EASTERN Ranges did just enough to notch a third win on the bounce, defeating Calder Cannons by three points in their Round 17 clash at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Saturday. The margin never entered double-digits for either side throughout what was a closely run contest, dominated by bottom-age talent. We took note of the top prospects from either side, before having a look around the grounds.

CALDER CANNONS 1.4 | 3.6 | 5.8 | 8.10 (58)
EASTERN RANGES 1.4 | 3.4 | 5.5 | 9.7 (61)

GOALS:
Calder Cannons: T. Lincoln 2, J. Fleming, N. Jenkins, O. Noto, T. Rodan, C. Tudor, J. Watkins
Eastern Ranges: B. Sruk 2, M. Bartlett, H. Chapman, R. Ham, R. Hoffman, J. Lawrence, R. McConnell, B. Wilson

BEST:
Calder Cannons: M. Darwish, T. Rodan, C. Robbins, J. Watkins, N. Starapoli
Eastern Ranges: B. Sruk, J. Flower, J. Lawrence, H. Chapman, R. McConnell

CALDER CANNONS:

#4 Tevita Rodan (Essendon NGA & Port Adelaide F/S)
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 18/02/2009 

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal 

Rodan’s class was a useful asset in this game. The crafty Cannon used his fast hands to release the ball when entangled in tackles at the coalface and hit up leading forwards with neat, lace-out passes. He scored a crucial last-quarter goal to put the Cannons back in front and was one of the reasons they were in touching distance to start with. 

#8 Koby Bewick (Essendon F/S)
Defender | 178cm | 10/01/2009

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

The Cannons relied on Bewick’s pinpoint passing from the back 50, especially to penetrate the considerable breeze blowing to one side of the ground. The bottom-ager usually chose the right option by foot and reliably hit his targets. He was also able to get speed on the ball through aggressive rebounding exits from defence. 

#9 Moustafa Darwish (Essendon NGA)
Midfielder | 180cm | 07/01/2009

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 clearances

Darwish was Calder’s leading ball winner for a reason. He showcased his work rate to get from contest to contest and create an outlet when options were limited. The bottom-ager didn’t let opposing mids escape without being grabbed and sped out of stoppages when given the opportunity. 

#17 Oliver Noto
Wing | 184cm | 12/01/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

Noto was another of his side’s impressive bottom-agers. He played his role on the wing effectively by utilising his leg speed to break out into clear space and gain meterage. The left-footer won a majority of his one-on-ones and proved difficult to hold onto. In the second half, he pounced on a loose ball inside 50 and scored a classy goal. 

EASTERN RANGES: 

#2 Baxter Sruk
Midfielder | 182cm | 18/07/2009

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 8 tackles, 2 goals

Sruk once again proved that he possesses brains and brawn. The compact midfielder was happy to provide overlap run and kickstart transition from defence to offence. His notable turn of speed helped him create separation from opponents, rather than simply forcing his way through traffic. He was unforgiving defensively and had scoreboard impact, drilling two goals while also creating chances for others. 

#3 Jett Flower
Midfielder/Defender | 183cm | 25/05/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 4 clearances

Flower was typically efficient across his dual roles as an on-baller and defender. In the first half, he intercepted and collected possession through the spine, working directly from end-to-end without any noticeable hiccups. Later in the game, he took kick-outs and spent more time in defence where he was involved in blanketing a final scoring attempt for Calder. 

#16 Harrison Chapman
Wing | 189cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 9 tackles, 1 goal

The wiry winger stepped up in the absence of a few key Ranges, playing on-ball from the opening bounce. Chapman demonstrated intent from early on and looked to be more physical than is typically required of him. He used his superior running power to drift forward and capitalised on a prime goal-scoring opportunity in the third term.

#26 Jaden Lawrence
Ruck | 199cm | 08/09/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 33 hitouts, 6 clearances, 1 goal

The big man had a physical presence on the contest, as he threw his weight around at stoppages. Lawrence earned himself free kicks for tackling efforts and was involved in possession chains post-clearance. Importantly, he was dominant in the ruck and supplied his mids with ample opportunities, winning 33 hitouts.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Bolstered by a slew of returning Vic Metro players, Northern Knights prevailed 12.14 (86) to Oakleigh Chargers’ 9.12 (66). Highly rated big man Harry Van Hattum and hit the scoreboard with two goals. In-form on-baller Harvie Cooke ended up the Knights’ most prolific ball winner (28 disposals) and also kicked two goals.

Fellow Metro representatives, Toby Krasna (25 disposals) and Kai Parker (22), also found plenty of ball as they continue to rise the ranks. Meanwhile, young gun Harper McCullough continued his impressive form for Oakleigh, collecting a game-high 29 disposals and a goal.

Dandenong Stingrays downed Murray Bushrangers by 54 points with help from forward Mitch Toner, who bagged himself five goals. Bottom-age father-son prospect Louis Salopek also contributed significantly with 26 disposals and two goals, making his first appearance for the season. Young forward Jaie Bedson was also effective, snaring 4.3.

Consistent defender Jackson Hewitt was busy once again, picking up 32 disposals for the Bushrangers. At the other end of the ground, versatile forward Archie Hueston was lively, scoring three goals in the loss.

In a low-scoring affair, the Western Jets ran out 13-point victors over an inaccurate Sandringham Dragons. Western Bulldogs NGA prospect Khaled El Souki finished the game as the only multiple goal-scorer, booting two majors as he continues to work back into his electric pre-injury form.

Tough midfielder Lachlan Hicks gathered 30 disposals to continue his industrious season alongside fellow Vic Metro on-baller Angus Tippett, who kept busy with 23 disposals and a goal. 

ROUND 17 RESULTS

Northern Knights 12.14 (86) def. Oakleigh Chargers 9.12 (66)
Murray Bushrangers 8.10 (58) def. by Dandenong Stingrays 17.10 (112)
Western Jets 7.8 (50) def. Sandringham Dragons 4.13 (37)