{"id":130823,"date":"2023-05-04T11:33:17","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T01:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=130823"},"modified":"2023-05-04T11:33:19","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T01:33:19","slug":"up-the-grades-top-prospects-unleashed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2023\/05\/04\/up-the-grades-top-prospects-unleashed\/","title":{"rendered":"Up the Grades: Top prospects unleashed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A PAIR of top AFL Draft prospects were unleashed into the VFL this past weekend, with pick one fancy Harley Reid<\/a> (Carlton) and first round talent Zane Duursma<\/a> (Casey) both making their state league debuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reid was the subject of this week’s Player Focus<\/a>, entrusted by the Blues’ coaching staff to make an impact in midfield and starting at the opening centre bounce. He won the very first clearance to kick off his VFL stint in style, before also being used behind the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bendigo Pioneers utility finished with 13 disposals as his side went down by five points to Footscray, while Duursma managed 12 touches as his Demons notched an even five-goal win over Box Hill on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> VFL Player Focus: Harley Reid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A couple more Talent League stars made the VFL grade this week. Oakleigh Chargers defender Nathan Philactides<\/a> joined Luke Teal<\/a> in Richmond’s defence, compiling 13 disposals (10 handballs) in the Tigers’ 73-point loss to Gold Coast. Teal had it 11 times and laid five tackles in his third VFL outing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over in Coburg, George Stevens<\/a> turned out for Geelong as the Cats chalked up a scrappy road win. The strongly built defender collected 16 disposals and three marks on debut and if any junior is physically ready for senior footy, it’s him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Geelong Cats VFL (@geelongvfl)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>