Recap

Peter Bonadio & Michael Alvaro’s scouting notes:

North Ballarat Rebels were to strong for the Northern knight to handle on Saturday at Preston City Oval running out 60 point winners 14.12.96 to 4.12.36. Turnovers cost the Knights as the Rebels were able to rebound of their defensive 50 allowing them to create chances. Rebel Hugh McCluggage showed since with his ability to win the ball around contests.

Northern Knights:
#2 Matt Perry – Accumulated well and provided some grunt off half back. Spent a lot of time in the middle as well and found plenty of the ball. Still question marks over his ball use and decision making, often blazing away and turning it over.

#7 Mason Blakey – Thrust into the middle at times and was missed on that half back/wing position. Remained composed throughout, always puts his body in and finds a way to win the ball

#12 Patrick Lipinski – A medium size forward who works up the ground well. Has strong marking ability overhead and was solid despite not hitting the scoreboard.

#26 Ben Paterson – Paterson applied good pressure up forward. He is good on the run and creating space. Has a knack for knowing where the goals are too which is a strength.

North Ballarat Rebels:

#1 Jamaine Jones – Jones has great run and carry across the ground. A strength of his is his ability to find teammates in space.

#6 Willem Drew – Disappointed not to see much of him, played mostly in the middle but didn’t have much impact as he has in previous weeks. Stands out with his red hair and not a bad size already

#7 Hugh McCluggage – Prime mover in the side, it’s always noticeable when he has the ball. McCluggage is good around the contest always creating opportunities for his teammates. Navigates traffic nicely and can break a play open with one effective disposal – he had many, and uses it really well. Kicked two goals, too, one was after a solid contested mark in the goal square. Very clean and classy, stands out as an Academy player

#15 James Gow – Played mostly through the middle and was good on the inside. Showed his ability to hit targets by foot, especially good around the contest and clearances. Was often on the end of a handball, and proved handy when moving forward. Chimed in with a really classy goal, might get a chance as an overager

#19 Jarrod Korewha – Still not sure exactly what position Korewha plays – he rebounds really well but also has the ability to take some good marks while patrolling the half back area, so he plays tall and small at the same time. Looks a bit unnatural and flimsy but is still very effective and hardly puts a foot wrong