Sharp kickers shape up early
AS the saying goes, good kicking is good football. But exactly what is a good kick? Generally it is one that hits the target, but that can just be an effective kick. A damaging kick will influence a contest. As a general rule of thumb, the better kicks in the competition are usually outside players […]
Weekend That Was – Round 6
A STERLING victory by Bendigo Pioneers over Sandringham Dragons has helped the Pioneers move within percentage of a top eight spot. Bendigo led throughout the game, but it was a six goals to three third term which saw the Pioneers move 19 points clear, before holding on in a dour final term to win 11.13 […]
Matt Balmer’s 2017 AFL Draft May Power Rankings
IN an AFL Draft Central feature, AFL Draft analyst Matt Balmer will rank and update his Power Rankings on the first Monday of every month. In May 2016, Sam Petrevski-Seton sat at number one, before going on to be selected by Carlton at Pick 6. #1 Jarrod Brander Key Position Forward/Defender (Bendigo Pioneers/GWS Academy*) 11/02/1999 […]
TAC Cup Scouting notes: Round 5
ROUND Four of the TAC Cup continued over the weekend and we had scouts watching four of the games over the weekend. Read their scouting notes below: Eastern Ranges vs. Greater Western Victoria Rebels (Peter Williams) Eastern Ranges: #2 Thomas North – Worked hard all day around the ground, found plenty of the football and showed good agility. Notched up the clearances and was […]
Looking Ahead TAC Cup Round 4
Bendigo Pioneers (10th, 1-2) vs. Oakleigh Chargers (4th, 2-1) Both Bendigo and Oakleigh contain some of their top-end talent despite the likes of Lochie O’Brien, Paddy Dow and Jarrod Brander missing due to school football for the Pioneers. The Pioneers’ strength in my opinion lies across the half-back line with all those players – Kane […]
Scouting notes: AFL Academy vs. Northern Blues
THE AFL Academy suffered a 75-point loss at Etihad Stadium against the Northern Blues on Saturday afternoon. #2 Cameron Rayner – Started the game on fire with a great mark in defensive 50. Set the tone early and was easily one of the better players in the first half. Booted an outstanding goal off a few […]
Scouting notes: AFL Academy 20th anniversary match
THE countries best Under 17 and Under 18 players took part in the NAB AFL Academy’s 20th anniversary match at the MCG on Sunday. In appalling conditions, Team Daniher won by 46-points. Rayner wreaks havoc in MCG curtain-raiser Matt Balmer’s scouting notes: Team Weitering: #1 Charlie Spargo – Finished with 19 disposals and five clearances in […]
Rayner wreaks havoc in MCG curtain-raiser
POSSIBLE first-round draft prospect Cameron Rayner starred in wet conditions with a best-on-ground display in the NAB AFL Academy’s 20th anniversary match at the MCG. The Western Jets and Vic Metro half-forward booted three goals from 23 disposals helping ‘Team Daniher’ to a 46-point win over ‘Team Weitering.’ Select Level One and Level Two academy […]
Weekend That Was: Round 2
GEELONG Falcons put an exclamation mark on their premiership chances with a thumping 77-point win over fellow flag hope Dandenong Stingrays at Simonds Stadium on Saturday. The Falcons dominated after quarter time, booting 16 goals to five to run away with the 19.16 (130) to 8.5 (53) victory. James Worpel did his draft chances no […]
TAC Cup Scouting notes: Round 2
ROUND Two of the TAC Cup continued over the weekend and we had scouts at three of the games over the weekend. Read their scouting notes below: Murray Bushrangers vs. Gippsland Power (Matt Balmer) Murray Bushrangers: #2 Jordan Butts – Begun the day at full back, but floated forward later in the game. Moves well for a player over 190cm […]