A RAFT of club-tied talent took the field in the 2026 National Futures showcase game, played on AFL Grand Final day. Inclement weather meant the game was shifted from the MCG to Whitten Oval, but that didn’t stop both sides from bringing the heat to provide a glimpse into next year’s budding draft crop.

Team Mitchell, named in honour if Brownlow Medallist Tom, won the day over Team Melksham (Jake) with Baxter Sruk captaining against fellow Tasmanian signing Jake Miller. All bar one of the Devils’ Under 17 acquisitions strutted their stuff, with 23 of the 46 selected players being tied to clubs.

Despite the stifling conditions, both sides played in a positive manner and made a hot start with four goals apiece in the opening term. Team Mitchell hogged the lead, albeit narrowly, and dominated the clearance battle (33-22) to set up a thrilling win despite being less clinical in front of goal.

Northern Territory native Gary Lawford booted four goals in a losing effort while Tasmanian Jake Beams led all comers with 24 disposals. The latter was named best on ground for Team Mitchell, while Jett Flower earned the same honour for Team Melksham after posting 17 touches, five marks and a goal.

TEAM MELKSHAM 4.3 | 5.5 | 8.5 | 12.5 (77)
TEAM MITCHELL 4.1 | 6.6 | 9.9 | 12.12 (84)

GOALS:
Melksham: G. Lawford 4, L. Andriani 2, J. Miller 2, R. Stratford 2, J. Flower, T. Marrone
Mitchell: K. Bewick 2, P. Burgoyne 2, M. Thompson 2, J. Beams, J. Bridge, C. Creyk, M. Darwish, C. Hardy, H. Timms

BEST:
Melksham: J. Flower, M. Holden, G. Lawford, O. Henwood, L. Andriani, Z. Adams
Mitchell: C. Creyk, K. Ivins, K. Bewick, J. Beams, A. Walsh, P. Burgoyne

BEST ON GROUND:
Melksham: Jett Flower (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Mitchell: Jake Beams (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)

SCOUTING NOTES

TEAM MELKSHAM:

By Michael Alvaro

#1 Angus Brown (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Small Forward/Midfielder | 175cm | 27/05/2009

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 clearance

Tasmania signing

One of Tasmania’s inaugural signings, Brown showed flashes of his talent without quite hitting his peak. He spent the first half in his usual high forward role, looking to work up the ground and connect the lines. In stifling conditions, the diminutive prospect struggled to stick marks, ground balls and tackles as he normally would, but was in all the right spots. He closed out a relatively quiet game with midfield minutes in the second half.

#2 Laurence Andriani (West Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Small Forward | 171cm | 19/08/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Andriani racks up the numbers and wills himself to impact in each facet of the game, which was exactly the case in this one. The South Australian star was part of a talented midfield rotation but also spent time up forward, where he booted two second-half goals. Andriani was typically crafty at ground level but also worked hard to accumulate in space around the ground. His tough tackling was a feature, including an outstanding rundown effort in the third term. On the other hand, he can continue to iron out some of his kicking under pressure to become both high-volume and high-impact.

#3 Maximus Holden (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 184cm | 24/05/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Alongside Flower, Holden was outstanding across half-back with his speed and foot skills on the rebound. The Lions Academy prospect fanned searing left-foot kicks out of defence, driving the heavy ball low and flat to find targets. He backed his skills and was just as daring when carrying the ball, posing a dual threat to Team Mitchell. Holden also held his own defensively with strong one-on-one splits both in the air and at ground level, showing healthy doses of spring and power. Under the radar at this point, but one who has all the traits to explode as a top-ager.

#4 Jett Flower (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Defender/Wing | 183cm | 25/05/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

The best, most consistent and important player for Team Melksham. Flower is the grandson of Melbourne great Robert, but will be on the radar of all clubs as one of the top open-pool players in a heavily compromised crop. The Eastern Ranges product showcased his competitiveness by driving low and hard at the ball and thriving in one-on-one situations. He also worked tirelessly to provide transitional run, combining speed and endurance to impact going forward. The best example of that saw Flower get on the end of a fast break to score in the final term, having been shifted up to the wing. His decision making drew pressure at times, but was indicative of his willingness to take the game on.

#5 Taj Murray (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Wing/Forward/Defender | 181cm | 09/02/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Murray played as a utility on the flanks and wing, showcasing his ability to use the ball creatively on the outside. His class came to the fore when afforded time and space, where he picked out the right options and hit targets with precision. Murray’s slider kick was a particular weapon under pressure, using the outside of his preferred foot rather than risking a turnover on the opposite side. In that sense, he improvised well and while not blessed with raw pace, worked hard to find space in transition. Already has VFL experience with the Suns and is the brother of 2025 draftee, Jai.

#6 Charlie Fischer (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Small Defender | 179cm | 07/04/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks

Hawthorn NGA

Fresh off a flag with Gippsland Power, Fischer provided another creative outlet in defence. He got involved in combination play with quick hands and equally rapid feet, while also showing his athleticism with several aerial attempts at the ball. Fischer did much of his work up the ground and positioned well as an interceptor without getting too many clean looks at the ball. Albeit in tough conditions, his kicking consistency remains an improvement area heading into 2027.

#7 Charlie McClennan (Swans Academy/NSW)
Forward/Wing/Defender | 178cm | 16/03/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 1 mark, 1 inside 50

Another utility type who spent time in each third of the ground, McClennan has the potential to be a high-volume midfielder. He showed his class with smooth movement and clean ball skills, often swooping onto the loose pill and dishing it out effectively. He worked well as a connective high forward and lurked around stoppages, showing good touch in tough conditions. McClennan earned selection despite only playing sparingly this year, such was the quality of his Under 16 campaign with the Swans in 2025.

#8 Tony Marrone (Central District/South Australia)
Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 23/01/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Adelaide NGA

With a wealth of midfield talent taking the field, Marrone started up forward before getting his turn in the guts. The South Australian posed a scoring threat and wasn’t afraid to let fly in open play, but bagged his lone goal via a more conventional set shot in term two. His turn of speed was a feature all day, especially through the middle where he could break away from stoppage and hit targets on the run. That kind of work is usually his bread and butter.

#9 James Artemis (East Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 177cm | 05/03/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 clearances

Artemis played with his usual impetus in midfield, burrowing low and driving his legs out of stoppage. The West Australian put speed on the ball from a standing start and was a key contributor in Team Melksham’s running waves, where he could carry and release the ball dangerously. Artemis got to show his finesse with a couple of slick kicks on the move and unselfishly dished off to assist Flower in the fourth term. He spent far more time up forward after half time where his power and side-step continued to trouble the opposition.

#10 Benjamin Russell (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
Wing/Defender | 176cm | 19/03/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

After gathering just two touches in the opening half, Russell responded with six in the third quarter. He rotated between the wing and half-back, using his speed and competitiveness to mop up the loose ball on the back of repeat efforts. One of his best plays was a terrific gather at ground level and diving handball to help his side surge into a scoring opportunity. With a bit more size and polish, he has the all-round athleticism to impress.

#11 Harper McCullough (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Small Forward/Midfielder | 176cm | 29/05/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 clearances

A busy customer in his favoured two roles, McCullough’s doggedness suited the conditions. He brought toughness and pressure as a forward while also working hard to connect up the field. Pleasingly, he showed a bit of class to drill a terrific kick inboard to assist Marrone in term two, but was generally more of a handball distributor. With time on-ball in the second half, McCullough got to showcase his ability to break out of congestion by force and continued to dish the ball out nicely under pressure.

#12 Gary Lawford (Oakleigh Chargers/Northern Territory)
Small Forward | 176cm | 02/05/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 goals

Lawford is electric at his best and popped up with a game-high bag of four goals for Team Melksham. The Territorian accounted for much of his side’s early scoring with two goals in the opening term, showcasing elite smarts, positioning and finishing. Lawford’s crumbing ability was unmatched throughout the day as he stayed down and timed his movements to read the ball expertly off hands. It leant to his scoring output in a big way, while his pressure was helpful in generating repeat opportunities. He can be overzealous at times, but makes the opposition panic with his physicality and closing speed. A menace.

#14 Oscar Henwood (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 185cm | 11/06/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 clearances

Henwood was an early frontrunner for best on ground honours after making a rampant start in midfield. He imposed himself at stoppage with several clearances, propelling the ball forward with his strong left boot as an answer to the likes of Creyk and Ivins. The Gippsland Power premiership player was caught in possession a few times, but repeatedly evaded pressure with great poise and a deadly side-step. He can continue to find that balance between being quick to release and taking time to make the right decision. Otherwise, an underrated facet of Henwood’s game is his ability to be hard-at-it, which adds to his class and dynamism.

#15 Griffin Barker (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Wing | 186cm | 13/08/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 marks

Tasmania signing

Not necessarily a massive accumulator, Barker got to display his power and high-impact style on the wing. His quick feet and explosiveness allowed him to absorb pressure and evade it, hardly ever being rushed with ball in hand. Barker slipped out of tackles and looked to surge the ball forward when possible, often gaining metres in short spurts between the arcs. Like Brown, he was slightly down on his usual impact but has clear talent that wooed Tasmania throughout the year.

#16 Riley Stratford (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 188cm | 04/05/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances

Tasmania signing

Yet another Tasmanian signing, Stratford left a lasting impression with nine of his 14 disposals coming in the final quarter. The big-bodied midfielder struck the ball nicely with two set shot goals and was brave in the air while proving typically strong at the coalface. He won his own ball and dished it out cleanly by hand, but was just as capable of drifting forward to become an outside threat in the attacking phase. Stratford’s kicking under pressure can continue to improve, but he’s a capable user.

#17 Fynn Tomasini (Perth/Western Australia)
Defender | 190cm | 20/05/2009

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Tomasini gained confidence as the game wore on and found most of his success after half time. The dynamic and rangy tall defender impressed with his running ability, proving capable of chaining possessions and carrying the ball out of defensive 50. Such rebound work is largely thanks to a promising athletic base, with Tomasini’s speed and dare shaping as quite unique for his size.

#18 Toby Hellessey (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Key Defender | 194cm | 01/02/2009

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 2 rebound 50s

After going without a touch in the opening term, Hellessey got on the board and found his groove in defence. While capable of playing at either end of the ground, his playreading and intercept game showed a level of comfort behind the ball. Hellessey extended nicely overhead to pluck the ball at the top of his long reach and was quick the move the ball on. He has terrific skills and mobility for a tall.

#19 Harvey Chapman (Sturt/South Australia)
Key Defender | 195cm | 10/08/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Often a keen accumulator down back, Chapman was Team Melksham’s general of defence. He took on much of the kick-in duties and sent the ball long with his raking left foot, but was also prepared to switch it up and find short options. The South Australian is accustomed to settling across the last line, but also featured high up the ground where he could either join the attack or intercept and reload. He tends to do the basics well and sets up his side without many frills.

#20 Zane Adams (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Key Defender | 197cm | 17/03/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Hawthorn NGA

Adams is a competitive beast and that was abundantly evident in a showcase game. The Hawthorn NGA prospect showed rare desperation to split aerial duels and was quick to recover at ground level, proving to be one of the hardest tacklers afield. While rangy in the air, he was deceptively strong one-on-one and showed good leg speed when chasing or closing down. Adams’ composure and intercept ability served his side well both deep in defence and higher up the ground.

#21 Jake Miller (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Key Forward | 197cm | 07/05/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Tasmania signing

Miller was a focal point up forward and while the conditions weren’t kind to marking targets, he at least provided a contest. The star prospect competed well in the air and flew for his marks, while also working hard to gain separation on the lead. His mobility showed out with a nimble snap goal in the third term which gave Team Melksham a sniff heading into the final break. Even just below top gear, he’s a jet.

#27 Jed Corbett (Giants Academy/NSW-ACT)
Key Forward | 194cm | 10/11/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 2 inside 50s

With Miller taking on a deeper-lying role, Corbett provided a connective target further afield. The Allies representative moved well on the lead and was able to gain separation from his opponent. While strong overhead, Corbett was also dextrous enough to take the ball down low and dish it out or wheel around into attack. His lone score was a set shot miss in the opening term.

#28 Cohen Dent (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Ruck/Key Forward | 209cm | 08/04/2009

Stats: 5 disposals, 19 hitouts, 2 clearances

At a towering 209cm, it was no surprise to see Dent take on the starting ruck duties. He used his reach and aerial range to compete against Walsh, guiding the ball down into dangerous hit zones for the likes of Henwood to swoop. As he has done with Gippsland Power, Dent also spent a chunk of time up forward but can continue to work on his timing and positioning ahead of the ball. His tally of 19 hitouts was a game-high.

#29 Baden Smith (Giants Academy/NSW-ACT)
Ruck/Key Forward | 205cm | 05/03/2009

Stats: 1 disposal, 9 hitouts

As a capable and very similar supporting act to Dent, Smith’s pure size stood out. He did well to win hits against Team Mitchell’s rotating ruck at the centre ball-ups, making use of an advantageous matchup where he could. Smith found it a little more difficult to impact outside of the contest, but was prepared to follow up and also spent time up forward.

TEAM MITCHELL:

By Peter Williams

#2 Max Thompson (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Small Forward | 174cm | 06/03/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

The versatile Pioneer has shown an ability to play across all three lines, but the Under 16s All-Australian forward pocket was back inside 50 and looking dangerous. He booted two goals – one from a long-range set shot in the second term and another from a snap in the third – overcoming a slow first term where the usual high-volume ball-winner did not win a possession. He finished with two majors from his nine touches and presented well, finding space and was busy in front of the big sticks.

#3 Koby Bewick (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 178cm | 10/01/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Essendon F/S

Few players had higher impact-per-possession than Bewick, with the Essendon father-son prospect giving Bombers fans plenty to get excited about in the future. Starting forward, Bewick only had four touches to half-time, but booted 1.2 and it felt like closer to 10 disposals. His goal was a ripping launch from long-range, before he moved into the midfield to start the second half and began to accumulate with reward for effort. His run-down tackle on Oscar Henwood in the fourth term and subsequent set shot goal was his biggest highlight.

#4 Max Gulliver (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
Midfielder/Defender | 178cm | 04/11/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Gulliver had plenty of time around the ball and helped out in defence when not in the rotation, and while he had his moments, it was one of those situations where there are only so many clearances to go around. Amongst a stacked on-ball group. Gulliver did his best work in transition, working hard to the outside and looking to keep the ball moving forward.

#5 Moustafa Darwish (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Wing | 180cm | 07/01/2009

Stats: 4 disposals, 1 goal

Essendon NGA

Unfortunately the day ended early for the Bombers’ Next Generation Academy (NGA) member, put on ice – literally – at half-time. He kicked a clever goal in the first term off a turnover to get on the board and even had a kickout at one stage in the second term, before being proppy at the main break and ending the game with ice on his foot.

#6 Tevita Rodan (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 18/02/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Essendon NGA & Port Adelaide F/S

Another father-son prospect in the match, Rodan was busy in the front half, playing forward for the first two quarters before starting the last two in the middle. He showed slick hands through traffic, a full suite of kicking techniques and an ability to transfer the ball from inside to out. One of a number of players in the game who looks suited to that midfield-forward rotation with a bag of tricks at his disposal.

#7 Jake Beams (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
Defender/Wing | 181cm | 22/12/2009

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

The Team Mitchell MVP on the day, Beams was busy from start to finish and racked up the ball as draft watchers have become accustomed to. His knack for finding space and being an option to drive the ball forward was sensational, and he can sniff a possession a mile away. Had a number of long-range shots on goal, and while on a couple of occasions blasted away when he could have lowered the eyes, continually looked dangerous. A hard-running outside receiver who draws comparisons to Lachie Ash.

#8 Campbell Rooks (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Defender | 181cm | 10/04/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 1 rebound 50

Held up in the backline and buzzed around throughout the day finding his fair share of the ball including from a couple of kickouts. Placing a high emphasis on ball retention, Rooks finished with 16 effective disposals from his 17 total touches, and was always looking for a switch or finding the right option that could continue the possession chain. Did not look out of place in the game as that ball-winning defender.

#9 Baxter Sruk (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 181cm | 18/07/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s

Tasmania signing

The highly-touted Sruk captained Team Mitchell, and while it was arguably a quiet game by his lofty standards, he still showed the various traits that make him arguably the best midfielder in the draft crop. His strength through tackles and contact was evident, he read the ball off hands brilliantly, and while his efficiency – particularly by hand – was not at his lofty standards, he also spent plenty of time rotated off in what was ultimately a showcase game. Draws a crowd whenever he goes near it, and stood up defensively with five tackles.

#10 Campbell Creyk (West Perth/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 182cm | 03/04/2009

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 8 clearances, 1 goal

Right in the mix for the MVP with his work around the clearances, Creyk raced out of the blocks with eight disposals in the first half and 13 by half-time. That 13 included seven clearances and a goal. Spent some time on a wing and around the ground, but the West Perth talent did his best work at the coalface where he was able to utilise his quick and clean hands to get his side on top. Creyk’s best moment came late in the first quarter when he won a centre clearance then pushed forward to mark inside 50 and convert the set shot goal.

#11 Kai Ivins (Norwood/South Australia)
Midfielder | 182cm | 14/09/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Another one in the mix for the MVP, Ivins was lively at the coalface and did well in transitioning the ball from the inside to the outside. The only Team Mitchell player to start on-ball in each of the four quarters, Ivins possesses a nice turn of speed out of the middle, and he showed it with a huge run-down tackle in the opening quarter. His sole set shot went wide for a behind, but other than that blemish, was generally effective and lively between the arcs, particularly in the front half.

#12 Leo Stephenson (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Wing | 183cm | 08/07/2009

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s

The Gippsland Power preliminary final match-winner had a relatively quiet day out on the wing, often running hard with little individual reward. He still brought the pressure, and with ball in hand was not afraid to take the game on. That was most evident in his statline of four inside 50s from just seven disposals. A low-volume, high-impact player on the day.

#13 Taj Garrett (Sturt/South Australia)
Wing/Forward | 184cm | 05/01/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

Playing the bulk of his time on the opposite wing to Stephenson early, Garrett provided important run and carry and seemed to sneak into space well. He rolled forward and looked dangerous, and has decent spring to be a threat in the air as well as run all day with a nice tank. Found the ball unassumingly at times but kept popping up for moments in the front half.

#14 Percy Burgoyne (West Adelaide/South Australia)
Forward | 186cm | 10/06/2009

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

Hawthorn & Port Adelaide F/S

Looked a nice threat inside 50 as that medium forward who can play taller thanks to his aerial prowess. Burgoyne kicked two goals – both from free kicks – as his ability to sum up the situation each time was fantastic. Tried to soccer off the deck close to goal in the third term but had a fresh airey and missed a later shot across the face as he was tackled, but as a whole the Port Adelaide and Hawthorn father-son of Shaun is another club-tied talent to take note of in the future.

#15 Jackson Bridge (Brisbane Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Forward | 187cm | 16/09/2009

Stats: 4 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

It was a quiet day for Bridge across the first three quarters as the versatile Pool B MVP from the 2025 Under 16 Development Championships found himself in a defensive role. Once thrown forward in the final term, Bridge was able to look far more dangerous, doubling his possession tally and kicking a goal off one of his two marks for the quarter with a nice set shot.

#16 Rafe Williamson (West Perth/Western Australia)
Defender/Wing | 189cm | 26/02/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 clearances

Spent most of his time across the defensive 50 then started quarter four on the wing. Williamson was relatively quiet until the second half, winning all of his 11 disposals after the main break. He provided an option behind the ball and helped keep it moving on the rebound at different stages.

#17 Oliver Bond (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Tall Defender | 190cm | 06/02/2009

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Not a heap of touches, but Bond showed traits to suggest he will be a good long-term player. Standing at that third tall height of 190cm, Bond started the game with a nice intercept mark in the defensive 50, and then pushed up the ground to have an impact at times. Looked to have some work done on a niggle at three quarter time, but returned for the fourth quarter and continued to hold down a defensive spot.

#18 Archie Bakoulas (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Tall Defender/Wing | 191cm | 05/02/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles

The Dragons hybrid talent started in the back half then rotated onto a wing and showed some nice run and carry. His upside for the future looks evident and that 191cm frame helps him slot into a variety of roles. Took an early kickout and always looked to open up the play from the back half, adding valuable transitional play turning defence into offence. One to watch in 2027 for sure.

#19 Maxim Collins (West Perth/Western Australia)
Key Defender | 194cm | 06/11/2009

Stats: 5 disposals, 3 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Playing the dour defensive role that is unlikely to stuff the stats sheet, Collins had a goal-saving moment early after sticking out a hand to interrupt a shot on goal. Did well one-on-one, competed hard and played his unheralded role well.

#20 Hugo Timms (Oakleigh Chargers/Northern Territory)
Key Forward/Ruck | 195cm | 17/12/2009

Stats: 7 disposals, 5 hitouts, 1 goal

Battled well against two far taller opponents in the ruck and actually performed well, using his body effectively. He is only a second ruck/rotating ruck option of the future, so did enough to suggest he can at least compete, and when inside 50 looks dangerous. Took a brilliant mark on the goalline when a Coen Hardy set shot fell short and got his name on the board.

#21 Coen Hardy (Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Key Forward | 197cm | 12/02/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

While Hardy only kicked the one major, the Swans Academy key forward had a number of lively chances including one that was – fortunately – marked on the goalline by Timms and another snap from the boundary that – unfortunately – hit the post. Converted a good look from a long-range set shot in the fourth term, but as a whole presented as a marking target inside 50.

#22 Henry Allsop (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Defender | 195cm | 07/08/2009

Stats: 5 disposals, 3 marks, 1 rebound 50

Hawthorn NGA

Coming off a Talent League premiership the week before, Allsop held down another key defensive post this time with Team Mitchell and saved a certain goal midway through the first term. Competed well in the air and at ground level, and was not willing to give his opponent an inch. Like Collins, Allsop was a defensively-minded player but scrapped hard.

#23 Josh Jarrad (Glenelg/South Australia)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 11/06/2009

Stats: 5 disposals, 1 mark, 1 clearance

Earning his spot in the game off the back of a big year for Glenelg, Jarrad had limited opportunities amongst a talented forwardline. He took a nice mark on the lead during the third term though his sole set shot was intercepted on the line. Was starved of many chances in the match, but was a good experience for the renowned goalkicker.

#27 Axel Walsh (East Perth/Western Australia)
Ruck | 202cm | 20/01/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 17 hitouts, 3 clearances

Tasmania signing

Clearly the standout tall of the draft crop coming into the game, Walsh was the best ruck afield by some margin. Even though he did give up centimetres at times – despite still being 199cm himself – his natural footy smarts and ability to position himself in the right areas was sublime. Similar to a Darcy Cameron type, Walsh knew when to drop behind the ball and intercept, or get involved in transition. Didn’t need a lot of touches to make an impact with his ruck craft and around the ground work fantastic.