<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Murray Bushrangers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>GIANTS Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBy: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Murray Bushrangers:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Fletcher Hart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps having a greater say than his stats would suggest, Hart was a key piece up forward for the Bushrangers. He presented and competed in the forward half, helping his side link into attacking 50 as its primary target. Hart had a few shots on goal, with a 50-metre set shot not quite making the journey, and a snap on his favoured left side going wide. One of his acts resulted in a major though, as Hart won a holding-the-ball free kick and saw teammate Thomas Cappellari take the advantage to score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 <\/strong>Brayden George<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was an indifferent night for the promising forward after his five-goal outing in Round 1, this time only managing one major but arguably being robbed of a goal of the year contender. Hemmed in on the boundary, George turned his opponent in a flash and snapped through a miraculous kick, only for the play to be called back for a throw-in. The top-ager looked lively early on, snaring Murray\u2019s first two scores \u2013 a goal and behind \u2013 from set shots in the first quarter. His smarts to win free kicks inside 50 were evident, as were his speed and pure goal sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 Darcy Wilson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps a bit of a find to keep in mind for next year\u2019s crop, Wilson was the most prolific pure forward afield with three goals from seven scoring shots. The bottom-ager looked lively with his turn of speed and got busy at the fall of the ball. He snapped scores from both pockets and converted set shots from close and long range, making for a well-rounded performance in attack. He could be one to take a scoring load off the likes of George in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 <\/strong>Jedd Longmire<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having already proven his capabilities on the inside, Longmire again did so in the early stages of this hitout but went on to accumulate more ball around the ground. In particular, he swept back behind the ball to help Murray exit its defensive half by foot, putting together a productive third term. In said period, he also worked to half-forward and snuck a wobbly kick to Wilson under pressure, assisting one of the bottom-ager\u2019s three goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#16 <\/strong>Max Clohesy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clohesy impressed with his work through midfield last week, but reverted back to a role in the defensive half this time out. The top-ager did not quite find as much of the ball, but popped up with some nice moments, including a couple of intercept marks in the first half. He showcased his ability to hit targets going forward, and knack of bursting through traffic in different glimpses, compiling another solid game overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GIANTS Academy:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#16 <\/strong>Harry Rowston<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rowston was one of a few Giants midfielders who was almost exclusively used on-ball, bringing a sense of competitiveness to the ball winning battle. He continued on from a strong Round 1 outing, bringing his presence to the contest and helping extract some key possessions from the inside. He also hit the scoreboard in term three, converting a set shot from close range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#18 <\/strong>Luke Lawrence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The leading ball winner on the night, Lawrence had no trouble getting comfortable in the engine room and managed to win possession in all parts of the ground. He was generally clean with his distribution by foot and did not just look to chip over the top, but changed angles whenever he could to help GWS spread the field. He, too found the big sticks with a goal in the final term as the Giants pushed to snatch a win in the final 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#24 <\/strong>Mackinley Miller<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A utility of sorts at 190cm, Miller had his biggest say on the game during the final term as he booted two goals in three minutes to help his side edge towards parity. The over-ager first floated a major home against the run of play, and then capitalised on a free kick from the centre bounce to keep the Giants\u2019 run going. The win wasn\u2019t to be, but Miller answered when opportunity came calling.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Geelong Falcons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Bendigo Pioneers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBy: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geelong Falcons:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 <\/strong>Jhye Clark<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Falcons skipper put his side on his back in the final term, leading by example with an inspired effort which helped salvage a draw. At the first bounce of the final term, Clark willed himself to the ball and won it with a stylish spin to send Geelong forward. Later, he won a free kick in a marking contest and hit Euriah Hollard just before the final siren, to secure the levelling goal. Before all that, Clark started like a house on fire with his clean hands and strong tackling both features of his game. His kicking was punchy but not always pinpoint as usual, though all facets were cranked up a notch when it mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Ted Clohesy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having won plenty of ball with a good amount of midfield minutes in Round 1, Clohesy rotated much more heavily into the forwardline this time out. While not the quickest ball winner, he found a lot of possessions in contested situations and would get first hands to it with ease. He booted consecutive goals within two minutes of each other during term three, albeit from 50-metre penalties, to make his move forward count. Once thrust back into midfield, he had no trouble finding first touch once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#41
Osca Riccardi<\/spo><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Geelong father-son prospect to monitor, Riccardi has slotted seamlessly into the Geelong side so far. Operating very much on the outside, the lightly-built runner works hard to find the ball in either half and shows a handy turn of speed when required. Riccardi was also quite clean on Saturday, and helped get the ball rolling with two important second-half goals \u2013 one from a set shot, and the other with a quick snap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#53 <\/strong>Olivier Northam<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ultra competitive bigman again took on Geelong\u2019s primary ruck duties, and ended up with more than double the hitouts of anyone else afield. His sizeable leap at 195cm was evident in centre bounce duels, and Northam managed to clunk a handful of well-judged marks with his usually sound timing. Arguably more impressively, he produced a great double effort in term two, and earned a shot on goal in term four with a clever double-back lead when shifted forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bendigo Pioneers:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Max Dow<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a little different in stature to his two elder brothers, Dow shares some similar traits as a midfielder-forward. He showcased them on Saturday as one of the Pioneers\u2019 best afield, bringing positive energy and urgency to the contest. His clean hands were initially a feature up forward, where he produced three shots on goal and an assist for Jason Gillbee. Low to the ground, Dow also displayed a handy step through traffic and lifted when his side needed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 <\/strong>Harley Reid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is no secret that Reid is an unbelievable talent, and after a slightly scratchy start in Round 1 he turned it on for Bendigo on Saturday. He was just about impossible to tackle throughout the game, with his core strength at 185cm extremely useful when creating openings inside 50 and around the ground. Reid\u2019s hands were wickedly clean, especially when marking overhead, and his power caused constant headaches for Geelong. The bottom-ager slotted a confidence boosting set shot in the first term, and made it two with a snap shortly after. He was also thrown into midfield to provide a spark in the final quarter, and attempted to impose himself on the contest whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Hugh Hamilton<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Carlton VFL-listed over-ager made his NAB League return on Saturday, settling into Bendigo\u2019s midfield rotation. He was not as consistently prolific as others, but looked to impact with each of his 18 touches, as seven of them sent inside 50, and two resulted in (minor) scores. His two behinds came in the second term, first with a set shot and then with a snap where he had followed up his own forward 50 entry to impact the play once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Jason Gillbee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gillbee was again a big figure in the Pioneers\u2019 engine room rotation, proving quieter than in his Round 1 outing but still popping up in some key moments. His highlight of the day came in the opening term, as he received at the top of attacking 50 before wheeling around and bombing the ball home for a goal. He missed a couple more chances in the third quarter but earned them with his work rate and competitiveness. When utilised on the inside, he can work on keeping a touch more composure and finding exits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#17 <\/strong>Oscar Faulkhead<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was Faulkhead\u2019s cleanliness and class which again stood out on Saturday, with the over-ager consistently looking to find a way out of tight spots. He managed to find those exits with concerted effort as the game wore on, having a real crack in the second half as he was given more midfield minutes. He also hit the scoreboard in term two, slotting a goal on the end of one of Bendigo\u2019s better passages of play.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Calder Cannons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Sandringham Dragons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBy: Declan Reeve<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calder Cannons<\/a>:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 Rye Penny<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the standout pre-season testing performers, Penny showed he has well developed football nous to go with his outstanding athleticism. Penny flew for everything that came his way, finishing the game with nine marks that probably don\u2019t do his presence justice. Penny positioned well behind the ball to become a key intercept player, at times jumping up in packs of multiple opponents and holding the mark. Penny worked hard to be a marking option around the ground for his teammates, possessing an extra gear of speed that no one else could match to really burn opponents on the lead, or when running out of reach of a tackle. Whilst Penny\u2019s ball use is generally safe and reliable under pressure, there were times where a lack of penetration put his teammates under pressure, however these were never in overly dangerous areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#18 <\/strong>Jack Newitt<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newitt was arguably Calder\u2019s most impactful through the game as he continues to impress with his move to an inside role in his over-age year. Newitt\u2019s hands in close were impressive, keeping the ball free from opponents to get a clear shot to dispose of the ball to runners. Late in the piece Newitt worked hard to get forward and took a mark on the boundary line, converting the set shot well as a reward for his efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#27 <\/strong>Paul Pascu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pascu\u2019s work rate around the ground stood out amongst the crowd, as he ran well both ways to assist in defensive 50 as well as push up the ground to get involved in link up chains, or work his way around a contest to be in the right spot to get a releasing handball. Pascu applied himself well to contests and balanced his approach well, knowing when he needed to crack in and win a hardball, or when to hold out and provide an option on the outside. Where Pascu excelled was his use by hand, despite using it more by foot it felt Pascu had more impact with ability to spot handballs through traffic or ahead of himself, doing well to get it to teammates in space that could drive forward with run and carry<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#29 <\/strong>Josh Misiti<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The over-age Essendon father-son prospect was once again impressive in the defensive 50, especially early on where he took intercept marks at will with his read of the ball and strong body work in one-on-one contests. Misiti was trusted with majority of the Calder kick ins and used it safely, often taking a shorter option into the pocket for some easy movement up ground. When in open play, Misiti was sound by foot and worked hard to be a switching option in the defensive half of the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sandringham Dragons:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 <\/strong>Charlie Clarke<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clarke managed to standout despite some higher possession counts around him with his sheer tenacity at the contest and intent to tackle around the ground, never giving up on a chase even if he didn\u2019t always manage to stick the tackle, applying plenty of pressure on opponents and forcing them to rush disposals. Clarke\u2019s hands in close were impressive as they traditionally are for inside midfielders, but Clarke\u2019s follow up work from his handballs stood out as he ran hard to get the ball back from teammates he gave it off to. Ended the day with two final term goals, one of which was an impressive shot on the run from along the boundary line<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Will Ashcroft<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In what ended up being a comprehensive performance, Ashcroft was comfortably best on ground with his clean use of the ball and pure accumulation around the ground. The AFL Academy member ended the day with 38 disposals and wouldn\u2019t have wasted many, if any, as he managed to hurt the opposition going forward via foot and released runners superbly by hand. Ashcroft\u2019s stoppage work was impressive all game, with his positioning and balance around the contest, when he won it he moved it on quickly with precision, at times making it looks like everyone around him was moving in slow motion as he burst away or evaded opponents to get into space. Ashcroft worked hard moving forward through the contest, regularly looking to be part of the same handball chains multiple times or kicking forward and running hard to get the handball back and move it forward quickly. Whilst all of what Ashcroft did with the ball was impressive, his constant show of leadership was outstanding as well and saw his teammates brought into the game a bit better at times, telling teammates where to stand at stoppages and making sure structures were set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Hugo Hall-Kahan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finishing the game as the leading goalscorer, registering 5 from 7 scoring shots, it would probably surprise to hear that Hall-Kahan could\u2019ve ended with more. Hall-Kahan lead well all game and showed off his athleticism throughout, evading opponents by turning on the spot and even getting two of his goals after out pacing opponents to loose balls that had spilt over the top of packs, he brought that strong leading up the ground at times to open up the forward 50 for his teammates. Hall-Kahan looks at his best when kicking for goal on the run, where that pace is his biggest weapon, able to burst away from opponents to get more time to compose himself. As a 2003 birth, Hall-Kahan is certainly one to watch for the mid-season draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 Archie Roberts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bottom-aged defender was once again influential across four quarters, even pushing up and taking his aggressive run and ball use onto the wing in the second half. Despite being a smaller frame than most of his opposition, Roberts showed of an impressive aerial presence, with some smart body work and good read of the play he held a couple of contested marks in the defensive half. Roberts work in transition is arguably where he\u2019s at his best, with his precise disposal and will to follow up on his own work, he was a major contributor to many of Sandringham\u2019s most promising offensive plays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#14 Cam Mackenzie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The St Kilda NGA prospect played more midfield time than in the previous week, looking good in spurts with his burst speed and ability to evade opponents through traffic. Mackenzie applied himself to the inside game well, not afraid to crack in and win a hardball, then burst away and hand off to a teammate in close. When Mackenzie managed to find space his use by foot was good, putting it in front of teammates well and proving a danger going forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#15 <\/strong>Ben Hempel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hempel felt like he had more impact than his 13 disposals would suggest, with the penetration and placement of his kicks damaging as he looked to move it into the corridor from the flanks and wings, or kick long forward for his teammates to run onto. Whilst Hempel didn\u2019t hold all the marks he flew for, he competed in the air well and generally beat his opponents in the follow up contest at ground level, using it well by hand the few times he was forced to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#16 <\/strong>Harry Sheezel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheezel didn\u2019t find it easy to get involved in the game early on, unable to find his groove up forward it was a switch into the midfield that saw him impact the most early on, winning first possession from a few stoppages and really impressing with his quick hands under pressure, sometimes finding ways to handball from the ground rather than stand up with the ball. As Sandringham started to get the ball forward more, Sheezel began to show his forward craft and flair that saw him earn AFL Academy selection. He ended the game with three marks, but should\u2019ve had more with the quality of his leads, managing to get separation well inside 50 and leading to dangerous spots to earn two goals from set shots by game’s end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#48 <\/strong>Mitchell Rowe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spending much of the day on the inside, Rowe was outstanding with his balance around the contest and work rate to tackle opponents who won clearances. Despite winning so much of the ball in close, Rowe\u2019s ball use was outstanding both by hand and foot, able to power away from congestion well and deliver it in front of leading forwards. Whilst Rowe was often aggressive with his ball use, he made the right decisions more often than not with some switch kicks or quick short kicks out of stoppages.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Northern Knights<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Oakleigh Chargers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBy: Max Hughes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oakleigh Chargers:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Elijah Tsatas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best afield by a significant margin, Tsatas showed exactly why he is touted as one of the top prospects in this year\u2019s class. The skilful midfielder played a complete game, winning plenty of the ball at stoppages and spreading magnificently on the outside. The quality of his disposal was impeccable, specifically his deft touch, observable in almost all his 20 to 30 metre passes. His creativity was also on display, often pulling longer passes into pockets of space and drawing teammates in with the kick. Tsatas moves effortlessly, gliding across the ground and plucking balls off his toes before working to receive a follow-up handball. The most exciting aspect of his performance is that he had 36 touches, a mammoth stat that highlights he can win huge amounts of the football in addition to his already brilliant skillset. Clearly has the potential to vie for the number one slot in this year\u2019s draft and more games like this will only strengthen those claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 <\/strong>Blake Drury<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing across half-forward and in the midfield, Drury was a clear influence, particularly when the game was still competitive. At 178cm he isn\u2019t the biggest player out there, but he is adept at getting in dangerous spots and demanding the ball. There were multiple times where Drury timed his runs to provide an option for under-pressure teammates, holding his space well before pushing into the open pockets at the opportune moment. Seems to be a smart, compact footballer who has the required nous to succeed at AFL level. He didn\u2019t have the eight shots on goal he manufactured last week, but he did nail a lovely set shot from distance to open the game up, before remaining one of Oakleigh\u2019s better players throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 <\/strong>Matthew Jefferson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
An intriguing prospect, Jefferson had multiple nice moments despite only finding the ball eight times. Playing as a deep forward for most of the game, he stood out in the air, where he took some athletic grabs that showed great judgement. He also managed to kick a couple of goals, but Oakleigh would be looking for ways to get him involved more, considering the raw talent he possesses. Only lightly framed, Jefferson\u2019s current level of performance can\u2019t simply be taken at face value, as he is one that projects to develop significantly. Future prospects aside, he showed why recruiters should be interested on Sunday, with a great blend of athletic gifts and intangible football ability that could feasibly translate to league football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#7<\/strong> Angus Curry<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Struck a long-range set shot perfectly in the early stages and continued to be a presence as the game wore on. Curry accumulated 20 disposals and an additional goal following his first quarter pearler, playing the kind of polished football that drove Oakleigh\u2019s dominance during the contest. Whilst it was undeniably the Tsatas show for most proceedings, Curry was strong in the contests, laying eight tackles to provide the inside grunt required. His contested work may have gone under the radar; however, it was critical to how Oakleigh were able to overwhelm the lacklustre Knights midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#21 Max Gruzewski<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gruzewski was one of the best athletes on the field and given this was a game where Oakleigh\u2019s defence was rarely threatened, his influence was only more impressive. Realistically a third tall at 193cm, his leap and pace makes him a realistic proposition at the higher level, as he has the capacity to both intercept and rebound in the mould of Melbourne\u2019s Jake Lever<\/strong>. He showed strong aerial prowess at times, despite only finishing with three marks, and his breakaway speed was eye-catching. His kicking was neat and reliable, an absolute necessity for his position. Guzewski drove most of Oakleigh\u2019s rebounding game, which was a key driver in their ascendancy, given the Knight\u2019s continual failure to capitalise on inside 50\u2019s. Considering the score line though, his opportunities to showcase his ability were somewhat limited, so to finish with 17 disposals and exert significant influence on the contest was encouraging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#33 Alwyn Davey Jnr<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Essendon father-son prospect had a variety of brilliant moments amongst his 14 disposals, showing that he doesn\u2019t need much to have an impact. The fastest player on the ground, and least over short distances, Davey broke away numerous times, sidestepping his way through traffic and showing elite poise under duress. His kicking was a little wayward at times, with a few standout passages unfortunately culminating in wobbling drop punts, but the issue looks fixable. His short passes were far better, as Davey has excellent vision, by both hand and foot, that he utilises creatively, in ways most others can\u2019t. This likely means his long kicking will eventually follow suit, given a few technical tweaks he will no doubt implement. If he can perform at this level consistently, his playing future at Essendon appears all but certain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Northern Knights:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1<\/strong> Darcy Edmends<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Edmends looks to be a player who doesn\u2019t require bulk possessions to influence a game, largely due to his silky foot skills and clean hands. Played in a midfield that was soundly beaten but showed his wares from his 16 disposals. What stands out about Edmends is his one-touch ability, as he attacks the ball at full pace and almost always takes it with him. Whilst others fumble or slow down to collect the football, Edmends often accelerates, swooping through packs or on loose balls and extracting it cleanly. His kicking is also sublime, and he sat behind only Tsatas in terms of his impact by foot. Whilst it was a day to forget for the Knights, Edmunds was noticeable and impressive again after a strong start to the year last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 Nate Caddy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alongside Cooper Harvey, Caddy was probably the Knight\u2019s best. Even though straighter kicking would have turned a good game into a great one, he fought hard throughout, and really emerged as a force in the second half. Built powerfully, Caddy launched at the ball relentlessly, clunking some great marks in and around forward 50. He kicked the Knight\u2019s first goal late in the second quarter and had several other shots. His hands are sure, and his athleticism is AFL quality. As a bottom-ager, Caddy\u2019s influence in back-to-back weeks is all the more exciting, boding well for his draft year in 2023. Aside from his evident natural talent, his effort was something that stood out in a game that could easily have turned into a procession. Caddy was one of the main Knights responsible for leading the turnaround, as his side fought to a respectable final score, and it speaks volumes of his character and application. Even though he kicked three in a win last week, his performance on Sunday was equally encouraging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8<\/strong> Patrick Dozzi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other end of the age spectrum to Caddy, top-ager Dozzi once again led the Knights midfield. He accumulated 23 touches, moving with poise on the outside and setting up his teammates well. Dozzi is very composed, possessing the sought-after ability to slow down traffic around him and make great decisions. This wasn\u2019t his best game, as his contemporary in Tstatas dominated, but Dozzi put together an admirable performance. Will be good to see a response next week after Oakleigh did as they pleased in the first half, as he is a clear leader of their engine room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#14 Cooper Harvey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arguably the Knights best four-quarter performer, Harvey willed his way into the contest with his gut running. A classy, compact and reliable footballer, the son of North Melbourne legend Brett Harvey worked tirelessly all day and was a catalyst in the Knights semi-resurgence in the second half. His handballing was an impressive feature, as not only did he hit his targets, but he led teammates into space and didn\u2019t make them break stride. Harvey\u2019s 25 disposals were a result of his courageous running, as he pushed hard to make himself an option even if he didn\u2019t receive the ball. This sort of effort always results in reward, and he deservedly found himself consistently involved in the Knights improved ball movement. A proud response from a player who no doubt felt some responsibility for Oakleigh\u2019s first half midfield domination, and a really impressive all-round game.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Swans Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Tasmania Devils<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBy: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swans Academy:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Jordan Endemann<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leading all-comers on the day alongside Caiden Cleary, Endemann took full advantage of his role as an experienced member of the Swans midfield. The over-ager seemed to grow in confidence as the game wore on, utilising his shifting step and baulks to greater effect. His smarts also came to the fore, with a couple of plays in the third term displaying good decision making. One was a well-sighted kick across forward 50, and the other was a bounce handball when backed into a tight spot. Over two-thirds of his disposals were dished out by hand too, bringing others into the play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Luke Giacometti<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was business as usual for Giacometti as he made it consecutive 27-disposal games in this year\u2019s NAB League. Having cut his teeth in defence last year, the over-ager used his size and ball winning skill to have a say on this outing. While not as flashy as others afield, he was generally clean and composed, and booted a very handy left-foot goal on the move during term three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#32
Caiden Cleary<\/spo><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Generating a bit of breakaway speed from the contest, Cleary may be one for Swans fans to monitor as one of the rare bottom-age pieces in midfield. He produced some exciting plays, sharking the ball off hands at stoppage and bursting away with straight-line speed, backing his pace to get Sydney going. He was a little awkward with the end product, but has some handy tools to work with already at 180cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tasmania Devils:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#13 <\/strong>Seth Campbell<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A clever midfielder-forward with dancing feet, Campbell proved crafty with much of his work on Sunday. The top-ager confidently stepped through traffic and took on opponents, but was also creative with his one-two handball chains and speedy forays moving into attack. He spent more time forward in the second half and snared consecutive goals in term three, highlighting his production value in a scoring sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#15 <\/strong>Lachlan Cowan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best afield for the winners, Cowan played the classic attacking role off half-back and lead his side with aplomb. His accumulation factor in the back half was impressive, as Cowan competed to turn the ball over and set off on the rebound with his penetrative kicking. The top-ager also flew for marks and showed good balance, adding a bit of flair to each passage he impacted. Cowan also kicked a nice goal in term two, getting a hand-off and unleashing from 50 metres out. Get used to seeing that this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#37 <\/strong>Tom McCallum<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Tasmania relatively rich with marking options up forward, McCallum now has the opportunity to showcase his versatility in a relatively new defensive role. The dynamic top-ager is rangy and raw at 192cm, but exciting in the way he takes the game on. He was not afraid to break the lines with run and carry on Sunday, attacking off half-back through the corridor and playing like a defender 10cm smaller. His skill execution remains workable, but there are some terrific athletic traits which already make up impressive parts of his game.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Dandenong Stingrays<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Lions Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBy: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dandenong Stingrays:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 <\/strong>Mitch Szybkowski<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AFL Academy member was super impressive on Sunday, dominating the opening half and setting the tone for Dandenong\u2019s early dominance. His clean hands and ball winning prowess on the inside worked extremely well with the Stingrays\u2019 stoppage style, working in combination with his fellow mids to exit congestion in a wave. Szybkowski\u2019s work rate on the spread was also evident, as he found plenty of ball around the ground and made repeat running efforts to impact as Dandenong surged forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 <\/strong>Jaxon Binns<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having had a somewhat quiet first half amid Dandenong\u2019s mad rush, Binns came to life with three second-half goals \u2013 including two in a row during term three. Starting forward, he worked high up the ground as usual and also shifted up onto the wing before his big burst of scoring. Binns found the big sticks thrice with set shots, finishing nicely with most opportunities inside 50, but also notching two behinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Sam Frangalas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
An exciting bottom-ager in Dandenong\u2019s ranks, Frangalas was difficult to contain in the early stages. He started his day up forward and booted consecutive goals at the end of the first quarter, showcasing sharp finishing with conversions on tight angles. Frangalas\u2019 springy leap was also on show, as he powered up vertically to compete on the lead and make a menace of himself inside 50. He eventually spent some time in midfield during term four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#13 Finn Emile-Brennan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not as prolific as in his Round 1 outing, Emile-Brennan was still able to display his class off half-back. The Melbourne NGA prospect took the kick-in duties and showed off his hops with some defensive acts on the last line, closing quickly and reaching high to spoil at several contests. He also flew for his marks and produced some high-level kicks, shifting the angles as Dandenong moved in transition and taking up more attacking positions as the game wore on. He can do serious damage when given the time and space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#16 <\/strong>Henry Hustwaite<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hustwaite is as solid and reliable as they come in defence, proving exactly that once more on Sunday. Though he had little to do early on, the top-ager hardly put a foot wrong and was composed each time the ball entered his area. Able to compete aerially but also use his assuredness in possession, Hustwaite was thrown into the centre bounces during term four and managed to get his hands on the ball cleanly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#41 Sam Latreille<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Somewhat of a surprise packet on the day, Latreille provided plenty of spark inside Dandenong\u2019s attacking 50. His pace put energy on the ball and ensured the Brisbane defenders would have to work overtime to contain him. The top-ager positioned nicely front and centre to snare his first goal, before adding another on the lead in term two. He faded a touch, but certainly showcased his potential in an exciting first half display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#44 <\/strong>Jai Culley<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the leading over-age prospects in the competition, Culley started off strongly in midfield. He was super clean and neat with each possession, both in midfield and when able to shift forward. Culley hit the scoreboard early, converting the first goal of the game after three minutes and looking polished with his use by foot. His day ended slightly early, as he was seen with ice on his right shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lions Academy:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 <\/strong>Zac Young<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>