THE SYDNEY Swans Academy capped off an undefeated Talent League stint, defeating Geelong by 75 points in Blacktown on Saturday afternoon. Sporting new numbers and a flashy red kit, the hosts piled on five goals in each quarter to canter to a sixth-straight victory, 20.9 (129) to 7.12 (54).

In a ruthless scoring display, the Swans stylishly and frequently moved the ball from coast to coast, finishing with seven multiple goalkickers. The Falcons, boosted by a few Geelong Grammar inclusions, suffered their third loss in a row having been unable to match their opponents’ scoring power.

We took note of the top prospects from either side.

SWANS ACADEMY 5.3 | 10.6 | 15.8 | 20.9 (129)
GEELONG FALCONS 2.2 | 2.6 | 5.9 | 7.12 (54)

GOALS:
Swans Academy: L. Chambers 4, O. Griffiths 3, J. O’Loughlin 3, W. Jenkin 2, H. Meaney 2, B. Pignatelli 2, E. Richardson 2, H. Lamond, L. Price
Geelong Falcons: A. Chamberlain 2, H. Andrews, J. Cooney, C. Gray, S. Knights, N. Mensch

BEST:
Swans Academy: J. Medved, P. Smith, L. Chambers, O. Griffiths, L. Price, W. Jenkin
Geelong Falcons: J. Elek, R. McLure, F. Pulleine, V. Rahilly, J. Keenan, L. Blacket

SWANS ACADEMY:

#47 Patrick Smith
Midfielder | 187cm | 07/05/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 clearances, 7 inside 50s

Smith led his side for contested possessions with 11 and was particularly prominent at the centre stoppages. The powerful top-ager always likes to take ground and launch long, doing so regularly on Saturday to breach the forward 50. Smith’s clean hands and strong frame saw him absorb pressure in the clinches while looking to muscle his way out. That ability to escape to the outside – albeit largely by force – made him one of the most potent ball winners on the ground.

#48 Lachlan Price
Midfielder | 180cm | 11/08/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 marks, 8 tackles, 1 goal

It was another compact performance from the Swans skipper, who continues to add layers to his game. Touted as a capable inside ball winner, Price also got involved on the outside as Sydney moved forward in waves. He made a habit of lowering his eyes and hitting neat kicks to leading targets inside 50, ensuring the Swans would extract maximum value from each attack. As usual, Price was strong overhead, tackled hard, and hit the scoreboard with a set shot in term two.

#49 William Jenkin
Wing | 179cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Jenkin was lethal during Sydney’s attacking phase, drifting into dangerous positions to craft precise forward 50 entries. He also took the opportunity to score himself, snapping a classy goal in the opening term and faking out two opponents before drilling another in the following quarter. Jenkin’s combination play was creative and he knew how to use the width of the ground to receive the ball in space. Among his best moments was a typically gutsy intercept mark going back at full stretch.

#53 Lincoln Chambers
Small Forward | 179cm | 14/01/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s, 4 goals

Chambers was one of the main beneficiaries of Sydney’s ability to move the ball seamlessly from end-to-end. He was capable of joining in on those passages, working high up the ground and using his pace to take ground on the way back to goal. Although, the top-ager was even more adept at finding pockets of space inside 50 to mark and fire off shots at the big sticks. He finished with 4.3, including 2.3 from set shots and a couple of terrific snap finishes.

#57 Jake Medved
Defender | 191cm | 02/06/2008

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

Medved was utterly relentless in his pursuit of meterage out of defence. He shouldered much of the kick-in duties and instead of gaining territory with long kicks, daringly tucked the ball under his arm and looked to combine with teammates. His speed was eye-catching, burning off opponents with ease as he broke the lines time after time. Medved was the catalyst for several end-to-end passages which ended in scores, starting from the absolute last line of defence.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#1 Fletcher Pulleine
Midfielder | 189cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 9 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Returning via school football for his first game since Round 4, Pulleine was thrown into the engine room. At 189cm, his solid frame held up well to the rigours of stoppage play, including with several heavy tackles to prevent opposition clearances. Pulleine showcased his quick and clean hands in-tight, while injecting a bit of power to the play later on with several charging stoppage exits. On the end of those runs, the top-ager released long-range bombs heading inside 50.

#4 Darcy Harrington
Defender/Midfielder | 176cm | 17/11/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 6 clearances

Making his first appearance for the season, Harrington was managed through the first quarter before getting going in defence. It didn’t take too long until he was shifted on-ball, bringing all his smarts and skill to the contest. Harrington was equal parts clever and combative in one-on-one situations, swooping on the loose ball at ground level and using his sharp lateral movement to evade opponents. He was willing to kick the ball on either foot, preferring his left, and worked hard to find space around the ground. He also managed to snare several stoppage clearances along the way.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 14 hitouts, 9 clearances

In a battle between mobile over-age rucks, Elek was beaten in the hitout count but dominated the clearance stakes. He leapt willingly at the centre ball-ups and showed his athleticism across the ground, looking extremely comfortable with ball in hand. From there, he either stepped around opponents to clear or dished off to runners. Elek mirrored his direct opponent to drop back into defence and clunk a couple of settling intercept marks, while also proving composed in open play.

#31 Kyan Walters
Defender/Wing | 176cm | 17/05/2009

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Another APS-tied prospect returning to the fold, Walters took little time to build into his usual routine. Starting in defence, he settled in with a pair of intercept marks and looked to move the ball on quickly. While prone to rushing at times, he spread the play with his punchy left-foot kicks and didn’t give the Swans a chance to set up behind the ball. Walters eventually moved up to the wing where he could become a weapon, receiving or marking uncontested before looking forward.

#33 Riley McLure
Defender | 181cm | 27/04/2009

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Another of the Falcons’ high-volume running defenders, McLure sought to be creative with each touch. He wasn’t afraid to take ground and bite off risky kicks, sometimes inviting pressure in dangerous positions but doing damage when able to hit his targets. The bottom-ager showed his ability to generate combination play, transitioning the ball with great intent and speed. He was full of run throughout the day and demanded the ball as Geelong looked to move forward.