Scouting notes: WAFL Colts – Round 21 – Super Sunday
IN round 21 of the WAFL, the Colts had a “Super Round” held at Domain Stadium on Sunday August 26. Up first was East Fremantle v South Fremantle at 10am. Following that was Peel Thunder against East Perth, and Subiaco v Perth was the final game. On Saturday, Swan Districts hosted Claremont at Steel Blue Oval.
The concept was designed to give recruiters an enhanced opportunity to see all of their draft targets. Below were the best players in the three games held at Domain Stadium.
East Fremantle vs. South Fremantle
East Fremantle:
#1 MILAN MURDOCK
The East Fremantle Power junior was at his tenacious best for the Sharks through the middle of the ground. Murdock accumulated 28 possessions, laid a game-high 11 tackles, took three marks and recorded three inside 50s in a spirited display. Expect him to play a big role in September.
#9 COREY ROBINSON
The Aquinas College student showcased why he is one of the best midfielders in the competition with another brilliant display. Robinson finished with 30 possessions, five marks and five inside 50s as he tried to will his team to victory. Robinson’s clearance work was a real feature of his game, as were his clean hands, and sharp disposal.
#23 LUKE JACKSON
The AFL Academy member produced a performance that highlighted why he is a potential first-round draft prospect for next year. Impressive against the Bulldogs, he collected 11 possessions, won 25 hit-outs, took three marks, laid three tackles and kicked a goal.
#27 JAI JACKSON
The Chapman Valley junior was again solid in the midfield for the Sharks, with 23 possessions, five tackles, four marks, four inside 50s and two goals. His power to break through tackles is phenomenal for his age and it will not be a surprise to see him dominate in the seniors soon.
#28 NICK WATSON
The 2016 WA State Under 16s Academy player was arguably the best ruckman on the ground. He finished with 14 possessions, 28 hit-outs, six marks and a goal in a true captain’s performance. His ability to cover the ground as a ruckman is superb for someone his age, while his ruck craft is top notch.
South Fremantle:
#4 LUKE MOORE
Without doubt the most dynamic forward of the game, Moore was the catalyst for the Bulldogs’ win. Some of his plays throughout the day were breath-taking and were similar to how Alan Didak used to run rings around opposition defenders. In the first quarter, Moore gathered the ball at full pace, drew two defenders and handballed to Jack Musika who goalled. Early in the second quarter, Moore danced his way past a Sharks’ defender and snapped truly, but it was his third quarter which was breath-taking. Within the first five minutes of the quarter, he had kicked two goals and assisted Brodee Knight to score one as well. His finals stats were 10 possessions, five marks and four goals.
#9 KYLE HAMERSLEY
Although this was his first game since round five, Hamersley was arguably the best player on the ground, highlighting his capabilities as a midfielder. He gathered a team-high 23 possessions, laid six tackles, took five marks and kicked a goal as he showcased why he is a highly rated draft prospect.
#11 IRA JETTA
The cousin of Neville and Lewis, Ira Jetta showed why he is a highly rated prospect for the 2020 AFL Draft. Blessed with speed, agility, skill and vision, Jetta used all of his traits to torch the Sharks’ defenders. He finished with 18 possessions, four marks, four tackles, three inside 50s and a goal.
#16 TOM BLECHENDYN
The Brookton-Pingelly product continued his fine season with another accomplished display. Against the Sharks Blechendyn accumulated 19 possessions, recorded five inside 50s, took four marks and laid three tackles in a superb outing.
#26 ROBERT WOODS
The 2017 WA U16s State Academy member was lively in the forward half for the Bulldogs. A real highlight of his game, was when he used his pace to burn off two East Fremantle defenders to drill through a goal from the flank. He also finished with 14 possessions, six marks and six inside 50s.
Peel Thunder vs. East Perth:
Peel:
#2 JAKE HOWES
The Peel Skipper was his usual tough self in the midfield, often burying himself into packs to rip the ball out for his team. He accumulated 16 possessions, laid eight tackles, took two marks, recorded two inside 50s and kicked two goals in a magnificent performance.
#9 MICHAEL RANDALL
The South Mandurah product used his big frame to crash and bash his way through congestion to feed the ball to his outside runners. He won an equal team-high 18 possessions, recorded a game-high eight inside 50s, laid three tackles and booted a goal to be a valuable contributor.
#11 JARVIS PINA
The State Combine invitee showcased why he is such a highly touted West Australian draft prospect. Against the Royals, Pina collected 10 possessions, laid six tackles and recorded five inside 50s. His drive off half-back set up a host of the Thunder’s attacking forays.
#28 TYRONE THORNE
The livewire small forward was dynamic for the Thunder, often having the Royals’ defenders extremely nervous. He finished the game with 18 possessions, six tackles, five marks, five inside 50s and three goals (although if he kicked straighter he could have had a bag of six goals). Without doubt the best player on the ground.
#34 BILLY CHAMBERS
The Pinjarra ruckman was his imposing self against the Royals with 11 possessions, 25 hitouts, four marks, two tackles and two inside 50s. He would often give his midfielders first use of the football, but would spread from the contest to make himself a target for his midfielders to kick to.
East Perth:
#7 LOUIS MILLER
The Dunsborough junior was yet again solid in defence for the Royals. He finished with 19 possessions and four tackles in an inspiring performance. As well as his exceptional defensive efforts, Miller’s rebounding has improved dramatically and it is little wonder why AFL clubs are rating him highly.
#9 RHAI-ARN COX
The AFL Academy member was dazzling in the forward half for East Perth. He finished with 14 possessions, eight marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and a goal in a performance that highlighted his draft credentials for 2019. The Mount Hawthorn junior has a bright future ahead of him.
#10 TOM BAULCH
The Mackay product was arguably East Perth’s best player with 24 possessions, eight marks, four inside 50s, two tackles and a goal. His attack on the ball is ferocious and his class on the outside makes him a tantalising prospect.
#19 DAMON GREAVES
The Busselton junior showcased why he is one West Australia’s best draft prospects with another scintillating performance. Against the Thunder, he gathered 22 possessions, laid seven tackles and took three marks to be one of the best players on the ground. His dare to take the game on, along with his incredible composure makes him one of the best attacking half-back flankers in this year’s draft pool.
#29 LIAM MARTIN
The Mount Lawley-Inglewood junior went up against Billy Chambers and more than held his own. He finished the game with 17 possessions, 18 hitouts, five marks and a goal in a superb outing. His will to get his midfielders into the game was outstanding.
Subiaco vs. Perth
Subiaco:
#3 TRISTAN HOBLEY
The 2016 WA Under 16s State Academy player was phenomenal in the midfield for the Lions with 32 possessions, 10 marks, eight tackles, four inside 50s and a goal. His ability to be a link-up player as well as a metres-gained player is incredible for someone his age.
#10 JACK MAYO
The 2018 WAFL Colts Leading Goalkicker produced a sensational performance that improved his draft credentials. Originally stationed in defence, Mayo showed an elite ability to read the play and intercept the opposition’s attacking forays. After half-time, he was shifted forward and he starred with his forward craft on full display. He finished the game with 20 possessions, 10 marks, five inside 50s and two goals.
#15 WIL HICKMOTT
The son of former Carlton and Geelong player Adrian Hickmott, Wil showcased his classy and silky outside game against the Demons. He racked up 21 possessions, took eight marks, recorded three inside 50s and laid two tackles in a starring performance.
#16 TAJ SCHOFIELD
The Port Adelaide father-son prospect was phenomenal against the hapless Demons. Stationed on the half-forward flank, Schofield accumulated 23 possessions, recorded eight inside 50s, took seven marks, and laid three tackles.
#18 JACOB PELETIER
The Esperance product was yet again outstanding for the Lions. He collected 24 possessions, grabbed 11 marks, recorded four inside 50s and kicked a goal to be one of the most dangerous midfielders on the ground. The Ports junior has bright future ahead of him.
Perth:
#15 NYIKA JOHN
The West Coast Next Generation Academy member tried extremely hard on the half-back line for Perth. He finished with 15 possessions and four marks, as he tried to give his team some drive to score.
#45 NATHAN O’DRISCOLL
The Northam product was superb in the midfield for the Demons with 27 possessions, eight tackles and two marks. On a bleak day for Perth fans, O’Driscoll was a beacon of light with his ball-winning ability, composure, and skill execution all on display.
#50 DEVEN ROBERTSON
The nephew of West Coast great Darren Glass produced a timely performance that indicated he is a first round prospect next year. He accumulated a game-high 36 possessions, took six marks, recorded five inside 50s, laid three tackles and kicked a goal to easily be his team’s best player.
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