- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
GWV Rebels<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Western Jets<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nGWV Rebels 9.12 (66) def. Western Jets 8.11 (59)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GWV REBELS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Patrick McKenna<\/a>
Defender | 182cm | 15\/01\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 7 marks, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McKenna was productive as ever across half-back, racking up possessions and driving the ball forward with intent. The bottom-ager looked to combine with teammates and used his run to switch defence into attack, evading opponents along the way. While he tended to invite a bit of pressure on his kicks, McKenna\u2019s ability to spark GWV\u2019s transitional play helped keep his side looking dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Michael Hughes<\/a>
Defender\/Wing | 181cm | 17\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In combination with McKenna, Hughes mopped up the spills across half-back and got the Rebels moving forward. He did so with notable composure, finessing his kicks off either foot and finding a way to hit up teammates under pressure. Hughes was drawn up the ground and ran out the game on a wing, generating the same outside run and efficient ball use during end-to-end transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 <\/strong>Ethan Drever<\/a>
Midfielder | 188cm | 10\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>34 disposals, 10 tackles, 9 clearances, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drever has established a knack for kicking crucial goals and popped up with one late in the piece on Friday. His classy checkside finish from a forward 50 stoppage put the Rebels ahead with under four minutes to play, and capped off a mountain of work from the midfielder. Drever’s clean hands and distributive work were features of a dominant game, often missed without a close eye on the stoppage. To compliment his work on the inside, he filled his boots with 20 uncontested possessions and found a bit of space to better utilise his foot skills without pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#14 <\/strong>Archie Elliott<\/a>
Forward | 182cm | 10\/08\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>15 disposals, 6 marks, 8 tackles, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s almost astounding that Elliott only finished the game with two goals given just how many chances he earned. He could well have had that haul within the opening 10 minutes, instead settling for three behinds. Standing at 182cm, Elliott impacted in the air with a strong set of hands and shrewd reading of the play. He reacted quicker than the Jets defenders and hit-up nicely on the lead, while also staying involved at the drop of the ball. The top-ager slotted his second major after the final siren with what was arguably one of his toughest set shots, hard on the angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WESTERN JETS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 <\/strong>Khaled El Souki<\/a> (Bulldogs NGA)<\/strong>
Small Forward\/Midfielder | 175cm | 04\/07\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El Souki played a fairly well-rounded small forward\u2019s game. He provided great pressure and was a threat when crumbing packs, while also searching high up the ground for possession and registering several shots on goal. The left-footer was inconsistent in his execution, steadying for two goals but spraying several chances in blustery conditions. El Souki\u2019s ability to shark the ball on the move and draw free kicks put him in positions to score, just lacking the sharper finishes he is capable of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#7 <\/strong>Angus Tippett<\/a>
Midfielder | 194cm | 12\/02\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tippett brought his usual presence to the midfield battle, proving difficult to miss on account of his sheer size. The top-ager got stuck in with repeat tackle efforts and was able to absorb physical pressure while dishing the ball off. His effectiveness was slightly impacted by said pressure, although he drifted through the corridor and dropped back to rack up easier uncontested ball. Tippett also had a few attempts on goal fall short or wide in the conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 <\/strong>Lachlan Hicks<\/a>
Midfielder | 183cm | 19\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>27 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hicks once again led the Jets for disposals and was uncompromising in his approach. He got going with a courageous high mark and brought that same hard edge to winning the ball at ground level. Hicks was reliably tough in the contest and gutsy when competing overhead, consistently putting his body on the line. The top-ager did most of his best work by hand, and barring one bullet pass in the first quarter, was another whose kicking strayed at times in the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 <\/strong>Griffin Barker<\/a>
Forward | 186cm | 13\/08\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>10 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barker’s numbers may not jump off the page but he produced moments of genuine quality. It was an absolute wonder why the bottom-ager wasn’t unleashed into midfield given the ball-winning prowess he showed. Barker’s strength and explosiveness saw him not only push opponents off the ball, but then burst away from them or roll their tackle attempts off his back. He slotted a classy snap goal in the second term and set one up for Miller with great delivery after half time. A jet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#15 <\/strong>Jake Miller<\/a>
Key Forward | 197cm | 07\/05\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another of Western\u2019s star bottom-agers, Miller continues to showcase his versatility as a key forward. Much of his involvement came up the ground, where he joined in the front of stoppages and used his physicality to break open the packs. Miller often looked to wheel and go on his favoured left side, although eventually GWV cottoned on to that method. He hit-up on a few more leads closer to goal as the game wore on and took a pack mark to level the scores late on. His work rate and mobility are terrific attributes to have on top of his marking and scoring ability.<\/p>\n
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\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Calder Cannons<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Bendigo Pioneers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nCalder Cannons 13.16 (94) def. Bendigo Pioneers 8.12 (60)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Peter Williams<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CALDER CANNONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2<\/strong> Sam Harris<\/a> (North Melbourne F\/S)<\/strong>
Midfielder\/Forward | 180cm | 17\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 23 disposals, 9 marks, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of a host of father-son prospects in action across both sides in the clash, Harris started on-ball each quarter and then rested forward at times. He had a few near misses – including a poster – on goal to finish with three behinds, but it was his work rate across the ground that stood out. Often winning the ball in contested situations, Harris showed strength through the core to still get the handball away, while also working into space to take nine marks throughout the course of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Nathaniel Jenkins<\/a>
Key Forward | 196cm | 18\/08\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 13 disposals, 2 marks, 7 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No stranger to finding the big sticks, Jenkins had an absolute day out, feasting on the Cannons’ forward 50 entries to slam home seven goals. Six of those game in the first half, including three in four minutes in a second term blitz. While you might expect a tall to be kicking them from set shots, Jenkins split his majors between that and from smart general play where he would win it off hands or work goalside. He only needed a slight sight and he never looked like missing, with a couple created out of nothing from a glance and classy finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4<\/strong> Tevita Rodan<\/a> (Port Adelaide F\/S)<\/strong>
Forward\/Wing | 180cm | 18\/02\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 19 disposals, 6 marks, 3 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like Harris, Rodan left some potential majors out there, but he always looked lively in the front half, leading out and then dancing around opponents on a dime. He showed his work rate in the opening term, taking a couple of marks at half-back, and then his versatility when moved onto a wing in the second half. Oozes X-factor and has a big back of tricks that catch the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8<\/strong> Koby Bewick<\/a> (Essendon F\/S)<\/strong>
Defender | 178cm | 01\/10\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 31 disposals, 10 marks, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stuffed the stats sheet in a performance that would have been an impressive fantasy outing. Bewick usually took the kickouts or was the first option in the pocket from the kick-outs, where he looked to run and gun down the field. An aggressive player out of the back half, Bewick has a penetrating kick, and while on occasion he launched off a step when he had a bit more time, is someone who will add speed in transition. Had a flying shot from long-range to hit the post during the second term and then snuck forward for a set shot in the fourth, but missed to the near side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9<\/strong> Moustafa Darwish<\/a> (Essendon NGA)<\/strong>
Wing | 180cm | 01\/07\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 22 disposals, 12 marks, 4 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bottom-ager caught the eye starting off a wing and roaming well up and down the ground. He provided the link between defence and offence well, and competed strongly in the air for his size. While naturally winning the bulk of his disposals on the outside similar to Bewick and Merhi, Darwish still inflicted a fair bit of damage by pinpointing passes in the front half. Often looked for the short 45 to open up the game or lowered the eyes. Had a snap on goal himself late, but didn’t get the purchase he was after as it fell short and was cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10<\/strong> Isa Merhi<\/a> (Essendon NGA)<\/strong>
Defender | 177cm | 14\/05\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 27 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet another running talent who did a lot of his best work out of the back half, Merhi ran at a high efficiency. Of his 27 disposals, 23 were effective, and his smart left foot and clean hands were on display. He took risks at different points looking into the corridor, with his short passing and multiple touches to keep the ball moving quite neat. Set up a number of goals with his movement between the arcs, being one of the early point of calls alongside Bewick in getting the ball down the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CC-Nate-Jenkins-12-1024x683.jpg\")
Nate Jenkins shoots on goal | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n BENDIGO PIONEERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 <\/strong>Cody Walker<\/a> (Carlton F\/S)<\/strong>
Midfielder\/Forward | 184cm | 26\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 33 disposals, 7 tackles, 9 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was just another day at the office for the potential number one pick as Walker went about his business in another great performance. Clearly best afield for his side, Walker’s ball use and natural footy IQ are obvious, but what really stood out in the loss was the defensive elements. Given his talent, it would be easy to let others do the dirty work, but the amount of times Walker was first to the ball at ground level shovelling it out to teammates was really admirable. It was also a big tick when he would lay a tackle, force the ball to spill out, drag it in but spin his body before being tackled and then handballed to an open option outside the stoppage. Big performance and got time to rest forward at different points too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 <\/strong>Eamon Austin<\/a>
Forward\/Midfielder | 171cm | 14\/09\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 19 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Austin rotated between attack and midfield, nailing a set shot in the third term after missing an earlier chance from a similar range and angle. He mopped up working into defence at times and found his fair share of the ball, spreading well across the field. Austin had some nice moments and got the ball forward on a number of occasions to set up potential scoring chances too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#7 <\/strong>Max Thompson<\/a>
Defender\/Forward | 174cm | 06\/03\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats:<\/strong> 19 disposals, 3 marks, 3 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spent the first half off half-back then went forward to try and conjure something different in the second half. An elite skilled player, Thompson is exceptionally smart at working off any opponent to get into ball-winning positions and then nail the pass going forward. While at times it means he has to work double time to get back if the play shifts and his opponent is caught ball side, Thompson provided so much impact by foot that it is worth it. Similar to Josh Lindsay<\/strong>, Thompson is the playmaker out of the back half, but showed he can roll forward too, albeit with not as much impact as what he can do with space and the ground in front of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-9-1024x683.jpg\")
Cody Walker fires out a handball | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Gippsland Power<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Eastern Ranges<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nGippsland Power 13.10 (88) def. Eastern Ranges 8.9 (57)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By: Michael Alvaro<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GIPPSLAND POWER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#11 <\/strong>Marlon Neocleous<\/a>
Small Forward\/Midfielder | 168cm | 26\/02\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>20 disposals, 8 marks, 4 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neocleous was absolutely rampant in the first half, picking 14 of his 20 touches and a bag of four goals. He snared three of them in the second quarter, two being classy finishes on the move as every Gippsland attack seemed to go through the diminutive forward. He also ran rings around Eastern with his work further afield, working into pockets of space and either launching long kicks into attack, or forging chains of possession. Neocleous\u2019 clever ball use and creative running patterns did the damage early in what was a statement performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#16 <\/strong>Oscar Henwood<\/a>
Midfielder | 185cm | 11\/06\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>18 disposals, 4 marks, 7 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of Gippsland\u2019s many quality bottom-agers, Henwood showed his class as a permanent fixture in midfield. The left-footer often looked inboard when sending the ball inside 50, putting it into dangerous areas under pressure. He was also composed at the contest, remaining upright and never dumping the ball away, but rather showing great vision and awareness to find the path of a teammate. Time and time again, Henwood assessed his options nicely before disposing of the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#17 <\/strong>Leo Stephenson<\/a>
Wing | 183cm | 08\/07\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>17 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephenson was once again productive along the wings, getting dangerous when the ball was in dispute. He attacked the contest with vigour and knew where pressure was coming from, utilising his athletic gifts to evade would-be tacklers. The bottom-ager also got involved in more stagnant kick-mark play, running the channels to help his side move the ball from end to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#27 <\/strong>Charlie Fischer<\/a> (Hawthorn NGA)<\/strong>
Wing | 179cm | 07\/04\/2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>13 disposals, 3 marks, 6 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In combination with Stephenson, Fischer provided Gippsland with great connectivity on the outside. His ball use heading inside forward 50 was particularly eye-catching, including with a couple of direct goal assists in the second term. Fischer’s evasiveness was another feature, spinning out of the reach of Eastern players to get into space do damage with his ball use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#40 <\/strong>Xavier Ladbrook<\/a>
Key Defender | 201cm | 16\/10\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>13 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ladbrook is a rare prospect who continues to showcase his best traits, again settling down in defence on Friday. The athletic tall wasn\u2019t afraid to join in on Gippsland\u2019s transitional play, timing his runs well to provide support on the overlap. His speed and foot skills were terrific in those situations, both defiant of his size. Ladbrook wasn\u2019t as prominent on the intercept or aerially, but was swung forward in the final term and nabbed a goal earlier on the end of a 50m penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EASTERN RANGES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#6 <\/strong>Brodie Wilson<\/a>
Wing\/Small Forward | 177cm | 03\/02\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>12 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wilson led Eastern’s brief third term revival with a pair of goals and plenty of crafty work in the front half. He showed a knack for making things happen inside 50, utilising all of his evasive skills and smarts to make opposition defenders panic. The lively small snuck into pockets of space and was difficult to tie down when the ball hit the deck, operating in constant motion. He had started the game up on a wing where his work rate stood out, helping Eastern transfer the ball in and out of either arc. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he certainly had an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#11 <\/strong>Mitch Gillan<\/a>
Defender | 181cm | 27\/05\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>22 disposals, 9 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slotting in after missing last week, Gillan was back near his best for the Ranges. He knows how to rack up possessions and did so across the backline, using the ball efficiently. Gillan competed well overhead to either intercept or spoil opposition forwards, but was just as prominent in mopping up the ground level spills. Whether deep or high up the field, his high-volume uncontested style was laden with effective short kicks to help Eastern chip at a way forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#16 <\/strong>Harrison Chapman<\/a>
Midfielder | 189cm | 06\/01\/2008<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStats: <\/strong>22 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a quiet outing in stifling conditions, Chapman got back into his groove on Friday. The tall midfielder was again tested by pressure in the early exchanges, but shifted gears to show greater intensity with ball in hand. He looked stylish when carrying the ball out of stoppage, where he could make best use his foot skills. The AFL Academy member seemed to enjoy a confidence boost despite the result, and is arguably most effective when afforded time and space on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
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