A SLOW start didn’t stop ‘Team Judd‘ winning the inagularl Kevin Sheehan Cup after defeating ‘Team O’Loughlin‘ by 38-points at Punt Road Oval today.

The concept saw the ‘Best 46’ draft prospects go head-to-head, all be it missing a few through injury. A huge crowd rolled in at the conclusion of the AFL Grand Final Parade, resulting in fans sitting in the aisle upstairs in the stands at Punt Road.

Oliver Florent boosted his draft stocks and emerged as a possible top ten selection with 27 disposals, seven clearances and seven inside 50s.

Florent shone throughout the day in his bright orange boots, taking the ball forward at every chance.

His performance saw him judged the best player from the losing O’Loughlin side, coach by NSW-ACT coach Tadhg Kennelly.

Team O’Loughlin burst away early in the contest, booting the first two goals before Team Judd’s star studded midfield helped them boot the next seven goals to put the margin beyond reach.

Jack Bowes was a prominent figure in the contest for Team Judd with 23 disposals and three clearances, in a match that was capped at 20 minutes per quarter.

Hugh McCluggage‘s class also caught the eye, with 17 disposals and four goals.

It was McCluggage’s fourth goal that has fans gasping after he intercepted the ball, weaved through the pack and nailed the shot from 50m out.

However, the pair were outdone by Sandringham Dragons’ Tim Taranto, who was outstanding winning the best on ground medal for Team Judd.

Taranto had 19 disposals, four tackles and four goals and was often involved in the play with McCluggage.

Taranto has been a superb performer right throughout September and one must wonder if he has the chance to be worth a top five pick.

Team Judd captain Andrew McGrath still collected 18 disposals despite a quiet showing, whilst it was West Australian Shai Bolton who shone on the outside with 16 disposals and seven inside 50s showing his dash and agility.

Josh Daicos played an unfamilar role at Half Back for Team Judd, racking up 18 disposals and two rebound 50s. On the opposite team, Callum Brown had 21 disposals and three clearances working hard in the middle of the ground.

Both Father/Son prospects seem destined to end up on Collingwood’s list, with a likely bid in the 30-50 range.

West Australia onballer Sam Powell-Pepper had 18 disposals and five tackles, backing up his strong performance in the WAFL Colts Grand Final and his state teammate Sam Petrevski-Seton impressed with 23 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances in a showing that should keep his name in the top handful of picks.

The tackle count for the contest was down and the match was largely open, with not a lot of defensive work from either team. In front of a packed crowd at Punt Road Oval, there is no doubt the AFL will consider the Under 18 All Stars match a success.

The best Under 17 talent will run out at Punt Road Oval tomorrow from 10.30am. The match will be broadcast on AFL.com.au & the AFL live app.

Top performers for their respective sides, @SandyDragons Tim Taranto and Ollie Florent. Well done guys! pic.twitter.com/L5FfVle7St

— Draft Central (@DraftCentralAus) September 30, 2016

Matt Balmer’s scouting notes: 

Team Judd:

#6 Alex Villis– The South Australian didn’t find a lot of the ball, but when he does have it he uses it well. Laid five tackles, a figure that was well above his season average in 2016.

#9 Hugh McCluggage– Whoever ends up with Pick 1 is going to have a tough choice on their hands. McCluggage is elite in traffic, you can’t doubt that. He spins through and it sometimes looks like time has stood still for him to get around an opponent. The goal kicking midfielder nabbed four goals, including an outstanding final goal which screamed out ELITE!

#11 Will Hayward– Another South Australia who did some good things. Booted two goals, including one from long range outside 50. He is a strong mark and booted nine goals a few weeks back in the SANFL U18s.

#12 Tim Taranto– Combined for a lot of disposals with McCluggage and was a deserving best on ground medal winner. Taranto kicked four goals and his work in close was very good.

#15 Jack Bowes– Despite not playing for the last month, Bowes looked as silky as ever. The smooth mover collected 23 disposals and covered the ground very well. Someone I still rate as a possible No.1 on my draft rankings.

#21 Sam Powell-Pepper– Powell-Pepper backed up his big performance in the WAFL Colts on the weekend, a game that some felt he was stiff for not winning the BOG medal. Today his kicking was much better than it has been throughout this season, finishing with 18 disposals and five tackles.

Team O’Loughlin:

#5 Sam Petrevski-Seton– If not for Ollie Florent’s outstanding day, Petrevski-Seton would’ve gone close to being best on ground. His run and carry with the ball is good and the dual sided midfielder is happy to go long or short on either foot. Petrevski-Seton had 23 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances in a display that keeps his name in the top five mix.

#8 Oliver Florent– I’ve seen Florent play over 10 times this year, but I have no doubt that this was his best game. Florent has plenty of X-Factor and has shown glimpses right through the year, but today showed why he can push for the top ten. A deserving best on ground medal winner with 29 disposals, seven clearances and seven inside 50s.

#9 Cedric Cox– Had five disposals in the opening ten minutes of the contest playing on the wing, but faded badly to finish with nine disposals. Cox did some uncharacteristic things throughout the day, missing targets he usually hits. I’m not sure whether it was nerves, but he certainly looked off. Despite this, I’d be very surprised if he isn’t called out in the first round on draft night.

#25 Jake Waterman– The O’Loughlin captain won the toss, but that was one of the only things that went right for Waterman. He looked severly underdone and I can see why he didn’t train yesterday and was in doubt. He did kick two goals from his six disposals, but I think he would’ve wanted to do more to put his hand up to be drafted.

#34 Tony Olango– Best game from Olango and one that might’ve got a few recruiters talking. His leap in the ruck is elite and one of the traits that the ruckman uses in the contest. He uncharacteristically crashed a few packs and looked to give it his all. Doesn’t win much of the footy, but today’s game should give him some confidence in the lead up to the draft.

#35 Tim English– A quiet today from the possible top five prospect. English uses the ball well, but had just the two kicks for the afternoon. His rucking is very good and he didn’t lose too many contests. Was hoping for more, but I think English has done enough this season to suggest he’s going to be high on clubs boards.

Stats:

Missed the game or want to re-watch it?

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arcnx_kDhyo[/embedyt]