Recap

Peter Williams’ scouting notes:

North Ballarat Rebels:

#8 Shannon Beks – Played predominantly as a key forward in weather that was not suited to key forwards. Tried hard, continued to lead throughout the day, had a couple of stints in the ruck around the ground. He was effective there with a few clearances, and his only legitimate shot at goal was a poor miss, but he could be forgiven considering the blustery conditions.

#13 Tom Williamson – First thing that comes to mind is he’s a very outside player. That’s not a bad thing because he has the ability to move well and is that taller midfielder type similar to Marcus Bontempelli in size. The biggest thing I liked about his game was when tackled, he managed to get his arms up immediately and dish out a handball. One thing I’d like to see is a bit more work defensively, because there were a couple of situations where he got caught ball watching. Overall though did a few nice things.

#23 Lloyd Meek – One of the many solid rucks in this competition, Meek is a man child with the way he outmuscles his opponents. He’s strong overhead and lays bone crunching tackles. In one instant he laid a superb tackle and earned a free, reminding me of a Shane Mumford type. Doesn’t find much of the ball, but is a solid tap ruckman and has a forward presence despite not kicking a goal on the weekend.

#46 Cedric Cox – Came into the game very excited to see what Cox could produce, and while quiet early, his last quarter was sensational. I think a new stat of running bounces or metres gained needs to be introduced to the TAC Cup just for Cox, because there were two efforts where he took on an opponent streaming down the wing and side stepped another. Great evasion, skills and oozes X-factor. Needs to work on his strength and tackling, because while he laid a number of tackles, quite a few opponents managed to get free, probably due to his light frame.

#54 Callan Wellings – We’re at the stage where we focus on those kids most likely to come into draft calculations, but occassionally another player stands up and makes his mark and on the weekend that was Callan Wellings. Found plenty of the ball, was phenomenal around the stoppages and kicked a great goal from 50m. Did the defensive things right too, so a good all-round performance for mine.

Geelong Falcons:

#37 Jack Henry – Impressive player who has definetely come into draft calculations for more. He’s a big kick, very versatile and can move. Henry predominantly played as a wing, but dropped back on occassions to use his run off half back. Moves through traffic well with a very smart side step. There were a few occasions where he would rush his kick and it would float a little, but with time and space, he is certainly a booming kick.

#41 Brett Blair – It was a typical Blair performance in trying conditions for key forwards. He outmuscled his opponents and lead hard at the footy for most of the day, kicking a few goals and being the Falcons key forward target. 20 years ago he would be talked about in the first round of forwards, but the reason he missed out last year is still there, which is his defensive pressure. He’s not an overly quick player, but I’d expect recruiters would want to see more out of him. I’d imagine him to be like a smaller Travis Cloke with a better set shot routine. Like him for a late to rookie pick.