VIC Country Under 17s defeated Vic Metro Under 17s by 59-points at Ikon Park on Sunday.

Michael Alvaro was there watching the TAC Cup Futures teams, with players eligible for the 2018 draft playing. Vic Metro’s Bailey Griffiths was the sole overager in the game and has been invited to the State Combine to be held in October.

Michael Alvaro’s scouting notes: 

Vic Metro:

#6 Ben Cardamone – It’s no wonder this kid wears a helmet, he cracked in with some outrageous courage throughout the game and didn’t look discouraged when he came off second best. Is capable of taking good overhead marks and always provides a contest in the back half. Only knock on him at this stage is his kicking – he often chose to go short but didn’t always find his target, leading to some turnovers in dangerous areas.

#12 Connor Thar – There’s not much of him but it seemed like he was everywhere at times. Did his best work when he was thrown down back during the second half in combination with Joel Crocker, and seemed to have the ball on a string in the last quarter. Moves really well and has a good bit of pace about him, but has some good inside traits too. Only blight on his game today was his rebound kicking – Metro struggled to get the ball out of their own 50 and Thar tended to blaze away on occasion, allowing Country to pump the ball straight back in.

#21 Joel Crocker – Was Metro’s most consistent performer alongside Thar and started the game off in particularly good form. His marking on the lead was terrific, and he used his breakaway speed well to find space around the 50-meter arc. Spent the final quarter or so around half back, linking up with Thar in trying to break through Country’s zone. Like many of the players today he just fell short with his kicking, putting a few suspect balls inside 50 and a dampener on his marking efforts.

#37 Thomas Hallebone – A typical ruckman, Hallebone is an absolute rake at over 200cm. Rotated between ruck and full forward with Bailey Griffiths and showed his best form with some impressive overhead grabs in the forward half. Kicked a goal early on and didn’t do much wrong, but is still prone to an errand kick as most young ruckmen are. Is still very raw, but is working on his frame and that’ll only help to improve his bodywork.

#38 Bailey Griffiths – Griffiths is an interesting prospect who has been attracting some high-end attention as he is eligible for this year’s draft. One of the stars in Marcellin’s AGSV Grand Final victory, the young ruckman comes from elite basketball and footballing pedigree as the son of Olympian Michelle Brogan and nephew of Dean Brogan. He has had little exposure to footy and it tells at times, but he has the potential to hit the grow into an exciting player. Worked in tandem with Hallebone, but certainly looked keen to swap into the ruck at times as Metro’s forward delivery was quite poor all day. Showed some clever ruckwork, hitting well to advantage or into space and is one to keep an eye on.

Vic Country:

#2 Jai Nanscawen – The thing Nanscawen does best is score goals. While conditions didn’t always oblige for that kind of game, he still managed to find plenty of the ball and so much space in the forward 50. Was moved from half-forward to the wing later on and showed the impressive poise he no doubt gets from his basketball pedigree.

#4 Scott Carlin – Went about his business without fuss through the midfield and looked quite comfortable there. Has the ability to play off half back, but his contested ball winning skills and lack of real pace makes him a good fit for an inside midfielder. He attended most centre bounces for Country using the all well by hand, and also showing he is more than capable of good decision making by foot.

#7 Jai Taylor – Had a slow start but got stuck in during the second half with some solid tackling and eventually a few glimpses of his pace. Cemented his spot on the wing and did well to push his side forward, often breaking the lines and sending Country inside 50. Sprayed a couple of shots on goal though and lacked a bit of polish at times with his kicking, but that can be fixed with time.

#9 Irving Mosquito – It’s anyone’s guess as to why the Gippsland pocket rocket didn’t start the game, but he made his mark nonetheless in his bright yellow boots. The Hawthorn Next Generation Academy member came on in the second half and racked up a handful of touches early on, with his pace and nose for goal on show. Is still pretty raw in terms of his decision making and disposal, but if he can turn his highlight reel into a four quarter performance, he’ll be a star.

#12 Charlie Sprague – Sprague is one who popped up and had some good moments throughout the game, but not quite for its entirety. He was a bit of an unknown quantity coming into the game having only played two games for Geelong Falcons at TAC Cup level playing his school football at Geelong College, but showed he belonged with good presence in the forward half.

#24 Matty Lloyd – Was far from his best outing but he was still able to show off his best assets. His decision making was exceptional, and Country made sure that his efficiency by foot did not go to waste, utilising him off the half back flank – much like his brother Jake, from Sydney.

#32 Hudson Garoni – Has such a solid build but plays much like a bullocking midfielder with ball in hand coming out of defence. Played his best footy in the first half, displaying clean hands and breaking tackles easily to help Country get on the attack.