Matt Balmer
Twitter: @MattBalmer7
Matt Balmer’s August Power Rankings
In an AFL Draft Central feature, AFL Draft analyst Matt Balmer will update his Power Rankings on the first Monday of every month. Clubs narrowed down their interests last week and the list of 80 players nominated to take part in the National Combine testing was announced Monday. 80 PLAYERS INVITED TO THE 2016 AFL DRAFT COMBINE The combine invites give […]
Vics bolt out of the blue and into the combine
The AFL Draft National Combine list was announced on Monday, with 80 prospects nominated to strut their stuff at Etihad Stadium in October. From the list of 80, you wouldn’t be blamed for asking- who is that guy? 80 PLAYERS INVITED TO THE 2016 AFL DRAFT COMBINE Our AFL Draft Central scouts have put their […]
80 players invited to the 2016 AFL Draft Combine
FOR the draft crop of 2016, the AFL Draft Combine is the first sign that their AFL dreams are a step closer to fruition. An invitation to the AFL Draft Combine means that at least five AFL clubs have expressed interest in the player. The AFL Draft Combine is a way for clubs to determine […]
AFL Draft Central July Twitter Phantom Draft recap
Recap the AFL Draft Central live Twitter Draft from Wednesday 20th July: PHANTOM DRAFT | AFL Draft Central writers go head-to-head tonight in the mid-season Phantom Draft starting at 7.30pm. For all the action follow us on Twitter @afldraftcentral. The head recruiters for the night are as follows: @PatGheller140: ESS, NM, WCE @Uncle_Barrels: BL, STK, […]
South Australia crowned as U16 Division One champions
SOUTH AUSTRALIA claimed their fourth Division One Under 16 title, after an undefeated carnival on the Gold Coast concluding last week. South Australia narrowly accounted for Western Australia in the opening round, before defeating both Victorian teams to finish on top of the Division One ladder. Norwood’s speedy midfielder Mihail Lochowiak was strong in all three […]
Matt Balmer’s July Power Rankings
In an AFL Draft Central feature, AFL Draft analyst Matt Balmer will update his Power Rankings on the first Monday of every month. The National Under 18s Championships concluded on Wednesday with many players putting their hand up for selection in late November. Some have improved their draft stocks, while others have slid down the order with average carnivals. You can read […]
Taranto torments WA as Metro win the Under 18 championships
Vic Metro claimed the Under 18 championships for the first time since 2012, with a 23-point win over Western Australia at Simonds Stadium today. Metro led from start to finish and were just too strong for the travelling team. Tim Taranto starred with 24 disposals and a goal, making it the second game down at […]
Father sons dazzle in Round four of the Under 18 championships
South Australia and Vic Metro took the points in cold conditions at Etihad Stadium. Despite the roof being closed, the temperature struggled to reach double figures with crowd members decked out in beanies and gloves across the stands. Ben Jarman played his best game of the Under 18 championships with three first half goals in […]
Under 18 Championships – Round 4 preview
The Under 18 championships descend on Melbourne today with a big double header at Etihad Stadium. Game one kicks off between Vic Country and South Australia at 12.35pm. Vic Country have had a disappointing carnival so far without a win, whilst South Australia have had their only loss against Vic Metro last Sunday. Western Australia […]
All eyes on the future as the Under 16 champs continue this weekend
The significance of Under 16 and Futures (U17s) games have gone up a notch in 2016 due to the added ability for clubs to trade future draft picks. The new concept came in force in 2015, pivotal in trades such as Adam Trealoar to Collingwood and Lachie Henderson to Geelong. AFL clubs sent scouts across […]
Esava’s eight prompts Vic Country call
“ALL CLEAR” were two words prolific with the umpires at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday when Cobram tall Esava Ratugolea booted a bag of eight goals. Not since Steele Sidebottom back in the 2010 Grand Final had a Bushranger reached the double figures mark and at three quarter time when Ratugolea had seven goals straight, it looked […]
Vic Metro steal the points off SA with come from behind win
A HUGE come from behind victory saw Vic Metro claim their second win for the Division One Under 18 championship. Trailing by 35-points at the final break, an inspiring effort from Oakleigh Charger Pat Kerr saw him kick four goals in 10 minutes to get Vic Metro back into the contest. Two late goals to Sandringham […]