IN the first of our two-game scouting notes wrap up for the National Championships on the weekend, we took a look at the Allies and South Australia. Scott Dougan, James Goller and Callum Thomson split up to take a look at the Allies, while Damon Mattiazzo, David Chapman and Jamie Morgan noted down the South Australian side.

Allies:

#1 Connor Budarick

The bottom-ager aligned with the Gold Coast Suns played up forward and was able to hit the scoreboard in the last quarter with a beautiful dribble kick. Throughout stages of the game, he showed aggression in contested situations and composure on the outside. Budarick is not the tallest of players but his speed, agility and footy smarts make up for his height. A classy footballer who will be one to watch out for next year.

#3 Josh Stern

Stern was part of the Allies forward line and also drifted through the midfield when needed. He played on the outside of the contest and his ball use was good. But he was unable to have any sort of impact on the game, failing to lay a tackle and only amassing four disposals.

#6 Rhyan Mansell 

The Tasmanian had an impressive diving smother on the half-back flank in the first quarter, but unfortunately, the ball rebounded back inside South Australia’s forward 50. Mansell was at his best in contested situations, releasing the ball by hand to his teammates on the outside. He worked hard to get from contest to contest and was able to hit the scoreboard in the last quarter after crumbing a Nick Blakey marking contest superbly.

#7 Jesse Quint

Quint played forward and booted the Allies first goal after he crumbed a marking contest inside 50. He lacked intensity and grunt when he lost an important one-on-one contest in the second quarter to a more desperate South Australian player. Quint found it difficult to get involved during the game but popped up in the third quarter with a notable contested mark against Will Gould.

#10 Chayce Jones

The hard-running midfielder was one of the Allies best in their 24-point defeat. Jones had an important spoil in the first term which resulted in Jesse Quint kicking the first goal for the Allies. His aggression on the contest, work-rate, pressure and competitiveness were a highlight throughout the day. He won the ball in contested situations but also found it just as easy to find it on the outside. His defensive running was faultless and clear when he was able to keep up with speedy South Australian, Hayden Sampson after he sprinted 100 metres to make himself an option in the forward 50. Jones’ kicking has been criticised and does need some work, but in the fourth quarter, he was able to hit up the leading Nick Blakey on the chest with a blistering opposite foot bullet. A very solid four-quarter performance from the possible first-round draft pick.

#11 Keidean Coleman

Coleman was responsible for the Allies kick-ins and played as a rebounding defender. His ball use was clean and his composure under pressure was good. He did not find much of the ball but made the correct decisions when he had it. Coleman made a couple of defensive errors in the match, one in the third quarter when he went up for a marking contest with two other teammates and failed to keep his feet, resulting in a goal for South Australia. Another one came in the last quarter when he was walking around without an opponent, unaware of his surroundings, which lead to an opposition player leading to a massive area of space with ease, gifting him a shot at goal.

#12 Mitchell O’Neill

The bottom-age outside midfielder was one of the top contributors for the Allies. He showed poise and composure with ball in hand and his ball use was exceptional when delivering the ball inside 50. He was involved in both of Nick Blakey’s goals in the second quarter, which helped the Allies to regain the confidence and desire they were lacking in the first term. O’Neill played all over the ground and worked hard to get involved in as many passages of play as possible. One of his several high points of the day came in the third term when he positioned himself wonderfully in front of a one-on-one contest deep inside 50, reading the play well and booting an important goal.

#15 Guy Richardson

Richardson was solid in the back half, remaining calm when the Allies defence was under siege in periods throughout the game. His penetrating kick was handy when rebounding out of the defensive 50 and he always used the ball well. He was unable to lay a tackle but showed glimpses of competitiveness.

#17 Thomas Matthews

Matthews a tough backman, laid six strong tackles in his game against South Australia. One of these was a goal-saving tackle in the third quarter. This is where he showed great follow up pressure. He had two rebounds from the defensive fifty, where he lowered his eyes and was composed when making decisions. You really know what your going to get from Matthews , trying all day. He also took a strong intercept mark. Matthews is also hard to tackle and broke through a number of South Australian tackles.

#19 Bailey Scott

A interesting player, Scott, the father-son prospect for North Melbourne and Geelong but is also an Academy player for the Gold Coast Suns. Scott played throughout the midfield and forward line. He showed his forward craft by kicking two goals. He has the ability to generate a high number of possessions as Scott had the most disposals for the Allies with 22 possessions. He also showed his midfield craft gaining three clearances and four inside 50s. Scott at times was able to break away from stoppages by using his speed which was impressive. He showed that he can make solid decisions with the ball in hand. Not only that but Scott’s hands were good in congestion. With Scott’s kicking, he hit Tarryn Thomas on the chest with a 45-50 metre kick which caught the eye and did this again with hitting up teammate Nick Blakey.

#20 Fraser Turner

Turner played mostly on the wing and through the midfield for Allies. He set up a goal early with nice hands from a crumbling situation. He showed his ability to weave out of congestion very well. In congestion, Turner had quick hands and made solid decision making skills. He had 17 possessions for the day, but did not lay a tackle.

#26 Thomas Green

Green played in the midfield for the Allies . A highlight was his six tackles and he looked fairly strong in the contest. An in and under player, he also took a nice intercept mark running off his opponent and reading the ball well in the air. Green ended up collecting 13 possessions. He was another Allies player that showed in congestion good use with his handballing.

#28 Matthew Green

Green did not have a big day at the office however there were certain parts to his game that were solid. Green has break away speed which he used across the half-back line. He rebounded the ball a few times importantly out of defence. Green used his speed to break through the lines by really taking the game on.

#29 Joey Reinhard

Was barely sighted in the first half, but had a much better second half of the game. Playing across the half-back line and wing for the Allies. Reinhard showed solid work rate by when it comes to his running patterns. He showed some leg speed in the contest and managed three inside 50s in the second half.

#31 Connor McFadyen

McFadyen had a outstanding game for the Allies. He was one of the best on for them, collecting 21 possessions. Playing through the midfield and forward line he really put on fantastic pressure on his opponents laying seven tackles. He pinch-hit in the ruck to give Kieren Briggs a chop out. This is where McFadyen kicked a ripping goal on his left from the stoppage. The 190cm McFadyen was really strong in the contest, which allowed him to have six clearances and five inside 50s. The Brisbane Academy player played a great game and is one to keep a watch on especially Brisbane Lions fans.

#37 Jacob Koschitzke

The key back had a solid game against the South Australian team. After coming off a great match against Vic Metro. Koschitzke started well taking two really good marks. He really reads the ball well in flight, as a number of times he ran off his opponent to spoil contests. He showed courage in the game also with a back with a flight spoil which caught the eye.

#40 Kieren Briggs

The GWS Giants academy big man looked dangerous all day, alternating between the forward line and the ruck. When in the ruck, Briggs was able to impose himself around the ground and win the majority of the ruck contests. Up forward Briggs presented well whether as a stay at home forward or a linking target further up the ground. If he could not mark the ball in the contest, he was able to bring it down to ground level and provide the smaller forwards with opportunities. What sets Briggs apart from most other big men is his desire. He had a fantastic chase down in the third term and consistently provided defensive pressure and second efforts. Finishing with 22 hitouts, 12 disposals and seven tackles, Briggs was one of the Allies best.

#41 Mathew Walker

Walker played a solid game without doing anything special, finishing with 10 touches, two marks and two tackles. Spending most of his time as a half-forward, the GWS Academy product also rotated into the midfield but failed to make an impact. When Walker got the ball he was able to use it cleanly, while without the ball, he applied good defensive pressure.

#44 Caleb Graham

Graham played in a variety of positions today, showing off his versatility. The Gold Coast Academy prospect started the game up forward where he could not impact the game. Moving into the ruck, Graham was able to win his fair share of hit outs as well as get the better of his opponent around the ground. Graham looked most comfortable down back, where he was able to read the play well, talking a couple of nice intercept marks. Graham finished the game with 28 hitouts, eight disposals and four marks.

#46 Tarryn Thomas

Thomas was not up to his usual standards, but always looked dangerous when in and around the contest. Up forward, Thomas provided good pressure and was always a threat at ground level. In the midfield, Thomas used the ball well when he had the opportunity, especially by hand. Thomas played his best when he was in and under the contest, getting first use of the ball and using his clean hands to find an open teammate. The Tasmanian finished with 12 disposals and six tackles and continues to show glimpses of something special.

#47 Nicholas Baker

Baker was set the task of defending South Australia’s best forwards. He started on Connor Rozee and moved onto Jack Lukosious in the second quarter to curb his influence. Baker was able to read the play well, leaving his man to get to contests and spoil. One of the Allies best defenders, Baker finished with 11 disposals and five tackles.

#48 Dirk Koenen

Playing as a key pillar in defence, Koenen came off the ground after a contest halfway through second quarter for treatment on a high right hamstring, but came back on later in the quarter. Koenen was good in the aerial contests and used the ball well when in possession, finishing with 10 disposals and three marks.

#49 Nick Blakey

Blakey was quiet in the first quarter but took a strong mark early in the game. Blakey scored his first early in the second snapping it home from a Briggs hand off. Less than a minute later he kicked his second after a strong lead. Blakey looks most dangerous when he can run and jump at the ball. He doesn’t break stride on the lead and marks the ball at the highest point. Blakey was able to play deep or as a linking option. The Sydney academy member was one of the Allies best finishing with 11 possessions, six marks and two goals (three behinds).

South Australia:

#2 Hayden Sampson

The son of Adelaide Crows premiership player Clay Sampson had a solid contribution to South Australia’s with 12 disposals and three marks. He showed his opportunist forward instincts with a great roving goal in the third quarter after the ball raced away from a stoppage in SA’s forward line.

#3 Boyd Woodcock

Serial ball winner Woodcock played his first game of the carnival and provided an extra outlet through the midfield and half-forward. His tackling pressure was great throughout the game, and he also kicked a top goal from outside 50 to cap off a decent game.

#4 Kade Chandler

Unfortunately Chandler struggled to have a great impact on the game, against Vic Country in the previous game his tackling pressure was massive with 12, but only could muster four against the Allies.

#10 Martin Frederick

The Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy player played his best game for the carnival as he was a crucial element to South Australia’s run and carry from defence. His disposal is left to be desired at times but two inside 50s and three rebounds highlighted his influence. Frederick showed off his dashing run and “sold candy” as he kicked a superb goal on the run from a difficult angle.

#11 Finn Betterman

Betterman was one of the best for his side as his performance was significant to the great victory. Betterman found plenty of the ball in the early exchanges of the match and continued to be consistent throughout. His highlight for the game was definitely his pressure around the ball as he claimed 10 tackles for the day. His pressure was most evident when he smothered an Allies kick out of defence and followed on to kick a great snap goal.

#13 Connor Rozee

Rozee had his most influential game of the carnival and was firing from the start as he kicked the first goal of the game. His kicking was a joy to behold throughout the match, later on Rozee was hurt from a pack mark attempt but played out the game with no problems.

#14 Izak Rankine

Rankine kicked three goals as he lit up at the GMHBA Stadium with his daring dash and explosiveness. He started through the midfield and found plenty of the ball in the early stoppages and finished with 20 disposals a carnival high for Rankine. Kicked two outstanding goals to lift his side and provided plenty with score involvements across the game.

#16 Tom Lewis

An unsung leader of the team Lewis was highly influential for his side again across the stoppages. Lewis provided a game high 11 tackles and three clearances as he complimented clearance kings Valente and Hately fantastically.

#18 Oscar Chapman

The medium-tall forward was always presenting, but was not used that much, provided a lot of forward pressure and finished with a nice goal from the boundary.

#22 Jacob Kennerley

The winger was again important with his 17 disposals and the link between the arcs. With five inside 50s he helped set up many scoring opportunities.

#23 Aaron Nietschke

Playing mainly in the defensive half, Nietschke showed real poise on a number of occasions to stem the flow from the Allies with a crucial mark.

#25 Tom Sparrow

The inside bull was everywhere and works hard and fast. Sparrow had nine disposals, but also had nine tackles and continues to play well as a defensive mid.

#27 Jez McLennan

Playing across half-back, McLennan was at his best when taking the game on whilst rebounding. Did also take a nice defensive pack mark as well.

#29 Kai Pudney

The winger had 15 disposals and five marks and provided an outlet on a number of occasions, but probably would have liked to make a bit more of an impact on the game.

#30 Ben Jarvis

Smart play on a number of occasions saw Jarvis on the end of many attacks. The medium/tall forward kicked 2.3 and had five good marks.

#32 Luke Valente

A real leaders’ game and showed the way in the first quarter. Continued to lead all players with game high 28 disposals and worked hard inside the contest. Showed his class and work rate all game despite a quiet second quarter but his six clearances were important. Coming into his own during the National Championships, and his stocks would have risen after this game.

#33 Tyler Martin

Did not win much of the footy, but was still solid in defence all game. Competed well when the ball was in his area and certainly played his role. He is a good size and show some poise coming out of defence.

#34 Jackson Hately

Showed in this game what he can do. Down and dirty inside at the contest, and his decision making in traffic was very good and often released others from the contest with handball. Eight tackles and six clearances was reflective of his work rate, and his height and size looks ready-made for the contest. A very good all-round game

#37 Riley Grundy

The tall defender worked into the game after the first quarter. His intercept marks looked to give him confidence and his athleticism was at show for sure. Allies forward Nick Blakey was on top early, but Grundy dug in and certainly kept the Allies key forward quieter in the second half. Bit of polish to finish his work will come with more games

#42 Jack Lukosius

Came out blazing in the first quarter, and his work rate across the ground stood out along with his elite disposal. He played a higher role up the ground, worked into defence and really did it all at both ends. He was rewarded with a goal, and three inside 50s and rebound 50s was reflective of an all-round game. He drifted out of the game along with teammates in the second quarter, but his disposal continues to impress.

#43 Will Gould

Liked his game across half-back, and had the key match up early on Blakey. Gould was settled in defence and read the ball well with a number of intercepts finishing with 7 marks. Showed his ability to run and work rate up the ground at times as well and he held the SA defence together all game. Looks like he will be right amongst it in next years draft.

#44 James Siviour

Shared the ruck duties with Hugo Munn, and competed well. Did not find a lot of the footy, but broke even at most of the ruck contests.

#47 Hugo Munn

Settled in the first quarter, and looked really dangerous up forward, slotting one goal and could have had three by quarter time. A quiet second quarter, but then his ruck and around the ground work after half time was good. His decision making was excellent hitting up targets and willingness to compete on the ground stood out. Like his athleticism and ability to run out the game in Ruck and up forward.