GIPPSLAND Power has stormed into the Talent League finals series after a thumping 76-point win over Murray in Wildcard Round on Saturday. The victors lifted their pressure and intensity after a slow start at La Trobe University, surging into the lead with six goals to one in term two and never looking back.

It was then a case of Gippsland creating separation on the scoreboard and consolidating its lead, even when kicking away from the scoring end. The Power kept their foot on the gas with five goals each in the third and fourth quarters to set up a meeting with Tasmania in Saturday’s quarter-final weekend.

We took note of the top prospects and performers from either side.

GIPPSLAND POWER 2.4 | 8.6 | 13.9 | 18.14 (122)
MURRAY BUSHRANGERS 3.1 | 4.1 | 6.3 | 7.4 (46)

GOALS:
Gippsland Power: W. Malady 3, M. Neocleous 3, A. Finsterer 2, J. Froud 2, L. Macumber 2, K. Boi, A. Ingham, J. Little, A. Mounsey, C. Rand, A. Stobie
Murray Bushrangers: C. Webster 2, J. Snelling 2, A. Hueston, J. Mellington, A. Williams

BEST:
Gippsland Power: M. Neocleous, C. Templeton, X. Ladbrook, K. Boi, J. Burgiel, W. Malady
Murray Bushrangers: T. Armstrong, L. Brand, A. Williams, C. Webster, J. Hewitt, H. Howells

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#4 Levi Macumber
Small Forward | 177cm | 01/06/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

It was a crafty display from Macumber, who warmed into the contest nicely. His ground level craft was evident, complimented by the evasive technique and creativity to be a dangerous forward half player. The agile small weathered the pressure to set up others by hand and foot, while also hitting the scoreboard himself with handy finishes in the second and third terms.

#6 Judd Burgiel
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 04/06/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s

While his side was slow to get out of the blocks, Burgiel provided power and intensity from the outset. He showed his explosiveness to exit centre stoppages and take ground, often stepping past opponents or brushing off would-be tacklers. While sometimes prone to dump clearance kicks, he did nicely to lower his eyes when heading inside 50 and deliver sharp passes. He even spent time up forward and managed to find space to become a scoring threat.

#7 Keenan Boi (Hawthorn NGA)
Small Forward | 177cm | 03/11/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 9 inside 50s, 1 goal

Boi was typically energetic across half-forward, working high up the ground and using his speed to do damage on the way back to goal. His ability to connect the lines was outstanding, consistently looking to take the game on and manufacture creative kicks to set up teammates. Boi’s pressure acts where solid and he put opponents on the back foot with his ability to make things happen with slick ground level craft. He slotted a classy running goal in term two, although his eyes sometimes light up when in range of the big sticks.

#11 Marlon Neocleous
Small Forward/Midfielder | 168cm | 26/02/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

It was clear from the outset that Neocleous was keen to make a statement, which he certainly did in a best on ground performance. Spending much more time closer to goal, the clever small forward pounced on Murray’s defensive 50 errors and snapped two early majors with clinical precision. Neocleous’ spring and clean hands served him well as a leading target, while his agility was an asset en route to crafting punishing kicks heading inside 50. His smarts and vision ensured his lateral movement and foot skills would deal maximum damage. He ended up spending time in midfield, but was most effective as part of the front six where his supreme talent shone.

#21 Cody Templeton
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 01/01/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Templeton was another Gippsland star seemingly out to prove a point at the pointy end of the season. He made a concerted effort to show his power by shifting gears and fending off opponents, taking the game forward in damaging bursts. Capable of kicking with either foot, he delivered some punchy passes heading inside 50 and spearheaded his side’s attacking play through the corridor. While not overly quick, he attempted to put speed on the ball and was typically robust as a bull in the clinches. He showed what he can do with an extended run in midfield.

#33 Wil Malady
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 9 marks, 3 goals

Malady had one of his more high-production games, resulting in a haul of three goals from six scoring shots. The athletic tall forward was effective on the lead, using his speed to gain separation and take the ball comfortably out in front. He judged the breeze perfectly to convert some sensational set shots, although found a little more difficulty with his snap attempts from the pockets. He’s certainly a handful inside 50, tough to match up on for small and tall defenders.

#40 Xavier Ladbrook
Key Defender | 201cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Freed up to play a natural roaming role in defence, Ladbrook impressed with his ability to cover the ground. He was consistently involved in the attack, using his speed and foot skills to create plays defiant of his 201cm standing. Ladbrook also showed his wares as an interceptor, reading the play well and proving willing to compete both in the air and at ground level. Although, he still has a ways to go in terms of building strength to better absorb contact and pressure.

#41 Clancy Snell
Key Defender | 196cm | 21/08/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Snell took some time to build into his work and despite Gippsland’s territorial dominance, still managed to produce solid moments. He occupied a high line at times, making reads and using his athleticism to impact accordingly. Snell’s ability to set, leap and extend at the aerial ball made him a reliable interceptor, while his distributive work made transitioning the play just as seamless.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#3 Tanner Armstrong (Richmond NGA)
Midfielder | 177cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 36 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances

A player who seldom has any trouble finding the ball, Armstrong had to dig deep to have an impact on Saturday. He began to assert himself on the midfield battle with clean roves and a slick turn of foot to exit congestion, holding his own on the inside. He then went about showcasing his running capacity and smarts to accumulate on the outside, looking to use his agility and foot skills around the ground. Although, he tended to be a little scrappy under pressure as a smaller player.

#7 Lincoln Brand
Midfielder | 188cm | 19/05/2009

Stats: 27 disposals, 9 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Another of Murray’s most prominent and trusted midfielders, Brand seemed set on showing dynamism in his game. The bottom-ager linked up in combination play, chaining together handballs and looking to surge forward at all costs. While he’s a bigger body with traits suited to the inside, Brand also covers the ground quite well and wasn’t afraid to invite pressure if it meant he could attack. He spent stints at either end of the ground and was competitive wherever he went.

#11 Jackson Hewitt
Defender | 182cm | 19/03/2008

Stats: 42 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

Hewitt capped off a solid top-age campaign with another strong set of numbers in his usual playmaking role. While relatively low-risk, he was incredibly efficient with his 42 disposals – many of which he racked up deep in defensive 50. Hewitt aimed to quickly identify and hit targets before doubling up and progressing up the field, demanding the ball as Murray looked to transition. He was tested in one-on-one situations but proved willing to tackle and compete defensively.

#13 Hunter Howells
Defender | 181cm | 11/07/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 10 marks, 4 tackles

While not always a high possession winner, Howells ticked that box on Saturday while still showcasing his power and physical gifts. Operating in defence, he looked most impactful when given the freedom to use his speed and punchy foot skills up the field, but was made to relinquish some of that to help shut down the likes of Neocleous. Howells’ compact frame and ability to spin, twist or turn out of trouble made him a handful as he brought the ball out of defence.

#16 Cooper Webster
Forward | 186cm | 03/04/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals

Webster gave his all and produced some nice moments to cap off his bottom-age season. Starting up forward, he crumbed and snapped home the game’s opening goal before adding a second with a solid mark over the back. He provided strong presence deep inside 50 with limited opportunities before being thrown in the the midfield mix late on. There, his work rate and ability to combine with or support teammates was outstanding.

#20 Angus Williams
Ruck/Key Forward | 193cm | 13/05/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 12 hitouts, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Williams was tasked with playing as an undersized ruck and fulfilled the role well while also earning stints up forward. His strong leap was complimented by nimble follow-up work, with Williams proving clean below his knees and able to cover the ground well for a player his size. As a marking target, he attacked the ball hard but was largely starved of opportunity. His lone goal came from a strong mark and set shot in the second term.