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- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Dandenong Stingrays<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Bendigo Pioneers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nDandenong Stingrays 14.12 (96) def. Bendigo Pioneers 14.11 (95)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DANDENONG STINGRAYS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 <\/strong>Riak Andrew<\/a>
Tall Defender | 192cm | 17\/02\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>13 disposals, 4 hitouts, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was a tough day for Andrew in Dandenong’s defence as direct opponent Jobe Shanahan<\/strong> booted five goals for the Pioneers. While challenged one-on-one and in the way of defensive craft, the over-ager did his best to compete aerially and displayed his spring-heeled leap. His attack on the ball was strong and he landed well to follow-up or further show his athleticism with rebound run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves<\/a>
Wing\/Forward | 185cm | 16\/11\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>18 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hibbins-Hargreaves hardly wasted any of his 18 touches, contributing neat and tidy work in several smooth passages. The bottom-ager made good decisions and was composed when facing the goals. His finishing ability remained despite spending most of the game on a wing, slotting two set shots and thriving up forward in term four to slot the winning goal on the run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 <\/strong>Ben Hopkins<\/a>
Midfielder | 190cm | 28\/07\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opportunity arose for Hopkins with two of the Stingrays’ prime midfield movers being absent. The over-ager remained in the on-ball group and while not overly prolific, provided positive outside run. He swept back to support the defence and help spark transitional play, while also timing his overlaps well and showing class with his agile movement. Hopkins\u2019 foot skills were also quite sharp on the day, especially from a centre clearance in term two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#22 <\/strong>Jordan Doherty<\/a>
Ruck\/Key Forward | 199cm | 21\/02\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 8 hitouts, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Putting in an impressive shift through the ruck, Doherty also made an impact up forward with three goals. The mobile tall scored twice in open play during the opening quarter; first soccering home a ball over the back, and later summing up the situation well to finish on the run. He took a strong mark deep inside 50 in the following term to add a third major. Doherty backed himself to grab the ball out of the ruck, showcasing the ability to keep his hands free in tackles or step past opponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BENDIGO PIONEERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#11 <\/strong>Connor Evans<\/a>
Defender | 182cm | 02\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>14 disposals, 3 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evans had his usual moments of class down back; whether it was through aggressive overlap run, booming left-foot kicks, or strong leaps to intercept high balls. He covered the ground smoothly and burst forward off a high line to progress the Pioneers\u2019 end-to-end play, doing everything with polish after an early kicking error. He’s a prospect who’s clean in the air and at ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#12 <\/strong>Jobe Shanahan<\/a>
Key Forward | 194cm | 02\/08\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>11 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shanahan has been on the precipice of a significant goal haul recently and broke through with five in a losing side on Saturday \u2013 his best for the season. The mobile tall wreaked havoc from front position, reacting well to the play with his leading patterns and positioning. He kicked two goals from set shots and judged the aerial ball better than all comers, but also moved exceptionally well to crumb and snap a couple more majors on the run. It was a clinical, all-round display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#17 <\/strong>Lachlan Hogan<\/a>
Defender\/Midfielder | 177cm | 13\/01\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>27 disposals, 7 rebound 50s, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hogan was his productive self on Saturday, racking up an equal game-high 27 disposals alongside midfielder Tom Evans<\/strong>. His game awareness and aggressive decision making came to the fore with his side trailing in the dying stages. Hogan took the kick-in long down the middle, bust a gut to get the ball back, then launched it inside 50 in typically penetrative fashion. Throughout the game, he proved an apt interceptor with gutsy aerial efforts to cut off Dandenong kicks, while also cracking in as usual when the ball was in dispute at ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#42 <\/strong>James Barrat<\/a>
Tall Defender | 193cm | 23\/11\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>18 disposals, 10 marks, 6 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrat\u2019s recent move to defence continues to prove fruitful, with the tall swingman recording his second 10-mark game in a row. He read the play superbly and attacked the ball to force several intercepts, alleviating plenty of pressure across defensive 50. While Dandenong\u2019s forwards kept him accountable at times, Barrat owned his space and was quite proactive when moving the ball on, doing so quickly with flat and effective field kicking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#44 <\/strong>Zaydyn Lockwood<\/a>
Key Defender\/Ruck | 198cm | 25\/01\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>13 disposals, 12 hitouts, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On of the catalysts for Bendigo’s late charge, Lockwood booted his first goal for the side at an ideal time. The usual key defender, who also rotated through the ruck, snuck inside 50 to level the scores with four minutes left to play via a long-range set shot. Down back, he shut down Tairon Ah-Mu<\/strong> with strong one-on-one craft, splitting contests through a blend of physicality and athleticism. His leap and aerial presnce translated well to the ruck in an overall competitive outing.<\/p>\n
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\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Gippsland Power<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Geelong Falcons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nGippsland Power 7.10 (52) def. by Geelong Falcons 18.9 (117)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GIPPSLAND POWER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Xavier Lindsay<\/a>
Midfielder | 183cm | 03\/08\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay had another steady game through midfield, looking like his side\u2019s most dangerous player at times while also seeing limited opportunities in his forward rotation. The skipper sharked the opening centre bounce and won the ball at a secondary ball-up, which he has shown a handy knack for. He went on to provide plenty of positive run and drive on the outside, assessing his options nicely to lower his eyes and attempt to hit targets inside 50. A team-lifting goal in the third quarter was Lindsay\u2019s best moment, one full of class with a clean gather and snap in one smooth motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 <\/strong>Max Donohue<\/a>
Wing | 180cm | 19\/03\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Donohue is often recognised among Gippsland\u2019s best players and offers the side plenty as a specialist wingman. While most dangerous when carrying the ball in transition and utilising his sharp kicking, the top-ager produced some strong contested acts in the way of overhead marks and clean work to navigate tight spaces. Such contributions complimented his usual productivity and running game between the arcs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#31 <\/strong>Alix Tauru<\/a>
Tall Defender | 191cm | 16\/11\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 8 marks, 6 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tauru has really found his feet at the level and is in line for representative honours after another exceptional game down back. The intercept marking machine got into a groove by attacking the ball with ferocity and more often than not bringing it down with him. He seemed to be everywhere in the first half and even laid a goal-saving tackle. He was a bit quieter after half time having been collected early in term three, but produced exceptional moments and absorbed enormous pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GEELONG FALCONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#15 <\/strong>Cooper Ward<\/a>
Forward | 178cm | 19\/05\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWard again had his moments in the high forward role, working hard up the field before looking to hurt Gippsland on the way back. His speed and evasion served him well in those instances, and he capped off the Falcons\u2019 transitional play with dangerous kicking inside 50. Perhaps as reward for effort, Ward was gifted a pair of goals from point-blank range during the final quarter onslaught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#18 <\/strong>Noah Caracella<\/a>
Defender | 188cm | 17\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the absence of co-captains Lachie Jaques<\/strong> and Brady Hall<\/strong>, Caracella assumed a similar role down back. The Essendon father-son prospect (son of Blake) showed great speed on the overlap and helped advance the play beyond defensive 50. Despite an early error from the kick-in, he went on to move the ball quite well by foot and remained involved in open play with some handy intercept marks \u2013 using his length at 188cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#27 <\/strong>Liam Kershaw<\/a>
Wing | 194cm | 17\/10\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>16 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing to his strengths out on the wing, Kershaw set up well behind the ball and shifted back to support the defence when required. His height (194cm) provided a point of difference as he plucked overhead marks either as an outlet from defensive 50, or to lock the ball into attacking 50. The over-ager also contributed long, sweeping handballs and handled the ball cleanly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#29 <\/strong>Joe Pike<\/a>
Ruck | 203cm | 17\/05\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>16 disposals, 5 marks, 33 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another prominent Geelong over-ager, Pike dominated the ruck battle with 33 hitouts. He leapt high at the centre bounces and was hard to move around the ground, while also imposing himself with five marks. Pike took two of them in the final term to help the Falcons sustain their scoring assault, setting up well behind the ball and being assertive by grabbing the ball out of the ruck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#50 <\/strong>Josh Lindsay<\/a>
Defender | 182cm | 07\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 6 marks, 6 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Returning from school football for his first Falcons game since Round 3, Lindsay slotted back in seamlessly down back. The bottom-ager didn\u2019t have much to do in the early stages but got involved via the kick-ins and went on to showcase his tidy fundamentals in open play. Lindsay\u2019s clean hands, sharp decision making and sound distribution suited his role, as he mopped up with great composure across the last line before moving the ball on quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#58 <\/strong>Hugo Mikunda<\/a>
Midfielder | 179cm | 13\/03\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 17 disposals, 5 marks, 10 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mikunda has been a consistent figure for Geelong over the last handful of games, gaining great exposure through midfield as a bottom-ager. He repaid the faith again on Sunday by popping up in spurts, like when he prised back-to-back centre clearances to start the second quarter. He also ran out the game strongly and generated good momentum out of the middle, albeit scrappy at times.<\/p>\n
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\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Murray Bushrangers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>GWV Rebels<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nMurray Bushrangers 9.7 (61) def. by GWV Rebels 11.5 (71)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Adrian Dixon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Joshua Murphy<\/a>
Forward | 190cm | 28\/11\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 9 marks, 6 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a bit of a slow start, Murphy\u2019s unrelenting work rate and strong marking saw him finish with six goals. His set shot kicking from all distances and angles was exceptional, while he also demonstrated his follow-up work and positioning by creating options for his teammates. The latter was highlighted by a goal in the second term where he executed an excellent play to score in open play from close range. Murphy never stopped trying all day and was dominant aerially, especially in the contest one-on-one or with his presentation on the lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#44 <\/strong>Oliver Warburton<\/a>
Midfielder\/Defender | 185cm | 13\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>30 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warburton was strong in the midfield and off half-back all day. He utilised great running patterns and always followed up in the contest to provide his teammates with an option to receive the ball and provide run and carry. Warburton showed a great ability to read the play with his intercepting ability, while also showing quick hands and at times dropping back to set up the plays out of defence. He has great composure with his left-foot kick which had some power, however at times showed he could improve his reaction times and coordination in receiving the footy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#46 <\/strong>Max Mahoney<\/a>
Midfielder | 182cm | 12\/06\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following on from last week’s prolific performance, Mahoney provided plenty of grunt work in the midfield. He thrived around the contest with his strong tackling and pressure, ensuring the ball went out to his teammates to provide their run and carry. Mahoney kicked a nice set shot goal early in the game while also setting up plays constantly. His ball delivery inside 50 was excellent – another factor which compounded his influence on the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#50 <\/strong>Zac Harding<\/a>
Ruck | 199cm | 01\/01\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>20 disposals, 6 marks, 5 clearances, 19 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In what turned out to be an intriguing ruck battle with Flynn Penry<\/strong>, Harding showed his physicality while also proving strong around the ground. His follow-up work from the ruck contest came in the form of tackling and clearances, while also being able to provide a marking option down the line. Harding provided defensive cover down back when needed, and also rotated up forward to give Josh Murphy<\/strong> a chop-out in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GWV REBELS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 <\/strong>Sam Lalor<\/a>
Midfielder | 187cm | 30\/08\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 34 disposals, 8 marks, 7 clearances, 9 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Returning from injury, Lalor was prominent all day, winning the clearances early and providing defensive cover when necessary. Such play highlighted his aerobic underpinnings and running power. His tackling pressure was excellent, with Lalor a constant go-to in the midfield and aided by strong support from Harry Lawson<\/strong>. Lalor’s kicking was composed in traffic and his ball delivery inside 50 was dangerous all day, whilst also being clean around the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Jonty Faull<\/a>
Key Forward | 195cm | 01\/02\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 12 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faull backed up his performance last week to kick three goals again, which included two impressive early majors from snap kicks, and another goal from a long-range set shot. Faull provided a strong work rate up the ground and did his best to become an outlet for his teammates up forward. Faull positioned himself well to get the ball, getting stuck in with great second efforts while also providing talk and direction to his teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 <\/strong>Harry Lawson<\/a>
Midfielder | 181cm | 20\/04\/2005<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 18 disposals, 7 tackles, 9 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Lalor was the driving force in the Rebels’ midfield, Lawson played the perfect support act with his ability to win the ball and get it our of the contest. He also provided great defensive pressure around the contest. Like Lalor, Lawson’s ball delivery going forward was dangerous and he had a hand in the first goal, kicking it inside 50 which allowed a teammate to run onto it and score. Lawson made smart choices with the footy, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
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