Analysis | The importance of fitness testing in modern football recruiting
THERE has been plenty of debate when talking about potential AFL prospects pertaining to the differences between judging ‘athletes’ against ‘pure footballers’. There is an argument that fitness testing should be taken with a grain of salt and that the eye test is most important, but when it comes to players being drafted – especially […]
Classic Contests: Chargers bundle Bushies out in straight sets
IF you are missing footy like we are, then let us somewhat salvage that with a look back in a new series of Classic Contests. In today’s contest we look at one of the would-have-been Round 11 clashes in the NAB League this year between the Murray Bushrangers and Oakleigh Chargers. In this edition, we […]
Matt Balmer’s 2016 Final AFL Draft Power Rankings Part 2
EVERY month since May, Matt Balmer has ranked his players from the 2016 AFL Draft pool. With less than two weeks until the November 25 National AFL Draft, he counts down the players ranked 50-1. You can find the players Matt has ranked 50-26 here Well what a year it has been. Looking back at May’s rankings, it’s […]
AFL Draft Combine 2016 Day 2 results
Day 2 saw players be put under the spotlight with medicals from clubs, as well as interviews with media and AFL clubs. Players also completed testing for hand-eye coordination and reaction time, such as Ben Ainsworth attempting to hit the coloured lights in the image below. Friday night saw players undertake the kicking, clean hands […]
Stars to shine bright at the National AFL Draft Combine
FOR the draft crop of 2016, the National AFL Draft Combine is the first sign that their AFL dreams are a step closer to fruition. An invitation to the AFL Draft Combine means that at least five AFL clubs have expressed interest in the player. The AFL Draft Combine is a way for clubs to […]
Matt Balmer’s October Power Rankings
In an AFL Draft Central feature, AFL Draft analyst Matt Balmer will update his Power Rankings on the first Monday of every month. Well, what a season it has been. Games are done and dusted for the season, with Friday’s Under 18 All Stars match showcasing some of the very best draft prospects for 2016. The AFL National Combine runs from Thursday […]
Top talent on show on AFL Grand Final weekend
In a new initiative announced by the AFL, the best Under 17 and Under 18 talent will play games on the Grand Final day long weekend under the eyes of recruiters and fans. The Under 18 All Stars game will be played at Punt Road Oval at 1.30pm, broadcast on Fox Footy on Grand Final […]
Week 2 finals preview
WITH the first week of finals done and dusted, there is no turning back for any side now, with every match a do-or-die clash. Last weekend we farewelled the Calder Cannons and Eastern Ranges as Sandringham Dragons and Oakleigh Chargers advanced to the semi-finals. In the qualifying finals, Murray Bushrangers and Geelong Falcons advanced through […]
Matt Balmer’s September Power Rankings
In an AFL Draft Central feature, AFL Draft analyst Matt Balmer will update his Power Rankings on the first Monday of every month. TAC Cup Finals kicked off over the weekend, with a plethora of top talent on show. Around the country, finals in WA & SA saw a few relatively unknown names put their hand up. The GWS Giants NEAFL […]
Scouting notes: Oakleigh v Calder
Matt Balmer’s scouting notes: Oakleigh Chargers 23.10 (148) defeated Calder 5.12 (42) Oakleigh Chargers: #2 Ed Phillips– A lively performer right throughout the day booting two goals and collecting 19 disposals. Phillips provided plenty of spark and was left largely unopposed throughout the contest able to run at will for the Chargers. Played mostly inside […]
