2009 Potential Draftee and Trade Watch

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May as well get stuff started now.

I will post info as it comes to hand

 

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Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

NAB AFL Under 18 Championships

Competition Fixture

Round 1

May 16 - QLD v NSW/ACT - Venue: QLD (TBC)
May 16 - TAS v NT - Venue: QLD (TBC)
May 23 - WA v SA - SUBIACO
May 24 - Vic M v Vic C - MCG

Round 2 (all dates TBC - Queens Birthday weekend)
NSW/ACT v VIC M - SYDNEY
QLD v SA - SYDNEY
TAS v VIC C - AURORA
NT v WA - DARWIN/ALICE

Round 3
13/14 Jun - WA v VIC M - SUBIACO
13/14 Jun - SA v VIC C - AAMI
20/21-Jun - NSW/ACT v NT - SYDNEY
20/21-Jun - TAS v QLD - TASMANIA

Round 4 (all games Saturday June 27 at Casey Fields)
VIC M v QLD
VIC C v NT
NSW/ACT v SA
TAS v WA

Round 5 (All games Telstra Dome Wednesday July 1st)
TAS v NSW/ACT
QLD v NT
VIC C v WA
VIC M v SA

 

[Redemptionin09]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

hard at work already...too good Rizzo

 

[thejester]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

We can start off with the good news that our one NSW scholarship holder who is eligible this year, Kale Temple, didn't make the Rams squad.

 

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Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

We can start off with the good news that our one NSW scholarship holder who is eligible this year, Kale Temple, didn't make the Rams squad.

He will be gutted with that. I thought he would have easily got a spot given his size and athletic ability. I wonder if Geelong will organise to get him in some sort of rep footy so they can see how he goes.

 

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• THE 2009 national draft is not until November but the stars of the future are already putting their hands up for selection.

About 480 TAC Cup players had fitness tests at Victoria University in front of AFL recruiters at the weekend.
The class of 2009 appears to be full of midfielders.
Recruiters have their eyes fixed on several young players.
Geelong midfielders Callum Bartlett, 17, and Allen Christensen, 17, are being touted as possible top 10 picks.
Christensen was hampered by a groin complaint at the weekend, but Bartlett excelled in the vertical jump and agility tests.
Another midfielder, Dandenong's Ryan Bastinac, 17, outperformed all of his teammates in the beep test with a score of 15.1.
Western Jets key position players Kyle Hartigan, 17, and Jack Fitzpatrick, 17, also impressed.
A 196cm key forward, Fitzpatrick recorded the fastest 20m sprint time of any of his teammates -- 2.89sec.
Hartigan's movement was also impressive for a 194cm defender and he was fifth in his club's agility testing.
Gippsland's John Butcher, 17, Dandenong's Tom Scully, 17, were not present at the testing day but have been mentioned as possible top 10 draft picks.
Under-18 Country Victoria coach Leon Harris said the tests gave AFL recruiters the chance to gauge player fitness, growth and athletic development.
"All they're doing is getting a feel for the talent that's coming through and the improvement from the guys from this year to last year," Harris said.
"It's all a part of the jigsaw puzzle and mostly today there's been a lot of good testing results . . . it shows that the fitness guys at TAC level are doing a very good job with them as there is a large improvement from last year."
The TAC Cup starts on April 4.
Players will be selected for various representative sides and the draft camp during the year.
"It's a process of watching the players to see how they cope with each of those step ups in level because ultimately that's what catches them out," Sydney recruiter Kinnear Beatson said.
"The speed of the game and the skill of the opposition goes up around them and a lot of them just can't cope unfortunately and that's what weeds them out."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25157498-19895,00.html

 

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• CALDER coach Martin Allison is not getting ahead of himself despite the Cannons' rampaging start to the TAC Cup season.

The Cannons won their third game straight yesterday, a 73-point victory over the Western Jets at Coburg City Oval, and sit on top of the ladder by percentage.
Led by a brilliant five-goal haul from Luke Mitchell, the Cannons were up by 45 points at the main break and put the icing on the cake with a 10-goal second half.
Dion Prestia was outstanding for the Cannons, who were also well served by Andrew Duhau and Tom Hunter. Best for the Jets were Christopher Aloi and Jack Fitzpatrick.
After wins against the Northern Knights and the NSW/ACT, Allison said he couldn't have hoped for a better start to the season.
"They (the Jets) got touched up last week against the Gold Coast, and they are well coached by Steve Kretiuk, so we were a little bit apprehensive about what side they would put on the park.
"But our backs combined well and we won a lot of contested footy.
"The boys opened up the midfield with some run and carry and were very good."
But the win came at a cost, with centre half-forward Dean Tydell suffering an injured knee while Taylor Hine had a calf injury.
The Cannons have a bye next week before a tough stretch against the Gold Coast, Bendigo Pioneers, Geelong Falcons and Dandenong Stingrays.
In yesterday's other game, Rhys Boyden booted 12 goals to lead the Northern Knights to a massive 101-point win against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25357071-19895,00.html

 

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Great to see the TAC cup go into full swing

 

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A possible name to watch from over the border in SA

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/sport/afl/story/0,26547,25412021-21546,00.html

• WHEN a young bloke is named best for his side in his first game of league football it is obvious he has talent.

When he is then named among the best for his side in three of the next four rounds it is obvious he is going places in the game.
Jarred Allmond, 18, will nominate for the AFL draft this year. And no doubt scouts have already pencilled down his name after five rounds of the SANFL.
Standing classy Bulldog Brayden O'Hara in his league debut at Elizabeth, Allmond amassed 17 kicks, eight marks and four handballs and nailed a goal to make an immediate impact in his rise to top grade.
"I was pretty nervous, Central is a good team" Allmond said. "I just wanted to keep my hand in the game. I thought I did all right - I was playing on O'Hara who is a very good player.
"My goal was just to keep my spot in the league side and work on my game. (Coach) Ron (Fuller) has been happy with what I have done."
Allmond's brother Leon, 23, played with the Eagles' under-17 side when Fuller was the coach. But his time at Woodville Oval was shortlived and he returned to football with Two Wells where he has won the club's past five best-and-fairest awards. Jarred made the trek from Two Wells to the Eagles to play with the under-17 side before graduating through the 19s and reserves last year.
"I have been shocked I have been doing so well," he said. "I just want to keep doing it and keep my spot. I liked it in the wet against the Panthers on the weekend. I prefer those conditions. I've been starting on the half-back flank and working up to the wing. I haven't played on the ball since under-17s but it would be good to play there.
"(Eagles team-mate) Luke Jarrad has been really good for me. He is a smart player and is good to talk to."
Life is full-on for the teenager. During the day he works with a concreting company before training with the Eagles. He then has the drive back to Two Wells each day. However, this weekend he faces a short trip to Prospect Oval to front North Adelaide on Sunday in what looms as a terrific contest between two in-form teams. "I like the big games," Jarred said.

 

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• CALDER kept its undefeated record alive and brought Gold Coast back down to earth with a 16-point victory yesterday.

Six first-quarter goals had the Cannons leading by 22 points at the first break.
But the Gold Coast hit back strongly and led by 13 points heading into the last term.
Calder coach Martin Allison was impressed with the way his side rallied in the last quarter, kicking five goals to one.
"We were very proud of the way that they came back," Allison said yesterday.
"It was the top-age players that really drove that last-quarter turnaround.
"Over the summer we put a lot of energy into developing a leadership program among the playing group. And I'm convinced that in that last quarter when the game was there to be won, it was the efforts of those players that really got them through."
Jacob Thompson was the pick of the Cannons with five goals.
Geelong and Eastern, winners on Saturday, are the only other unbeaten sides.
Oakleigh is just one game back after accounting for NSW-ACT 14.19 (103) to 12.16 (88) yesterday.
The Chargers may have unearthed a gem in 16-year-old Jackson Bolton, nephew of former Essendon midfielder Mark.
"He was fantastic," Oakleigh coach Steve Grace said.
"He played with a bit of spark and life and that was fantastic to see from a first-game player. He had 24 touches and about three or four goal involvements, which was good for him."
Fellow bottom-ager Max Otten, brother of Adelaide's Andy, was also among the best in his first game for Oakleigh.
"If you had said before the season we'd be 3-1 at this stage, we certainly would have taken it," Grace said.
"But it's always hard to get a read on the rest of the competition before about seven or eight rounds have been completed."
In yesterday's other games, Murray defeated Bendigo by 32 points, while North Ballarat had a comfortable 64-point win against Western Jets.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25424494-19895,00.html

 

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Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

Index of links

TAC Cup Results

AIS Academy Players

Western Jets Highlights

Eastern Rangers Videos

 

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Rizzo's Player Profiles
Astbury, David
Butcher, John
Christensen, Allen
Cunnington, Ben
Darling, Jack
Hooper, Andrew
McMillan-Pittard, Jasper
MacKenzie, Tom
Martin, Dustin
McKenzie, Trent
Page, Sean
Priest, Farren
Rohan, Gary
Stevens, Koby
Swallow, David
Thompson, Luke
Toy, Josh
Vardy, Nathan



Links will be added here as I compile profiles.

 

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Joshua Toy

DOB: 18/1/92
Height: 183cm
Weight: 85kg
Club: Calder/Aberfeldie
TAC Cup Stats

In the media:

Josh was absolutely outstanding. He played extremely well against Williamstown. Normally a half-back flanker, but we played him full-back on Scott Welsh, a premiership player and senior player with the Western Bulldogs.
A powerful athlete, he’s really good one-on-one, very attacking and he’s got such penetration with his kick. Against Peel Thunder he was winning the contested footy, running and receiving and more importantly, running through the corridor. He was outstanding, and rewarded later on that evening when he was voted the Ben Mitchell Medallist by his peers.

Rizzo's Comment:

Match #:
Predicted Draft Position:

 

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Jack Darling

DOB: 13/6/92
Height: 188cm
Weight: 88kg
Club: West Perth

In The Media:

Jack played his junior football predominantly as a centre half-forward but at his height, will need to learn how to play midfield. Against Peel he was able to play off half-back and then play through the midfield. An outstanding competitor, really good one-on-one and was a lot cleaner and quicker with his hands. He loves the physical contest.

Rizzo's Comment:

Predicted Draft Position:

 

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Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

Trent McKenzie

DOB: 3/4/92
Height: 188cm
Weight: 72kg
Club: Western/Williamstown
TAC Cup Stats

In The Media:

In cricket terms, Trent’s a bit of a Mark Waugh type. Coaches will ride him a bit because he has got a laid back attitude. He’s a left footer with a great penetration, kicks the ball extremely well and just moves so well. He’s one of the quickest boys in the program, though you wouldn’t think it because he just does it so easily. He generally plays wing/half-back and we set him the challenge to play fullback against Peel Thunder. It forced him to really lock in and focus on just beating his man.

Rizzo's Comment:

Predicted Draft Position

 

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Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

David Swallow

DOB: 19/11/92
Height: 185cm
Weight: 80kg
Club: East Fremantle

In The Media:

Brother of (North Melbourne’s) Andrew, David is just the ultimate professional. He’s got a massive work rate and wins a really good mix of contested and uncontested footy. We played him at half-back. He has great endurance, uses the ball really well and is good in close.

Rizzo's Comment:

Predicted Draft Position:

 

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Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

Koby Stevens

DOB: 18/6/91
Height:187cm
Weight: 81kg
Club: Gippsland/Lucknow
TAC Cup Stats

In The Media:

Koby is extremely hard the way he goes about it. Every contest is live-or-die for him. He’s just desperate to succeed and is one of the leaders of our team. Every game he played, even the first game where we got beaten pretty comfortably, he was one of our better players. He just gets in and wins the contested footy, that’s all he knows – see the ball, regardless of what’s around, he goes for it. He’ll figure quite highly in this year’s draft.

Koby's Draft Dream - The Age

Rizzo's Comment:
Match #1 V Metro

This kid is a star. Pure and simple. A nice height and weight, great athleticism. Just oozes class and makes you realise how good this kid can be. No downsides from his game today. Maybe he is so versitle that it makes it hard to find a spot at AFL level? Not really sure. Cool and calm under pressure, a first option player.

Predicted Draft Position:

 

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• GEELONG Falcons have shot clear atop the TAC ladder after a hard-fought 21.5 (131) to 14.11 (95) win over Northern Knights.

With the previously unbeaten Eastern Ranges and Calder Cannons both suffering shock losses yesterday, the Falcons remain the only undefeated team after Round 6.
Four goals apiece from Gary Rohan and Jasper McMillan-Pittard helped the Falcons across the line but coach Garry Hocking said there were no standouts performances by his players against a well-drilled Knights outfit.
"It was a really difficult day because both teams really played their hearts out and played consistently over four quarters," Hocking said.
"We didn't have any real standouts. Perhaps Gary Rohan up forward was probably the person that gave us four quarters, but there was players floating in and out who certainly stood up for us when the game was on the line.
"It was really difficult at the end of the day to pick out a person who was fantastic, but there were certainly cameo performances from most of our players across the day."
Hocking said any side coached by Dennis Pagan was going to be hard to beat.
"I was impressed with the way Northern came to play," he said. "They were well drilled and put enormous pressure on us around the footy.
"I'm relieved, in a way, that we continue to win. It's not by big margins, we're certainly being challenged, and the boys acknowledge that teams will certainly come after us given our position on the ladder."
In the day's other games, Dandenong reaffirmed its premiership credentials with a big win over Eastern.
The Stingrays continue to impress without the services of Tom Scully, a potential No. 1 draft pick who is tied up with school football commitments.
The unheralded Levi Casboult announced himself with four goals for the winners, although it could have been even better as the forward also kicked six behinds.
Bendigo was the big winner of the round, thumping the previously undefeated Calder by 83 points.
Inaccurate kicking cost premiers Murray Bushrangers against the Western Jets in a game that ended in a draw.
The Bushrangers could muster only 1.5 in the final quarter against a Jets outfit that managed to kick only four behinds.
Sandringham remains winless at the bottom of the table after suffering a 98-point loss at the hands of North Ballarat.
And on Saturday night Gippsland's John Butcher enhanced his prospects of being the No. 1 choice at this year's draft with a six-goal haul on the Gold Coast.
His efforts weren't quite enough to get the Power over the line, however, and the host side triumphed by two points.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25458517-19895,00.html

No real surprise about the comments re Butcher. He looked more than capable last year.

 

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ANOTHER WESTHOFF EMERGES
A THIRD Westhoff might be in line for the AFL with 18-year-old Nick making his mark at West Adelaide.
The strong full forward, who turned 18 today, kicked five goals in West Adelaide’s 10-goal win - ironically over Central District on Saturday.
Nick Westhoff is the cousin of Justin and Matthew who rose through Central District’s ranks to reach Port Adelaide Power’s AFL list.
``He is a dead-set twin,’’ Bloods football operations manager Scott Turner said.
``He’s a bit more like Matthew than Justin, but he’s got the same shaggy haircut.
``And he’s 198cm - just really, really similar.’’
Nick was a Goodwood Saints junior and joined West Adelaide through their recruiting zone.
According to Turner, he also spent time playing basketball in the United States.
``He’s played more basketball than footy,’’ Turner said.
``But we certainly hope he does (play senior football), he’s a really athletic kid but because he’s only new to the game we’re taking it slow with him.’’
Daniel Sukkel was best on ground in West Adelaide’s win, 20.7 (127) to 11.1 (67).
He had 31 possessions, laid five tackles and kicked two goals.
``He was outstanding,’’ Bloods coach Greg Mellor said of Sukkel.
``Nick Westhoff played his best game for the club and so did Brett Heintze.’’
West Adelaide is now 4-2 and third on the ladder.
But it has only one player, Taite Silverlock, in the state squad which Mellor said was ``a little disappointing’’.
Mellor said he thought Daniel Sukkel, Dustin Head and Nick Homburg would have been pushing for selection.
CLARKE RETURNS FOR STURT
STURT welcomed back Angus Clarke for his first game of the season and the young ruckman helped the Double Blues to a 40-point win over Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday.
Clarke, who missed most of last year with osteitis pubis, provided a tall target around the ground as Sturt won 14.14 (98) to 8.10 (58).
``He did a really good job in the ruck,’’ Sturt coach Chris Brown said.
``It was very good to see him back because he only played a handful of games last year.’’
Adam Eckermann kicked four goals and Thomas Harms booted three for the winners.
Alex Wilson, James Johnston, Ben Hansen, Tyler Brimacombe and Sam Day were Sturt’s other best players.
``Alex Wilson was our best player by a long way, he was terrific,’’ Brown said.
``And James Johnston was very good across centre half back and Benny Hansen worked hard in defence.’’
Sam Harvey kicked four goals and Jared Polec added three for the Eagles.
Their best were Scott Newman, Adam Turner, Jarrad Brusnahan, Sam Heinjus, Sam Harvey and Ryan Hooper.
HITCHCOCK STARS FOR GLENELG
KEY forward Cameron Hitchcock booted six goals and helped Glenelg to a 124-point thumping of North Adelaide on the weekend.
The Tigers continued their unbeaten start to the season, 25.18 (168) to 6.8 (44).
``I’m happy with how the team’s going,’’ Hitchcock said.
``My form hasn’t been too bad.
``I started in the Reserves then came back to the under-18s.
``In the Reserves I was coming on and off the bench but in the under-18s you’re more of a senior player, they look for you and you play more of a role.’’
Joshua Trembath also kicked six goals for Glenelg while Nick Ramsey, Matthew Snook and Benjamin McIntyre all kicked three.
Hitchcock was in the Tigers’ best along with Patrick Contin, Ramsey, Snook, Michael Bennett and McIntyre.
``The guys played well all day,’’ Glenelg coach Ian Cox said.
``They used the footy really well.
``Patty Contin was terrific. He’s an on-baller and we started him down back.
``And Cameron Hitchcock was also terrific. We really rate him, he’s an excitement machine who’s quick and elusive.’’
North Adelaide had six separate goal kickers and were best served by Ryan Collins, Sean Maher, Luke Teasdale, Callum Hay, Brett Fidge and Ryan Smiech.
MAGPIES TOO GOOD
IT WASN’T pretty footy but Port Adelaide emerged from its clash with South Adelaide with a 101-point victory on Saturday, 22.11 (143) to 6.6 (42).
After the Magpies slammed on 10 goals to none in the opening term, the Panthers threw extra men behind the ball which cramped Port Adelaide’s forward line.
``They ended up playing the second, third and fourth quarters with eight defenders and four forwards,’’ Port Adelaide coach Tony Bamford said.
``It made it scrappy and our forward entries weren’t very clean.
``But it was a great learning experience for us as a team to come up against a team that puts numbers behind the footy.
``And the pleasing thing was after the first quarter, we still kicked 12 goals to their six.’’
Joshua Linke led the way with six goals for the Magpies including four in the first term.
``His first quarter was one out of the box,’’ Bamford said.
``And three of them (four goals) were from strong marks inside 50.’’
Caleb Howell kicked four goals and Benjamin Butler and Zachary Perry finished with three each.
Port’s best were Perry, Linke, Howell, Matthew Rose, Paul Dreimann and Daniel Kulikowski.
``Zach is a midfielder but we’ve used him as a half forward the last two weeks and he’s been in our best players,’’ Bamford said.
Christopher Kohnke kicked four of South Adelaide’s six goals and was joined in the best players by Jake Standfield, Sean Beath, Patrick Taggart, Rhys McKay and Luke Bowd.
This Saturday Port Adelaide’s under-18 side is part of the club’s first triple header of the season.
The Magpies play at 1pm against Central District at Elizabeth Oval before the League game later in the day.
`` They boys are really looking forward to it,’’ Bamford said.
``Also because they get a chance to watch the League boys play.’’

http://guardian-messenger.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/monday-under-18-wrap-up/

 

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• BENDIGO Pioneers have moved inside the TAC Cup top eight for the first time this year after a come-from-behind victory against Oakleigh Chargers.

Despite kicking into the wind in the last quarter, the Pioneers overcame a 12-point three-quarter time deficit to win 10.13 (73) to 8.13 (61).
Bendigo coach Mark Ellis was impressed with his side's ability to overcome a below-par performance in the second and third quarters.
"We played some good footy in the first quarter but were a little scrappy in the second and third quarters," Ellis said. "But coming home into the breeze we were fortunate that we were able to start playing some decent footy and were lucky enough to get over the line."
Ellis said the win provided his team with a great platform to launch its season after squaring the ledger at 3-3.
"You win a few games and the players get a bit of confidence in themselves," he said.
"We're really starting to play some good team footy now."
In yesterday's other match, Gippsland Power won its second game of the year against a disappointing Western Jets.
Mannon Johnston kicked four goals for the Power in the 18.11 (119) to 8.5 (53) win.
Gippsland coach Damien Carroll was pleased to get a win after close losses in the past two weeks.
"We've been pretty competitive but obviously it was important that we did have a win today," Carroll said.
Carroll said the form of Michael Ross, brother of North Melbourne's Ben, was a big positive after the defender missed virtually the entire 2008 season with a foot injury.
"He's just been finding his feet and I think today he really showed his class. He had good ball use and showed good speed across the ground so hopefully that will kick-start his season too."
On Saturday, the Geelong Falcons continued their unbeaten run with a 17.16 (118) to 6.7 (43) win against Calder Cannons.
The win further establishes the Falcons as premiership favourites given Calder had previously lost only one game in the first six rounds.
Gold Coast was victorious by less than a goal for the second week in a row, this time overcoming Dandenong by five points.
Eastern Ranges were held to just one goal in the first half of their 67-point loss to North Ballarat.
And the Denis Pagan-coached Northern Knights signalled they were on the improve, registering their second victory of the year against the Murray Bushrangers, 15.9 (99) to 5.9 (39).

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25497774-19895,00.html

 

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FARMER STARS IN BLOODS’ GREAT ESCAPE
WEST Adelaide survived a final quarter onslaught from Woodville-West Torrens to record a one-point win on the weekend, 13.22 (100) to 15.9 (99).
The Bloods were almost made to pay for their inaccuracy when the Eagles piled on six goals to one in the last term.
Jake Von Bertouch kicked four goals in the last quarter, to finish with seven for the game, but Woodville-West Torrens fell agonisingly short of victory.
``It was a lucky escape,’’ West Adelaide coach Greg Mellor said.
``In some ways it was a good lesson for us because in their keeness to win the game, the boys probably went away from what they’d been doing well.’’
Mellor said Josh Farmer was ``outstanding’’ and he’d be surprised if he didn’t win this week’s MVP Award.
``Eight tackles, 31 possessions, four goals three, seven or eight inside 50s and nine marks in slippery conditions was terrific,’’ Mellor said.
``He just hunts the footy.
``And Dylan Ribbons was very good as well.’’
West’s other best players were Michael Ward, Josh Schiller, Jordan Mandemaker and Haydn Pierson.
The Eagles were best served by Todd Culley, Von Bertouch, Angus Rowntree, Jarrad Brusnahan, Angus Poole and Sam Harvey.
Mellor said his side’s inaccuracy was a concern.
``Last week we were really accurate and this week we were terrible,’’ he said.
``It’s something we’ll work on because bad kicking is bad football.’’
JACKSON RUCKS AND ROLLS
VICTORIAN recruit Jackson O’Neill made the most of his dramatic under-18 debut by helping Glenelg to a 53-point win over Norwood on the weekend.
O’Neill, from Dimboola, was a last-minute replacement for Tigers’ ruckman Nick Belfield who withdrew from the side with a knee complaint.
O’Neill, who is not a traditional ruckman, rucked all day and was among Glenelg’s best players.
``Our usual ruckman Michael Bennett was playing in the state under-18 trial on Sunday and when Nick Belfield pulled out we brought Jackson in,’’ Glenelg coach Ian Cox said.
``He finally got his chance and he did a great job.
``He’s only six-foot two and normally plays up forward so he showed he is versatile.’’
After leading by one goal at quarter time the Tigers kicked away to win 17.9 (111) to 9.4 (58).
``It was a really even start,’’ Cox said.
``Norwood was three goals to one early but our boys rallied really well they’re a pretty professional mob sometimes.’’
Best on ground was 17-year-old Matthew Snook who earned glowing praise from his coach.
``He has been great all year and has really improved.
``He’s just a traditional in and under, hard as nails player, who has added running to his game this year.
``His older brother Shannon plays Reserves and Bays fans might see two Snooks running around in the Reserves pretty soon.’’
Full forward Cameron Hitchcock cemented his lead on the goal-kicking table with a bag of six. He has kicked 29 goals from six games this season and is nine clear of his nearest rivals, Eagles’ Jake Von Bertouch and Norwood’s Matthew Panos.
The Tigers’ other best were Christian Howard, Spencer Jackman and Nick Ramsey.
For the Redlegs, Joel Aish and Thomas Langford both kicked three goals and they were best served by Thomas Jonas, Geoffrey Penfold, Alexis Georgiou, Gavin Roberts, Langford and Ben Russo.
BAKER GOAL SNATCHES MAGPIES A VICTORY
A GOAL from defender Sean Baker, his first for the season, secured Port Adelaide a thrilling three-point win over Central District at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday.
Baker, who plays back pocket, followed his man into attack and marked the ball 50 metres from goal. He was then given a 25 metre penalty and managed to kick truly from a set shot.
``He did well, especially under that sort of pressure,’’ Port Adelaide coach Tony Bamford said.
The Bulldogs led by just one point at quarter time which set the scene for a tough battle all day.
``As coaches we knew 15 minutes in it was going to be tough. Central played in front and fought harder for longer.’’
The Dogs had a narrow lead with three minutes remaining but the Baker goal saw the visitors snatch victory.
After a solid month of training Bamford said the bye had come ``at a good time’’ for his young troops.
Half back Justin Hoskin was named best on ground for the winners along with Edward Heath, Paul Dreimann, Caleb Howell, Ryan McCafferty and Matthew Crettenden.
``Justin was our best player by far,’’ Bamford said.
``At times he was playing on their resting ruckman then on their resting midfielder.
``His one on ones were impressive and his preparedness to rebound was very good.’’
For Central District, Schiller kicked two goals while White, Appleton, Hannath, Bellamy, Haydon and Trevena were named best.
STURT TRIUMPHS AT STRATHALBYN
STURT emerged from its trip to Strathalbyn on Saturday with an 88-point win over South Adelaide, 19.25 (139) to 7.9 (51).
The Double Blues trailed by a goal at quarter time but took control of the game soon after.
Angus Twopenny booted four goals while co-captain Alex Wilson kicked three and was named among Sturt’s best.
But it was ruckman Angus Clarke, still on the comeback trail from injury, who was named best in the win.
``Angus has been in great form and Alex Wilson has been good all season for us,’’ Sturt coach Chris Brown said.
James Johnston, Ben Hansen, John Greenslade and Adam Eckermann, also with three goals, were Sturt’s other handy players.
``It was tough early,’’ Brown said.
``They got a few boys behind the ball and made it difficult, but we wore them down.
The Panthers had seven individual goal kickers and named Thomas Johnson, Luke Bowd, Patrick Taggart, Jack Guy, Nathan Pelle and Elijah Horrocks as their best.

http://guardian-messenger.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/monday-under-18-wrap-up/

 

[Pivo]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

This info (while not completely accurate - pretty sure Dandenong falls under Vic Metro??!? WTF) comes off a blog at http://www.afldraftinfo.com/ and does give us some names to keep track of. Looks to be around the mark with stuff rizzo has already cited and I was wrapped to see Goldsworthy named.

I may be wrong but I suspect that Carey from Glenelg is likely to be related to Peter Carey, a ruckman for the Bays back in the early 80s.

Dylan Bairstow, according to the BF Perth brigade is Toby Bairstow's son (sadly they are also suggesting he is struggling big time in the Colts right now and is probably lucky to have gotten named in the initial State squad).

Interestingly enough - there is another Jack Trengove. Maybe the Cats can still get him in name only??

2009 Pre-Season Top U18 Prospects



With the 2009 football season approaching, along with it comes the deciding season for many U18 draft hopefuls. Based on 2008 form these are some of the names who I see as possible to definite draft candidates and ones to keep an eye out for during the U18 championships, the rest of the 2009 season and of course on the last Saturday of November:

WA

Kane Lucas (East Fremantle) – Hard running, clean 189/ outside midfielder that makes good decisions with the football and has outstanding 2nd efforts. Received an AIS-AFL Scholarship in 2007 after an outstanding U16 carnival and was unlucky not to make the AA U18 team last year.

Anthony Morabito (Peel) – Athletic, strongly built, mobile 192/90 utility that has plenty of sexy attributes, but needs to get more of it. Played 3 games for WA in the 2008 U18 Championships - a hamstring injury prior to the carnival caused him to miss the first game and prevented him from playing more and being at full fitness.

Mitchell Duncan (East Perth) – Solidly built, hard running 187 utility that consistently makes good use of and decisions with the footy in his hands. Captained WA in the 2007 U16 championships, but had a ‘quietish’ U18 championships – mainly playing off HB, but very dominant at colts level despite not playing many games.

Brad Sheppard (East Fremantle) – Wiry, athletic medium defender. Played all games for WA in the 2008 U18 championships.

Clint Garlett (Swan Districts) – Nippy, evasive 175 running HFF/midfielder. Played some games for WA in the 2008 U18 championships, was part of Swan Districts premiership winning colts team and held an AIS-AFL scholarship from 2007, however missed out on getting drafted last year (eligible as a bottom aged player).

Mark Hutchings (East Perth) – Hard running, tough small inside midfielder without any significant standout attributes. Played some senior footy for East Perth at WAFL level and acquitted himself very well for a 17 year old.

Others to look out for: Xavier Foley - CHB, Travis Colyer - midfielder/small forward, Aaron Elari – small midfielder/flanker, Anthony Collica, Liam Smith, Michael Cooper, Chris Forsyth, Mitch Carter, Lance Daly – tall leading key forward, Dylan Bairstow, Chris Luff – ruckman/utility

SA

Alex Carey (Glenelg) – Quick, running small midfielder with very neat footskills. Was in the SA U18 squad last year, but didn’t make an appearance at the championships. Apparently an exceptional junior cricketer.

Matthew Thompson (Sturt) – Hard at it, powerful inside midfielder. Played a few fairly anonymous games in the U18 championships, however he showed outstanding form in the SANFL U19 competition in 2009 in the best players an amazing 13 out of 17 times.

Luke Tapscott – Big bodied (manchild) small forward that is very strong overhead and has great nous for goals. Only played 2 U18 championships games but kicked 9 goals.

Dale Armstrong – Strong bodied, high possession winning 185 inside midfielder, with hit and disposal is hit and miss. Played all games for SA in the 2008 U18 Championships.

Others to look out for: Jack Trengove, Tyson Davis-Neale, Travis Lane – small forward, Matt Goldsworthy, Alex Wilson – small midfielder

Vic Metro

Tom Scully (Dandenong Stingrays) – Livewire, smart, creative small inside/outside midfielder with an outstanding all-round game and range of attributes – close to the complete package. 2007 AA U18 and at this stage appears the leading contender for the no. 1 pick overall.

Jordan Gysberts (Eastern Ranges) – Tough, hard hitting, pacy tall inside 1st dibs midfielder. Played in the U18 championships last year and showed plenty of promise despite not winning a huge amount of the footy. Was also named in the TAC Cup team of the year on the bench.

Jack Fitzpatrick (Western Jets) – Competitive, athletic, mobile KPF that’s still growing into his body – will be interesting to see how he progresses in that area this year. Played some games during the U18 championships in 2008, but was inconsistent at TAC Cup level in 2009. A current AFL-AIS scholarship holder.

Jake Melksham (Western Jets) – Skinny, athletic medium flanker with very good footy smarts and decision making ability. Named in the Vic Metro squad for the 2008 U18 championships but did not play and struggled with injury last year and played school footy which limited his TAC Cup appearances, but showed plenty in 2007 as a 15/16 year old (part of Calder’s winning TAC Cup team) to get himself an AIS scholarships and suggest he’s one to watch in 2009.

Tom Hill (Northern Knights) – Skinny, mobile, athletic high grabbing ruckman/KPP. Passed up as a bottom ager in the 2008 draft, but not by far. If he improves his ball winning ability, game sense and physicaliy he’ll certainly be drafted this Novemeber – at the very least rookied.

Kyle Hartigan – No nonsense key defender with a strong aerial presence and ability. Finished 2nd in the Western Jets best and fairest last year. A current AFL –AIS scholarship holder.

Ben Griffiths – Athletic, high marking key forward that is very much potential over potential at this stage - looks good but yet to produce the big hauls. A current AFL-AIS scholarship holder.

Others to look out for: Rayner (Western Jets) – inside midfielder, Andrew Moore (Eastern Ranges), Liam Tobin (Sandringham), Sean Tighe, Daniel Talia, Zac Ledin

Vic Country:

John Butcher (Gippsland Power) - Athletic, leading and marking key forward with strong marking skills and excellent all-round forward nous . Had an excellent 2008 U18 championships for an ineligible bottom aged key forward, amongst the top goal kickers overall. AIS-AFL Scholarship holder.

Allen Christensen (Geelong Falcons) - Quick, clean, clever, evasive outside midfielder/flanker. Played in the U18 championships last year, before injury and is a current AIS-AFL Scholarship holder.

Farren Priest (Murray Bushrangers) - Explosive inside midfielder that won the 2008 Morrish medallist (TAC Cup B&F award) and was part of Murray’s winning TAC Cup team.

Koby Stevens (Gippsland Power) – Powerful, big bodied goal kicking midfielder. AIS-AFL Scholarship holder as of last year and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year on a wing.

Ryan Bastinac (Dandenong Stingrays) – Skinny, but steady and smart high posession winning midfielder that does most things well. Was part of the Dandenong’s losing 2008 TAC Cup GF team and came equal 3rd in their best and fairest last year.

Ben Cunnington (Geelong Falcons) – Hard hitting, pacy running midfielder. Was in the VC U18 squad in 2008, but only played the one game with limited TOG.

Myles Pitt (Dandenong Stingrays) – Key forward with very good overhead marking ability.

Tom MacKenzie (Geelong Falcons) – Football smart, athletic key defender with the ability to swing forward.

Callum Bartlett (Geelong Falcons) – Damaging outside goal kicking small midfielder with plenty of pace and sharp footskills.

Others to look out for: Brad Mangan (Murray Bushrangers) – marking medium HFF, Luke Thompson (Geelong Falcons) – key defender, Nathan Vardy (Gippsland Power) – Ruckman, Andrew Hooper (North Ballarat Rebels) – small defender

Tasmania:

Jesse Crichton – Very slight, dynamic/explosive, hard working inside midfielder that has very good vision in traffic. Played consistently well in the 2008 U18 championship for Tasmania and is a current AIS-AFL Scholarship holder.

Ryan Harwood –Clever, smooth inside midfielder with good vision in traffic. Performed well in the 2008 U18 championships and is an AIS-AFL academy player as of last year.

Joeseph Groenewegen – Raw, rangy, athletic, undersized ruckman that was still clearly growing into his body last year so will be interesting to see how much he’s progressed since. AIS-AFL academy player as of last year too.

Others to look out for: Daniel Archer – spoiling key defender, Marcus Davies – medium defender, Jamie Clippingdale -

NSW/ACT

Jeremy Kirkwood – Athletic, hard working, high possession winning defensive medium inside midfielder. Tagged Daniel Rich out of the NSW/ACT vs WA U18 championships game at Subiaco

Josh Duncan – High possession winning medium outside midfielder. Tied up to St Kilda via the NSW/ACT scholarship and was a solid performer in the U18 Championships last year.

Dylan McNeil – Hard working small inside midfielder with good vision, creativity and courage. Played in the U18 Championships last year and for Murray in the their winning 2008 TAC Cup winning premiership team

Taylor Duryea – Nippy small crumbing forward with some tricks that can push further up the ground. Played in the U18 Championships last year and for Murray in the their winning 2008 TAC Cup winning premiership team.

Queensland

Declan Bevan – Strongly built key forward with a good pair of dukes. Played for Queensland in division 2 of the U18 championships last year and has an AIS-AFL scholarship.

 

[year of the cat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

You would think with that list from VC there is a fair chance we may pick up a "home grown" product this year..

 

[Pivo]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

You would think with that list from VC there is a fair chance we may pick up a "home grown" product this year..

Yeah, you'd think they may go down that path but Geelong has a pretty good 'retention' record with interstaters so it might not be too much of a concern for them.

Can't say I've seen much (if any) off these guys but I do like the sound of MacKenzie, especially when the words "football smart" & "key defender" were attributed to him.

The other one is Priest - I do love those in&under midfielders.

I really should get out to some Eastern matches since I live out that way, sounds like they have a couple of players.

 

[year of the cat]

Re: Potential Draftee Watch - Version 2009

Yeah, you'd think they may go down that path but Geelong has a pretty good 'retention' record with interstaters so it might not be too much of a concern for them.

Can't say I've seen much (if any) off these guys but I do like the sound of MacKenzie, especially when the words "football smart" & "key defender" were attributed to him.

The other one is Priest - I do love those in&under midfielders.

I really should get out to some Eastern matches since I live out that way, sounds like they have a couple of players.

Agreed re MacKenzie though I have read that his footskills aren't that flash.

Saw video footage of Cunnington on the new Ch9 TAC show and he appears a likely type. Really hard at it if lacking a touch of class. Christensen is the one who looks like he will be a quality midfielder in time. Small but has lots of good attributes.

See you still haven't got over us not taking Jackson Trengove still?