<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geelong Falcons 13.12 (90) def. GWV Rebels 5.3 (33)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By: Peter Williams<\/p>\n\n\n\n GEELONG FALCONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #6<\/strong> River Stevens<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 15 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n The potential North Melbourne father-son prospect (son of Anthony<\/em><\/strong>) showed off a clean set of heels and fantastic finishing skills, booting three goals in the win. His third was the best of the lot getting onto his left and launching from 40 metres to get his side up and about. He rarely wasted a touch from his 15 disposals and also got his teammates involved forward of centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #13<\/strong> Xavier Ivisic<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 29 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covered the ground like few others and often racked up multiple possessions in a chain turning defence into offence. From playing inside and also off half-back, Ivisic showed class with plenty of short, sharp passes both by hand or foot. At one stage he kicked with the outside of his right boot when he could have used his left but it was his hands that stood out the most, upholding the Falcons’ fast-paced nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #20<\/strong> Lachie Jaques<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Played his role by winning the ball at both ends of the ground, providing defensive pressure and composure when in the back 50, while also pushing up to the wing to deliver a timely spoil. As he moved forward, Jaques set up a set shot with one kick inside 50, then had one of his own, but missed to the right to only register a behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #24<\/strong> Wiliam McLachlan<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 13 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dominant performance up forward by the 185cm over-ager who plays well above his height. Able to create separation on the lead with some quick few steps and boasting a nice vertical leap, McLachlan was a headache all night for the Rebels’ defence. He kicked five goals, but arguably could have filled his boots even more with some chances that went begging. Impressively kicked goals from various ranges and styles, and was the clear best forward on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #27<\/strong> Liam Kershaw<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 23 disposals, 9 marks, 8 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kershaw’s ball use and aerial presence stood out, with the winger playing a kick behind play and mopping up, before driving the ball inside 50 consistently. He took a terrific contested mark in the third term and then delivered a precise bullet pass forward, before moments later being involved in a congested situation, being tackled and having the composure to hold on for a split second longer before choosing the right option by hand. Had a very good second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #29<\/strong> Joe Pike<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 18 disposals, 4 marks, 21 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n The over-age ruck was huge around the ground with his marking and contest work. If Pike did not clunk the contested grab, he would bring it to ground, but perhaps the most pleasing aspect was his ability to hit targets consistently under pressure. Being that extra year older and experienced, you look for something extra and he gave it with a commanding performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n GWV REBELS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #1<\/strong> Archie Taylor<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>16 disposals, 4 tackles, 10 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom-age talent was able to try and create some flow from defence to turn it into offence. Showing off his wheels, Taylor provided dash from half-back to record a game-high 10 rebound 50s and try and relieve the pressure of a defence under siege through most of the match. A high handball receive and go type who had some nice moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #2 <\/strong>Harry Charleson<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 27 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n The brother of Port Adelaide’s Lachlan<\/strong>, Charleson stepped up to the plate with a nice finish on goal running inside 50 and delivering from 20 metres on an angle. He was more often found in the defensive half of the ground and had the most disposals of any Rebel with 27. His first term caught the eye, and though sometimes he could turn it over, he provided plenty of meterage for his side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #5<\/strong> Wil Rantall<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 20 disposals, 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Worked incredibly hard in defence and did well one-on-one, taking a number of strong marks. He read the play well coming into the defensive 50 and has a booming kick which he used to advantage going long down the line more often than not. In a game where he had plenty to do in the Rebels’ defence, Rantall could hold his head high with his rebounding efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #6 <\/strong>Jack Ough<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 19 disposals, 2 marks, 3 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most consistent Rebels in the match, Ough started the game with a nice marking contest where he braced, took contact, won the ball and spun out of trouble to hit the short target inside 50. His kicking inside 50 was effective and his overall disposal clean. In the fourth term, Ough took a terrific contested pack mark in defence, before a late bump on a Geelong opponent bubbled over into a fourth quarter melee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #7 <\/strong>Oliver Hannaford<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 20 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hannaford had his moments throughout the game and showed clean hands out of a stoppage. He looked to put the jets on a few times and burst away, even getting a shot on goal that missed to the right. Though not finding much space around the ground, he brought the defensive pressure and laid six tackles, while thumping the ball inside 50 to try and put pressure on the Falcons’ defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dandenong Stingrays 14.9 (93) def. by Gippsland Power 16.13 (109)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By: Matthew Vella<\/p>\n\n\n\n DANDENONG STINGRAYS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #2 <\/strong>Harvey Langford<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>18 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dandenong co-captain enjoyed a solid game against a tough opposition, playing mid-forward. Starting forward, he won an early one-on-one overhead mark and let his teammates know where he was going to lead. Like always, he moved into the midfield and started to add pressure with his tackling ability. After a quick spell, he moved forward again but struggled to convert his chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #3 <\/strong>Harrison Doughton<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>14 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doughton also moved between midfield and the forward line. He won a nice contested mark for his size and displayed his kicking range with a goal from 40-50 metres out. The top-ager popped up again to slot his second goal, playing the majority of the game in the guts. His clean hands and silky skills were on display throughout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n #8 <\/strong>Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>10 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom-ager showed off his goalkicking prowess to the crowd, booting three majors and bringing energy to Dandenong’s front line. He showed positive signs, leaping through the pack twice and slotting silky goals from wider angles. Hibbins-Hargreaves also displayed his clean hands outside the contest, adding extra flair and pace through the middle. One to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #10 <\/strong>Ben Hopkins<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>26 disposals, 6 marks, 14 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lightly framed and classy defender showcased his running ability and high IQ kicking. Playing off half-back, he played the game by hand and foot. He did so via pinpoint passes from kick-ins, clean handballs from overlapping runs, and composed shrugs in the contest. The man who had a full preseason with North Melbourne’s VFL team was able to have a great game in defence up against a raging Gippsland Power team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #23 <\/strong>Noah Mraz<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 3 marks, 6 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dandenong’s top tall played a strong game down back after missing the first round through concussion protocols. He had a few moments that he can learn from, conceding goals from free kicks. Though, his body work was something that the opposition struggled with for most of the game, allowing for a strong transition forward through half-back. He also showed he is more than capable of moving into the ruck and holding his own. His tap work can use some work but overall Mraz was consistent playing as the big man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n GIPPSLAND POWER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #3 <\/strong>Xavier Lindsay<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>30 disposals, 5 marks, 7 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Gippsland captain was moving around the ground as standard. He proved classy off half-back and moving freely between the arcs, even kicking a nice goal from transition play. With his running capabilities on full display, he was the pivotal connector from half-back, with fast and clean hands being the difference against his opponent. Running is consistent in his game but he is also very smooth low to ground, very clearly showing why he is an AFL Academy member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #7 <\/strong>Willem Duursma<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom-ager certainly let the competition know what he can do. The fourth sibling of the Duursma clan has the X-factor akin to his brothers before him. Playing off the wing, he moved freely whenever and wherever he pleased, connecting play from the centre to the forward line and even nailing a set shot. His explosive speed and height helped him snatch a mark in the goalsquare to nab his second major, but it was his football IQ that really had people talking. He is definitely a must watch for his bottom-age season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #11 <\/strong>Tom Hanily<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>32 disposals, 9 marks, 7 tackles<\/p>\n\n\n\n The over-ager, who previously spent plenty of time in the APS system had an absolutely cracking outing. The small sized midfielder was everywhere throughout the game, popping up in every bit of free space. He was dominant in the contest and was fast and crisp by hand at stoppages. There were a few times he missed his target inside 50, but for the majority of the game was clean and efficient. Hanily even capped off his game by getting forward to kick a goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Calder Cannons 12.16 (88) def. Western Jets 11.12 (78)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By: Adrian Dixon<\/p>\n\n\n\n CALDER CANNONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #2 <\/strong>Isaac Kako<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>11 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n Started the game well kicking the first two goals; the first from a typical opportunistic finish off the ground, and the second from a close range set shot conversion. He continues to show his clean ball use with excellent delivery via foot and his strong work rate inside 50. Rotating between the forward line and the midfield, his composure could have been a little better and there were a few spells in the game where he went quiet. While there is no doubt about his ability, he could do a bit more defensively while also looking to bring his teammates into the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #3 <\/strong>Jayden Nguyen<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 2 marks, 2 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Showed flashes of brilliance coming out of the back line with his pace and precise kicking. He takes the game on at all costs and always looks to execute plays with his teammates, giving off the one-two handball. As always, Nguyen went in hard and defended exceptionally well. He finished as Calder’s leading possession getter with 21 disposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #10 <\/strong>Damon Hollow<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covers the ground exceptionally well and his movement for his height is excellent. Hollow set the tone early for his teammates with a set shot goal. He provided great leadership and always looked for ways to bring in teammates into the game. Reads the play exceptionally well – especially at the stoppages – and competes at the contest. Disposal was a tad erratic in the field of play, however his delivery inside 50 was excellent, either hitting a target or getting the ball into dangerous areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #18 <\/strong>Harry O’Farrell<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>13 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n O’Farrell’s play reading and intercepting ability down back were elite, and his desperation at the ball was a highlight. That was typified best in the third quarter when the game was on the line, as he saved a certain goal by touching it on the line and therefore colliding with the goalpost. He pushes up the ground well and went forward late in the game where he did have a chance to kick a goal, however it missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #20 <\/strong>Harry Ryan<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>11 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ryan’s work rate was excellent and presence was sound, while his football IQ up forward is elite. This was on show especially in the final quarter when the game was there to be won. After he managed a goal in the first quarter, he found space way too easily and took a mark deep in the forward 50 before kicking the goal that got Calder back in front, and the Cannons didn\u2019t look back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WESTERN JETS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #3 <\/strong>Lucca Grego<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>22 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Provided a real physical presence in the midfield. There is no doubt about Grego’s ability to win the ball in the contest, however he tended to dump kick it a lot from the centre clearances, getting good meterage nonetheless. He got the ball into dangerous spots up forward even though targets weren\u2019t hit. Very agile, however his ball delivery by foot and his disposal in traffic can be improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #10 <\/strong>Thomas Burton<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>23 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Playing out of defence, Burton looked to keep the play moving at all costs and took the game on well – especially running out of defence and moving through the ground. He managed to accumulate a lot of the footy and his calmness and composure were highlights with his distribution of the ball. He also demonstrated solid running patterns as a rebounding defender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 176cm | 26\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 180cm | 01\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 184cm | 01\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 185cm | 13\/04\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wing | 185cm | 17\/10\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ruck | 203cm | 17\/05\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GF-Xavier-Ivisic-1024x683.jpg\")
Defender | 178cm | 25\/05\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 182cm | 26\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tall Defender | 192cm | 19\/10\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 194cm | 15\/12\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 180cm | 01\/09\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GWV-Wil-Rantall-1024x683.jpg\")
Dandenong Stingrays<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Gippsland Power<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Midfielder\/Forward | 190cm | 15\/03\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder\/Forward | 185cm | 23\/04\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 185cm | 16\/11\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 190cm | 28\/07\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Defender | 198cm | 20\/02\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/DS-Harvey-Langford-1024x683.jpg\")
Defender\/Midfielder | 183cm | 03\/08\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wing | 191cm | 21\/06\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 179cm | 31\/05\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GP-Willem-Duursma-1024x683.jpg\")
Calder Cannons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Western Jets<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Small Forward | 175cm | 07\/03\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Small Defender | 177cm | 27\/07\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 180cm | 30\/03\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Defender | 196cm | 03\/05\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 185cm | 22\/05\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 184cm | 15\/09\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Small Defender | 178cm | 09\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n