Ballard buoyed by “enjoyable” position switch
STURT utility Alex Ballard is a player capable of shining at either end of the field, with her versatility tested throughout state Under 19s and SANFL Women’s duties. The top-ager already has over 30 senior games to her name after debuting in 2018, utilised as an equally capable intercept marking defender and full forward in […]
What’s in a name? Alex the newest Ballard with big dreams
THE ‘sister of’ tag is something which could easily irk a budding AFLW prospect when repeated over time, but Alex Ballard, the proud sister of Gold Coast defender, Charlie gladly accepts the “compliment”. “I don’t mind it, I think it’s a bit of a compliment if I’m compared to him because he is a good […]
Draft Central All-Star Team: Sturt Double Blues
STURT Double Blues have a strong midfield and some exciting players around the ground in the All-Star Team of the AFL Draft era. With an elite ruck and some hard-nosed midfielders, this team would be strong around the stoppages, with firepower up forward. THE TEAM: The Double Blues all-star team is skippered by Brodie Grundy […]
Keeping Tabs – Season Review: Part 1
TO finish off what has been a huge year for first-year players, we take a look at some of the top performers from each AFL club now the season is done and dusted. In today’s piece we look at the first nine clubs, from Adelaide through to GWS GIANTS, with the remaining nine clubs to […]
Keeping Tabs: Standout players from Round 13
ROUND 13 came with a surprising amount of top first-year performers, given the bye for six teams. The youngsters from Fremantle stepped up again, and Geelong’s Tim Kelly remained at his usual high standards. Ed Richards Richards starred in his clash against Port Adelaide, kicking a team-high three goals for the game in the second […]
Keeping Tabs: Standout players from Round 12
THE 2017 draft crop are playing some impressive football in the middle of the season, as Rising Star favourite Jaidyn Stephenson continues his great form, as does a number of mature-age stars and high draft picks. Jaidyn Stephenson In Collingwood’s terrific Queens Birthday victory over the Demons, top 10 draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson again showed […]
South Australian College football prepares for revamp
A TRADITIONAL football system is getting a revamp, with the Adelaide College football turning to a multi-tier system involving promotion and relegation, and we look at how it works, what it means and how the College football and State league can work together for the best possible results. College football has a long and proud […]
Determination pays off for Ballard
EVERY draftee has taken their own unique pathway to the big time. Some, like last year’s number one pick Cam Rayner, are touted as high-end selections years in advance. Others, like Giants recruit Aiden Bonar, re-emerge after stints on the sidelines with injury. And some, due to a wide variety of reasons, drop out of […]
Matt Balmer’s 2017 Final AFL Draft Power Rankings Part 2
EVERY month since May, Matt Balmer has ranked his players from the 2017 AFL Draft pool. With the November 24 National AFL Draft on this Friday, he counts down the players in his top 25, after revealing his 50-26 players last week.. You can find his 50-26 rankings here. Having seen just under 90 games […]
Scouting notes: 2017 SANFL U18 Grand Final
LAST week the ‘Double Blues’ won the SANFL Torrens Uni Under 18 Cup with a 43-point win over Woodville-West Torrens Eagles at Adelaide Oval. Matt Balmer’s scouting notes: Eagles: #1 James Rowe – Won plenty of football on the inside and registered a stack of inside 50s. Rowe has a burst of speed going forward […]
