the ball and getting it forward at all costs. He won the bulk of his touches on the inside, though was clever enough to get to the outside too. The main knock on his game is that he did turnover the ball a fair bit going forward, but looked to find those targets in scoring positions. Was important for the Giants’ field positioning.

#39 Jim Houston
Ruck/Defender | 196cm | 10/02/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 1 tackle, 35 hitouts, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The ruck had another day out providing too athletic and smart at the stoppages with his bodywork and positioning. Though the Devils were able to eventually win the clearances, Houston certainly got first hands to it more often than not, then went back into defence to switch with Hay. There he managed to take a couple of strong marks and provide a few more headaches for the Devils attack. Houston had his own chance on goal with a thumping kick from long-range in the last 30 seconds of the third term but it just missed.

GWV Rebels 5.12 (42) def. by Swans Academy 5.13 (43)

By: Adrian Dixon

GWV REBELS:

#9 Talor Byrne
Midfielder | 174cm | 14/11/2007

Stats: 30 Disposals, 7 marks, 8 tackles, 9 clearances, 8 inside 50s

Byrne was strong around the contest and covered the ground exceptionally well throughout the game, and broke away on numerous occasions with his trademark turn to wheel around and use the ball on his left foot, while also winning a lot of his own contested ball. His delivery inside 50 was excellent hitting targets or putting them into dangerous spots, putting pressure on the opposition defence, his ball reading was also good where he took a few intercept marks. While he showed great hands and vision and provided excellent defensive pressure, Byrne’s set shot kicking at goal is an area of improvement that needs work.

#16 Fraser Molan
Midfielder | 186cm | 04/07/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Molan provided great support in the midfield to Byrne with his strong clearance work, along with his pressure acts around the contest, while also showing his athleticism throughout the day with his evasiveness where he managed to baulk the opposition on numerous occasions to release the ball efficiently by both hand and foot. The highlight of his day was when he took a strong overhead contested mark in the third quarter where he duly converted to give his side some breathing space in a game where goals were rare.

#23 Flynn Penry
Ruck | 201cm | 20/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 20 hitouts, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Penry could not have asked for a better start to his game, winning the first centre clearance after competing in the ruck contest at the opening bounce where his second effort saw him boot the ball long inside fifty to hit up Floyd Burmeister for a mark and goal within the first 40 seconds of the game. His clearance work was strong all day and showed an excellent work rate to get to the contest, highlighted in the second quarter where he moved significantly to take a contested intercept mark. Penry covered the ground exceptionally well and helped his defenders out when he needed to and provided follow up work from the contest, while his athleticism was constantly on show, with his presence feeling like the Rebels had an extra midfielder around the contest.

#44 Charlie McKinnon
Forward | 190cm | 25/06/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals, 4 behinds

In his first game of the season, McKinnon was a constant focal point up forward and threatened to break the game open with his dominance inside 50 regardless of his marks been taken either overhead or on a lead positioning himself well, using his strength and mobility to cause problems for the Swans defenders. He took a great lead mark inside 50 in the second quarter and converted for his first goal of the game. He later took a great mark in the last quarter and kicked a great long goal from a set shot to get them out to a 10-point lead which what turned out to be his sides last goal of the game. McKinnon has great IQ for a key forward as well, highlighted by when he tried to keep the ball in play late in the last quarter from a missed shot on goal however the ball had already been ruled a behind. While he could have easily kicked more goals with improved set shot kicking especially on angles, McKinnon undoubtedly will be better for the run, he will only get better.

SWANS ACADEMY:

#10 Lachlan Carmichael
Defender | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 11 marks, 4 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

Carmichael covered the ground exceptionally well, composed with his kicking especially in traffic whether it be in his side’s defensive 50 or up the ground in his attempt to push his side forward. He was exceptional at ground level with his second efforts and creativity where he was able to get a handball out quickly which resulted in the Swans going forward and looked to quickly get the play moving where possible. Carmichael provided great spread around the ground too to provide an option for his teammates, while also using his vision to generate plays from his long kicking.

#14 Kaiden McNamara
Defender | 186cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 31 disposals, 9 marks, 5 inside 50s, 6 rebound 50s

Leading his side from the front down back in defence, McNamara played a true captain’s game where he utilised his leap to take an excellent contested overhead mark in the first quarter repelling an early Rebels attack. McNamara constantly was a go to player in his sides defence and provided plenty of run and carry when exiting defensive 50, however needed to make better decisions with his kicking especially when he decided to go long especially in the first quarter, however it did not prove to be too detrimental given it was a game where goals were rare across both sides.

#30 Noah Chamberlain
Tall Forward | 194cm | 21/03/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Moving well and providing a presence around the ground, Chamberlain showed excellent vision all day to use his booming long left foot kick to find teammates efficiently around the ground, especially up forward where he managed to hit a few targets, however on one occasion delivered an excellent ball to King that was not paid a mark. Chamberlain showed excellent reflexes to quick balls, was sound at ground level and provided excellent defensive pressure with his tackling.

#33 Max King
Tall Forward | 192cm | 01/09/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

King’s evasiveness and speed for his size proved to be a problem for the Rebels where it was displayed hitting up Tom Ryan on a lead in the first quarter, while he also broke away numerous times from the contest to drive his side forward. King was involved in a lot of the play and provided excellent defensive pressure around the contest; however, he needed to make the most of his chances with his kicking at goal on the run, an area that could do with improvement.

Lions Academy 11.5 (71) def. Eastern Ranges 9.14 (68)

By: Peter Williams

LIONS ACADEMY:

#8 Matthew Owen
Wing | 179cm | 01/03/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The outside runner was impressive particularly early when he spread well, won the ball in space and looked to pinpoint passes around the ground. He has a neat short, sharp kick and was both clean at ground level and quick to get ball to boot. Owen’s ability to stretch the ground was a highlight and he was not afraid to pinpoint those 45-kicks.

#11 Tyan Prindable
Midfielder | 181cm | 25/01/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Provided the grunt work on the inside for the Lions and managed to get forward to be rewarded on the scoreboard. On the inside he stood up in tackles and was able to get the ball away under pressure, and first nailed a goal after a free kick at the centre bounce and subsequent 50m penalty, though his second goal was far more memorable. Down on the scoreboard, Prindable won the pill about 40m out from goal and managed to barrel it off the outside of the boot for it to sail home straight through the big sticks.

#13 Cooper Hodge
Midfielder | 182cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s

The Hawthorn father-son prospect was a high pressure player around the ground and transitioned from inside to outside well. Like his dad, Hodge was tough and worked back defensively to mop up and send the ball forward. While not a massive day on the stats sheet, Hodge still had his moments, and his strength in close was very good, and he was not afraid to take the game on with some run and carry.

#15 Harrison Bridge
Defender | 182cm | 04/09/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s

Held an important tole in defence and racked up more ball than anyone else on the ground. Bridge was often the first point of contact – or the last saving grace – in the back 50. He reads the game well, took some reliving marks and was able to release by hand or foot to teammates on the move. He set up Oscar Tanks for a crucial goal late in the fourth term, having had multiple possessions within the chain. Attacks the loose balls hard and was deadly with his kicking in the match running at 88.9 per cent.

#23 Daniel Annable
Midfielder | 184cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 9 tackles, 13 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

After winning the Rookie Me Central Player of the Week for Round 5, Annable was again a standout for the Lions Academy with an enormous inside display. While his usual class on the outside still showed in bursts, it was his ability to win the ball at the source and provide a calm hand with which to pick a target outside the contest. Annable’s 13 clearances were six more than anyone else on the field, and he cracked in with nine tackles, often having an opponent hanging off him if the Lions Academy member had the ball, or he was hanging off them if they had it.

EASTERN RANGES:

#8 Lachy Dovaston
Forward | 177cm | 29/05/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds

Starting forward at times opposed to Bridge and then looking to run off and be a dangerous option for the Ranges, Dovaston kicked a goal after drawing a free kick a few meters out late in the first term. He would finish with two majors – the second being a clever snap out of nothing that was given the all-clear after claims of being touched – though missed a few chances as well. His vision and ability to release by hand was a point of difference and he has natural evasion that allows him to wrongfoot the opposition.

#9 Josiah Landy
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 27/02/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Coming in for just his second game of Coates Talent League and first for this year, Landy had a day out, playing a similar role to the absent Ollie Greeves, albeit as a much smaller utility. Though sub-180cm, Landy showed a strong pair of hands and loved to run at any opportunity he got. His short kicking was neat and he won the bulk of his touches in a contest. Landy had a few nice plays and looked clean off the deck. Finished with a couple of goals from four chances including an incredible long-range goal bursting out of the middle.

#22 Xavier Taylor
Defender | 191cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

Having been a rock in defence all game, Taylor played his role once again and was composed with ball in hand. The defender’s ball use is so slick that his turnover stood out like a sore thumb, as he ended up running at 88.2 per cent disposal efficiency. Though at times he might look for the high-retention, low-risk passes, if that more dangerous kick is on that has an opportunity of doing damage forward of centre, he will run the gauntlet and take that risk. Safe hands for a medium-tall as well with a nice leap on him.

Bendigo Pioneers 9.7 (61) def. by Calder Cannons 10.13 (73)

By: Declan Reeve

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#1 Cody Walker
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Whilst the bottom-ager did not have a stack of the footy, he excited with every disposal, demonstrating his clean ball use by both hand and foot as he worked tirelessly whenever he was near the contest. Walker demonstrated his speed and cleanliness overhead well through the game, often looking to wheel and go on his favoured right boot whenever he got the footy to get separation out of congestion. 

#2 Tom Evans
Defender | 180cm | 22/02/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 7 rebound 50s

The over-aged defender had his typical game against the Cannons, shining with his composure in traffic and pinpoint kicking skills. As usual, Evans was trusted with the majority of his sides kick ins, picking off a few impressive passes into the corridor, where he’d often look to run past to get a releasing handball, but generally playing it safe and spotting up teammates along the boundary. Evans looked to push up the ground with his side in possession, providing a wide option for teammates in the middle of the ground. 

#9 Hunter Wright
Midfielder/Forward | 188cm | 20/10/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

Despite missing his usual scoreboard impact, Wright was one of the better players afield as he took every opportunity to show off his impressive vision and creativity by hand, often finding teammates forward of the contest and weighting the handball well for each situation. Wright’s workrate around the ground was also impressive, getting from contest-to-contest well and attacking the ball with intensity. Wright continued to have his stints up forward, leading up the ground to get loose for uncontested marks as his side transitioned forward.

CALDER CANNONS

#3 Hamish Bird
Midfielder | 187cm | 16/08/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

The Calder captain may not jump off the page from the stats sheet but was one of the more influential players on the day, impacting strongly through the midfield and the forward 50. Bird was strong through the contest and displayed a good read of the game around stoppages and marking contests, managing to hit the drop zone of the ball at speed and pick it up cleanly a few times. Bird showed some nice composure through traffic as well, often standing up in tackles and keeping his hands free to release runners on the outside. 

#15 Gus Papal
Defender | 193cm | 22/09/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 13 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 10 rebound 50s

Another over-aged defender to stand out, Papal played arguably his best game of Talent League footy as he acted as ‘The General’ of his sides backline. Papal held 13 marks for the game, six more than the next best, intercepting plenty of the Pioneers’ forward 50 entries but also getting involved with his side in possession as he pushed into space to take uncontested marks in advantageous spots. Papal looked to move the ball by foot as often as possible, aiming to gain territory with most of his kicks, including one kick in that almost reached the centre circle.

#18 Sam Harris
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 17/01/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

One that plenty of North Melbourne fans will be tracking over the next 18 months, the son of Daniel played with 100 per cent intensity at every contest he was around, repeatedly applying pressure from stoppage and in the forward 50 to force a few errors from the opposition that teammates capitalised on. Harris showed composure in congestion and some excellent vision with his ball use by hand, releasing teammates forward of the contest or already on the move to keep the ball moving forward with pace. 

#23 Adam Sweid
Midfielder | 175cm | 14/09/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

The quickly rising Essendon NGA prospect continued his hot start to the Talent League season, with his cleanliness at ground level and repeated pressure acts standout traits through the game. Sweid utilised his speed well around the ground, getting separation on the lead quite easily to take uncontested marks with his side in possession, and to get involved in the same chain heading forward multiple times. Sweid was another of the Cannons that worked ridiculously hard to apply pressure with repeated efforts, scrapping well when on the ground to win the ball or get a stoppage. Sweid could’ve quite easily finished with another couple of goals had he taken opportunities to slow down and compose, but the speed he brought to the game caught out the opposition a few times.  

Dandenong Stingrays 11.6 (72) def. by Northern Knights 10.13 (73)

By: Peter Williams

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#4 Marcus Prasad
Forward/Midfielder | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 tackles, 7 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Really liked the game of the small forward who pushed into the midfield and had a massive impact around the stoppages. He provided a point of difference in there with his evasion and he was able to also kick a couple of goals in the game. One of them came from the highly unusual double 50m penalty, taking him all the way from inside defensive 50 to close range. He earned another 50m penalty midway through the fourth term he could not complete, but as a whole, Prasad was really clean at ground level and looked dangerous each time he went near it.

#10 Sam Lewis
Midfielder | 186cm | 25/02/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The tough inside midfielder was clean and strong on the inside, working hard throughout the four quarters. At times he was forced to throw the ball on the boot going forward, but predominantly used it by hand to set up his teammates around the ground. Lewis had a strong fend-off in the second term early to handball away, with another moment coming late in the fourth where he sharked the ruck tap and fired out a handball to a teammate at close range but the attempted shot on goal missed.

#11 Toby Sinnema
Wing | 180cm | 11/12/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Was a hard-running wing throughout the match who got back to help out in defence when required, then pushed forward to also hit the scoreboard. His sole goal was a ridiculous long-range effort after taking an intercept mark being in the right spot. His ability to hold a strong line was important, and though playing an outside role, did show some acts of physicality such as a big bump at half-forward in the second term. Made a few errors by foot, but at least tried to put speed on the ball.

#19 JayDe Varlet
Forward | 181cm | 26/07/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals

Worked hard forward and getting up the ground at times, with a nice athletic base to work with despite still having some developmental traits. His precision at times could improve, but Varlet had the play of the day by smothering a ball while standing the mark at half-forward in the first term, then burst forward with a slight sidestep to evade another defender and slotted a goal on the run with a classy finish. Kicked a second major from a free in the goalsquare and was a consistent pressure player around the ground.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#3 Tyson Gresham
Forward/Midfielder | 169cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Not a huge game by any means, but Gresham did bob up from time to time, with his defensive acts particularly standing out. The younger brother of Essendon’s Jade laid some bone-crunching tackles in the forward half and showed his craft by winning it off hands late in the third term and kicking a classy goal. Gresham went into the middle for the fourth quarter, and utilised his pressure late in the game by forcing repeat stoppages.

#10 Sean Tyrrell
Ruck | 198cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 29 hitouts, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The big man was a dominant force in the ruck, often having to go against the Dandenong tag team of Fraser Marino and Noah Bevis. While Tyrrell’s ruck work and ability to get first hands on it was very good, his follow-up work around the ground also stood out from a ruck perspective. He was good enough below his knees able to fire out handballs after the initial contest, and did drop back into defence on occasions to fill the hole as all good rucks do.

#23 Gabriel Stumpf
Key Defender/Forward | 196cm | 23/11/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 2 hitouts, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

The over-ager who has spent the majority of time in the defence this year started there and played three quarters behind the ball before being thrown forward in the last term and becoming a match-winner. His outstanding athleticism posed a real problem for the opposition when the game was on the line, with his ability to gather off hands and snap around his body in one instant, then burst away on a lead to mark and convert the ultimate match-winning major as his two big last quarter players. Prior to that he took a few really good marks in defence and even kicked out at times, looking to penetrate outside defensive 50.

Northern Territory 11.10 (76) def. by Western Jets 16.12 (108)

By: Erin Piez

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

#12 Clay Shadforth
Midfielder/Forward I 179cm I 11/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds

Shadforth was heavily involved around stoppages and showed a strong capacity to link up play across the ground. He applied consistent pressure throughout all four quarters, won ground balls in traffic, and worked hard in support play. One of his many highlights came in the third term with a brilliant passage after he gathered the ball from the hitout, evaded two opponents, and drilled a goal home. His ability to impact contests both defensively and in attack makes him a valuable inside-outside option.

#11 Taj Stanley
Defender/Midfielder I 179cm I 31/10/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Stanley brought relentless physicality and defensive drive, consistently spoiling in marking contests and laying important tackles. He showed courage in one-on-one contests, used his body well, and displayed clean hands under pressure. His defensive efforts were matched by his ability to drive the play forward, delivering the ball with precision inside 50 on multiple occasions. A genuine competitor who stood up across all four quarters.

#13 Waylon Davey
Small Forward I 171cm I 26/09/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 rebound 50, 3 goals, 2 behinds

Davey impressed with his ability to find space inside 50 and finish his work. He showed physicality early, breaking through traffic with clean hands and following up with second efforts. A well-timed lead and mark in the second quarter saw him convert truly from close range. Davey consistently positioned himself well to be an option in scoring chains, creating headaches for defenders with his awareness and composure.

#10 Adrian Scott
Midfielder I 179cm I 30/07/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals

Scott showcased strong two-way running and sharp footy instincts across the match. He was regularly in space, positioning himself well to create scoring opportunities, including a cleanly finished goal in the first term after a ground ball gather. His pressure around the ball was a standout, laying multiple tackles and contributing to forward momentum with clean hands and good decision-making. His ability to win ground balls and link play under pressure is a highlight of his game.

#21 Ryan Bonham
Defender/Midfielder I 173cm I 28/12/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Bonham delivered a quietly effective game across the ground, showing poise and precision in key moments. He consistently performed his role by winning ground balls cleanly and using the ball well under pressure. Bonham’s ability to stay composed in congestion was particularly evident in the second quarter, where he executed a pair of quick handballs to release teammates under pressure. His foot skills held up well in transition, often finding teammates in space and helping to reset NT’s defensive structures. While understated, Bonham’s reliability and smart decision making made him an important cog in the NT backline.

WESTERN JETS:

#1 Khaled El Souki
Midfielder/Forward I 173cm I 04/07/2008

Stats: 31 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 9 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

El Souki brought an intense spark to Western’s forward half with his ability to impact both the scoreboard and the contest. He was lively early, kicking a composed goal in the first quarter after finding space deep and converting cleanly on the run. Beyond his scoreboard pressure, El Souki was relentless in applying defensive pressure, laying multiple tackles that forced turnovers or stoppages in his side’s forward 50. He read the play well, often positioning himself smartly at the fall of the ball and playing with a level of composure beyond his years. His blend of speed, game sense, and effort makes him a versatile small forward option with potential to rotate through the midfield.

#7 Thomas McGuane

Midfielder I 178cm I 27/08/2007

Stats: 36 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

McGuane was Western’s most active around stoppages and showed good touch and awareness in tight spaces. He won numerous clearances, laid strong tackles, and positioned himself well to receive outside of the contest. His second efforts stood out, often following up his disposals with runs into space or defensive pressure. A composed player with a high work rate.

#10 Thomas Burton
Midfielder I 178cm I 09/01/2007

Stats: 35 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Burton was a consistent contributor throughout all four quarters, showing great running ability and composure on the ball. He worked hard defensively, taking several key marks around defensive 50, and showed excellent link-up play through the corridor. His ability to receive, run, and deliver forward with precision was a major feature of his game. Burton also played on quickly when appropriate and looked to move the ball with purpose.

#15 Taaj Assafiri
Medium Defender I 182cm I 01/03/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

Assafiri made his touches count, showing strong forward craft and game awareness. In the second quarter, he positioned himself well to take a contested mark inside 50 and calmly slotted the set shot from beyond 40 metres. His ability to stay involved off the ball, particularly through forward pressure and smart leading patterns, contributed to keeping Western’s forward line active. He showed a willingness to cover ground and link up on the outside, demonstrating strong footy IQ and a team-first attitude. Assafiri’s confidence when given space and time suggests he’s a player who can grow into a reliable forward role.

#16 Samuel Koulouris
Midfielder I 186cm I 21/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Koulouris was clean with his hands and displayed strong work rate in both defence and transition. His best moments came when linking up to clear the ball from defensive 50, presenting as an option, and then delivering the ball well by foot. He worked well in support of teammates and showed good decision making under pressure.

#50 Jayven Tanner
Ruck/Forward I 193cm I 09/07/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 6 goals

Tanner provided a consistent threat inside 50, using his frame well to present as a marking target and applying strong pressure when the ball hit the ground. His first goal came via a clever soccer finish under pressure, and he followed it with multiple marks in dangerous areas. He is physical, hard to bring down, and showed safe hands and clean finishing when on the ball.

Geelong Falcons 10.12 (72) def. Gippsland Power 10.8 (68)

By: Adrian Dixon

GEELONG FALCONS:

#3 Kobe George
Midfielder | 187cm | 22/04/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Playing a key role on the ball, George was excellent in traffic dodging and weaving his way through players, especially when he was coming out of defence on numerous occasions throughout the game. George roamed the field unopposed with several long striding runs breaking the lines that highlighted his running power and strength, making him look a cut above the rest on the field, though he was very lucky at times to have just got his kick away. Attacking the contest hard, he showed great second efforts and follow up work, while his delivery by foot inside 50 was in dangerous spots, especially on one occasion where it led to Jesse Mellor drawing a free kick.

#10 Hugo Mikunda
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 13/03/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Mikunda picked up from where he had left off the previous week with the Vic Country team. Playing high up the ground as a forward providing a leading option, he also used his IQ to release his teammates with his excellent vision and while his kicking wasn’t as efficient as it could have been, used his powerful left foot kick to deliver inside 50 to cause pressure on the Gippsland defence. Mikunda won most of his possessions contested and his clearance work was strong to get things going from the coalface for the Falcons, with the role he played a key to the Falcons winning the clearances and Inside 50s.

#27 Jai Natonewski
Midfielder | 182cm | 24/05/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Natonewski had a slow start to the game possession wise, however it was his work off the ball that was just as impressive in providing great defensive pressure around the contest, especially when it came to going head-to-head with Duursma. It was from the second quarter that was where he started to have an impact with his clearance work and hands in close. Natonewski took risks with his kicking that paid off and showed great vision to hit his targets inside 50. Late in the game he positioned himself well to take a mark inside 50 and decided to release the ball to a teammate instead of going for the shot and even though that missed, it highlighted his selflessness knowing a teammate was a better option to take the shot.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#7 Willem Duursma
Midfielder/Forward | 191cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Duursma was prominent in the midfield early in the game like he has always been known to be, however his disposal by foot wasn’t as efficient though. He started off the game with a strong tackle and showed great evasiveness early while also showing quick hands. He took a great overhead mark in the first quarter however he missed the set shot kick. However, he managed to get on the end of a ball from the pack late in the first quarter to snap a goal around the body, well after the 25-minute mark had elapsed. In the second quarter he took an excellent mark inside 50 where he missed again this time from a significant distance. Duursma’s clearance work was strong as always especially in the centre, along with his pressure around the contest however his use of the footy can improve greatly.

#24 Brodie Atkins
Midfielder | 181cm | 25/01/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 9 tackles, 5 clearances

Atkins’ delivery inside 50 was dangerous to start with via foot, where he constantly put it into dangerous spots deep in the 50, while providing plenty of grunt work in the contest and opportunities for teammates with his clearance work. Atkins was dangerous at the fall of the ball where he attacked it hard showing a strong fend off to make him a hard player to play against despite his side, and looked to get things going at every opportunity possible from the contest where he did most of his best work in close to ensure his side won the footy.

#26 Mitch Stevens
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 15/08/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

The Adelaide Crows father-son prospect started off very well where he provided an excellent delivery via foot to hit up Jobe Scalpin in the first quarter. While that didn’t come to anything, Stevens playing up forward provided a great work rate pushing up the ground and used his IQ and vision ahead of him up the ground to split the opposition open with his long kicking. Stevens would provide great tackle pressure and also utilised his speed and running patterns when he needed to, while he took a great contested mark. Stevens delivered smartly inside 50 as well throughout the day provided strong clearance work around the ground when needed.

Suns Academy 16.15 (111) def. Oakleigh Chargers 4.8 (32)

By: Declan Reeve

GOLD COAST SUNS

#8 Koby Coulson
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 31/07/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Predictably hard at it, Coulson continued his fine form for the season  with a season high 30 disposals as he rotated between the midfield and the forward 50. Coulson looked to demonstrate his power often as he attempted to break free from congestion by driving his legs, going for distance with most of his kicks. Coulson was clean and ground level and showed some creativity by hand when he composed himself, and should be looking to do that more often in the future. 

#10 Beau Addinsall
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 35 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles, 8 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals

The Rookie Me Central Player of the Week was simply a class above against the Chargers, racking up disposal freely in open play, and proving a consistent headache around stoppages. Addinsall’s cleanliness was a real standout through the game as he consistently took everything he went for in one grab, regardless of pressure applied by opposition, and almost always followed up with a damaging disposal afterwards. As per usual, Addinsall moved the ball mostly by hand with good reason, weighting his handballs well for his teammates to run onto without breaking stride, or following up to get the ball back when required. When resting up forward Addinsall showed a similar ability to read the ball as he does at stoppages, predicting where the fall of the ball would be well before anyone else and getting there first.

#13 Dylan Patterson
Defender | 183cm | 01/09/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Patterson was back in defence this week but did not let the change of role stop him from getting involved offensively, utilising his fantastic athleticism to drive the ball forward at every opportunity. Not uncommon with Patterson, he had some moments of pure brilliance with ball in hand, particularly damaging when he was able to use it in space and show off the penetration and placement he can get with his kicking, but he did also have some moments to forget when faced with some pressure. Patterson was clean at ground level regardless of the numbers around the footy, able to quickly fire off handballs to teammates on the outside. 

#32 Caleb Nancarrow
Tall Defender | 191cm | 31/01/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 9 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 7 rebound 50s

Up against his former Talent League side, Nancarrow continued his development in the back half well, leading the game for marks and equaling first place for rebound 50s. Nancarrow positioned well behind the footy to stop Oakleigh’s attempts to move forward, being reliable aerially in defensive 50 and  pushing further up the field to keep the ball locked in the Suns front half. The next stage of Nancarrow’s development will be adding precision to his kicking. 

#38 Kalani White
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 05/05/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 10 hitouts, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

White’s impressive athleticism has been well documented and it once again caused headaches for the Chargers as he was consistently threatening when stationed up forward, and near unmatchable in the ruck taps. White’s positioning was a strength in both roles, as he was constantly in dangerous spots as his side entered the forward 50 to draw defenders in, and held down the line as a ruck to get some good grabs.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS

#15 Noah Yze
Midfielder | 190cm | 12/04/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

The over-ager returned for his first game in Chargers colours for the year, adding some size and grunt to the Chargers on ball brigade. Generally playing a bit more defensively to allow other Chargers mids to shine, Yze was good at interrupting the Suns ball movement exiting defensive 50, competing well both aerially and at ground level. Despite looking like he was in more defensive role through the midfield, Yze still managed to get his hands on the ball directly off rucks hands seven times. 

#36 Hunter Holmes
Midfielder | 186cm | 19/02/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

As is typical of Holmes, he looked to take the game on with his run and carry, utilising his burst of speed to gain separation on the outside and stream forward at every opportunity. Holmes could’ve done with a bit more composure by foot, blazing away at goal a few times when options in better spots were available, but was good by hand all day, picking off some impressive options by hand whilst in congestion. Holmes read the ball well off rucks hands on a few occasions, and will be looking to develop his stoppage craft to get to the footy more often.