<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Calder Cannons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Northern Knights<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nCalder Cannons 10.13 (73) def. by Northern Knights 12.6 (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>Hussien El Achkar<\/a>
Small Forward | 171cm | 02\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El Achkar showed excellent vision early to hit up Adam Sweid<\/strong> in the first quarter, who was unable to convert, instead putting the Cannons on the board himself in the second quarter. His set shot kicking needed improvement to make the most of his chances, though he was battling the Craigieburn elements. El Ackhar set up a goal for Blake Justice<\/strong> on debut with excellent vision and went on to kick the first goal of the second half on the run. He was quick to pounce on loose ball turnovers and took a good mark to kick his third and bring Calder back into the game. While he did fail to make the most of his chances he also did his best to find teammates in better positions, while his tackle pressure around the contest was good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Hamish Bird<\/a>
Midfielder | 187cm | 16\/08\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>20 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing a strong captain’s game, Bird started brightly with the first inside 50 of the game. He broke free from tackles using his solid frame to advantage and provided strong delivery to his forwards throughout the game. He kicked one of the goals of the day where he baulked the opposition through traffic to kick a crucial goal before half time that brought the Cannons back into the game. He showed great vision shown throughout the day and set up El Achkar for his second goal to start off the second half. Bird did his best to drive his side forward with sensible decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Felix Kneipp<\/a>
Midfielder | 179cm | 01\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kneipp was prominent early with his work around the contest and his ball movement by foot was excellent. He marked strongly and provided plenty of run from the contest, while also providing an outlet on the outside and applying defensive pressure with his tough tackling. His running patterns and use of acceleration when need be were a highlight. Kneipp did his best to drive his side forward late in the game that was shown with some great running power which helped set up Justice for a second goal, showing great speed and evasiveness when in space and to break from the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#23 <\/strong>Adam Sweid<\/a>
Midfielder\/Forward | 175cm | 14\/09\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>30 disposals, 7 marks, 9 tackles<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sweid continued his excellent start to the season, moving well around the ground and his inside work was strong early. Swied took a good mark early inside 50 however missed his set shot from an angle that highlights he can make better decisions when kicking for goal against the wind. He provided strong tackle pressure around the contest. His movement and follow up work was excellent and showed strong hands overhead. His second efforts were there while his vision and composure were excellent throughout the day, while Swied also provided powerful running knowing when to accelerate and decelerate and had quick reactions to quick transitions in play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NORTHERN KNIGHTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Mitchell Moate<\/a>
Midfielder | 181cm | 04\/09\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>23 disposals, 6 marks, 3 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Vic Metro Under 16 representative from 2023, Moate continues to make impressive strides from his comeback from an ACL rupture. He started off well with an excellent delivery inside 50 by foot to hit up Nick Canavan<\/strong> for a goal. He was composed and showed quick hands to provide a crucial smother early, preventing the Cannons from exiting attacking 50 properly. Moate showed great evasiveness to release to a teammate that later led to a goal – the first of the second quarter. He broke away from opponents to provide a passing option and delivered a nice ball inside 50 that led to a goal in the first minute of the last quarter which proved to be important in the end. He then backed it up moments later for another delivery that led to another goal. Moate worked hard all around the ground to provide coverage and an option for his teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#14 <\/strong>Ryan Commandeur<\/a>
Defender | 181cm | 25\/02\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>26 disposals, 10 marks, 9 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commandeur started off strongly with a strong overhead mark against the odds, then backed up again moments later with another mark. He worked hard to locate the footy, not being drawn into his opponent. Commandeur provided excellent run and carry out of defence and his kicking was excellent, taking risks especially in the second quarter where he managed to find a teammate on the wing. He worked very well with his Knights defenders to take a number of intercept marks and competed very well against bigger, taller opponents. He worked very hard to provide an option coming out of defensive 50 and was clean with the ball under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#23 <\/strong>Gabriel Stumpf<\/a>
Key Defender | 196cm | 23\/11\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>20 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trialled as a key defender having returned to the Knights as an over-age prospect, Stumpf showed excellent movement and composure to clear the ball out of the backline and also displayed quick hands while also showing great intercept marking and second efforts. Stumpf was great with his spoiling down back and his kicking had depth, however it also was inconsistent which nearly proved to be costly on a few occasions. His play reading ability was crucial to the Knights’ defensive cohort and worked himself up the field well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#45 <\/strong>Hugh White<\/a>
Midfielder | 183cm | 26\/08\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Picking up from where he left off from last week, White provided great run and carry through the middle of the ground to hit up a teammate inside 50 having earlier shown his intercepting capabilities. White gets in good spots and reads the play well, showcasing excellent running patterns and power. He took a great mark going back with the flight in the forward pocket in the second quarter that was followed up by a goal from a set shot snap kick. White slotted his second from a set shot from 45 metres out that was worked well against the wind. White got into the right spots around the ground and took risks, executing the switch of the play at times.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Western Jets<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Eastern Ranges<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nWestern Jets 7.9 (51) def. by Eastern Ranges 16.14 (110)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WESTERN JETS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Khaled El Souki<\/a>
Small Forward | 173cm | 04\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>12 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of many exciting bottom-agers in Western\u2019s ranks, El Souki thrived amongst a group of quick and agile small forwards. His dancing feet were on show with twists and turns to create space for sharp inboard kicks around goal. One such play saw him assist Harry Gardner-Solomon<\/strong> in the first quarter, before going on to produce many more pieces of creativity with sharp vision and skill. El Souki got reward for effort in the final term with a mercurial snap goal of his own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 <\/strong>Thomas McGuane<\/a>
Midfielder | 178cm | 27\/08\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>38 disposals, 10 clearances, 6 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McGuane was nothing short of prolific on Saturday, racking up possessions in all parts of the ground as he intelligently tracked the ball. The Collingwood father-son prospect got on the move and enjoyed combining with teammates, often dishing off efficiently on the move. Having simply transferred pressure at times, McGuane looked most dangerous when able to spread the play with his kicking, making just as quick decisions but hurting the opposition more with darting passes. The dual-footed midfielder also spend time up forward and is pushing his case as a first round talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#21 <\/strong>Kobe Williams<\/a>
Midfielder\/Defender | 186cm | 30\/10\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another club-tied player in the Jets\u2019 on-ball mix, Williams is father-son eligible to Hawthorn (son of Mark), while also being part of the Western Bulldogs\u2019 Next Generation Academy. He seems to have flicked a switch heading into 2025, showcasing a clean set of hands and strong frame to hold his own at the contest. Williams was more efficient by hand than foot and fed his teammates out of congestion, while also dropping back to support a besieged Western defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#25 <\/strong>Oskar Ainsworth<\/a>
Midfielder | 186cm | 26\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>26 disposals, 8 clearances, 7 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ainsworth got to work at the stoppages, using his power and size to extract first possession before blasting it forward. He had little trouble getting his hands on the ball and drove it into attack at every opportunity, wheeling around onto his favoured left side to penetrate the forward 50. He had a couple of nice moments around the ground, including a strong intercept mark on the wing in term two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EASTERN RANGES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Lachy Dovaston<\/a>
Small Forward | 177cm | 29\/05\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>11 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While his radar was off this week with one goal from five scoring shots, Dovaston continued to prove dangerous at the fall of the ball. He had 1.2 on the board within 15 minutes, splitting the big sticks after winning a forward 50 stoppage free kick. He peppered the goals with opportunistic snapshots and Western struggled to contain his speed. On another day he could easily have ended up with three or four goals, but it was not to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#22 <\/strong>Xavier Taylor<\/a>
Tall Defender | 191cm | 30\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was another resolute performance from Taylor, who produced a massive opening quarter with eight disposals and three marks. The tall defender showcased a clean set of hands to intercept, doing so with no fuss and meeting the ball with vigour. Whether inside defensive 50 or on a high line up the ground, Taylor hardly fumbled and executed with conviction on the rebound. Just about everything he did defensively was completely sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#30 <\/strong>Mitchell Hansen<\/a>
Forward | 188cm | 10\/02\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>9 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having snared multiple goals in each of his first two games this season, Hansen broke out with a haul of five as one of Eastern\u2019s dynamic power forwards. The top-ager proved difficult to contain inside attacking 50 with his blend of size and raw speed, often seeing him break over the back and take his opportunities into open goals. He got tidier as the game wore on and had all five majors on the board before three-quarter time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#37 <\/strong>Rod Ali<\/a>
Defender | 186cm | 11\/01\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>11 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just as scribblings of wanting to see Ali add intercept marking to his sound defensive acumen hit the page, the over-ager came to life with several confident grabs – six of which came in the second half. He had mopped up across the backline and showed great anticipation to that point, closing in for spoils or to split aerial contests. Having found the confidence to mark, he got on a roll and showed just why Eastern had been pursuing his talents from basketball for a long time.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Sandringham Dragons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Oakleigh Chargers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSandringham Dragons 13.9 (87) def. Oakleigh Chargers 9.17 (71)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 <\/strong>Ricky Theodoropoulos<\/a>
Small Forward | 170cm | 05\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>16 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theodoropoulos was busy as ever operating off the half-forward flank, showcasing impeccable vision and creative smarts. He got on the board with an early assist for Xavier Bamert<\/strong>, going on to put several other teammates through on goal with unselfish handballs. His ability to work up the ground or dart in and out of traffic meant Oakleigh struggled to contain him, especially when it came to manufacturing flashy scoring avenues. He also bagged a goal of his own in the opening quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Rory Wright<\/a>
Midfielder | 183cm | 02\/06\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wright continued his sensational start to the season, displaying different sides to his game on Saturday. While his precise left-foot kicking is a standout trait, Wright\u2019s one-touch marking was just as impressive, taking nine for the day including some brave efforts overhead. He was typically tough at the coalface and gave plenty of defensive attention to Oakleigh speedster Sam Grlj<\/strong>, but also spent time on the outer where he found space to pinpoint his passes going inside 50. As Wright has done in previous weeks, he was also sure to hit the scoreboard with a goal on the run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#27 <\/strong>Xavier Bamert<\/a>
Midfielder | 185cm | 29\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 5 clearances, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After consecutive returns of 14 disposals over the first two rounds, Bamert comfortably exceeded that mark and added elements to his game in the process. The Sandringham skipper bagged a pair of goals, with the second helping to ice the game in term four as Oakleigh continued to pose questions. He also started well with a crisp checkside finish for the game\u2019s opening goal, going on to display his usual crash-and-bash style at stoppages. Bamert\u2019s approach broke the play open but he also dished off to teammates with finesse, acting as a reliable feeder from the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#34 <\/strong>Kye Fincher<\/a>
Defender | 184cm | 18\/11\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>28 disposals, 7 marks, 7 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fincher has been one of Sandringham\u2019s top performers over the first three weeks and consolidated that on Saturday. Plying his trade across half-back, the St Kilda NGA prospect ran aggressive patterns on the overlap to generate run and carry up the field. He overcame a couple of errors by foot through sheer will, working hard to be an outlet in space and apply defensive pressure with rundown efforts. A speccy on the wing in term four was amongst his highlights as he turned defence into attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Jai Saxena<\/a>
Small Forward | 179cm | 27\/07\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having burst onto the scene last week, Saxena took his star turn to new heights with a bag of five goals. The Collingwood NGA candidate snapped his side\u2019s first goal and made it back-to-back majors with a sharp shot over his shoulder. He has a light frame but handled the ball cleanly both at ground level and when presenting at kickers, which allowed him even more chances at goal. Saxena struck the ball well over the mark and finished tidily from the pocket, proving near-unstoppable in front of the big sticks in a team which wasted many chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 <\/strong>Sam Grlj<\/a>
Midfielder | 182cm | 26\/07\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grlj plays in constant motion and again utilised his physical attributes to put Oakleigh on the front foot. He was dangerous when receiving the ball in space, but proved just as capable of evading the opposition with agile steps or bursts of speed to navigate tight spots. He was difficult to contain with a full head of steam and that was no more evident than when he darted past two opponents before hitting a kick inside 50 during term two. He was also smart enough to direct traffic when moving at full tilt and measured his disposals relatively well considering his direct style of play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 <\/strong>Zac McCarthy<\/a>
Ruck\/Key Forward | 198cm | 27\/10\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McCarthy showed out as a mobile new-age ruck, displaying unique athleticism and skill for a player his size. He roamed around the ground like a small, getting involved in attacking phases by carrying the ball and delivering it forward with sharp execution. Another Collingwood NGA bolter, McCarthy looked comfortable in possession and bagged a goal on the snap in term three. His traits suggest he could soon establish himself within the top 25 players, if he hasn’t done so already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Aaron Sharkie<\/a>
Defender\/Midfielder | 183cm | 20\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>26 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharkie was once again incredibly industrious, operating off half-back before a shift into the middle. He worked into all the right spots to mop up, receive, and rebound the ball across the defensive half, before making good decisions to consistently hit targets by foot. He began to attack more as the game wore on, leaning on his running ability to drive towards attacking 50 in a direct manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#14 <\/strong>Max Kondogiannis<\/a>
Defender | 190cm | 14\/11\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a steady return last week which yielded zero marks, Kondogiannis was back near his best with seven on Saturday. The 190cm defender plucked the ball cleanly when intercepting and was sharp with his ball use on the way forward, proving a polished starting point for Oakleigh\u2019s counterattacks. He showed good game awareness late in the piece to make more urgent decisions from the kick-ins as Oakleigh trailed and ultimately fell short of victory.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Bendigo Pioneers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Gippsland Power<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nBendigo Pioneers 8.8 (56) def. by Gippsland Power 11.10 (76)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BENDIGO PIONEERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Cody Walker<\/a>
Midfielder\/Forward | 184cm | 26\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>25 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walker showed signs of unbelievable talent on Sunday, providing glimpses of what Carlton fans can come to expect from their father-son prospect. The son of Andrew proved he could do it all; producing a ridiculously clean pick-up at speed in the first term, charging out of forward 50 to take a strong mark on the lead, and launching a sensational kick inside 50 to assist Jaidi Jackson-Leahy<\/strong> in the third quarter. Walker\u2019s class in those instances was countered by a few struggles when running on-ball, though he seemed to find more freedom once released up forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 <\/strong>Tom Evans<\/a>
Defender | 180cm | 22\/02\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>