Academy Watch

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JakePeralta said:
If Ballenden wasn't the size he is, he would be a late second round pick. He is no good whatsoever. I certainly wouldn't be ok giving up a top 5 pick for him. No workrate, no second effort post-contest, thinks too highly of himself imo as well. It's not just one off game with him, it's five OFF games then one ON game, which isn't good enough.
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You know him personally and have watched him personally many times?
 
Academy comprehensively beat NT U18's today - something like 104 - 54 and that was minus Ballenden.

They are 2 from 2 with the washout against Tasmania still be rearranged - unless they just decide to share the points
 

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WA Lion said:
Academy comprehensively beat NT U18's today - something like 104 - 54 and that was minus Ballenden.

They are 2 from 2 with the washout against Tasmania still be rearranged - unless they just decide to share the points
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And no Clayton who has a shoulder injury apparently.
 
briztoon said:
Didn't the reserves have a 17 year old from the academy running around for them last night?

Swear I heard the commentators say that at one point. Wonder if the kid played both games, or just with the seniors?
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Yes they did. Thought he did some impressive stuff.
 
Kevvo said:
I thought the commentators said Kenneally (sic?), but I could be misremembering.
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There is a guy from Springwood in our academy, name Jai Kenneally. Listed at 178cm, 72kg. Probably him.
 
In fact watched the first half of the NEAFL game last night and they did say it was Jai Kenneally.
 

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It would be very handy to have a forward/second ruck who is actually quite handy as a ruckman.
 
jackess said:
It would be very handy to have a forward/second ruck who is actually quite handy as a ruckman.
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I've thought for quite a while Ball will end up a very good ruck. Haven't seen a heap of footage, but remember seeing one game where he wasn't having an impact, moved into the ruck and did some very creative ruck work. The stats mentioned in the above article certainly read well.

If he comes on, and say is a similar mould to Tippett, a ruck/forward who is best used as a second target, he fits perfectly into our forward line. Hip and Schache play completely different styles KPP wise and could really work. Brown/Lynch/Bradshaw are back ;)
 
U18s: Ballenden stars but Giants claim the win
Dinny Navaratnam May 6, 2017 8:06 PM

RELATED
HIGHLY rated Brisbane Lions Academy prospect Connor Ballenden was an imposing aerial presence but it wasn't enough as the GWS Academy hung on for a courageous four-point win at Broadbeach in Queensland on Saturday.

The Giants lost Max Beaumont and Riley Corbett to injury in the opening quarter but held off a Lions side that peppered the goals late but couldn't convert.

Ballenden performed well as a ruckman against the Sydney Academy last week for the Lions and backed it up against the Giants. Playing up forward and in the ruck, his work rate would have impressed recruiters.

For GWS, Brendan Myers excelled as an inside midfielder. He was superb in the first half and despite a quieter third term, the stoppage specialist came good again in the last quarter. He was always at the contest and used the ball well, while his overhead marking adds another facet to his game.

Ruckman Nathan Richards was competitive in the ruck and also up forward, bringing the ball to ground when he was in attack.

His work in the air allowed 176cm forward Rhys Pollock to excel. Pollock was the most dangerous forward in the game, and was able to mark and crumb equally well. His skills meant he took his opportunities in front of goal to finish with four majors.

Nicholas Shipley was awarded the NAB Under-18 Academy Series MVP for the Giants. The utility has serious running power and is a nice kick.

For the Lions, left-footer Darcy Marsh was best on ground. He worked hard and was clean and composed across half-forward, with his ball use going inside 50 particularly damaging.

Ben Sloan showcased his athleticism and good hands. The 189cm forward presented well and has the versatility to play all over the ground.

Tall defender Jack Payne won the MVP for the Lions. He again played well, with his speed and strength allowing him to play on a variety of opponents.

An Allies team, made up of the best players from the NAB AFL Under-18 Academy Series, will compete in the national carnival that starts in June for the division one teams.

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY 7.11 (53)
GWS ACADEMY 8.9 (57)

GOALS
Brisbane Lions Academy: Franks, Lambert, Sloan, Aston, Ballenden, Tomkinson, Walker
GWS Academy: Pollock 4, Corbett 2, Walker, Peatling

BEST
Brisbane Lions Academy: Marsh, Sloan, Matthews, Ballenden, Fleming, Franks
GWS Academy: Myers, Richards, Driscoll, Highmore, Pollock, Shipley
 
jason pm said:
Interesting, article says Jack Payne won the MVP for the lions although he is not named in their best.:huh: Ballenden needs to start tanking;).
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The bit l am worried about is that he only got 1 goal. So for him to do so well, he must have been doing in the ruck. I have bad memories of spending very high picks on rucks. Granted he A LOT better forward than Leuy and Longer were but if his best position will be ruck, then it just makes me a bit nervous. I should note that l havent watched the game so maybe he had a great day forward but didn't capitalise.
 
a mayes ing said:
The bit l am worried about is that he only got 1 goal. So for him to do so well, he must have been doing in the ruck. I have bad memories of spending very high picks on rucks. Granted he A LOT better forward than Leuy and Longer were but if his best position will be ruck, then it just makes me a bit nervous. I should note that l havent watched the game so maybe he had a great day forward but didn't capitalise.
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1 goal playing mainly in the ruck - he is super versatile- he can play in the ruck and dominate and then go forward and require the oppositions best defender.
 
a mayes ing said:
The bit l am worried about is that he only got 1 goal. So for him to do so well, he must have been doing in the ruck. I have bad memories of spending very high picks on rucks. Granted he A LOT better forward than Leuy and Longer were but if his best position will be ruck, then it just makes me a bit nervous. I should note that l havent watched the game so maybe he had a great day forward but didn't capitalise.
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I'm with you, if he turns out to be predominately a ruckman I would be very hesitant to match a high bid.
 
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