GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels have snatched a draw against the Geelong Falcons in their Round 21 clash at Leopold Memorial Park on Sunday. The Rebels trailed all day amid stifling conditions, conceding a 22-0 head start and only registering their first goal on the stroke of quarter time.

Having fought back to within a kick at half time, both sides missed and gave up golden opportunities in what was a low-scoring affair. GWV briefly took the lead off the boot of Archie Elliott late in term four, before a set shot from Kai Charman levelled things back up in the 21st minute.

Rebels captain Ethan Drever starred in his return to Talent League football, picking up 11 more disposals than the next best player for a whopping haul of 39. Vic Country rucks Jackson O’Brien and Jett Elek also locked horns, while a number of Under 16 prospects were blooded on both sides.

We took note of the top prospects from either team.

GEELONG FALCONS 3.4 | 4.8 | 5.11 | 5.15 (45)
GWV REBELS 1.0 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 6.9 (45)

GOALS:
Geelong Falcons: A. Chamberlain 2, K. Charman, V. Rahilly, H. Watson
GWV Rebels: A. Elliott 2, M. Hughes, L. Petrie, N. Prevett, D. Rizzoli

BEST:
Geelong Falcons: D. Harrington, D. May, N. Mensch, W. Nicholls, N. Badrock, R. McLeod
GWV Rebels: E. Drever, J. O’Brien, K. Nicholls, H. Welsh, P. McKenna, J. Connolly

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Harrington led his side for disposals and was typically tough in dire conditions, often seen willing himself to the ball. His sharp lateral movement served him well when navigating tight spots, although the diminutive top-ager was tested by GWV’s outstanding pressure. He was perhaps guilty of playing as if it were dry at times – attempting near-perfect passes and even a running bounce – but adjusted well to play the territory game while continuing to scrap away. He was busy at stoppages and difficult to beat in one-on-one contests around the ground.

#18 Ned Badrock
Key Defender | 194cm | 28/02/2008

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

A reliable figure in the Falcons’ backline, Badrock did his best work aerially. The sturdy tall started out with a big pack spoil and was prepared to wear contact to either split a contest or take possession. Badrock’s reading of the play, positioning and safe hands were pillars of his game throughout the four quarters, as he popped up for several important intercepts. He also managed to stay engaged more often after his initial effort, getting involved in some of Geelong’s cleanest rebound play. He was a cool head patrolling his side’s back 50.

#20 Charlie Gray
Midfielder | 181cm | 12/05/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 tackles, 7 clearances

Prising an equal game-high seven clearances, Gray showed some of his evasive tricks on a tough day for it. With clean hands and quick feet, the midfielder escaped congestion on several occasions, springing to life when the ball was there to be won. He was tough when required and used his speed to close in with defensive efforts, complimenting the dogged efforts of William Nicholls. But for the most part, he looked at his best when bursting to the outside and looking to attack.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 7 hitouts, 6 inside 50s

Elek produced a mixed bag on Sunday, being frustrated in the ruck at times but going on to lift his aerial output around the ground in a big way. Despite arguably being beaten at the ball-ups, the over-ager’s agility and follow-up work held up well. He also provided a strong marking target up and down the line, coming out with plenty of hunger and intent after the main break. He threw himself at intercepts and high balls, while proving quite nimble and clean below his knees.

#36 Nate Mensch
Key Forward/Ruck | 196cm | 11/03/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 13 hitouts

Mensch provided the perfect fold as a secondary ruck, competing hard in the air and showcasing his athleticism. The bottom-ager wanted to leap and fly at everything, willing himself to as many contests as possible to either mark or bring the ball to ground. He further proved his competitive nature with second efforts and the ability to stay involved in general play. Mensch was also a leading threat inside 50 during the opening term, and while he can work on his field kicking, had plenty of upside as a tall. He’s one for Geelong to monitor as a father-son candidate in 2027.

#43 Daniel May
Defender | 187cm | 06/11/2010

Stats: 22 disposals, 3 tackles, 8 rebound 50s

May defied his age with an incredibly composed and polished performance down back. The Vic Country Under 16 captain only took two marks for the day, but both were terrific intercepts in the opening term which set him up for a strong outing. May’s handling was outstanding in tough conditions, arriving at contests to either intercept or recover the ground ball before disposing efficiently. He was a trusted distributor from the kick-ins and played the situation of the game well. Perhaps his crowning moment came late in the piece as he laid a clutch tackle and won the ball back deep inside defensive 50 within the final minute of play. Reliable.

GWV REBELS:

#4 Ethan Drever
Midfielder | 188cm | 10/07/2008

Stats: 39 disposals, 9 tackles, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s

It was as strong a return as Drever could have hoped for, comfortably leading all comers in conditions which suited his best traits. The midfielder’s sheer size and power immediately drew attention at stoppage, forcing opponents into holds and overzealous acts to prevent him winning the ball. Drever had to be a bit ugly at times to gain territory and wasn’t exactly pinpoint by foot, but proved very effective by hand. He showed glimpses of his poise and speed in a couple of line-breaking runs, while working hard around the ground to lead the game for contested (23) and uncontested possessions (16).

#6 Harrison Welsh
Midfielder | 179cm | 23/08/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 12 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Another midfielder who thrived in the stifling conditions, Welsh laid nearly as many tackles as he had disposals. He was prepared to get in and under the packs, either wrapping up opponents or looking to fight his way out of congestion. The bottom-ager sometimes ran into trouble and eventually took a more direct approach to gaining metres, dumping the ball long by foot. Welsh’s core strength and ability to drive his legs served him well in a game which was heavily inside-leaning.

#14 Archie Elliott
Forward | 182cm | 10/08/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 goals

Elliott was made to persevere and work hard for his moments, as Riley McLeod wore him like a glove all day. The top-ager popped up late in term four with a hit-up lead and set shot goal to momentarily put the Rebels ahead, finding his radar to give his side a chance at winning. Elliott previously missed a few opportunities he would otherwise bury, perhaps as a product of McLeod’s perceived pressure. He was forced to search high up the ground to get involved at times and attempted to use his speed with ball in hand, but nothing came easily.

#22 Klay Nicholls
Defender | 187cm | 15/05/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 12 rebound 50s

After a steady opening half, Nicholls took over as intercepting machine in term three. He cut off Geelong’s opening forward-50 entry and went on to do it several more times, reading the play well and having the speed to arrive first. Nicholls wasn’t afraid to go back with the flight and would often peel off to provide an outnumber or intercept. He was among the Rebels’ most prolific rebounders, restarting the play with quick ball movement – although his efficiency was tested by the conditions.

#23 Jackson O’Brien
Ruck | 205cm | 05/06/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 28 hitouts, 6 clearances

Rucking against his recent Vic Country teammate in Jett Elek, O’Brien showed great signs of continual growth. He dominated the hitouts, leaping well at the centre ball-ups while proving too big and strong at stoppages around the ground. He was prepared to engage in marking contests and showed good mobility on the spread, becoming a reliable outlet target down the line. O’Brien also remained involved in general play, most often looking to dish the ball off to running players.