Recap

Matthew Grundy’s scouting notes:

Bendigo Pioneers:

#4 Isaac Miller– Miller is a tough midfielder with strong footskills. Last year Miller played a few good games for Bendigo as a top ager, but he was under developed body wise and thus came back as a overager. At QEO he played a great game and lead from the front by winning the football on the inside and outside. He used his great kicking to great effect and create lots of offensive drive.

#30 Bailey Henderson-A late addition to the Bendigo Pioneers squad for 2016. After playing some really strong footy at local level by leading the local competitions goal kicking, he got a call up to the Pioneers and hasn’t looked back. He marks well above his head, has a penetrating kick and knows where the goals are as a high flying medium forward. He does need development however but is one to watch for in 2017.

North Ballarat Rebels:

#5 Jarrod Berry-This was the first time I’ve seen Berry this year for the Rebels and did he impress. He gave the Rebels tons of drive on a wing and was close to the most influential player on the ground. He’s deceivingly quick for a player of his size and create match up problems on the wing and up forward. He kicked 3.4 for the day and showed enough for me to suggest that he could play forward if the game required it.

#6 Willem Drew-Drew stands out of the crowd in the midfield not just because of his bright red hair but his power and work rate. He loves to rip the footy away from a contest and then get involved with chain disposals. He spreads extremely well for an inside midfielder and it was on full display on the massive QEO turf. Could bolt up the rankings with a big finals series.

#7 Hugh McCluggage– The main attraction at this game didn’t disappoint. He was influential from the first bounce to the final siren with his workrate and skill. He was electric around stoppages and was in nearly every play. He steps through traffic like nothing and makes everyone look silly. His goal sense is another thing that surprised me. He is a true goal-kicking midfielder as he created scoring opportunities for himself. His contested ball winning is developing as he was in and under more then usual. Looks the most likely candidate for number 1.

#46 Cedric Cox-Probably the biggest bolter for this years draft. Cedric Cox originally from Hall Creek is a half-back flanker who wins back the footy and has great foot skills. He didn’t get much of the football but still had a big impact. He beat his opponent convincingly and whenever he had the ball, he made great decisions. Interested to see how hes tests at the combine.