VFL Player Focus: Riley Bice (Werribee)
WERRIBEE dasher Riley Bice has rocketed into AFL Draft contention this year on the back of a stellar VFL campaign. Recruited from Albury having come through the Murray Bushrangers pathway, 2024 marked the 24-year-old’s first full state league season after debuting for GWS in 2022. Bice has excelled as a rebound defender, though spent much […]
VFL Player Focus: Harvey Langford (Richmond)
JOINT Larke Medal winner Harvey Langford became the latest AFL Draft prospect to audition at state league level after making his Victorian Football League (VFL) debut for Richmond. The Tigers fan acquitted himself well in the senior grade as his new side locked in a Wildcard Round berth. Langford, who has been a dominant force […]
VFL Player Focus: Lucca Grego (Williamstown)
WESTERN Jets’ top draft prospect Lucca Grego got his first opportunity at VFL level on Sunday afternoon, debuting for Williamstown in the Seagulls’ eight-point loss to North Melbourne. The aggressive half-back translated his clean fundamental skills to senior level, making good use of his loose ball opportunities, offensive movements, and even intercept marking moments. We […]
VFL Player Focus: Jagga Smith (Richmond)
FOLLOWING a stellar Under 18 National Championships campaign, Oakleigh Chargers captain Jagga Smith got his first taste of state league football over the weekend. The midfielder turned out for Richmond’s VFL side in a 22-point loss to Williamstown, leading all comers amid blustery conditions at DSV Stadium as a constant at the centre stoppages. We […]
VFL Player Focus: Jack Hutchinson (Collingwood)
COLLINGWOOD forward Jack Hutchinson has emerged as one of the top mid-season draft candidates after a promising start to his maiden VFL season. The 22-year-old was recruited from Wonthaggi and has caught the eye with extraordinary high marking exploits. Hutchinson booted two goals in Collingwood’s Round 4 defeat to Coburg, which broke the Lions’ 23-game […]
VFL Player Focus: Leonardo Lombard (Gold Coast)
GOLD Coast Suns Academy player Leonardo Lombard picked up where he left off in his first game of VFL for 2024, tallying 28 disposals in Gold Coast’s loss to Richmond. Playing in the midfield for the first half and high half-forward for the second, Lombard impacted with a good balance of inside and outside work. […]
Up the Grades: Bottom-agers blooded in VFL
A PAIR of bottom-agers tied to Northern Academies were unleashed unto the VFL over the weekend, as Gold Coast’s Leonardo Lombard and GWS’ Josaia Delana made their state league debuts. Both acclimated well, notching 11 and 12 disposals respectively. Lombard’s Suns thrashed Carlton out of a Wildcard Round spot on percentage, winning to the tune […]
VFL Player Focus: Ethan Read (Gold Coast Suns)
PLENTY of pathway prospects have earned berths at senior level this year, and Gold Coast Suns Academy member Ethan Read was the latest to be unleashed in the VFL. The 202cm ruck played with and against AFL-listed players as the Suns beat Sydney by 68 points on Saturday, and we put his performance under the […]
VFL Player Focus: Nate Caddy (Carlton)
NORTHERN Knights forward Nate Caddy became the latest Coates Talent League gun to make his VFL debut this year, linking with Carlton’s reserves on Sunday. In an ironic turn of fate, the spring-heeled marking phenom turned out for the side he last played against, while representing the AFL Academy. Caddy will be familiar with the […]