THE annual Victorian Young Guns game was held on Saturday at Fortburn Stadium, Port Melbourne. With majority of clubs in attendance, the Young Guns Green won the game by a few points. In a match that wasn’t helped by the soggy outfield, the skill level was down and the standard from previous years was lacking – where players such as Jayden Hunt (2014), Adam Saad (2014), Tom Papley (2015), Oliver Hanrahan (2016) and Rowan Marshall (2016) have stood out in past years, elevating themselves onto AFL lists.

Matt Balmer’s scouting notes:

#1 Mackenzie Doreian (Green)
Eastern Ranges | 02/09/1999
170cm | 70kg

The small forward bobbed up and had some good moments throughout the early stages of the game. A smart pinpoint inside 50 kick was impressive in the opening quarter and he was able to kick a sneaky goal in the second quarter. Has some X-Factor.

#7 Derek Smith (Green)
Bendigo Pioneers/Richmond VFL | 04/05/1998
186cm | 75kg

Smith has had multiple opportunities as 23rd man for the Richmond VFL team and has shown some glimpses throughout the year. It was impressive to see him show some leadership on the field, using his voice to direct teammates. He possesses a long left foot kick and his mix of speed & agility make him a tough match up coming off the half back flank. At times he did just hesitate before going to lay the tackle, but he was willing to tackle hard and bump opponents off the ball.

#12 Noah Answerth (Black)
Oakleigh Chargers | 6/09/1999
183cm | 77kg

Answerth has missed majority of the season, after an incident in the opening rounds at Ikon Park saw him suffer a bad back injury. Answerth was stranded up forward early in the contest, but when the game opened up in the final quarter, he was able to get on the outside and show his class. Had a few impressive runs late on the city side of the ground. Will be interesting to see if he works his way back into the Chargers’ TAC Cup side if they reach the TAC Cup Grand Final.

#22 Jake Riccardi (Black)
Calder Cannons | 7/11/1999
193cm | 88kg

Was involved early in the contest starting up forward, but rushed a shot on goal snapping around the corner kicking it out on the full. However, he soon bounced back and in the second quarter he marked well on the lead, with his set shot from 50m fell just short. Riccardi finished the game with about a handful of marks, moving into defence after half time. One of the few players who played that I’d consider taking with a rookie selection.

#28 Tristan Xerri (Green)
Western Jets | 15/03/1999
201cm | 93kg

Played up forward and in the ruck – but had more impact and time up forward. Despite the wet conditions, Xerri was able to mark overhead on multiple occasions. His second quarter was good, where he was able to take a few marks and hit the scoreboard twice. He showed he could collect the ball from ground level and took an impressive mark low to the ground. Arguably the best performing tall for the day.