List Mgmt. 2018 Draft Prospects aka the West and Khamis thread

[Wizard17]

CALDER CANNONS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Calder Cannons Talent Manager Ian Kyte about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.

2017 FINISH: 9th (6-12)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Brad Bernacki / 2. Jack Bytel / 3. Mitch Podhajski

2017 DRAFTEES: Noah Balta (pick no.25 to Richmond)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2004: Lynden Dunn (Melbourne/Collingwood), Eddie Betts (Carlton/Adelaide)
• 2005: Richard Douglas (Adelaide)
• 2008: Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide/Western Bulldogs), Shaun McKernan (Adelaide/Essendon)
• 2009: Jake Melksham (Essendon/Melbourne), Daniel Talia (Adelaide), Jake Carlisle (Essendon/St Kilda)
• 2010: Dion Prestia (Gold Coast/Richmond), Mitch Wallis (Western Bulldogs), Cameron Guthrie (Geelong), Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)
• 2011: Brandon Ellis (Richmond), Tom Sheridan (Fremantle)
• 2012: Jonathan O’Rourke (GWS/Hawthorn), Lachlan Plowman (GWS/Carlton), Joe Daniher (Essendon), Rory Atkins (Adelaide)
• 2014: Paul Ahern (GWS/North Melbourne), Peter Wright (Gold Coast), Jake Lever (Adelaide/Melbourne), Touk Miller (Gold Coast), Roarke Smith* (Western Bulldogs), Reilly O’Brien* (Adelaide)
• 2015: Callum Moore* (Richmond)
• 2016: Mitch Lewis (Hawthorn) / Ben Ronke* (Sydney) / Zach Guthrie* (Geelong)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Jack Bytel, Curtis Taylor, Rhylee West (Level 2)

2018 COACH: Ross Smith (first season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Western Jets (Friday March 23) / vs Eastern Ranges (Thursday March 29) / vs Sandringham Dragons (Sunday April 8)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Jack Bytel (Aberfeldie junior, 10 games in 2017): “Jack is a good user of the ball who tends to get a lot of possessions. He’ll play in the midfield and be able to go forward at times as well.”

Curtis Taylor (Keilor junior, nine games in 2017): “Curtis has a great work ethic. His skills are exceptional and he’s the sort of player who can start a chain of play in the back pocket and be on the end of it up forward.”

Mason Fletcher (Aberfeldie junior, 10 games in 2017): “Mason is a tall defender who might go forward and into the ruck on occasions. He has long limbs and spoils the ball when you don’t think he’s going to and can kick it a long way.”

Rhylee West (Strathmore junior, five games in 2017): “Rhylee is an in-and-under player who’s hard at the ball. His aggression is going to stand him in good stead at the next level.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Mitch Podhajski (Aberfeldie junior, 15 games in 2017): “Mitch is back as a 19-year-old player and he was disappointed he didn’t get drafted last year. He left no stone unturned then and he won’t this year either. He’ll go through the midfield and forward line rather than being a key defender this season.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“I think the leadership group will include players like Jack Bytel, Curtis Taylor, Mason Fletcher, Rhylee West and our 19-year-old players, such as Jake Riccardi (St Bernard’s junior, 16 games in 2017) and Daniel Hanna (Aberfeldie, 13).”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Mason Fletcher (see above): Son of Dustin Fletcher (400 AFL games for Essendon from 1993-2015).

Rhylee West (see above): Son of Scott West (324 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 1993-2008).

Jesse Taylor (top-age Riddells Creek junior, three games in 2017): Son of Brian Taylor (140 AFL games for Richmond and Collingwood from 1980-90).

Lachlan Sholl (top-age St Bernard’s junior, 14 games in 2017): Son of Brett Sholl (35 AFL games for Carlton from 1992-94).

Oliver Liberatore (bottom-age St Bernard’s junior): Son of Tony Liberatore (283 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 1986-2002) and brother of Tom Liberatore (116 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 2011-present).

Harrison Minton-Connell (bottom-age Aberfeldie junior): Son of Simon Minton-Connell (112 AFL games for Carlton, Sydney, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs from 1986-1998).

Jacob Martin (bottom-age Aberfeldie junior): Son of Michael Martin (58 AFL games for Western Bulldogs and Brisbane from 1995-2001).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“There are quite a lot of returning players, so there’s a bit of a sameness about the group. We’re going to have about 70 per cent of the squad that have been around before. I think our strength will depend on how well the bottom-agers integrate with the top-agers and 19-year-olds. Sam Ramsay (Gisborne junior, one game in 2017), Jacob Martin (see above), Daniel Mott (Brunswick, one), Jeremy O’Sullivan (St Bernard’s) and Brodie Newman (Aberfeldie) would be the standout bottom-agers coming through.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Ross Smith has taken on the role of Regional Coaching Director with many years of AFL assistant coaching experience (at Geelong, North Melbourne, Hawthorn and most recently Richmond). We also have two new assistants on board: Guy Barbuto who has been coaching our U16s and Brent Taylor who has been coaching juniors at Aberfeldie. Justin Whitcher is here as a development coach as well. He’s done some work in women’s footy at Melbourne University.”

http://taccup.com.au/calder-cannons-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

WESTERN JETS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Western Jets Talent Manager Shane Sexton about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.

2017 FINISH: 10th (6-12)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Stefan Radovanovic / 2. Lachlan Fogarty / 3. Nick Stuhldreier

2017 DRAFTEES: Cameron Rayner (pick no.1 to Brisbane) / Lachlan Fogarty (no.22 to Geelong) / Tristan Xerri (no.72 to North Melbourne)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2003: Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane/Gold Coast)
• 2006: Bachar Houli (Essendon/Richmond)
• 2007: Callan Ward (Western Bulldogs/GWS)
• 2009: Trent McKenzie (Gold Coast/Port Adelaide), Majak Daw* (North Melbourne)
• 2011: Will Hoskin-Elliott (GWS/Collingwood), Adam Kennedy (GWS)
• 2012: Lachlan Hunter (Western Bulldogs)
• 2013: James Sicily (Hawthorn)
• 2014: Liam Duggan (West Coast), Corey Ellis (Richmond), Jayden Laverde (Essendon), Connor Menadue (Richmond)
• 2016: Daniel Venables (West Coast), Oscar Junker* (North Melbourne)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Buku Khamis (Level 2) / Emerson Jeka (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Torin Baker (sixth season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Calder Cannons (Friday March 23) / vs Northern Knights (Saturday March 31) / vs Eastern Ranges (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Stefan Radovanovic (Keilor junior, 13 games in 2017): “Stefan was last year’s best-and-fairest winner as a bottom-ager. He’s a nice size and a really good athlete. He’s proven himself to be a really good defender and we’ll be anxious to give him opportunities in the midfield too.”

Zak Butters (Darley junior, 17 games in 2017): “Zak showed himself to be more than capable at the level last year and he also played in Darley’s senior premiership side (in the Ballarat FL). He’s a versatile smaller player who’s a really good decision-maker with good skills and a turn of foot off the mark.”

Buku Khamis (St Albans junior, 16 games in 2017): “The Western Bulldogs have registered Buku as a Category B rookie under the Next Generation Academy rules. His football improved out of sight last year, starting as a lead-up forward and then moving into defence. His intercept marking at half back was excellent.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMERS

Daly Andrews (top-age Werribee Districts junior, two games in 2017) and Jack Watkins (top-age Melton junior, first TAC Cup season): “Daly and Jack are running midfield types and they’re one-two in all our endurance testing this pre-season. They’ve been measuring up with the best times the AFL Academy kids have been running over 2km.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“Xavier O’Halloran (top-age St Bernard’s junior, 18 games in 2017) will figure heavily in our leadership group. He’s a quality kid who leaves no stone unturned in terms of trying to get the best out of himself. He’s a versatile player who could play back and forward, but will likely play more as an inside midfielder this season. There’ll also be some other quality kids vying for a spot in the leadership group.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Oskar Manton (top-age Werribee Districts junior, four games in 2017): Son of Glenn Manton (178 AFL games for Essendon and Carlton from 1992-2003).

Tyler Kolyniuk (bottom-age Point Cook junior): Son of Steven Kolyniuk (177 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 1987-2000).

Josh Kellett (bottom-age Werribee Districts junior): Son of Nigel Kellett (101 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 1989-97).

Lars Vidovic (bottom-age Altona junior): Son of Lazar Vidovic (80 AFL games for St Kilda from 1989-97).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“We have another good group of bottom-age kids coming through this year, including Emerson Jeka (Altona junior, one game in 2017), Ethan Bentley (Spotswood, one), Josh Honey (Keilor), Darcy Cassar (Keilor, four) and Lachlan Rzanovski (Werribee Districts, one). There’s a fair bit of interest in those kids, so that looks good for the club going forward.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“The major addition is Adrian Pilgrim from Ballarat (Tatyoon FC). He’ll be a development coach.”

http://taccup.com.au/western-jets-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

GWV REBELS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to new GWV Rebels Regional Coaching Director and head coach Marc Greig about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.

2017 FINISH: 11th (5-12-1)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Callan Wellings / 2. Aiden Domic / 3. Flynn Appleby

2017 DRAFTEES: Lloyd Meek (pick no.69 to Fremantle) / Flynn Appleby (rookie pick no.6 to Collingwood)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2004: Matthew Rosa (West Coast/Gold Coast)
• 2006: Nathan Brown (Collingwood/St Kilda), James Frawley (Melbourne/Hawthorn), Shaun Grigg (Carlton/Richmond)
• 2007: Kyle Cheney (Melbourne/Hawthorn/Adelaide)
• 2008: Jordan Roughead (Western Bulldogs)
• 2009: David Astbury (Richmond), Matt Dea (Richmond/Essendon)
• 2010: Tom McDonald (Melbourne), Jeremy Cameron (GWS)
• 2011: Sebastian Ross (St Kilda), Brad Crouch (Adelaide)
• 2012: Martin Gleeson (Essendon), Dom Barry (Melbourne/Port Adelaide), Jake Neade (Port Adelaide), Jake Lloyd* (Sydney)
• 2013: Matt Crouch (Adelaide), Dallas Willsmore* (Hawthorn)
• 2014: Oscar McDonald (Melbourne), Daniel Butler (Richmond)
• 2015: Jacob Hopper (GWS), Daniel Rioli (Richmond), Darcy Tucker (Fremantle)
• 2016: Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane), Jarrod Berry (Brisbane), Cedric Cox (Brisbane), Willem Drew (Port Adelaide), Tom Williamson (Carlton), Jamaine Jones* (Geelong)

2018 SEASON START: vs Bendigo Pioneers (Saturday March 24) / vs Geelong Falcons (Sunday April 1) / vs Dandenong Stingrays (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Thomas Berry (Horsham Saints junior, 11 games in 2017): “Tom started well last year then missed a bit with stress fractures in his back, so we’ve been looking after him during the pre-season. He stands out with his fitness level and speed, and I’ve been impressed with his decision-making too. He’ll be used primarily as an inside midfielder.”

Matty Lloyd (Horsham Demons junior, 18 games in 2017): “Matty has filled out into his body over the last six months. You never have to question his fitness levels and whether he’s done the work required; his commitment is unbelievable. He’ll spend time on the ball, but we’ll also play him in defence because he’s a good reader of the play.”

Jed Hill (Ballarat junior, 12 games in 2017): “We think Jed has a lot of upside. He plays as a smaller forward who can jump on someone’s shoulders or crunch a pack. He’s really quick and we want to see him using that speed more often to put lots of pressure on the opposition. He’s also a very nice kick for goal.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Ben Annett (top-age South Warrnambool junior, first TAC Cup season): “Ben stood out when I got down to the Warrnambool area for training. He’s missed a lot of footy over the last 18 months through injury, but he trains as he plays – with high intensity. Any competitive drills and it’s like he’s flat-out in a game. He’ll keep his head over the footy, but because of his running ability he’ll play as both an outside and inside midfielder.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“Thomas Berry (see above) certainly has leadership attributes and I’ve been impressed with the leadership of Tylar Watts (top-age Portland junior, 15 games in 2017). Matt Schnerring (top-age Warrnambool junior, 11 games in 2017) does all that’s required, so he leads by example. He does what you want all the other boys to do and follow.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKET

Tylar Watts (see above): “Tylar is training well this pre-season. He’s a 198cm ruckman but could surprise a few people playing up forward. He kicked five or six goals in two recent trial games and his leading and marking ability is fantastic.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Thomas Berry (see above): Brother of Jarrod Berry (16 AFL games for Brisbane from 2017-present).

Matty Lloyd (see above): Brother of Jake Lloyd (92 AFL games from 2014-present).

Elliott Lamb (top-age North Ballarat junior, eight games in 2017): Son of Jamie Lamb (47 AFL games for St Kilda and Geelong from 1986-93).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“We’ve been trying to work on our speed this pre-season. Hopefully we’re a pretty quick team, and we have to go down that path because we’re not going to have a large number of tall players this year.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Paul Jennings has been an assistant coach at the North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL with me for the last five or six years and he’s coming in to coach the defenders.”

http://taccup.com.au/gwv-rebels-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

BENDIGO PIONEERS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Bendigo Pioneers Talent Manager Stephen Sharp about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.

2017 FINISH: 12th (3-15)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Darby Henderson / 2. Jobee Warde / 3. Angus Schumacher

2017 DRAFTEES: Paddy Dow (pick no.3 to Carlton) / Lochie O’Brien (no.10 to Carlton) / Jarrod Brander (no.13 to West Coast) / Brent Daniels (no.27 to GWS) / Kane Farrell (no.51 to Port Adelaide) / Angus Schumacher (no.70 to Carlton) / Derek Smith (Category B rookie to Richmond)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2006: Joel Selwood (Geelong) / Jarryn Geary (St Kilda)
• 2007: Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne) / Scott Selwood (West Coast/Geelong)
• 2009: Dustin Martin (Richmond)
• 2011: Sam Kerridge (Adelaide/Carlton)
• 2012: Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs), Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide)
• 2015: Tom Cole (West Coast), Aidyn Johnson (Port Adelaide)
• 2016: Joseph Atley (Port Adelaide), Kobe Mutch (Essendon), Kayle Kirby (Collingwood), Fergus Greene (Western Bulldogs)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Jye Caldwell (Level 2) / Brodie Kemp (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Rick Coburn (second season)

2018 SEASON START: vs GWV Rebels (Saturday March 24) / vs Murray Bushrangers (Friday March 30) / vs Gippsland Power (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Jye Caldwell (Golden Square junior, three games in 2017): “Jye is an inside midfielder who wins the ball and can go forward and kick goals. He has good skills and decision-making ability, and is a really complete player.”

Jacob Atley (Rochester junior, 14 games in 2017): “Jacob is really committed to his training and a real leader in our organisation. He has pace and is quite tall (191cm), and he’ll play across half back and through the midfield.”

Bailey Henderson (Strathfieldsaye junior, 15 games in 2017): “Bailey’s coming back as a 19-year-old and we were probably surprised that he missed getting drafted last year. He’s going to try and develop his inside midfield craft a bit more, but he has really good hands and is a nice kick of the footy who takes the game on.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Noah Wheeler (top-age Moama junior, five games in 2017 (two for GWV Rebels)): “Noah went to St Patrick’s College in Ballarat for the first part of last year before coming home. He’s an inside midfielder and is a real leader in setting the standard on the track.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“Noah Wheeler (see above) and Jacob Atley (see above) are certainly leaders. Noah is a caring kid who’s committed to developing others and Jacob’s personality is really positive and engaging for the boys. Zane Keighran (top-age Golden Square junior, four games in 2017) is showing some good signs of leadership too. He opened the batting for the Australian U16 cricket team early last year, so he’s a talented sportsman.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKET

Riley Clarke (top-age, first TAC Cup season): “Riley has a basketball background. He’s moved to Echuca from Cairns, where he played some senior football. He’s an indigenous player with some really athletic traits and great vision and awareness. He’s a key or third tall forward that could develop to play through the midfield or off half back.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Jacob Atley (see above): Brother of Shaun Atley (154 AFL games for North Melbourne from 2011-present) and Joe Atley (three AFL games for Port Adelaide from 2017-present).

Zach Denahy (over-age Castlemaine junior, two games in 2017): Cousin of Dustin Martin (178 AFL games for Richmond from 2010-present). “We’re keen to see how Zach develops in the first half of the year as a 19-year-old. We’re playing him as a key forward and his attack on the footy and athleticism are strengths.”



WHAT TO EXPECT

“Competitiveness and team play. The support of one another is something we haven’t had of recent times, but the way the boys have been teaming together so far this pre-season has been textbook.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Dean Sheldrick has come up (to the U18 assistant coaching panel) from being our U16 coach.”

http://taccup.com.au/bendigo-pioneers-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

GIPPSLAND POWER BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Gippsland Power senior coach Leigh Brown about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: 7th (8-11)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Callum Porter / 2. Kim Drew / 3. Will Stephenson

2017 DRAFTEES: Callum Porter (pick no.74 to Western Bulldogs) / Changkuoth Jiath (Category B rookie to Hawthorn)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2002: Brendon Goddard (St Kilda/Essendon)
• 2004: Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
• 2005: Dale Thomas (Collingwood/Carlton), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
• 2006: Tyson Goldsack (Collingwood)
• 2008: Jarryd Blair* (Collingwood)
• 2009: Koby Stevens (West Coast/Western Bulldogs/St Kilda), Nathan Vardy (Geelong/West Coast)
• 2010: Dyson Heppell (Essendon), Jed Lamb (Sydney/GWS/Carlton), Tomas Bugg (GWS/Melbourne)
• 2011: Sam Docherty (Brisbane/Carlton), Clay Smith (Western Bulldogs)
• 2012: Tim Membrey (Sydney/St Kilda), Nick Graham (Carlton)
• 2013: Jack Leslie (Gold Coast)
• 2014: Lukas Webb (Western Bulldogs), Jordan Cunico (Geelong)
• 2015: Harry McKay (Carlton), Ben McKay (North Melbourne), Josh Dunkley (Western Bulldogs), Sam Skinner (Brisbane), Tom Papley* (Sydney)
• 2016: Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Sam Flanders, Caleb Serong (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Leigh Brown (fifth season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Murray Bushrangers (Sunday March 25) / vs Dandenong Stingrays (Friday March 30) / vs Bendigo Pioneers (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Xavier Duursma (Foster junior, 18 games in 2017): “Xavier is a hard-nut who can play in the midfield, back line or forward line. He’s very good in the air and has a very high work-rate.”

Irving Mosquito (Maffra junior, 12 games in 2017): “Irving is a Next Generation Academy prospect for Hawthorn. He played predominantly as a small forward last year but will spend some more time in the midfield this year. He has great hands and goal sense.”

Matthew McGannon (Fish Creek, 15 games in 2017): “Matt is a 19-year-old player who was high on the draft radar last year. He’s a smooth-moving wingman/half forward who is quick and has beautiful skills on both sides of his body.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Kyle Reid (top-age Leongatha junior, 16 games in 2017): “Kyle has worked on some of his deficiencies over the off-season. He’s really worked on his body and he looks a lot fitter, leaner and stronger, and we think that can really add to his game. He’s a key-position player and will probably play predominantly down back.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“We’d hope our 19-year-olds will have an impact in the group, including Matt McGannon, Tyrone Hayes (Lakes Entrance junior, one game in 2017) and Austin Hodge (Bairnsdale junior, 14 games in 2017). Xavier Duursma and Kyle Reid are both quite vocal around the group and I think you’ll see some leadership even from our bottom-age boys like Brock Smith (Moe junior, two games in 2017) and Caleb Serong (Warragul junior, six games in 2017). They’re all leaders in different ways.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKET

Noah Gown (top-age Moe junior, first TAC Cup season): “Noah has come from basketball and he hasn’t played a lot of footy over the last few years. He’ll be an athletic key-position player but he’s still pretty raw. You can see his sense of space and awareness though, and he has a good all-round skill set that has transferred across to footy.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Xavier Duursma (see above): Nephew of Jamie Duursma (59 AFL games for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from 1985-89).

Zach Skinner (bottom-age Moe junior, first TAC Cup season): Brother of Sam Skinner (one AFL game for Brisbane from 2016-present).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“We’d like to be known as a hard, contested side and I think we have a group that will allow us to play with a bit more offensive flair and use the ball a little bit more. There’s a fair bit of bottom-age talent coming through and I think they’ll really push the top-agers and hopefully drive the standards higher.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Allan Chandler has come in as our defensive coach. He’s been a senior coach in the area for quite a while and runs an elite football program at Lowanna Secondary College in Newborough.”

http://taccup.com.au/gippsland-power-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[stefoid]

wow, that made me look up Sam Skinner - the key forward prospect our ex recruiter wanted who went to brisbane (and we got bailey williams instead)

poor guy has third knee reco 6 months ago.

 

[VitalDread]

Got a good feeling about Gippsland Power this year

 

[Mofra]

http://taccup.com.au/gippsland-power-boys-season-preview-2018/

Noah Gown (top-age Moe junior, first TAC Cup season): “Noah has come from basketball and he hasn’t played a lot of footy over the last few years. He’ll be an athletic key-position player but he’s still pretty raw. You can see his sense of space and awareness though, and he has a good all-round skill set that has transferred across to footy.”

Sounds like a Scott Clayton special

 

[McCraeBF]

Hi Guys
Spent a few days with a recruiting guy in Bali recently

showed me footage of his top 20 in next draft

SA1.Lukosius - think Nick Rewault
SA2.Rankine- Freak special player 180cm rioli like
VIC3.M King-201 can play forward back and on ball
WA4.Hill-only small 174cm but wow could go number one easy magic player
VIC5.Walsh-183 great size and the best pure mid in the draft
SA6.Hatley-192cm now will grow could play anywhere on the ground even mid think Crips carlton
WA7.Carter-wow one of my fav kids a Jet fast strong and confident
WA8.Rozzee-185 that will grow might have more upside than anyone in this draft
Syd9.Blakey-194cm could go to a few clubs but close friends with the Syd coach Father Sun
SA10-Thoman -the most exiting kid in the draft can do it all from Tassie if a club likes him he will go very early

Ok this top 10 is the best I have ever seen potentially....

GC11.Scott-185cm this kid is a Joel Selwood clone could go so much earlier Gold coast ,north and Brisbane could get him-Father Sun
Vic12.Joyce-180cm super cool on baller who fits so many clubs reminds me of fisher from carlton kids super fast great hands
Vic13.B.King-201cm ruck and CHB would suit him best moves better than his brother but not as many footy smarts
Vic14.Bytel 188cm on baller who will dominate games this year Essendon love this kid already amazing size and best 1 on 1
SA15.Valente 187cm freak ..... his my fav in this draft I cant tell if his left or right foot think Leon Cameron(Please get him Dogs)
Vic16.West 182cm bulldog -plays like Viney and has footy smarts .....we wont pass on him.
NT17.Green 190cm again with skill and poise someone will bid early on this kid could be anything.
Vic18.Smith 185cm who played TAC last year in Premiership team as a backman will slide on to the ball and dominate
Vic19,Williams 200cm Ruck who has a leap like Nik Nat suits modern footy and again might go early
Vic20,Jones 185 wingman who by the years end will be looked at early but the strength of this draft???

So this top 20 is amazing strap in for tanking this year early......

Best senario for the dogs is
Velente
West
and who cares after that lol

 

[Wizard17]

EASTERN RANGES BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Eastern Ranges head coach Darren Bewick about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: 6th (9-10)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Jaidyn Stephenson / 2. Harrison Nolan / 3. Thomas North

2017 DRAFTEES: Adam Cerra (pick no.5 to Fremantle) / Jaidyn Stephenson (no.6 to Collingwood) / Sam Hayes (no.47 to Port Adelaide) / Tyler Brown (no.50 to Collingwood) / Ryley Stoddart (no.53 to Sydney) / Joel Garner (no.60 to Port Adelaide) / Tom North (no.65 to Fremantle) / Dylan Moore (no.67 to Hawthorn) / Jackson Ross (no.71 to Hawthorn) / Trent Mynott (rookie pick no.11 to Essendon)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2002: Kade Simpson (Carlton)
• 2007: Matthew Lobbe (Port Adelaide/Carlton)
• 2008: Liam Shiels (Hawthorn), Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
• 2010: Aaron Young (Port Adelaide/Gold Coast), Paul Seedsman (Collingwood/Adelaide), Aaron Mullett (North Melbourne/Carlton)
• 2011: Jonathon Patton (GWS), Hayden Crozier (Fremantle/Western Bulldogs)
• 2013: Tom Boyd (GWS/Western Bulldogs), Michael Apeness (Fremantle), Daniel McStay (Brisbane), Mitch Honeychurch (Western Bulldogs)
• 2014: Christian Petracca (Melbourne), Daniel Nielson (North Melbourne)
• 2015: Sam Weideman (Melbourne), Ryan Clarke (North Melbourne), Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn), James Parsons* (Geelong)
• 2016: Jordan Gallucci (Adelaide), Joshua Begley (Essendon), Callum Brown (Collingwood), Jack Maibaum (Sydney), Dylan Clarke (Essendon), Nathan Mullenger-McHugh* (Western Bulldogs)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Jamieson Rossiter (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Darren Bewick (ninth season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Oakleigh Chargers (Saturday March 24) / vs Calder Cannons (Thursday March 29) / vs Western Jets (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Cody Hirst (Lilydale junior, 15 games in 2017): “Cody is a lively small forward/wingman-type who’s light but really strong in the contest. He sees the game really well and is a clever user of the ball.”

Kye Quirk (Rowville Hawks junior, 14 games in 2017): “Kye is a half back who’ll play a little bit through the midfield this year. He’s really good athletically and knows when to come off his opponent and intercept mark.”

Xavier Fry (Vermont junior, nine games in 2017): “Xavier is a midfielder/half back-type who runs really well, kicks the ball well and can make things happen. We’re playing him as a rebounding defender in trial games.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“Cody Hirst (see above) will be in the mix for the leadership group, Thomas Lockman (top-age Rowville Hawks junior, one game in 2017) has really shown some good signs of leadership over the pre-season and we have a couple of bottom-age boys that are really stepping up too, in Jonte Duffy (Rowville Hawks junior, two games in 2017) and James Ross (Vermont junior, one game in 2017).”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKET

James Blanck (top-age Park Orchards junior, first TAC Cup season): “James has impressed me in his first pre-season in the system. He’s a pretty raw 195cm defender but competes really well and sees the game really well from the back half. He’s pretty strong in his attack on the ball and makes good decisions with and without it.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Kye Quirk (see above) and Caleb Quirk (top-age Rowville Hawks junior, no games in 2017): Twin grandsons of Bryan Quirk (167 AFL games for Carlton from 1965-75, including 1968 premiership).

Chayce Black (bottom-age Waverley Park Hawks junior, five games in 2017): Son of Heath Black (192 AFL games for Fremantle and St Kilda from 1997-2008).

Billy McCormack (bottom-age Donvale junior): Son of Brendan McCormack (56 AFL games for Fitzroy and Brisbane from 1989-94).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“We had 10 players drafted last year but we’re probably not going to be around that mark this year. We have a very even squad without any real standouts and we’ll be a predominantly bottom-age group, but in saying that, I think we’ll be really hard to play against. We’re not going to be overly tall, but we’ll try to move the ball quickly and give our forwards a chance.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Jay Cheep is now one of our midfield coaches after being a development coach last year and Tom Woodlock is a local coach who has come on board as our defensive coach.”

http://taccup.com.au/eastern-ranges-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[dogwatch]

Sounds like a Scott Clayton special

Naah, too big for Clayton to want him.

 

[Wizard17]

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Oakleigh Chargers Talent Manager Craig Notman about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: 3rd (16-4)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Toby Wooller / 2. Jack Higgins / 3. Jack Roughsedge

2017 DRAFTEES: Ed Richards (pick no.16 to Western Bulldogs) / Jack Higgins (no.17 to Richmond) / Toby Wooller (no.41 to Brisbane)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2005: Marc Murphy (Carlton)
• 2006: Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), David Mackay (Adelaide), Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide), Nick Smith* (Sydney)
• 2007: Andy Otten (Adelaide)
• 2008: Luke Shuey (West Coast), Daniel Hannebery (Sydney)
• 2009: Jamie Macmillan (North Melbourne)
• 2010: Andrew Gaff (West Coast), Ryan Lester (Brisbane), Alex Johnson (Sydney)
• 2011: Dom Tyson (GWS/Melbourne), Adam Tomlinson (GWS), Toby Greene (GWS), Lin Jong* (Western Bulldogs)
• 2012: Jackson Macrae (Western Bulldogs), Jack Viney (Melbourne)
• 2013: Jack Billings (St Kilda), Luke McDonald (North Melbourne), Tom Cutler (Brisbane), Jay Kennedy-Harris (Melbourne), Darcy Byrne-Jones (Port Adelaide), Jake Kelly* (Adelaide)
• 2014: Jordan De Goey (Collingwood), Darcy Moore (Collingwood), Daniel McKenzie (St Kilda), Toby McLean (Western Bulldogs), Marc Pittonet (Hawthorn), Jack Sinclair* (St Kilda)
• 2015: David Cuningham (Carlton), Alex Morgan (Essendon/North Melbourne), Jack Silvagni (Carlton), Tom Phillips (Collingwood), Ben Crocker (Collingwood), Dan Houston* (Port Adelaide)
• 2016: Jordan Ridley (Essendon), Sam McLarty (Collingwood), Ed Phillips (St Kilda), Josh Daicos (Collingwood), Dion Johnstone (Melbourne), Pat Kerr (Carlton), Nick Larkey (North Melbourne), Taylin Duman* (Fremantle)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Isaac Quaynor (Level 2) / Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, Dylan Williams (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Leigh Clarke (second season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Eastern Ranges (Saturday March 24) / vs Sandringham Dragons (Saturday March 31) / vs Northern Knights (Sunday April 8)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Riley Collier-Dawkins (Waverley Blues junior, 13 games in 2017): “Over the past six months or so Riley has grown from about 188cm to around 194cm and we see him as an inside midfielder. He takes the game on, runs really well and has neat skills. We’d be comfortable playing him in the forward line too.”

Noah Answerth (Caulfield Bears junior, two games in 2017): “Noah has come back as a 19-year-old player due to suffering a significant back injury early in 2017, but he’s fully recovered. He’s a competitive beast who has speed and while he’s played predominantly down back with us, we see him playing a midfield role this year.”

Isaac Quaynor (Bulleen Templestowe junior, 17 games in 2017): “Isaac had a break-out year in 2017 across half back. He has speed, reads the ball really well and plays a lot taller than his height would indicate. We’re keen to throw him through the midfield at certain stages this year to show his flexibility.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Joseph Ayton-Delaney (top-age Camberwell junior, 10 games in 2017): “Joseph’s pre-season form has been really good. He’s a smaller running defender who’s highly skilled and has the ability to break the lines. I think he’s stepped it up this year with the way he’s gone about it and he’s been quite damaging from half back in trial games.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“I’d be looking at Xavier O’Neill (top-age Blackburn junior, 18 games in 2017) to be part of the leadership group; as a bottom-ager, he was a key driver in our successful season last year. Riley Collier-Dawkins (see above) would also be around the mark and Matthew Warren (top-age Blackburn junior, eight games in 2017) has led the way with how he goes about his game.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKET

Jay Robertson (top-age South Belgrave junior): “Jay has come into the program late and hasn’t been exposed to TAC Cup level. He’s had 13 shots on goal in our two practice matches so he must be doing something right, and he might provide some highlights over the course of the year as he’s a bit of a jumping jack. Jay has done everything right to this point and certainly has some draftable attributes.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Ben Silvagni (top-age): Son of Stephen Silvagni (312 AFL games for Carlton from 1985-2001) and brother of Jack Silvagni (28 AFL games for Carlton from 2016-present).

Zac Hart (top-age Camberwell junior): Son of Ben Hart (311 AFL games for Adelaide from 1992-2006).

Will Kelly (top-age Glen Iris junior, one game in 2017): Son of Craig Kelly (122 AFL games for Collingwood from 1989-96) and brother of Jake Kelly (34 AFL games for Adelaide from 2014-present).

Kyle Dunkley (top-age Sale junior): Son of Andrew Dunkley (217 AFL games for Sydney from 1992-2002) and brother of Josh Dunkley (24 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 2016-present).

Kye Barlow (top-age): Son of Kris Barlow (102 AFL games for Hawthorn from 1999-2004).

Tom Collins (bottom-age): Son of Andrew Collins (212 AFL games for Hawthorn from 1987-96).

Daniel Romero (bottom-age Keilor junior): Son of Jose Romero (211 AFL games for North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs from 1988-2001).

Noah Anderson (bottom-age Boroondara Hawks junior): Son of Dean Anderson (150 AFL games for Hawthorn and St Kilda from 1988-96).

WHAT TO EXPECT

“I think we have a list that bats pretty deep and we’ll play footy in a similar vein to how we played last year. We invested a lot in last year’s bottom-age group and they were able to push us through to a preliminary final. I think that core group of kids will continue on this year.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Wayne Cripps comes to us from coaching senior footy at East Burwood and will look after our forwards, while Ben Friggi – who has been head coach of our under-15 program – has stepped up into the role of our backs coach. We also have Chris Bryan, the former Carlton and Collingwood ruckman, on board to work with our talls.”

http://taccup.com.au/oakleigh-chargers-boys-season-preview/

 

[Wizard17]

DANDENONG STINGRAYS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Dandenong Stingrays Talent Manager Mark Wheeler about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: 4th (13-7)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Hunter Clark / 2. Mason de Wit / 3. Mitch Cotter

2017 DRAFTEES: Luke Davies-Uniacke (pick no.4 to North Melbourne), Hunter Clark (no.7 to St Kilda), Aiden Bonar (no.11 to GWS), Tom De Koning (no.30 to Carlton), Oscar Clavarino (no.35 to St Kilda), Thomas Murphy (rookie pick no.4 to North Melbourne)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2005: Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
• 2008: Shane Savage (Hawthorn/St Kilda)
• 2009: Tom Scully (Melbourne/GWS), Ryan Bastinac (North Melbourne/Brisbane), Dylan Roberton (Fremantle/St Kilda), Matt Shaw (Gold Coast/Carlton), Levi Casboult* (Carlton)
• 2010: Tom Lynch (Gold Coast), Luke Parker (Sydney), Dylan Shiel (GWS), Adam Treloar (GWS/Collingwood)
• 2011: Matthew Buntine (GWS), Nick Haynes (GWS), Darren Minchington* (St Kilda)
• 2012: Lachlan Whitfield (GWS), Taylor Garner (North Melbourne), Nathan Wright (St Kilda), Lewis Pearce (St Kilda)
• 2013: Zak Jones (Sydney), Billy Hartung (Hawthorn/North Melbourne), James Harmes* (Melbourne)
• 2014: Jack Lonie (St Kilda), Bailey Dale (Western Bulldogs)
• 2015: Jacob Weitering (Carlton), Kieran Collins (Western Bulldogs), Brandon White (St Kilda), Bailey Rice (St Kilda), Kurt Mutimer (West Coast)
• 2016: Josh Battle (St Kilda), Myles Poholke (Adelaide)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Riley Bowman, Sam Fletcher, Bailey Williams (Level 2) / Hayden Young (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Craig Black (fifth season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Geelong Falcons (Sunday March 25) / vs Gippsland Power (Friday March 30) / vs GWV Rebels (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Bailey Williams (Crib Point junior, 17 games in 2017): “Bailey is probably the most athletic big man in the competition. He’s grown a bit in stature over the off-season and you’d expect him to take his game to the next level this year. He’s an elite athlete with an amazing jump and you’ll see him more as a forward than a ruckman this season.”

Riley Bowman (Crib Point junior, 10 games in 2017): “Riley is probably our best tap ruckman. He’s dropped about 11 kilos over the last two pre-seasons and has turned himself into an elite runner for a big bloke. He understands the game really well and is elite below his knees, so he could even play as a ruck rover.”

Sam Fletcher (Balnarring junior, four games in 2017): “Sam went down with a kidney injury in the middle of last year and has come back from that. He’s a genuine midfielder but he can sit behind the ball and play as a half back. He’s elite off the field and has lots of tricks on it – he’s brave, makes good decisions and is a leader within our group.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMERS

Aaron Darling (Balnarring junior, no games in 2017): “Aaron is back as a 19-year-old player and has ticked every box after going down with an ACL last year. That was tough for him, but he became an assistant midfield coach for us and was really positive in the way he went about his rehab. He’s a beast with the best ‘don’t argue’ in the competition and a brilliant kick.”

Will Hamill (top-age Balnarring junior, 20 games in 2017): “Will came into our program as a bit of an unknown factor last year but played every game as a defender on opposition smalls and talls. We’ve rolled him through the midfield in trial games and he seems more suited there. He’s impressed us on the track and he’s a great leader off it.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“Sam Fletcher (see above) will likely end up in our leadership group, while Campbell Hustwaite (top-age Rosebud junior, 13 games in 2017) is highly rated amongst the playing group and Mitch Riordan (top-age Beaconsfield junior, 10 games in 2017) stands out for the coaching staff because he’s ‘Mr Professional’ in everything he does.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Matthew and Stephen Cumming (top-age Rosebud juniors): “Matthew and Stephen are 201cm identical twins from a basketball background who switched to football in the middle of last year. Their development and understanding of the game has been really good, they’re elite runners and their hands are some of the best around.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Aaron Darling (see above): Cousin of Jack Darling (151 AFL games for West Coast from 2011-present).

Alex Young (top-age Beaconsfield junior, three games in 2017): Son of Matthew Young (118 AFL games for Hawthorn and St Kilda from 1994-2001).

Jack Harmes (top-age Devon Meadows junior): Brother of James Harmes (44 AFL games for Melbourne from 2014-present).

Dylan Mutimer (bottom-age Narre Warren junior): Brother of Kurt Mutimer (four AFL games for West Coast from 2016-present).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“We’re the land of the giants; we’ll have about eight blokes around 198cm and they can all run. The coaches don’t mind it, because I told them they’ll probably have four blokes in the forward line, two in the middle and three in the back line at 190cm-plus. We also think we have an elite midfield group.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“We had Rob Railton last year but he’s come into a more official role this year as our back line coach as well as doing some welfare work. We also have (ex-Carlton and Essendon AFL player) Glenn Manton doing some wellbeing work with the boys and girls.”

http://taccup.com.au/dandenong-stingrays-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

Sounds like there is a few rucks to have a good look at from Dandy.

Also will have to keep an eye on that Robertson from Oakleigh. Need to find some good forwards desperately. Part of the reason why I am so interested in Zane Barzen if we finish with pick 10-15 and don't need to use it on West.

 

[Bemoreboyddog]

So next year we have a Romero, Liberatore, Kellett and a Kolyniuk to keep an eye on. Noice.

 

[Wizard17]

So next year we have a Romero, Liberatore, Kellett and a Kolyniuk to keep an eye on. Noice.

Yes.

We are the anti-StKilda

 

[VitalDread]

All i want is a gippy Premiership

 

[Wizard17]

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Murray Bushrangers Talent Manager Mick Wilson about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: 5th (10-9)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Angus Hicks / =2. Jordon Butts and Ben Paton / =3. Sam Beasley and Daniel Johnston

2017 DRAFTEES: Charlie Spargo (pick no.29 to Melbourne) / Ben Paton (no.46 to St Kilda) / Harrison Jones (rookie pick no.7 to Hawthorn) / Doulton Langlands (rookie pick no.8 to St Kilda)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2001: Jarrad Waite (Carlton/North Melbourne)
• 2003: David Mundy (Fremantle)
• 2004: Brett Deledio (Richmond/GWS)
• 2005: Sam Rowe* (Sydney/Carlton)
• 2006: Ben Reid (Collingwood), Jarrod Harbrow* (Western Bulldogs/Gold Coast)
• 2007: Ben McEvoy (St Kilda/Hawthorn), Dawson Simpson (Geelong/GWS)
• 2008: Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne), Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood), Sam Wright (North Melbourne), Tom Rockliff (Brisbane/Port Adelaide)
• 2009: Sam Reid (Sydney), Taylor Duryea (Hawthorn), Alex Keath (Gold Coast/Adelaide)
• 2010: Shaun Atley (North Melbourne), Anthony Miles (GWS/Richmond), Jonathon Ceglar (Collingwood/Hawthorn)
• 2011: Jamie Elliott (Collingwood), Jack Crisp* (Brisbane/Collingwood)
• 2012: Thomas Clurey (Port Adelaide), Matt Taberner* (Fremantle)
• 2013: Jarman Impey (Port Adelaide/Hawthorn), Kayne Turner* (North Melbourne)
• 2014: Caleb Marchbank (GWS/Carlton), Daniel Howe (Hawthorn), Nathan Drummond (Richmond), Dougal Howard (Port Adelaide)
• 2015: Josh Schache (Brisbane/Western Bulldogs), Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Mitchell King (Melbourne)
• 2016: Will Brodie (Gold Coast), Jy Simpkin (North Melbourne), Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide), Esava Ratugolea (Geelong), Lachlan Tiziani (GWS), Ryan Garthwaite (Richmond), Harry Morrison (Hawthorn), James Cousins* (Hawthorn), Max Lynch* (Collingwood), Zach Sproule* (GWS)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Zane Barzen, Hudson Garoni, Mathew Walker (Level 2)

2018 COACH: Leon Higgins (third season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Gippsland Power (Sunday March 25) / vs Bendigo Pioneers (Friday March 30) / vs Geelong Falcons (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Zane Barzen (Shepparton United junior, 13 games in 2017): “Zane is a half forward/utility player and his strengths are his marking, kicking and break-away speed from the contest. He played a game for Vic Country at the U18 Championships last year and is developing nicely.”

Jacob Koschitzke (Albury junior, 11 games in 2017): “Jacob is a key-position player and has been one of our best performers athletically this pre-season. He’s a strong contested-ball player and we’ll look to play him at half back, half forward or even as a midfielder.”

Laitham Vandermeer (Mooroopna junior, nine games in 2017): “Laitham is a small midfielder who has come back as a 19-year-old. He was one of our best-performed players in the latter half of last season and he’s really improved his strength and speed over the off-season.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Tom Boyd (over-age Nathalia junior, 16 games in 2017): “Tom has had a really strong pre-season. He was pretty highly rated (as a draft prospect) early last season but he needed to work on his endurance and repeat efforts. He’s been doing his own program over the off-season and come back at elite levels. He’s been our best player in two practice games.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“One player that’ll be right up there in the leadership group is Nick Murray (top-age Henty junior, seven games in 2017). He shows really good leadership qualities. He’s very approachable and likes a bit of a joke but leads by example with his work ethic.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKET

Ben Kelly (top-age Albury junior, nine games in 2017): “Ben is a 202cm ruckman who has played in defence during his junior career. He’s grown incredibly quickly over the last two years and runs a sub-three-second 20m sprint. He’s a developing tall but has the attributes to be one of our key players.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Jake Bradshaw (top-age Wodonga Raiders junior, four games in 2017): Son of Daniel Bradshaw (231 AFL games for Brisbane and Sydney from 1996-2011).

Jacob Koschitzke (see above): Cousin of Justin Koschitzke (200 AFL games for St Kilda from 2001-13).

Nick Murray (see above): Brother of Sam Murray (currently on Collingwood’s AFL list).

Jordon Butts (over-age Shepparton junior, 14 games in 2017) and James Butts (bottom-age Shepparton junior): Son of Gerard Butts (three AFL games for Carlton in 1988-89).

Will Chandler (bottom-age Corowa-Rutherglen junior, one game in 2017): Son of Jeff Chandler (50 AFL games for North Melbourne from 1987-92).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“We’re confident the boys will be a bit more consistent than last season. We were hit pretty hard by injuries last year, so (head coach) Leon Higgins is just barracking for an injury-free season. We probably have a bit more height than last year, with three or four genuine ruckmen including Mark Marriott (top-age Benalla junior, 12 games in 2017) and Ed Dayman (top-age Wangaratta Rovers, two games in 2017).”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“We’ve picked up Shannon Laidlaw – who has been involved in local footy for quite some time – as a development coach and Mario De Santa’Ana has come from the under-16 program to be a development coach too. Dale Carmody has also returned to the club after teaching in Singapore and will be our forwards assistant coach.”

http://taccup.com.au/murray-bushrangers-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Sandringham Dragons Talent Manager Ryan O’Connor about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: Runners-up (13-8)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Geordie Nagle / 2. Quintin Montanaro / 3. Will Walker

2017 DRAFTEES: Andrew Brayshaw (pick no.2 to Fremantle) / Will Walker (no.23 to North Melbourne) / Charlie Constable (no.36 to Geelong) / Nathan Murphy (no.39 to Collingwood) / Hamish Brayshaw (no.68 to West Coast) / Angus Styles (rookie pick no.14 to Sydney) / Joel Amartey (rookie pick no.28 to Sydney)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2006: Josh Kennedy (Hawthorn/Sydney), Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
• 2008: Jack Watts (Melbourne/Port Adelaide), Tom Lynch (St Kilda/Adelaide)
• 2009: Jack Gunston (Adelaide/Hawthorn), Max Gawn (Melbourne), Tom Nicholls (Gold Coast)
• 2010: Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide/North Melbourne), Jarryd Lyons (Adelaide/Gold Coast)
• 2011: Fletcher Roberts (Western Bulldogs), Sam Frost* (GWS/Melbourne)
• 2012: James Stewart (GWS/Essendon)
• 2013: Josh Kelly (GWS), Christian Salem (Melbourne), Nathan Freeman (Collingwood/St Kilda), Zachary Merrett (Essendon), Tom Langdon (Collingwood), Karl Amon (Port Adelaide), Kurt Heatherley* (Hawthorn)
• 2014: Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne), Brayden Maynard (Collingwood), Ed Vickers-Willis (North Melbourne), Ed Langdon (Fremantle), Harry Dear (Adelaide)
• 2015: Harley Balic (Fremantle/Melbourne)
• 2016: Andrew McGrath (Essendon), Tim Taranto (GWS), Will Setterfield (GWS), Jack Scrimshaw (Gold Coast), Oliver Florent (Sydney), Cameron Polson (Carlton), Corey Lyons (Brisbane), Lachlan Filipovic* (Melbourne)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Ben King, Max King, Bailey Smith (Level 2) / Jack Mahony, Fischer McAsey (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Jeremy Barnard (fourth season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Northern Knights (Saturday March 24) / vs Oakleigh Chargers (Saturday March 31) / vs Calder Cannons (Sunday April 8)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Ben King (East Sandringham junior, nine games in 2017) and Max King (East Sandringham, seven): “Max has played forward and Ben has probably played more back in the past, but we see that being changed up a bit this year – Max might spend more time in the ruck and Ben might actually play more forward. It’s exciting when you see kids of 200cm-plus with Ben and Max’s athletic ability really take the game on.”

Bailey Smith (East Malvern junior, 12 games in 2017): “We expect Bailey to make a progression from defence to the midfield, a bit like (former Dragon and now Essendon player) Andrew McGrath did two years ago. We know Bailey will probably end up being an inside/outside midfielder, but he has really good defensive tendencies and concentration. I think he has some good goal sense as well.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Finn Maginness (bottom-age East Brighton junior): “Finn has really jumped up out of nowhere and he impressed on the track early in pre-season. He’s going to be a midfielder but is continuing to grow and we’re hoping he might nudge 190cm. If he can keep his endurance up, he’ll be an exciting prospect.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“We’re really lucky to have Ethan Casey (Ormond junior, three games in 2017) coming back as a 19-year-old player. He’s had to overcome a serious knee injury so I think he has the respect of the boys and they look to him for leadership. Bailey Smith (see above) and Ben King (see above) are both going well in terms of leadership, while James Rendell (top-age Mordialloc Braeside junior, four games in 2017) is also someone the boys look up to.”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Joe Griffiths (19-year-old player): “Joe is a 200cm-plus ruckman who hasn’t played at TAC Cup level yet but he looks like a likely type. He’s really fitted in with the boys so I think he’ll go well.”

Alastair Richards (top-age East Malvern junior, five games in 2017): “Alastair played really nicely in our grand final side last year and maybe surprised us a bit as a bottom-ager. He looks like he’s continued that progression.”

Harrison Houlahan (top-age Beaumaris junior, two games in 2017): “Harry is very athletic and can play a number of positions. He’s almost 190cm and we’re hoping to settle him initially down back and continue his progression from there.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Joel Crocker (top-age St Kilda City junior, five games in 2017): Son of Darren Crocker (165 AFL games for North Melbourne from 1985-98).

James Rendell (see above): Son of Matt Rendell (177 AFL games for Fitzroy and Brisbane from 1981-92).

Tyson Milne (bottom-age Cheltenham junior): Son of Stephen Milne (275 AFL games for St Kilda from 2000-13).

Jackson Voss (bottom-age Cheltenham junior): Son of Brett Voss (170 AFL games for Brisbane and St Kilda from 1997-2007).

Finn Maginness (see above): Son of Scott Maginness (131 AFL games for Hawthorn from 1988-96).

Jeremy Goddard (bottom-age Geelong Amateur junior): Brother of Hugh Goddard (nine AFL games for St Kilda from 2015-present) and cousin of Brendan Goddard (312 AFL games for St Kilda and Essendon from 2003-present).

Jai Florent (bottom-age): Brother of Oliver Florent (nine AFL games for Sydney from 2017-present).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“TAC Cup watchers can expect us to be tall; I think we have five 200cm-plus players and an another 10 that are 195cm or taller. It’ll be interesting to see how we overcome challenges to do with height and shape, but I see more of the same in regards to a structured side that looks to adhere to a game plan and work well together.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“We’ve gone with the status quo and everyone’s stuck around here. We’re hoping we can go one kick better this year!”

http://taccup.com.au/sandringham-dragons-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

GEELONG FALCONS BOYS SEASON PREVIEW

We talk to Geelong Falcons Talent Manager Michael Turner about the team’s upcoming TAC Cup season.



2017 FINISH: Premiers (18-3)

2017 BEST AND FAIREST: 1. Cassidy Parish / 2. Sam Walsh / 3. James Worpel

2017 DRAFTEES: Matthew Ling (pick no.14 to Sydney) / Tom McCartin (no.33 to Sydney) / James Worpel (no.45 to Hawthorn) / Gryan Miers (no.57 to Geelong) / Josh Jaska (rookie pick no.2 to Gold Coast)

OTHER FORMER PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON AFL LISTS:

• Selected in 2001: Luke Hodge (Hawthorn/Brisbane), Gary Ablett jnr (Geelong/Gold Coast/Geelong)
• 2004: Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn/Melbourne)
• 2005: Shaun Higgins (Western Bulldogs/North Melbourne)
• 2006: Travis Boak (Port Adelaide), Will Schofield (West Coast)
• 2007: Lachlan Henderson (Brisbane/Carlton/Geelong), Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide/Geelong), Jack Steven (St Kilda)
• 2009: Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne), Gary Rohan (Sydney), Jasper Pittard (Port Adelaide), Allen Christensen (Geelong/Brisbane)
• 2010: Luke Dahlhaus* (Western Bulldogs), Josh Walker* (Geelong/Brisbane)
• 2011: Taylor Adams (GWS/Collingwood), Devon Smith (GWS/Essendon), Jackson Merrett (Essendon), Jed Bews (Geelong)
• 2012: Mason Wood (North Melbourne)
• 2013: Darcy Lang (Geelong/Carlton), Darcy Gardiner (Brisbane), Lewis Taylor (Brisbane)
• 2014: Paddy McCartin (St Kilda), Hugh Goddard (St Kilda), Teia Miles (Hawthorn), Jackson Nelson (West Coast), Zaine Cordy (Western Bulldogs), Lewis Melican* (Sydney)
• 2015: Darcy Parish (Essendon), Charlie Curnow (Carlton), Tom Doedee (Adelaide), Rhys Mathieson (Brisbane)
• 2016: Alex Witherden (Brisbane), Sean Darcy (Fremantle), Jack Henry* (Geelong), Sam Simpson* (Geelong)

2018 AFL ACADEMY: Ned McHenry, Sam Walsh (Level 2) / Cooper Stephens (Level 1)

2018 COACH: Daniel O’Keefe (second season)

2018 SEASON START: vs Dandenong Stingrays (Sunday March 25) / vs GWV Rebels (Sunday April 1) / vs Murray Bushrangers (Saturday April 7)

* CLICK HERE to see the full 2018 TAC Cup fixture.



TOP 2018 DRAFT PROSPECTS

Sam Walsh (St Joseph’s junior, 13 games in 2017): “Sam had a great 2017 season for us, playing in our premiership side and also for Vic Country (at the NAB AFL U18 Championships). We’ll look to play him around the ball as much as possible but we’ll also send him forward at times. He’s an elite runner.”

Ned McHenry (Barwon Heads junior, 11 games in 2017): “Ned also played for Vic Country and was in our premiership side last year. He’ll play on the ball but might go onto a wing for a little while because he’s an elite runner too.”

Oscar Brownless (Geelong Amateur junior, 10 games in 2017): “I rate Oscar as highly as Sam and Ned. He’s a father-son prospect for Geelong as his father is Billy Brownless. He’ll play on-ball and certainly go forward at times.”



PRE-SEASON PERFORMER

Brayden Ham (St Mary’s junior, 14 games in 2017): “Brayden is a 19-year-old player who’s a late developer. He’s had a really good pre-season and was one of our best performers at TAC Cup Fitness Testing Day. He has speed and endurance, and he’s very similar to Sam Walsh and Ned McHenry in my estimations.”



LEADERSHIP MATERIAL

“Sam Walsh (see above) and Oscar Brownless (see above) are our captains, with our leadership group including Ned McHenry (see above), Ethan Floyd (over-age Colac junior, 16 games in 2017), Cooper Cartledge (top-age Leopold junior, 16 games) and Connor Idun (top-age Drysdale junior, 15 games). Our future leaders are Jesse Clark (bottom-age St Joseph’s junior) and Cooper Stephens (bottom-age Colac junior).”



POTENTIAL SURPRISE PACKETS

Connor Idun (see above) and Blake Schlensog (top-age Grovedale junior, nine games in 2017): “Connor and Blake are great prospects. Connor has African heritage and Blake has indigenous heritage, so they could be Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy products.”



FAMOUS FOOTBALL RELATIONS

Oscar Brownless (see above): Son of Billy Brownless (198 AFL games for Geelong from 1986-97).

Baxter Mensch (top-age Newtown & Chilwell junior, two games in 2017): Son of David Mensch (158 AFL games for Geelong from 1992-2002).

Zac Knights (over-age St Joseph’s junior): Son of Matthew Knights (279 AFL games for Richmond from 1988-2002).

Sam Christensen (top-age St Mary’s junior): Son of Marty Christensen (71 AFL games for Geelong and North Melbourne from 1985-92).

Finlay Parish (top-age Grovedale junior): Brother of Darcy Parish (40 AFL games for Essendon from 2016-present).

Jay Dahlhaus (bottom-age St Mary’s junior): Cousin of Luke Dahlhaus (137 AFL games for Western Bulldogs from 2011-present).

Thomas Richardson (bottom-age Ocean Grove junior): Son of Adam Richardson (Falcons premiership player in 1992 and two AFL games for Adelaide in 2001).



WHAT TO EXPECT

“This time last year we certainly didn’t think we were a chance of winning a premiership; we just knew we had a very athletic team and some good leaders, so we surprised ourselves a bit. You’re never quite sure in the TAC Cup, but our boys have tested well and they have a good base of experience from last year.”



COACHING PANEL ADDITIONS

“Michael Bright – who’s the son of former Falcons head coach Terry Bright (1992-95) – has gone from being a development coach to a line coach.”

http://taccup.com.au/geelong-falcons-boys-season-preview-2018/

 

[Wizard17]

 

[CaptainMurphy]

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You're a hero

 

[Wizard17]

 

[CaptainMurphy]

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Jay Dahlhaus, any relation?

 

[Wizard17]

Jay Dahlhaus, any relation?

Cousin