All notes are the opinion of the individual author.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Swans Academy 9.16 (70) def. Oakleigh Chargers 9.11 (65)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By: Peter Williams<\/p>\n\n\n\n SWANS ACADEMY:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #8 <\/strong>Nicholas Andreacchio<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 30 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind<\/p>\n\n\n\n Andreacchio had the ball on a string all throughout the match and was a prime mover for the Swans in getting the ball forward. He won it in all thirds of the ground and knows where to run to get into ball-winning positions. His quick release by hand and clearance work went hand in hand, and to his credit, Andreacchio worked hard to get back and help the defence. His two-way running aided his team in getting the narrow win, and while his stats show he was largely outside, that was through hard running more than anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #10<\/strong> Lachlan Carmichael<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 30 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 8 rebound 50s, 1 behind<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like Andreacchio, Carmichael just knows where to go to find the ball, and he went and did just that. A creative player through his run and carry, Carmichael worked into the game as it went on and got higher up the ground when required. He did make some mistakes at times, but ran hard both ways and was a consistent option for teammates to utilise in transition. Favoured a lot of neat, short, sharp kicks with a follow-up to win a secondary possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #11<\/strong> William Jenkin<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 22 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n One half of the Jenkin wing twins, William was really aggressive in his play, looking to drive the ball forward, while remaining accountable defensively. He had less touches than his brother, but felt his ground coverage and overall impact across all three lines really stacked up against the best players in the game. Jenkin seemed to find pockets of space here, there and everywhere, with his contest-to-contest work designed to apply speed to the ball really shining through in the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #20 <\/strong>Guy Jenkin<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 26 disposals, 8 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 rebound 50<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other side of the ground, Guy was providing a similar, yet different role to his brother. He found space really easily and showed his running capacity early in the first term. Pushing back into defence, Jenkin took an intercept mark, then worked forward to win another touch while on the move to kick further afield. Time and time again he would look to either switch play or dish off short passes, though his ability to lower his eyes and nail targets in the front half of the ground was very good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #30<\/strong> Noah Chamberlain<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 11 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though playing forward, Chamberlain’s first instance was a strong mark at half-back, showing his willingness to push up the ground and provide an extra number. Boasting an array of draftable traits, the National Academy member was incredibly strong in the air, and once he had ball in hand, used it well. For a taller player, Chamberlain moves well and was able to snap a late goal in the second term. His stats might not leap off the page, but what he did caught the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #33 <\/strong>Max King<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 11 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 2 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Touted as the best player outside the National Academy, King continues to shown signs of being that enigma who can do it all be it midfield or up forward. He was the latter in the match, and in true enigma style, missed a set shot from 25m out on a slight angle before the next quarter won it on the wing, took two bounces and slammed home a goal from outside 50. His ridiculous vertical leap and athleticism already have him as a terrific prospect, but he has the know how to impact both on the scoreboard himself and setting others up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #35 <\/strong>Aidan McCartney<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 11 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n The North Melbourne father-son presented as a strong marking forward who plays taller than his 191cm height suggest. While still a bottom-ager, he looked up to the task against the Oakleigh defence, and though he had some bad misses, was able to kick three majors including one that just snuck in before the half-time siren. Found space inside 50 and made numerous leads throughout the course of the match to end with six scoring shots on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #36<\/strong> Hunter Holmes<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 22 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n The brother of Geelong’s Max<\/strong> is a promising player who is still raw but has some similar signs to his older sibling at the same age. His explosive burst is what stands out the most, and he has a great technique and clean hands, while still looking to refine the precision element going forward. He would gather, burst ahead and deliver a penetrating kick that perhaps was just a foot above the leading target, but still in the right area. With refinement and further development, Holmes could certainly be an intriguing prospect for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #42<\/strong> Lachlan Bell<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 28 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Won an early touch with a lateral kick to the wing and proceeded to rack up more ball than any other Charger. He was largely a second or third possession ball-winner from the midfield and got on the end of chains to deliver inside 50. While at times his delivery going forward was picked off or spoiled, he looked to switch and always tried to create some run and carry down the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #64<\/strong> Josh Shepherd<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 23 disposals, 7 marks, 1 tackle, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Had some lively moments in the match even without hitting the scoreboard. Quite often presented up the ground and even won it in the back 50, before getting deep inside 50 and being a scoring option. He took a couple of marks inside 50 in the second half, and though both chances missed, he continued to provide an option and looked to set up his teammates as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sandringham Dragons 10.7 (67) def. by Giants Academy 11.15 (81)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By: Peter Williams<\/p>\n\n\n\n SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #5 <\/strong>Ricky Theodoropoulos<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 13 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 4 goals, 1 behind<\/p>\n\n\n\n Theodoropoulos played the type of game that everyone has come to expect from him. When within sight of the goals, he lights up and can hit the scoreboard consistently, including two majors in the first term with his second coming as the siren sounded. Theodoropoulos is one of the smarter small forwards going around and he just looks lively and like something is going to happen when it is in his vicinity. While not as explosive as some others, the Sandy Dragons small has fantastic evasion and a booming kick which he utilised on the run early in the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #9 <\/strong>Rory Wright<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 30 disposals, 9 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sandringham’s best on the day, Wright continues to rise up draft boards and it is easy to see why. He is neat by hand or foot, starts on the inside and works to the outside and moves in a similar fashion to ex-Dragon now Dog, Ryley Sanders<\/em><\/strong>. It could be the high socks, but he can clunk a mark in the air, work hard both ways and rack up the ball at will when on his game, and his opening centre clearance out of the middle to lower the eyes and hit up the leading Bamert was simply sensational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #27 <\/strong>Xavier Bamert<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 22 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 3 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind<\/p>\n\n\n\n Started on-ball then went forward and had an impact, kicking the first goal of the second term leading out and converting from long-range. He missed an almost identical chance three minutes later, though was best known for his repeat efforts around the ground. He popped up everywhere, and though at times his efficiency waned and would be the knock on his game, Bamert’s work rate and contest-to-contest efforts had him among the better Dragons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #41<\/strong> Bennett Martin<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 23 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buzzed around the ground and provided some run in transition as well as composure by hand or foot. He usually played the safer options from the back half of the ground but aggressively ran forward to pump the ball inside 50 on a few occasions as well. Contributed well throughout the four quarters and was capable in the air, and clean off the deck. A handy game from the top-age talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GIANTS ACADEMY:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #5 <\/strong>Ethan Matthews<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 19 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Absolute class from the back half of the ground and was able to use his weaponous left-boot to full advantage. Running at an elite 95 per cent disposal efficiency while winning half of his possession in a contest, Matthews was able to weight his passes from defence, pick the right options and execute every time. Early in the game he flew for a mark that he could not quite take but it looked exciting. Plenty of upside for the bottom-ager who was tasked with the kick-ins, but did far more than that for the Giants and their transition game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #20 <\/strong>Bailey-Dean Latanis<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 14 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lively in the forward half who though building his week-to-week consistency, has traits that catch the eye. He kicked two goals and set up numerous teammates, leading hard from the forward 50 and then getting reward for effort later in the match. He had a few rushed opportunities that either sprayed wide or were intercepted, but he looked dangerous when the ball came in his area and can play that high half-forward role well. Latanis showed solid defensive pressure in the front half of the ground as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #38 <\/strong>Tallis McMillan<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 9 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 4 goals, 2 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n A powerful prospect who plays taller than his 191cm height suggests, McMillan was a menace in the air and able to read the ball in flight going inside 50. His first goal from 50m invoked a big celebration, and then he went on to kick three more. Left some out there as well with a couple of behinds, but was a presence inside 50 which is all the Giants could ask of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #39 <\/strong>Jim Houston<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 24 disposals, 12 marks, 20 hitouts, 5 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clearly best on ground, the undersized ruck did just about everything in the air and around the ground. His aerial was was superb, being that target of kickouts, as well as at half-forward to deliver inside 50. Houston consistently got into ball-winning positions, and was involved in transitional play across the ground. His marking was not the only strength, with Houston’s ability to palm down the ball to his midfielders when in the middle another great highlight of his game. Huge game from the key position player.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Murray Bushrangers 12.10 (82) def. Northern Territory 4.10 (34)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By: Erin Piez<\/p>\n\n\n\n MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #1<\/strong> Liam Hetherton<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>14 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 5 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 3 goals, 2 behinds<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hetherton made the most of his chances, nailing two set shots in the second quarter. He showed courage with a brave mark inside 50 in the third term and continued to be a reliable target throughout the match. His movement inside 50 and ability to find space under pressure added value to Murray\u2019s attacking options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #8<\/strong> Ben Kennedy<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 21 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 3 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kennedy\u2019s run and carry were top notch, and he provided several moments of individual brilliance. In the second quarter, he found space with confidence and kicked a sensational long-range goal that bounced through from distance. He showed excellent composure with ball in hand and applied strong pressure when off it. Kennedy\u2019s explosive speed and smart positioning made him a threat all game, affecting the play tirelessly from defence to attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #22<\/strong> Lenny Koller<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 18 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 6 hitouts, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n Koller was tidy around the contest, with good disposals and positioning early. He had a standout second quarter with a brilliant run through space, ending in a long-range bomb that went all the way through for a goal. His anticipation and ability to be an option in transition play added an extra layer of threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #23<\/strong> Cody Gardiner<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>28 disposals, 7 marks, 12 tackles, 8 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n A standout for Murray, Gardiner was consistent across all quarters. He applied strong physicality at stoppages and tackled well, winning multiple free kicks. His work rate and positioning around the ball were crucial, constantly linking play from defence to attack. Gardiner regularly moved into space to receive and distribute efficiently, and his pressure acts, especially around the ruck, were key to Murray\u2019s midfield ascendancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #26<\/strong> Blake Newton<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 1 behind, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind<\/p>\n\n\n\n Newton brought energy early, winning a free kick with a terrific chase and tackle in the first term. He followed that up with smart positioning in defensive chains, helping Murray work out of their back half to effect. Newton continued to present as a steady option up the field and was clean with his disposals under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #29<\/strong> Oscar Roberts<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>28 disposals, 16 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Roberts provided a composed presence across the field for Murray. His intercept marking was excellent, and he read the play well throughout. He linked up play beautifully with safe hands and e effective disposals and had a few big moments, like a strong run up the wing and an important smothered kick recovery. Roberts continually found space and delivered accurately under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #32<\/strong> Flynn Grumley<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grumley was a key link-up player around the ball for Murray. He consistently ran through lines, provided clean disposals under pressure, and followed up his own plays with strong support positioning. His repeat efforts and involvement in multiple scoring chains stood out, making him a crucial cog in Murray\u2019s midfield-forward transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NORTHERN TERRITORY:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n #1<\/strong> Malakai Le Rossignol<\/a> Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Rossignol showed grit and determination across all four quarters. A main example of his efforts and abilities was when he produced one of the highlights of the first term with a gutsy intercept mark, then backed it up with an aggressive run along the wing despite opposition pressure. Though his initial kick was smothered, he regathered and kept running, eventually delivering a perfect kick to a teammate. He continued to apply strong pressure around the ball, working hard to move the ball out of dangerous spots, shining as one of NT\u2019s bests of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #2 <\/strong>Sonny Smiler<\/a> Stats: <\/strong>13 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite not dominating the stats sheet, Smiler had a very impactful game, showing his class with an eye-catching contested mark in the opening term, followed by a slick pickup and kick to inside 50 while being dragged by the jumper. He showed strong pressure acts throughout, working hard to shut down Murray\u2019s play from the backline. His intercept marking, link-up play, and relentless running helped keep NT competitive, including a clean intercept mark in quarter two and several strong supportive runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #10<\/strong> Adrian Scott<\/a> Stats:<\/strong> 12 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 6 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scott\u2019s pressure around the contest was a highlight, particularly in the first quarter where he laid several effective tackles and helped force turnovers. His chase-down efforts and smart positioning consistently helped his squad turn defence into attack, including a key chase and tackle that launched a Northern Territory counter. He backed it up in the second and third terms with clean pickups and strong support play through the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSwans Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Oakleigh Chargers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Midfielder | 178cm | 10\/03\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 183cm | 27\/08\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wing | 177cm | 25\/11\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wing | 177cm | 25\/11\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tall Forward | 194cm | 21\/03\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tall Forward | 192cm | 01\/09\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 191cm | 04\/11\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Aidan-McCartney-Swans-Academy-2024-AFL-U16s-1024x683.jpg\")
Midfielder | 186cm | 19\/02\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 182cm | 04\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 190cm | 14\/12\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSandringham Dragons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>GIANTS Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Small Forward | 170cm | 05\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 183cm | 02\/06\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 185cm | 29\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 177cm | 26\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 185cm | 04\/09\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 183cm | 07\/12\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tall Forward | 191cm | 11\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ruck | 196cm | 10\/02\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMurray Bushrangers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Northern Territory Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Key Forward | 197cm | 02\/05\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward | 189cm | 02\/07\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tall Defender | 194cm | 21\/03\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender\/Midfielder | 176cm | 12\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward\/Midfielder | 180cm | 16\/12\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 187cm | 08\/03\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder\/Forward | 177cm | 30\/07\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wing | 177cm | 30\/05\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defender | 176cm | 20\/10\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Midfielder | 179cm | 30\/07\/2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n