GIPPSLAND Power prospect Wil Malady made a statement to start the Talent League season, booting six goals in his side’s 87-point win over Murray. The mobile marking forward comes into his top-age campaign with plenty of plaudits having made his Vic Country Under 18 debut last year, followed by induction into the National Academy. He models his game on Hawthorn champion Jack Gunston.

We put Malady’s’ performance under the Player Focus microscope.

>> ROUND 1: Snapshot | POTW | TOTW | Scouting Notes

Gippsland Power, Vic CountryTall Forward

Wil Malady

Height: 190cm

Weight: -

DOB: 12-10-2008

STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Big-game player
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Speed
+ Upside
+ Vertical leap

IMPROVEMENTS:

– Consistency
– Forward pressure
– Strength

SEASON AVERAGES:

2025 Talent League (7 games):
5.6 disposals | 2.1 marks | 0.9 tackles | 1.4 goals (10 total)

2025 Under 18 National Championships (2 games):
6.0 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.0 tackles, 1.0 goals (2 total)

2024 Talent League (7 games):
6.1 disposals | 2.7 marks | 0.6 tackles | 1.6 goals (11 total)

PLAYER FOCUS

2026 Talent League: Round 1
Murray Bushrangers 8.8 (56) def. by Gippsland Power 22.11 (143)

#33 Wil Malady (Gippsland Power)
Stats: 16 disposals (88% efficiency), 7 marks (3 contested), 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 6 goals, 1 behind

FIRST QUARTER:

After blowing out a few cobwebs, Malady and the Power quickly established the ascendancy. The mobile marking target began to operate through dangerous leading patterns, using his speed to gain separation from his opponent inside attacking 50.

Malady got a sighter after 14 minutes, missing his first shot before ending up with 6.1. His opening major came on the end of a lead, mark and set shot. He had another opportunity after getting free in the pocket, but unselfishly passed across goals to assist Jack Hilton.

Outside of his forward 50 work, Malady got up the ground and showcased his mobility in one passage, linking up by hand and proving agile enough to keep a would-be tackler at bay. All-up, it was a positive start with a goal and assist as Gippsland got away quickly.

SECOND QUARTER:

Malady effectively doubled his output in term two, producing two goals and another direct assist as Gippsland put the foot down. In doing so, he proved his ability to score or be involved in decisive clumps of scores to advance his side’s position in the game. His three involvements came within four minutes.

Malady benefitted from Gippsland’s quick ball movement, looking to help connect up the line, but ending up getting free over the back for his second major. He made it two consecutive goals on the run shortly after, taking the advantage from his teammate’s free kick.

In a positive sign for the development of his physicality, Malady clunked a terrific one-on-one mark at half-forward before turning and screwing a kick across his body to find Kade Thorley. That moment of class made for yet another score involvement as the Power surged.

Having previously pushed off for a strong one-on-one grab, Malady was brushed away in a tackle attempt, but followed up later in the term to stick another effort to catch Mac Calleja holding-the-ball. Again, it was a great sign for his improving strength and physical aspect.

THIRD QUARTER:

Term three was when Malady implored his teammates to keep their foot on the gas. Just as the Power had conceded consecutive goals, having leaked only one in the opening half, Malady booted two of his own to reply within only a couple of minutes.

The first came as he searched for possession up the ground, hunting a contest spill and being caught high. He converted on the end of a 50m penalty. Malady’s next major came in more typical fashion, marking a long entry off the back shoulder before slotting the set shot.

With his willingness to work further up the ground, Malady was able to exhibit moments of both athleticism and competitiveness. He locked up Calleja in another physically robust tackle, and later combined in a one-two handball chain to show off his pace before launching inside 50.

FOURTH QUARTER:

With the result a formality come the final term, Malady could have been excused for putting the cue in the rack. He still had a big moment in him, finally getting the runway to launch into a high mark inside 50. He duly took the opportunity and kicked a sixth goal.

Malady again benefitted from Gippsland’s quick and precise ball movement, granting him opportunities to use his own speed to get off the leash. There was one more chance to prove his one-on-one craft, though Calleja outbodied him on that occasion with a clean push-off on the wing.

CLOSING THOUGHTS…

It was certainly a statement-making start to the season for Malady. He has always been known as a low-possession, high-impact type who only needs a few looks to tear games apart. While that notion sung true, Malady looks to be taking strides in the way of physicality and pressure to further iron out his consistency. He again proved his ability to score in bunches and had his moments aerially, proving a tough matchup for tall and small opponents with his athletic acumen. On upside and raw talent, Malady shapes as a top 10 draft chance at this early stage, with plenty of footy and improvement left.