WHILE a bunch of top-end prospects earned chances at VFL level over the weekend, Coates Talent League action returned for Round 16. Representative talent took the field, including emerging under-agers who made a splash early in their Under 18 careers. We highlighted some of the top prospects and performers in the latest edition of Scouting Notes.

>> CTL Round 16: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week | Votes

Gippsland Power 11.9 (75) def. by Northern Knights 14.10 (94)

By: Michael Alvaro

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#4 Zachary O’Keefe
Midfielder | 177cm | 22/02/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 9 tackles, 10 clearances

It was another terrific performance from O’Keefe as Gippsland’s leading midfielder. The crafty left-footer got busy in the attacking phase, spreading hard from contests to impact forward of centre with his ball use. While he ended up with a few clanger kicks, O’Keefe’s deft side-step and creativity posed questions of the Knights’ defence. He showed good spatial awareness and checked his blind spots when taking metres, trusting his quick feet to get free. The top-ager was one who lifted in the final quarter when Gippsland needed a spark and wanted the ball in his hands.

#10 Cody Templeton
Forward | 179cm | 01/01/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

Best afield in a losing team, Templeton registered nine scoring shots and was Gippsland’s main threat inside 50. The usual midfielder took no time to make an impact on the scoreboard, swooping on a loose ball to boot the first goal of the game. He went on to dominate aerially, taking marks on the lead and competing well overhead for a smaller player. Templeton’s energy at ground level also allowed him to recover the contested ball and create additional scoring chances. While dangerous all game, his finishing is an area for improvement having booted four minor scores. He ended up being switched on-ball in term four as Gippsland searched for an answer.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

Returning to the fold after a strong National Championships campaign, Atkins picked up from where he left off. His hands were typically quick and clean in close proximities, continuing his trend as a tough ball winner who thrives on physicality. Atkins also helped Gippsland run in waves, linking up by hand and taking the game forward alongside teammates. In combination with O’Keefe, he lifted when the game was up for grabs to provide his side with spurts of momentum from the source.

#39 Cohen Dent
Ruck | 208cm | 08/04/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 23 hitouts, 4 clearances

Having made his Coates Talent League debut in Round 13, Dent returned after a promising National Championships run with Vic Country. The 16-year-old defies belief at 208cm and utilised his physical advantages to get first hand to the ball with 23 hitouts. He stayed engaged with the play to follow up on the loose ball, taking it cleanly and looking to feed his midfielders a second time. Dent won four clearances that way, which is an ability usually developed into talls as they progress.

#41 Clancy Snell
Key Forward | 195cm | 21/09/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

With Templeton attracting a lot of the Knights’ attention inside 50, Snell was freed up to become another viable avenue to goal. The bottom-age tall showcased a strong set of hands and the ability to extend at the ball overhead, while also being able to convert his chances over the mark. Snell presented well throughout the day and competed in the air, bringing Gippsland’s smalls into play.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 10 tackles, 2 goals

Murphy put the cherry on top his side’s memorable win, slotting a terrific checkside goal on the final siren. The Knights captain provided constant pressure and effort around the contest, laying a game-high 10 tackles and leading his side for contested possessions (15). Murphy also worked hard to provide support in the attacking phase, constantly finding space to become an option as Northern advanced towards goal. His quick turn and kick to Liam Farrar helped ice the game late in term four, and while sometimes scrappy by foot, he got the job done in crucial moments on Saturday.

#4 Liam Farrar
Forward | 189cm | 14/02/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 8 marks, 5 goals

Farrar’s scoreboard impact played a key hand in Northern having the firepower to kick away to victory. The over-ager built into the game by being a link option outside 50, working up the ground to utilise his strong overhead marking. The latter factor was also useful closer to goal, where Farrar was a threat on the lead and played above his 189cm standing. He helped ice the game with three of his five goals coming in the final quarter, converting nicely in clutch moments.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 19 hitouts, 2 clearances

Conceding around 10cm of height to his direct ruck opponent, albeit two years his junior, Tyrrell battled well to make an impact. He leapt and competed for front spot at stoppages, and stayed involved with the play help his side find a way forward. That sometimes meant peeling off to receive handballs before going long by foot, making the tall a capable link in each chain. One of Tyrrell’s best moments came in term four where he snuck free at half-forward, collected the ball with a spin and fend, then dumped it inside 50 to assist one of Farrar’s five goals.

#12 Nicholas Driscoll
Midfielder | 181cm | 07/04/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

Fresh off making his VFL debut with the Northern Bullants, Driscoll was back in Knights colours on Saturday. He racked up a personal-best disposal tally as arguably his side’s most consistent four-quarter performer, although started brightly with nine touches in the opening term. Driscoll did his best to take the game forward with bursts of speed, also using said pace to apply defensive pressure. He was full of run in term three and kicked a goal to briefly extend the Knights’ buffer, accumulating both at the contest and on the spread between the arcs.

#14 Ryan Commandeur
Defender | 181cm | 25/02/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Operating across half-back, Commandeur was Northern’s main transitional piece with his overlap run and ball use. He took the kick-ins and timed his movement well off the square, gaining momentum and metres out of the back half. Commandeur also held a high line to take a couple of handy intercept marks, and teammates often looked to get the ball in his hands. It’s no wonder as he ran at 85 per cent disposal efficiency throughout a productive day.

Western Jets 5.4 (34) def. by Murray Bushrangers 9.12 (66)

By: Adrian Dixon

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Davis was a constant go-to in the Jets’ backline and provided a cool and calm head, collecting a clutch of disposals in the first quarter with the opposition dominating the territory battle. While he did attempt some low-percentage kicks that didn’t quite come off, Davis would often hit his targets effectively coming out of defence and made smart decisions with the footy – which was needed considering the conditions. Davis would continue to play above his size, highlighting his strength to back himself on many occasions and take the game on. He also covered the defensive 50 greatly, highlighting his endurance.

#38 Macauli Buck
Ruck | 198cm | 12/10/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 tackles, 28 hitouts

Buck continues to make strides in his development and there was no better opponent to test himself against than over-age Vic Country representative Zac Harding. While Harding was stronger around the ground and would be more physical in the contests, Buck would eventually win the battle when it came to the hitouts. To do so, he used his smarts with his positioning, especially at the front to give his midfielders first use of the footy. Buck would provide a strong defensive presence with his tackling and while his kicking held up in the conditions, he did well when utilising the angles and managed to show that he was strong overhead.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#3 Zac Harding
Ruck | 199cm | 01/01/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 22 hitouts, 7 inside 50s

Harding was pitched head-to-head with Buck proved to be stronger around the ground, especially when it came to helping his teammates out in defence as he would often drop back to provide an extra number around the contest. Effectively playing as an extra midfielder around the stoppages, Harding would provide great spread and run on the overlap to be a passing option for the Bushrangers, and would deliver dangerously inside 50 with his long kicking putting pressure on the Jets in the windy conditions. Harding also showcased his strong intercepting ability throughout the day along with his second efforts, and would physically assert himself in the ruck where he won several crucial hitouts and clearances.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Forming part of the Bushrangers’ starting midfield group throughout the day, Ainsworth continually provided a good option with his positioning. He was especially effective when it came to executing the one-two handball and being involved in many chains of play with his pace, however could be quicker with his decision making on the move. While that didn’t stop him from competing in the contest fighting hard for the footy all day, Ainsworth was clean with his disposal, especially by hand and in close and with his short kicking in testing conditions.

#7 Ryder Corrigan
Midfielder | 186cm | 14/03/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 8 clearances, 2 goals

Corrigan was everywhere for the Bushies, bringing players into the game with his handballing in close and his leadership around the ground, providing plenty of direction for his teammates. Corrigan showed great vision and persisted hard in the difficult conditions, and while his disposal could have been a bit cleaner, he played the conditions very well. He broke down the opposition with his long kicking and while at times they ended up in no man’s land, teammates latched onto them. Corrigan’s work in the contest was strong, especially when it came to winning crucial clearances.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Gardiner continued his good form for the Bushies, providing a solid presence in the midfield with his strong tackle technique and delivery inside 50 that constantly put the Jets under pressure. Gardiner also impressed with his sharp reflexes and played to the team’s strengths, looking to move the ball quickly at every opportunity to ensure that the Bushrangers could pepper the goals. Gardiner showcased a good ability to intercept and his kicking was effective throughout the day.

Eastern Ranges 18.8 (116) def. Sandringham Dragons 7.4 (46)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 goals

As effective an impact player as there is in the league, Dovaston was at his creative best. He tended to start quarters at centre bounces before switching forward, though hung around the on-ball mix in term four and provided terrific tackling intent. He was otherwise crafty inside 50, darting kicks across goal and slotting two terrific majors. His second was a genuine highlight reel moment, crumbing on the move in the pocket and snapping home from hard up against the boundary.

#9 Josiah Landy
Midfielder | 179cm | 27/01/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 9 clearances, 3 goals

It was a day out for Landy, who was at his uncompromising best at the stoppages while impacting the scoreboard. His 15 contested possessions and nine clearances were unmatched, as the nuggety midfielder dished the ball out to teammates with no frills. He was among Eastern’s relentless scorers, spreading his goals across three quarters to compound his proficiency around the ball.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 5 rebound 50s

It was a typical day out for Taylor, who was near-impossible to beat in the air and on the ground. He stuck his intercepts, meeting the ball at speed to aggressively cut off Sandringham kicks and immediately flick the switch into attack. Taylor took on the corridor with his speed and offered support on the overlap, proving typically versatile. Despite having the wind taken out of him in term three, he continued to fight for possession and had a knack for winning each time he engaged.

#31 Andrew Barker
Tall Defender | 191cm | 18/06/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

A calming influence across Eastern’s backline, Barker ensured nothing came easy for Sandringham’s forwards. His safe set of hands and reliable ball use were key components as the Ranges worked the ball out of defence, often finding teammates with minimal fuss. The skipper moved into all the right spots to intercept and helped support transitional play by venturing up the ground at times.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 9 tackles, 10 inside 50s, 1 goal

Dalton stuffed the stats sheet in a typically industrious outing, playing full-time midfield for the Dragons. While not overly explosive, he used quick darting steps to find space and release kicks out of congestion, where he roved the ball cleanly. Dalton was slick both at ground level and off hands to prise eight clearances, also offering strong defensive effort with his tackling. He ventured on a few dangerous runs in transition, getting into good launch zones but lacking a touch of polish by foot. He kicked at 20 per cent efficiency, highlighting an improvement area for the elite runner.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 inside 50s

Forming a handy one-two punch with Dalton in midfield, Bamert scrapped hard and brought impetus to Sandringham’s play. What that looked like was straight-line runs and penetrative kicks heading forward, with the Dragons captain notching seven inside 50s. He sometimes blazed away, but was a key link player in the attacking phase and allowed his forwards to catch Eastern’s defenders off-guard. He also competed well aerially and threw himself into every contest.

#56 Jasper Noorbergen
Tall Defender | 192cm | 27/01/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Somewhat of a surprise packet on the day, Noorbergen showed promise with personal-best numbers across the board. The bottom-age defender was a reliable interceptor, operating off a high line and exhibiting his strong set of hands. Noorbergen’s positioning and ability to repel attacks made him a difficult player to get past for an otherwise ruthlessly efficient Eastern forwardline.

GWV Rebels 5.16 (46) def. Tasmania Devils 6.6 (42)

By: James Bell

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

The over-ager played predominantly in the front half and was the most dangerous forward on the ground. Burmeister evinced his athleticism and at times left opponents in his wake. He was able to find separation from defenders on the lead and in general play, then claim overhead grabs or scoop up loose ball with impressive dexterity. Like many, he was sometimes inefficient as a result of the conditions, but was a real presence across the four quarters.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 7 tackles, 4 inside 50s

After playing effectively as a small forward for Vic Country, Byrne returned to the midfield for the Rebels where he demonstrated his renowned dogged determination. The nuggety mid-forward battled manfully throughout the afternoon and was resolutely unafraid to get down on his hands and knees to extract the ball. He, too, was unable to fully capitalise on forward 50 forays, but recent history suggests that was a one-off and he’ll likely be hitting the scoreboard again shortly.

#11 Riley Holloway
Defender | 183cm | 05/10/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 tackles, 8 rebound 50s

Like many of the other best players afield, Holloway managed the muddy conditions well. The medium defender showed composure throughout the low-scoring affair, reliably clearing the ball from defensive 50 and regularly repelling Tasmania’s forward forays. He also contributed to stoppages in the back half of the ground, winning a couple of clearances. On top of this, he demonstrated an ability to intercept mark and was trusted with taking kick-outs.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal

The Rebels’ captain was an essential component of their win. Molan was his side’s leading ball winner and a constant presence around the ground. His strong frame gave the Rebels’ midfield a point of difference, and he was unafraid to throw his weight around at the coalface. Importantly, Molan kicked his side’s fifth and final goal in general play with a classy checkside snap on his right boot. Even as the game threatened to peter out, Molan refused to take his foot off the pedal in what was a true captain’s performance.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#2 Miller Young
Small Forward | 180cm | 05/08/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 goal, 4 behinds

The bottom-ager displayed class and cleanliness beyond his years. While that class didn’t quite translate on the scoreboard, Young showed goal sense unmatched by many on the ground. He threatened with the majority of his disposals and regularly found the ball in dangerous positions, registering a goal from his game-high five scoring shots.

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

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

Finishing with a flattering stat line, Miller showed flashes of brilliance and was particularly influential in the second half as Tasmania closed in on the Rebels’ lead. The clever forward was the only multiple goalkicker on the ground. Each of his majors were memorable; the first came as a result of a crunching tackle deep inside 50, and the other two brilliant goals in general play required fancy footwork. Like the best small forwards, Miller is able to make something from nothing, and crucially, he continues to exhibit that throughout the season.

#12 Rylee McHenry
Midfielder | 179cm | 17/07/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 5 marks, 11 tackles

In response to his opposite number Molan, McHenry was the Devil’s best and most prolific midfielder as captain. His ball handling in the wet was particularly impressive, and his consistent application in trying conditions stood out. McHenry worked hard to provide his side with a relief option, helping generate plays from the midfield and out of defence. His 11 tackles were matched by no one. Throughout this performance, McHenry asserted himself as a multi-dimensional midfielder who is capable in all conditions.

Calder Cannons 11.6 (72) def. Bendigo Pioneers 9.13 (67)

By: Adrian Dixon

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles

Prominent from the get-go, Watt continually provided great positioning to receive the footy and was excellent with his disposal. Watt’s excellent ground coverage saw him dropping back and drift forward when he needed to, positioning well one-out to provide a marking option. He exhibited a competitive edge when fighting for the footy despite being slightly undersized and was dangerous when delivering inside 50, which put the Pioneers defenders under pressure all day.

#34 Blake Justice
Midfielder | 190cm | 29/09/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 clearances

Justice set the tone for the Cannons from the first bounce, winning the centre clearance and delivering to Nathaniel Jenkins on debut, which eventually resulted in a goal. Justice would be smart with his ball use, utilising the kicking angles when necessary to compliment his typically strong defensive pressure. In the second quarter he hit up a nice pass from a ground ball to Brooklyn Crook from the forward pocket, highlighting his smarts and selflessness. Justice featured prominently at the coalface, either doing his bit to get the ball rolling from the ground, or making life difficult for Bendigo’s ball winners. His size and physicality help in those facets.

#35 Willem Hanegraaf
Forward | 185cm | 20/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles

Continuing to make strides as he cements his spot back into the Cannons’ lineup, Hanegraaf played a vital role covering the ground up and down as a suitable linking option. His did so with strong marking and by applying tackle pressure around the contest. Hanegraaf would make sensible decisions with the ball in his hand as his kicking was clean, hitting numerous targets along the ground to drive the Cannons forward. Such play contributed to his team’s efficiency, which was crucial in determining the result in the end.

#48 Koby Bewick
Defender | 177cm | 01/10/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Fresh off his performances at the Under 16 championships, Bewick continued to show why he’ll be amongst the top picks for the 2027 draft. Using his vision ahead of the ground, Bewick would often split the opposition open going long either by hand or foot. Bewick pushed up the ground on the odd occasion to deliver to the Cannons’ forwards, however the highlight of his game came in the third quarter where he ran outside on the overlap to kick a long goal from outside 50.

#56 Nathaniel Jenkins
Tall Forward | 190cm | 18/08/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 4 goals

One of three Cannons players making their debut, Jenkins proved he belonged at the level. He started proceedings by marking on a lead from the first bounce and slotted through his maiden goal from a set shot. He then backed it up moments later with a second set shot conversion. In the second quarter he showcased clean hands to mark inside 50, resulting in a set shot from close range which he converted for his third goal. Jenkins in the last quarter kicked his fourth and final goal for the day where he got on the end of a handball in the goalsquare, highlighting his football IQ and not being drawn into his opponent.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 38 disposals, 8 marks, 12 inside 50s

Walker was gutsy and courageous all day with his attack on the ball, despite the opposition’s best efforts to put him off his game. He threw himself at the contest while also spreading well to provide plenty of run for the Pioneers with his strong aerobic underpinnings. Showing great reflexes at the fall of the ball, Walker was quick to find his boot and he found teammates quickly with great vision. His delivery inside 50 was at time erratic, however, the bottom-ager managed to hit targets at crucial times. Quite often, Walker would leave the opposition guessing what he was going to do and his follow-up work to get involved in chains of play was also a feature throughout the day.

#7 Nick Thompson
Forward | 190cm | 21/07/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 8 marks, 3 goals

Playing as an undersized key forward, Thompson had a day out for the Pioneers, highlighted by his strong marking and his willingness to work hard up the ground. He started off brightly with a mark that he just managed to juggle, however missed the set shot kick at goal. The second quarter saw him get out on a lead then back himself from just on 50 metres to kick his first goal of the day with a lethal long ball. While some decisions in front of goal didn’t pay off while trying to be selfless, Thompson worked hard to keep the ball alive. Thompson would continue to present strongly all day and his long goal in the last quarter helped launch the Pioneers’ comeback. He was unlucky to have hit the back of the post late in the game from a snapshot that would have seen the scores level.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

The Pioneers co-captain was the perfect support act to Walker in midfield, positioning well to receive the footy and utilising the handball to open Calder up. Wright showed great leadership with his follow-up work to provide his teammates with an option after disposing with the ball, and was neat with his disposal in close. With his long and strong left-foot kick, Wright hit targets in the forwardline and managed to impact the scoreboard with two of his own goals.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

Jackson-Leahy continued his strong season for the Pioneers with his relentless defensive pressure acts being a highlight throughout the day. He also marked strongly and kicked an early goal to get the Pioneers going for the day. Jackson-Leahy was clean overhead and provided plenty of good run and coverage around the ground, especially up and down the wing with plenty of composure and calmness. He never stopped trying all day to do what was best for his teammates.

#44 Zaydyn Lockwood
Ruck | 198cm | 25/01/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 18 hitouts

Continuing his good form, Lockwood showcased his athleticism in the ruck with his vertical leap, along with strong second efforts and clearance work. Lockwood was clean out of the ruck and positioned smartly at the front to win his hitouts, while also dropping back to help his defenders out by taking several crucial intercept marks – highlighting his ability to anticipate the next moment.

Oakleigh Chargers 13.7 (85) def. Dandenong Stingrays 9.4 (58)

By: Declan Reeve

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 2 goals

The Collingwood NGA product bobbed up in the forward half and seemed dangerous whenever he had the footy. He often used it well to hit up teammates or impact the scoreboard, showing off some nice evasive skills when opponents tried to hold him up. Saxena could look to apply himself more defensively heading into the draft to sustain a more well-rounded impact. 

#10 Doug Kerr
Midfielder | 192cm | 03/08/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 10 tackles, 3 goals

The over-ager returned to Coates Talent League level after a stint with Collingwood’s VFL side in fine form, filling out a well-rounded stat line. Kerr used his size to his advantage to control contested situations, bumping opponents off the ball to win it himself, or following up strongly to apply pressure if he was beaten to it. Kerr was a real influence in his side’s early dominance, with two of his three goals coming in the first quarter. 

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 clearances, 1 goal

The Vic Metro representative had some moments of pure brilliance, particularly when released on the outside where he could demonstrate his elite speed heading forward. Although, he won most of his footy inside the contest where he didn’t fully flourish, often forced to rush handballs in an effort to keep the ball alive. Although most clubs view Holmes as a winger at AFL level, if he can burst away from congestion more consistently he would be far more damaging from the inside. 

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 2 clearances, 6 inside 60s

Sinnema’s development in the back half continued in this game, offering clean and composed ball use for his side when transitioning out of the defensive 50. He again pushed further afield to deliver to forwards close to goal, breaching the attacking 50 arc an equal game-high six times. 

#18 Darcy Szerszyn
Tall Defender | 188cm | 20/05/2008

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

The bottom-aged defender was arguably the cleanest player afield despite the intermittent rain, with his marking and ground ball attempts unaffected by the conditions. Szerszyn was equally impactful in defence and offence, taking a few intercept grabs and sending the ball out of the defensive 50 five times, whilst managing to breach the attacking arc four times as well with typically well placed right-foot kicks.

#29 Callum Smith
Midfielder | 189cm | 12/09/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s

A consistent presence for the Stingrays through the year, Smith didn’t quite rack up the same amount of footy as he usually does but was still impactful around the contest with his ability to get the ball from inside to outside by hand. Smith also had some good moments away from the contest where he used the ball well heading inside 50, but much of his work was done at the coalface given the conditions.