A BUNCH of Vic Metro squad members returned from the APS competition to filter into the Coates Talent League in Round 13, in the midst of a representative bye. Two games were decided by less than a goal, another pair was decided by 30 points, while two sides dined out in comfortable wins. We narrowed in to focus on the representative squad members and underage prospects who stood out most.

>> CTL ROUND 13: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Eastern Ranges 17.9 (111) def. GWV Rebels 7.3 (45)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

#1 Blake Chambers
Midfielder | 182cm | 31/05/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Having largely cut his teeth as a wingman, Chambers was unleashed into the centre bounce mix for this game. He proved he can scrap by prising five clearances and while it impacted his usually slick ball use at times, he still produced some absolute dimes. The Vic Metro train-on assessed his options before hitting lateral passes, and had posted both a goal and assist by quarter time.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 goals

The most impactful player afield in a direct scoring sense, Dovaston booted four goals and had a hand in many more majors. He tore GWV apart in the opening stages, posting two early goals with his speed and craft across the ground. Whether by drawing free kicks or bursting out on the lead, the livewire small was tough to stop inside 50. He also featured as an impact player at the centre bounces and used his creativity to put others through on goal.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s

In a draft bereft of tall defenders, Taylor continues to boost his stocks with high-level performances. He got a good read on the ball on several occasions and attacked it with vigour, splitting contests and forcing intercepts throughout the day. Taylor then recovered the ground ball and used his speed to carve a path forward, turning defence into attack with the flick of a switch. He proved capable of competing with taller opponents in the air and beating smaller foes on the ground – a unique trait.

#26 Oliver Greeves
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Stats: 33 disposals, 6 marks, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Returning to the Ranges side for the first time since May, Greeves was his usual self. While cruisy at times and prone to complacency given his big frame, he had little trouble racking up a game-high 31 disposals. His ability to chain possessions and connect in transition was impressive, highlighted by his 15 handball receives. Greeves was hit and miss by foot, proving effective with time and space while unafraid to bite off low-percentage options. He was particularly opportunistic in the attacking phase and covered the ground well to seemingly always find space.

GWV REBELS:

#5 Floyd Burmeister
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 04/05/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 hitouts, 1 goal

Burmeister’s game was less about output and stats, and more about the kind of traits he showed. The athletic tall flew courageously in the air and was willing to scrap at ground level having struggled to hold onto his marks. His speed with ball in hand was particularly impressive, as the over-ager burned off smaller opponents to wheel forward with intent. Burmeister snapped a crumbing goal in the third quarter, but going forward, can continue to put on some size to become more reliable in marking contests.

#12 Sam Niklaus
Defender | 184cm | 05/03/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

A run-and-gun defender returning for his first Coates Talent League outing since Round 3, Niklaus helped connect the lines with his relentless forward forays. He provided the classic overlap run and was willing to apply repeat efforts down the line, helping the Rebels transition from end-to-end in a flash. While shaky with his kicking on the run early on, the top-ager straightened up with more measured delivery to make use of his attacking instincts through the corridor.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 clearances, 28 hitouts

Penry continued his strong recent form, winning the ruck battle and imposing himself at the contest with eight clearances. The over-ager looked determined to take on the game a little more with each possession but was most effective when adopting the stand and deliver method. He cleanly extracted the ball at stoppage and despite lacking genuine leg speed, got around the ground for a couple of strong marks and tackles. His 16 contested possessions were a game-high.

Calder Cannons 12.10 (82) def. by Sandringham Dragons 13.5 (83)

By: Adrian Dixon

CALDER CANNONS:

#2 Hussien El Achkar
Small Forward | 171cm | 02/04/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 6 goals

Essendon NGA

El Achkar was a threat up forward from start to finish and constantly made the Dragons defenders nervous. He started like a house on fire, booting his and the Cannons’ first two goals within four minutes, going on to make it three in the opening quarter. El Achkar’s tackle pressure was strong in the forwardline, and he positioned himself nicely to snap his fourth goal of the game early in the second quarter. El Achkar would push up the ground and deliver the ball sharply inside 50. Goal number five was brought up via a sharp snap, and his sixth goal for the day was kicked right on the final siren, however it wasn’t enough to get Calder over the line.

#4 Oliver Watt
Forward | 179cm | 06/02/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Watt picked up from where he left off last week with another consistent performance, pushing up the ground to provide support to his midfielders and providing grunt work around the contest. He would either continually put his head over the footy to get it out to his teammates, or provide tackle pressure around the contest. Watt also positioned himself well to receive the ball and deliver it dangerously inside 50, which included a nice pass to Taj Robinson on a lead in the third quarter. Watt worked hard off the ball to provide an option along the ground when the Cannons went forward, and broke free into space on his own many times.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 7 marks, 7 clearances

Essendon NGA

Sweid was a constant thorn in the Dragons’ side through midfield, showing his trademark quick hands throughout the game. He also put up a nice long kick for Robinson who took a screamer. Sweid’s running patterns were good along with his hands and vision and around the contest, especially when it came to clearances. That included one moment in the third quarter where he blazed straight out of the centre unopposed, only to realise he went the wrong way – luckily, he was able to utilise his kicking angles to dispose of the footy effectively.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#2 Jack Dalton
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

After a slow start, Dalton became a prominent player in the second quarter where he covered the ground well and provided great support around the stoppages to continually get the footy out to his fellow midfielders. Dalton worked well with the likes of Xavier Bamert and Rory Wright, while his neat left foot held up well on the run. The hard-working midfielder was strong overhead for his size and continually provided an outlet for his teammates, while also utilising the angles and switching the play when he needed to.

#9 Rory Wright
Midfielder | 184cm | 02/06/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 3 marks, 7 inside 50s

Wright was busy in the Dragons’ midfield throughout the day, providing plenty of run and making plays, positioning well from the contest to receive second possession at stoppages. Wright demonstrated strong hands on many occasions and showed good follow-up work throughout passages of play. Wright’s defensive work was solid around the contest while his composure was also a highlight, also reading the stoppages well from the fall of the ball. His delivery inside 50 was scratchy early, however it improved as the game went on.

#11 Archie Ludowyke
Key Forward | 197cm | 19/11/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 6 marks, 4 goals

Ludowyke’s work rate was on show early where he pushed very high up the ground to provide a marking option. While the early delivery to him inside 50 wasn’t so good, it improved as the game went on. In the third quarter he was on the end of a spearing pass from Xavier Bamert and floated his shot through for a goal. Moments later he got on the end of a delivery from Dalton unopposed to convert again. Ludowyke kicked his fourth goal from a set shot in front in the last quarter, then got on the end of a great delivery from Wright high in the forward 50 where he unselfishly centred it to Phoenix Janover. He then took a crucial intercept contested mark late in the game which resulted in Willis Reidy kicking what turned out to be the match-winning goal.

#27 Xavier Bamert
Midfielder | 186cm | 29/01/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Calm and composed, Bamert played a true captain’s game where he was industrious around the ground with his leadership and vision, especially in the second quarter where he helped get the Dragons back into the contest after a slow start. Combining well with the likes of Dalton, Bamert would provide excellent ground coverage, and his strong contested work would continue to push the Dragons forward. One of the highlights of the day came when he positioned at the right place and the right time to receive a handball going forward, kicking a crucial goal. In the third quarter he speared a delivery to Ludowyke lace-out and the forward duly converted.

Western Jets 10.12 (72) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 15.12 (102)

By: Michael Alvaro

WESTERN JETS:

#7 Thomas McGuane
Forward/Midfielder | 178cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Collingwood F/S

It’s not unusual to see McGuane lead all-comers and he did so once again on Saturday. The clever midfielder started up forward where he joined in at stoppages to showcase his clean and quick hands. McGuane’s hard running up the ground earned him on-ball minutes after half time, where he roved contests on the move and chained up into dangerous launch zones. He hit the scoreboard with a set shot goal and showed a handy knack for protecting the drop zone to mark on his chest.

#25 Oskar Ainsworth
Forward/Midfielder | 186cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

The latest Vic Metro squad inclusion wasn’t short on opportunities in Round 13, finishing with 1.4 from several marks inside 50. Ainsworth picked off his lone major early in the piece with a set shot, but couldn’t quite find his radar thereafter. His power and burst up the ground were positive, as were his leading patterns to create separation deep in attack. On another day, he finishes with a bag.

#26 Finn Davis
Defender | 187cm | 21/01/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Davis has been in great form for Western and was particularly prominent in the first half. He picked off intercept marks and attempted to get some momentum going with chains of possession on the run. Davis’ distribution by foot was sound and that allowed him to connect up the ground with repeat efforts. That kind of aggression to begin the attacking phase is what caught the eye most.

#28 Jake Miller
Key Forward | 195cm | 07/05/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 11 marks, 4 goals

In one of the all-time great Coates Talent League debuts, Miller defied his age with an imperious performance. The 16-year-old key forward presented with authority up the ground, marking cleanly overhead and helping connect the lines with great frequency. His size and athleticism drew opposition attention, through Oakleigh struggled to find a match for the emerging powerhouse. Miller struck the ball purely with long-range set shots having marked strongly one-on-one or with good toe on the lead. He seemed to grow with each effort, resulting in three second half goals.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#3 Jai Saxena
Small Forward | 180cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goals

Collingwood NGA

Having lit up the competition earlier this year, Saxena didn’t quite match his previous goalkicking output but looked lively up forward. He worked high up the ground, providing energy and flair as a connection piece. Saxena’s spring and clean overhead marking came in handy for his first quarter goal, as he intercepted Western’s kick-in. He did it on another occasion in term four without the same end result, but was dangerous when given the opportunity in time and space.

#4 Jack Ison
Forward | 190cm | 26/03/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

Carlton NGA

Posting a near-identical statline to Saxena, Ison showcased some nice traits as a versatile and mobile forward. He used his size to compete one-on-one or fold in at stoppages, but was most dangerous on the move with clean and composed ball use. At 190cm, Ison could either step around or shrug off opponents, and bagged a straightforward goal over the back to cap off his game in term four. He has all the weapons to be a riser within the top 30.

#11 Louis Emmett
Ruck | 199cm | 23/03/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 13 hitouts, 6 clearances, 2 goals

Having not featured in Vic Metro’s opening game, Emmett is primed to impact after a dominant outing on Saturday. The mobile ruck covered plenty of ground on the spread from stoppages, able to impact like a fourth midfielder with his vision and clean distribution by hand. Emmett played with renewed authority to shrug tackles and compete aerially, showing solid physicality when allowed to leap at the ball. He carved Western’s talls up in the attacking phase and kicked a pair of goals to prove it, also spending time up forward.

#36 Hunter Holmes
Midfielder | 187cm | 19/02/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s

A mainstay in Oakleigh’s midfield, Holmes again showed balance to his play. He fought hard to win six clearances but was also able to peel forward of the contest and rack up 13 handball receives – both team-high figures. The top-ager wasn’t overly effective by foot and his light frame made him easy to wrap up at times, but his upside comes from a strong speed-endurance mix and the vision of what elder brother Max has become since being drafted to Geelong.

Murray Bushrangers 5.4 (34) def. by Gippsland Power 12.15 (87)

By: Adrian Dixon

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#6 Coen Ainsworth
Midfielder | 180cm | 19/12/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 3 inside 50s

Ainsworth was strong and hard at the footy and despite the lopsided scoreline, never took a backward step. He used his evasiveness and vision to take the opposition on with composure and broke tackles on numerous occasions to release the footy by hand. He can improve his decision making, especially on one occasion in the second quarter where he tried to do too much when he had options and ended up being caught holding the ball. When Ainsworth’s kicking was on it would hit targets along the ground, however he was also prone to turning it over at times.

#16 Max Bihun
Small Forward | 176cm | 10/04/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Bihun fought hard all day up forward. He took a nice strong mark early and did his best to use his vision to try and generate some spark for the Bushies. He pushed up the ground very well and provided great run on the overlap to provide an option for his teammates. Bihun competed well against bigger bodies and took on the opposition on with vigour while also competing for the footy. His delivery inside 50 would prove to be dangerous, though it could do with some improvement. Bihun’s day was capped off with a goal from a snap deep in the forward pocked after taking a strong mark – reward for his efforts as he never stopped trying.

#23 Cody Gardiner
Midfielder | 176cm | 12/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles

Gardiner had a quiet start to the game but played his role. He was clean at ground level and looked to keep the play moving at all costs. The top-ager continued to feature more prominently as the game went on and worked hard up and down the ground to ensure there was support around the contest, while also showing strong defensive skills with his tackling. He showed that he was strong overhead with his marking and would utilise his long kicking to drive the Bushranger forward.

#27 Tanner Armstrong
Midfielder | 176cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

Richmond NGA

The Richmond Next Generation Academy member had a prolific game, reading the stoppages well which complimented in his clearance work, while his kicking skills were neat across the ground. The bottom-ager had no issue with his ground coverage throughout the whole day, showcasing his quick reflexes when unexpectedly winning the ball and looking to move it on at every opportunity possible. His skills proved vital to the Bushrangers staying in the contest until early in the second half.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#3 Sam Grummisch
Small Forward | 174cm | 20/09/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Grummisch showed great vision and quick hands, however can improve his kicking and decision making. Throughout the game he provided good pressure in the forwardline and was rewarded for his efforts with a goal from strong mark in the third quarter, while later on he had a hand in Keenan Boi’s fourth goal. His contested work was a feature throughout the game and his work rate to cover the ground was also a highlight. Grummisch’s day was capped off when he capitalised on a fumble from the opposition to then recover the ball and snap a goal to further extend Gippsland’s lead approaching the midway mark of the last quarter.

#17 Luke Cheffers
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/09/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Cheffers was prominent from the get-go as he looked to keep the play moving quickly at all costs. The small defensive midfielder was calm and knows how to compose himself when with the run of play, finding the time and space to slow down when he needed to. He used his vision to make smart decisions and his follow-up work when it came to receiving the ball down the track was a highlight.

#32 Liam Masters
Utility | 181cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles

Masters provided good hands in close and was a neat kick of the football as he continually took the game on – remaining calm and composed when doing so. Strong bodied in the contest, he used his vision to find his teammates sensibly, especially by hand while looking to break the opposition repeatedly. Masters would deliver dangerously inside 50 when he got the chance and would blaze through the ground on numerous occasions, utilising his running power.

#37 Keenan Boi
Forward | 183cm | 03/11/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 goals

Boi pushed up the ground early, took a nice strong mark on a lead and kicked the first goal of the game from a set shot, which proved to be the only goal of the first quarter. He then came up with the second goal of the game where he positioned himself nicely to apply a rundown tackle from behind, then took the advantage to play on and goal. His third major came in the third quarter after positioning well for a snap from the fall of the ball, while his fourth came moments later. Boi led up to the ball on numerous occasions and provided a strong physical presence with his tackling. He was relentless with his defensive work in the forwardline, while offensively he would hit targets and impact the scoreboard.

Bendigo Pioneers 10.13 (73) def. Northern Knights 11.5 (71)

By: Michael Alvaro

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 38 disposals, 9 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Evans posted over 30 disposals and 20 kicks for the fifth time in nine games this season, filling his boots as Bendigo’s main playmaker. He could be sighted taking kick-ins, but also advancing as high up as the forward 50 while Bendigo attacked, looking to penetrate Northern’s defence. The over-ager generated plenty of run on the overlap and having previously been prone to getting a little cute with his kicks, largely played the percentages this time out. He ran at 81 per cent kick efficiency.

#10 Jaidi Jackson-Leahy
Midfielder | 183cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Notching an equal team-high 10 contested possessions, Jackson-Leahy continues to be a key cog in Bendigo’s engine room. He showcased clean hands and punchy kicking throughout the day, proving most effective with a bit of extra time and space to balance his lack of leg speed. Jackson-Leahy’s drilling kicks set up a goal for Angus Hoyne in term three and bagged him one of his own in the fourth, before he helped protect Bendigo’s lead by winding down the clock late on.

#14 Eamon Austin
Small Forward | 169cm | 14/09/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

In a week where promising debuts stood out, Austin made his mark with three crafty goals. The diminutive bottom-ager slotted all of them in the first half, popping up with a terrific snap over his shoulder in the opening quarter. He then put through a left-foot attempt on the run in one pocket, and converted a right-foot set shot from the other moments later in term two. A natural finisher.

#46 Angus Hoyne
Key Forward/Ruck | 194cm | 19/06/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Hoyne again proved to be a viable target forward of the ball, drawing his opponents up the ground while pinch-hitting in the ruck. His strong set of hands and speed off the mark made such work relatively straightforward, often gaining separation and taking the ball with one grab. Hoyne bagged his only goal for the match in term three after a flukey mark in front position, before playing on with a snap to split the big sticks. He looks a promising type in the bottom-age category.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#2 Sebastian Murphy
Midfielder | 176cm | 23/10/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Murphy was particularly prominent in the first half, where he picked up 12 of his 18 disposals through midfield. The Knights’ co-captain leant on his running power to provide threatening forays on the attack, although couldn’t always finish his work by foot. Murphy still competed hard as usual, splitting aerial contests and drawing high free kicks with clever instincts at the fall of the ball.

#15 Lewis Houndsome
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 10 hitouts, 1 goal

An imposing aerial presence, Houndsome utilised his frame and reach to clunk some strong marks overhead. He controlled the ball with a clean set of hands and showed good touch on the follow-up – including to assist the first goal of the day from ground level. The bottom-ager also covered good ground to get to several contests, doing so with a big pack mark for his third quarter goal.

#20 Harry Van Hattum
Key Forward/Ruck | 202cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 14 hitouts, 2 goals

Coming in for his first game of the season after a single appearance last year, Van Hattum was difficult to match for physicality. The 202cm unit crashed his first pack upon Northern’s opening forward 50 entry and shortly after took a strong one-on-one mark to hit the scoreboard. He covered ground phenomenally well and threw himself at the ball, most notably for a grab running back with the flight in term three. The bottom-ager was also a viable ruck option with his strong leap and size.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 13 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Much like Evans at the opposite end of the ground, Stumpf filled his boots in defence. The versatile tall directed traffic and restarted the play off the last line, distributing clean short kicks at 88 per cent efficiency. He contributed to plenty of slow play but also tried his hand further afield with some dashing passages. Stumpf’s marking game was on song with some composed intercepts, and he seemed to be involved in just about everything that came out of the Knights’ back 50.

Geelong Falcons 12.10 (82) def. Dandenong Stingrays 7.10 (52)

By: Michael Alvaro

GEELONG FALCONS:

#3 Kobe George
Midfielder | 188cm | 22/04/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s

George led all-comers in a dominant display, working in tandem with Archer Hanegraaf to drive Geelong’s midfield advantage. The over-ager, usually sighted in defence, hunted the ball at ground level and scooped it up credit to his clean hands and tall frame. He got decent purchase on his long kicks but looked more effective when able to step through traffic and take metres by driving his legs. George also drifted back for a couple of intercept marks to show he hasn’t lost that quality.

#25 Jett Elek
Key Defender/Ruck | 201cm | 17/04/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 6 hitouts

Elek will hope to find a way back into the Vic Country setup after some promising recent form in defence. The athletic tall is capable of clunking marks at the top of his reach and did so on several occasions to complete intercepts. He also went back with the flight for a courageous mark in the mould of Nick Riewoldt during term three. His mobility and willingness to get involved in link-up play are promising traits for a 201cm prospect – he’s full of raw potential.

#28 Daniel Lowther
Key Forward | 198cm | 07/08/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 goals

Part of Geelong’s potent one-two punch up forward, Lowther helped spark his side’s early advantage. He booted the opening two goals of the game within nine minutes, as the Falcons went on to put through five unanswered to quarter time. Faced with the toughest one-on-one matchup in fellow over-ager Adrian Cole, Lowther had to get creative and drew free kicks with his ability to follow up at ground level. He ended up with four behinds to go with his three goals, the third coming from a long bomb over the mark in term four.

#39 Jack Pickett
Tall Forward | 193cm | 06/03/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

Teaming up with twin tall Lowther up forward, Pickett’s three opening quarter goals came in a seven-minute flurry. His scoreboard impact led to a 32-0 lead at the first break, with Pickett adding a fourth major Jackie Chan style out of mid-air in term three. His athleticism and attack on the ball were ultra impressive all day, as the bottom-ager presented full-chested up the ground and was a mobile marking presence. He is capable of tearing games to shreds.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 9 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Afforded more midfield minutes in the wake of Dandenong’s Vic Country absences, Prasad certainly didn’t lack for effort. He latched onto ground balls and used his speed to get dangerous through the corridor, but was arguably most impressive defensively. The diminutive bottom-ager laid nine tackles, often locking up his opponents to force stoppages to help Dandenong arrest some momentum. His best moment offensively was a clever tap to send Jack Lawrence through on goal.

#26 Louis Hodder
Midfielder | 176cm | 27/06/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Hodder gave his all through midfield, proving a willing two-way competitor with 14 contested possessions and six tackles. He scrapped hard on the inside and generated run by linking up with bursts of speed and sharp short handballs. That same speed and intent was noted on the defensive end as Hodder put everything into winning the ball for his side, having a dip all day.

#51 Adrian Cole
Key Defender | 197cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles

Taking on the tough task of marking Lowther, Cole did his best to keep up on the lead and get a fist in where possible. His strength in one-on-one contests led to several intercept marks, as the over-ager held his ground and plucked the ball cleanly. He did so both up the ground and inside defensive 50 to alleviate pressure on several occasions. Given it wasn’t Dandenong’s day – particularly in terms one and four – he was bound to be beaten on some occasions.