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By: Declan Reeve
Dandenong Stingrays:
#2 Mitch Szybkowski
The AFL Academy member just seemed to do everything right for a big bodied midfielder. He kept his hands free in congestion and was lethal with his quick hands in close, often taking contact to really draw in opponents and then release out to a runner who had plenty of space to work with. Szybkowski showed off his speed when in space or to burst free from congestion, managing to burn opponents well and then deliver forward, generally by hand. At times, it felt like Szybkowski didn’t trust his kicking with how often he looked to move the ball by hand, even when clear in space, but he slowly grew into it to show off some neat kicks later in the piece.
#4 Jaxon Binns
Binns played mostly on the wing, where he used the space he had to show off his leg speed well as he drove the ball forward with his run and carry, then executing well placed kicks with really good penetration to teammates leading for him. Binns was one of the main men heading forward for Dandenong throughout the game, damaging the opposition with each kick as he seemed to lace every single one out for his teammates, or put it into dangerous spots around the goal square. Binns was later paid back for his efforts, taking an impressive contested mark in the goalsquare for a major.
#9 Ned Moodie
Very much the definition of taking your chances, Moodie led the game for goals, slotting five-straight from eight disposals. Showing off some impressive forward craft, Moodie didn’t necessarily burn opponents with speed on the lead, but outsmarted them to be in the right spot at the right time to receive the ball. He got a couple of his goals from earning free kicks around the 50, reacted well to rushed kicks to get marks for set shots for a couple of others, and held his space superbly out of a contest to receive a handball and slot his fifth.
#13 Finn Emile-Brennan
Playing out of the backline, Brennan provided plenty of spark with his aggressive ball use and confidence with ball in hand, taking on opponents and showing brilliant composure when under pressure. Emile-Brennan won some impressive ground level balls and spun out of tackles immediately, keeping his hands free to deliver to runners. The real highlight of Emile-Brennan’s game was some of his kicking, whilst some attempted long kicks went astray, his kicking at short-medium distances was superb, getting penetration on the ball to have it move quickly to his target, but having them delivered just softly enough so the kick wasn’t difficult to hold.
#16 Henry Hustwaite
As complete of a game as you can ask for from a tall defender, Hustwaite was simply faultless in his defensive craft. His positioning, marking and composure with the ball were superb through the game, taking a couple of intercept marks and using it well on the rebound. Hustwaite’s work at ground level was impressive, winning it like he was a smaller player and holding his composure through traffic while keeping his hands free to ensure he could fire off a handball, he was never rushed despite being in the thick of things at times.
#44 Jai Culley
A returning over-ager for the Stingrays, Culley immediately made it obvious that he’s enjoyed a lot of improvement over the break. Previously a player that looked far more comfortable on the outside, Culley imposed himself on the contest well, winning the contested ball and bursting away to deliver it well to teammates via hand or foot. It was impressive how well he managed to use it despite being in the thick of the contest so often. Culley managed to impact the scoreboard as well, taking his chances when he won it inside 50 to kick three goals straight in a complete performance.
Eastern Ranges:
#1 Kai Windsor
It’s almost unbelievable to see that Windsor won it 12 times given his impact on the contest, particularly early on where he was one of the main drivers for his side from the midfield. Windsor used his speed to his advantage to break free from congestion and deliver well forward. Windsor arguably looked his best when stationed inside 50 and acting as a link-up player, managing to get separation from opponents well using his speed, and then his agility to avoid tackles, managing to break a few that most players would’ve been taken to ground in.
#3 Joshua Bennetts
Stationed mostly as a half forward through the clash, Bennetts really damaged with his use by foot through the contest, managing to hit off some brilliant kicks even when not in a great position to do so. He was often under pressure when he won it, but always managed to get just enough time to balance himself and kick well, either straight to or in front of a teammate.
#5 Nick Watson
Despite being one for the 2023 draft, Watson played a game that we’ve come to expect of the bottom age star. Utilising all aspects of his athleticism, Watson caused headaches in the forward 50 with his forward craft and ability to get away from opposition, whether through a lead or simply evading them with ball in hand. Watson’s consistent efforts with leads and attempts to win the ball saw him rewarded with four goals, missing two gettable set shots as well, and have the most influence on the contest from an Eastern point of view. Watson pushed into the midfield in the final term and managed to continue impressing with his speed and agility allowing him to burn opponents, giving him time to steady before disposing of the ball.
#18 Lewis Hayes
With well developed positioning and a strong mark, it’s no surprise that Hayes was one that had a good game with his intercepting. Whilst lightly built currently, Hayes uses his body well to get in front of marking contests when one-on-one and catches the eye with how he drifts in front of others to take grabs. Hayes was solid with his ball use, letting out a few long bombs that easily travelled 50 meters, but also measuring his disposal well with some safe kicks when the time called for it.
#26 Matthew Aldous
Whilst not always rewarded for his leading efforts, Aldous consistently provided as an option out of the forward line for his teammates with hard and repeated leading efforts. Aldous has a good leap which aided him in a few marking contests, and agility which saw him pull off a couple of impressive candy sells heading inside 50. Aldous demonstrated that he’s a good shot for goal too, taking the most of his opportunities to convert, but often looking to pass it off when there were teammates in better positions.
By: Declan Reeve
Sandringham Dragons:
#3 Will Ashcroft
One of the early-season pick one contenders and a Brisbane father-son candidate, Ashcroft came into the game with a lot of eyes on him and some high expectations. Early on, Ashcroft struggled to get into the game as Oakleigh’s midfield physically dominated the contest, but he adapted and started working into the game as it drew on. Renowned for his ball use, Ashcroft sometimes struggled with his kicking under pressure but had a few moments in space where he hit some good passes going forward, however his handballing was always on point regardless of the situation.
#5 Lachlan Benton
The over-ager looked improved from his 2021 output from the start. Not necessarily having a strength advantage over his opponents, Benton still managed to win a lot of the ball in tight and use it effectively to get the Dragons going forward. An aspect of Benton’s game that looks to have improved dramatically is his scoreboard impact, managing three goals while playing through the midfield.
#8 Hugo Hall-Kahan
Despite not kicking a major for the game, Hall-Kahan looked like Sandringham’s most dangerous forward for most of the contest, regularly able to get free on the lead or end up in the right spot, making it difficult for the Oakleigh defenders to keep him quiet. Whilst he played deep for a lot of the game, Hall-Kahan arguably looked most impressive when playing as high half-forward, able to win the ball up the ground and use it well by foot heading inside 50, setting up a goal in the second term with a well placed kick to the top of the goalsquare.
#9 Archie Roberts
One of a few bottom-agers to take to the field, Roberts was arguably the most impactful of the lot out of defensive 50, with his run and carry game creating plenty of drive for the Dragons. Sporting a playing style not too dissimilar from former Dragon Josh Sinn, and a look to match, Roberts led the game for rebounds and he worked tirelessly to assist his teammates in contests and get the ball out. Roberts was aggressive with his ball use, not afraid to hit targets centrally from the backline or go for a switch kick not many others would attempt.
#16 Harry Sheezel
The Academy member didn’t quite have the four quarter impact he would’ve liked, but Sheezel was undeniably exciting when up and about through the game. Like most of his teammates, early on Sheezel found it tough to get involved as Oakleigh had most of the play, but Sheezel showed solid workrate to get up the ground and start impacting in defensive 50 with pressure acts and managing to win the ball. Sheezel found a bit of his forward 50 groove in the last quarter, taking some nice marks by reading the ball better than opponents over the back of contests and earning a free kick right in front of goal, only converting for one major from three set shots.
#28 Ryley Sanders
The Tasmanian bottom-aged Academy member, boarding at Melbourne Grammar, was arguably the best performed midfielder from Sandringham for the day, making his impact felt through stoppages and showcasing high-level composure under pressure. Sanders’ cleanliness by hand and ability to draw opponents saw him release handballs to runners that had plenty of space to continue running into, and when runners weren’t there he showed off the same composure by foot. Sanders worked hard to get to the right spots all game, trying to be in a position to get hands out of a contest or be a switch option for his side.
#29 Max Ramsden
Up against quite a formidable Oakleigh Chargers ruck division, Ramsden may not have won all his ruck contests, but his follow up work at ground level and one grab pick ups in the wet impressed throughout the game. Ramsden had a few moments where he beat opposing midfielders in foot races for a ball, collected it and then kicked forward well to a leading teammate.
Oakleigh Chargers
#1 Elijah Tsatas
Starting the game on the wing, the pick one contender played his role well superbly with his ability to hold space and time his runs to receive handballs or sweep up on loose balls out of contests. This ability saw him used as a forward handball option a few times heading inside 50, where he was able to quickly assess his options ahead and kick well for his forwards to easily lead into and take on the chest. Tsatas also managed to impact centre stoppages despite starting on the wing, with one particular play where he bolted in at full speed, winning the ball as it spilled over the top of the contest, powering away and bombing long to the top of the goalsquare. It wasn’t all outside work for Tsatas though, taking his opportunities in the centre square to show his capabilities in winning contested footy, using it well under pressure and his athletic tricks which let him get away from congestion, or around opponents, almost too easily.
#2 Blake Drury
Traditionally playing almost full-time in midfield, Drury spent quite a bit of time up forward against the Dragons and did not disappoint when up there. Drury ended the day with three goals, but could’ve had plenty more had he held his composure a little better at times. Drury worked hard all game to win the ball in the thick of things, or to be in the right spots to get it out of a contest, constantly around the ball when in the midfield and constantly at the feet of packs up forward. Whilst Drury did well to get shots away inside 50, there were times where he would’ve been better served passing off to teammates in better spots, however the efforts were impressive regardless.
#3 Jack O’Sullivan
The Under 17’s Vic Country representative played an impressive game, splitting his time between the forward line and midfield. Not letting his shorter stature limit him in marking contests or in the thick of things, O’Sullivan used his evasiveness to his advantage more than a few times to keep the ball free in traffic and come out the other side to deliver the ball to a teammate. O’Sullivan was composed with the footy and solid with his delivery, even able to hit targets by foot when in the middle of a pack, his use going forward created a few opportunities for Oakleigh. O’Sullivan’s courage to go back with the flight of the ball also stood out, at one stage taking an intercept mark whilst an opponent jumped in to him trying to win the same ball.
#4 Matthew Jefferson
Whilst the wet conditions meant it wasn’t best day to be a marking tall forward, Jefferson impressed with his work at ground level for a tall player, showing his cleanliness below his knees at speed and quick hands to set up a goal at one stage. Jefferson should good reaction time as well as he managed to intercept an attempted switch kick in his forward 50, spoiling the ball for a teammate to run onto and score. Despite the conditions, Jefferson still showed off some of his aerial talent, taking a contested mark right on the point line to slot a goal for his efforts.
#5 George Wardlaw
With conditions being a contested players dream, it’s no surprise that Wardlaw took the opportunity to show off his traits and push his case as an early pick one favourite. Simply put, Wardlaw was unmatchable for the game as he did as he pleased through the midfield, even managing to impact up forward with the opening goal of the match. All the things that you want from an inside midfielder; quick and precise hands in close, courage, contested work, tackling, were what Wardlaw was showing through the game. If Wardlaw wasn’t winning the ball himself, he was working hard to shepherd for teammates or be an option for the handball, where he would follow up with good use by foot even under pressure. Wardlaw’s use by foot looked improved from last season, particularly when out in space where he was confident in hitting inside 45 kicks or going for switches.
#7 Angus Curry
Another of Oakleigh’s deep on-ball brigade, whilst Curry didn’t accumulate as much of the ball as many of his teammates, he still managed to catch the eye with some impressive bursts from congestion and attack on the ball. Where Curry stood out the most amongst his teammates was his defensive work in tight, laying some bone crunching tackles when opponents thought they were out clear of him and creating repeat stoppages.
#15 Nathan Philactides
The 2023 prospect played in the backline for the game, and whilst he didn’t win as much of the footy as some others, he was arguably the most impactful from back there when he did. With a high level athletics background, it’s unsurprising to see that Philactides backs his speed against any opponent, rarely getting chased down as he streamed out of the backline with the ball. He didn’t have the blinkers on all day though, assessing his options well and knowing when to use the balls safely when it was required, often looking for isolated teammates when disposing of it.
#18 Jed Rule
The over-ager, who is on Box Hill’s VFL list, picked up where he left off from 2021, demonstrating his read of the ball and clean ball use out of the back half, Rule led the game for marks as he managed to get free of his opponents and intercept with ease. Rule seemed to lead well from the back, often looked for by teammates to get the ball to so he could move out safely.
#33 Alwyn Davey Jnr.
Whilst the Essendon father-son prospect didn’t win a whole heap of the footy, he truly made every touch count with some superb ball use. Splitting his time between the forward line and midfield, Davey impacted mostly early on in the contest, using his speed and agility to break free from congestion when he won the ball, but never taking too long with it as he was able to make his decisions quickly and execute well even under pressure. Davey’s defensive efforts were also solid, laying some bumps that hurt opponents to secure the ball for himself or his teammates.
#38 Riley Voulanas
Voulanas demonstrated his natural forward craft well through the day, taking the opportunities he had to demonstrate his speed and agility through traffic, often collecting the ball cleanly at ground level even under pressure. Whilst he didn’t have an accurate day in front of goal, Voulanas did well to get the ball to dangerous spots even when in a position where he shouldn’t have been able to.
AFL ACADEMY
#2-19 by Declan Reeve | #20-40 by Michael Alvaro
#2 Jed Hagan (East Fremantle/Western Australia)
Small Defender | 15/10/2004 | 175cm | 73kg
Whilst not as prolific in terms of possession as he has been over the past few seasons in the WAFL Colts, Hagan’s reliability in the defensive half was a real highlight for the Academy side. He constantly pushed back in transition to ensure there wasn’t an easy avenue to goal for the Pies VFL side, and at times played above his height with some impressive intercept marks. Hagan’s use by foot was solid throughout the game, often looking to spread the ball out wide when the option was available to him, but sometimes forced to kick long to a pack. As the game wore on, Hagan seemed to grow in confidence and began to advance up the ground, using the footy more offensively.
#3 Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 6/04/2004 | 180cm | 76kg
Yet another impressive display for Ashcroft’s growing resume, the number one pick contender and Brisbane father-son prospect was one of the more consistent performers for the Academy side throughout the day. Starting off in midfield, Ashcroft had an immediate impact around the ball as one who looked confident competing for contested ball against more mature bodies. That was unsurprising given his recent VFL experience, and he was clinical with his hands in-tight. Ashcroft seldom looked rushed, picking out the best handball option almost every time he got his hands on it. What has become evident over the year is how well Ashcroft gets involved in the same chain of play multiple times, gut running after giving a handball off to get into space and get it back, showcasing a few of these moments throughout the game to contribute to some dangerous attacking plays. Ashcroft played some time up either end as well, looking comfortable with his positioning in the backline and dangerous up forward. He got himself on the scoreboard after taking advantage of a free kick in the forward pocket, and slotting it with the outside of his boot.
#4 Jhye Clark (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 23/07/2004 | 181cm | 77kg
Arguably the most consistent across the four quarters for the Academy side, Clark simply did not stop running all game. Clark was one who simply didn’t give up on anything, consistently providing second efforts if he didn’t lay an initial tackle or win the ball, in an effort to give the Academy side something from every contest he was involved in. The defensive running of Clark really stood out as the game reached its latter stages, constantly moving back in transition and laying a particularly impressive tackle on an opponent running into an open goal square. It wasn’t just the defensive stuff that Clark excelled at, he was one of the Academy members that adjusted to the pace of the game quickly, with his clean work at ground level and disposal under pressure unlocking a lot of early opportunities for the Academy side heading forward, always putting the ball in front of his leading forwards to hold onto easily. Whilst Clark may not have been one of the main clearance winners, his work as a receiver and follow up disposal to runners was eye catching.
#7 George Wardlaw (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 18/07/2004 | 182cm | 81kg
The recipient of the MCC Presidents Medal as the best player afield for the Academy side, Wardlaw once more put out an impressive and complete display in the midfield. Whilst not as influential as he usually is in the first half, Wardlaw was still impressive with his ability to win the ball in-tight and quickly feed it out via hand, even when being brought down in a tackle. He also got involved in open play as he managed to find space to be used as a marking option or outside receiver. It was Wardlaw’s third quarter that really caught the eye however, with a more extended run through the midfield, as he started to work into the game in the ways we’ve come to expect. His tackling and contested ball winning ability stood out in particular. Whilst many would expect a player like Wardlaw to be somewhat scrappy with his disposal given how often he wins it under pressure, his cleanliness both by hand and foot once again stood out as he spotted some superb kicks forward through packs that many others wouldn’t have attempted. Wardlaw got to show off his athleticism a few times throughout, with a his bursts from stoppages impressing early, but his ability to evade multiple opponents whilst moving at full speed arguably moreso. Wardlaw got to show off his leap later in the game, taking an impressive mark in the middle of the ground where he managed to get up on an opponent’s shoulders and rise above the pack. As is typical of Wardlaw, his tackling work was superb all game, with a few holding the ball free kicks being taken advantage of by teammates to get the ball moving forward quickly.
#8 Oliver Hollands (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 16/01/2004 | 184cm | 71kg
Having played mostly on the inside for the Bushrangers this season, Hollands looked more at home, and more dangerous, with an outside focused role for the Academy side. Starting the game in the defensive 50, Hollands was one that looked confident with moving up the ground aggressively to try and intercept higher up, or act as a receiver out the back of contests where he could utilise his speed and damaging disposal under less pressure. Hollands played more in the midfield as the game went on and looked increasingly more damaging with his disposal, timing his runs well to receive the ball from the first possession winners at stoppages, before using it well heading forward. There was a few times where Hollands’ disposal or run and carry created exciting opportunities for the Academy side, none moreso than when he took a mark on the boundary at half-back, and without a second thought bulleted a kick to an unmanned teammate in the centre circle, a play which really summed up how Hollands was looking to play for the game. Hollands didn’t neglect his defensive duties either, staying accountable with a few tackles in the defensive 50, and often tracking back to create an outnumber for the Academy in the back half.
#9 Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 13/10/2004 | 184cm | 77kg
Whilst not his biggest game in terms of numbers, Sheezel was one that made the most of his limited opportunities inside the forward half, with his composure and sound ball use more often than not contributing to scoring opportunities for the Academy side. Given the lack of action in the forward 50, it’s not surprising that Sheezel seemed to have the most impact as a midfielder in the third term, where his positioning around the ground and tenacity at the contest stood out, often winning it cleanly at ground level and handballing to teammates before opponents could react.
#10 Jaspa Fletcher (Brisbane Lions Academy/Queensland)
Wing | 24/02/2004 | 184cm | 73kg
Another Brisbane father-son prospect lining up for the Academy, Fletcher impressed on the wing all day as he managed to find space when not many others could. With the game highly congested early on, Fletcher was somewhat forced to show he can match it on the inside as well, impacting contests with his clean work below his knees and quick hands in close. As the game opened up a bit Fletcher got to show off his class by foot and work rate off the ball, running to be a switch option out of the back half even though he wasn’t always used, and tracking back to provide an outnumber in defence. Fletcher’s tackling was also impressive, with one moment highlighting his second efforts as he was sold some candy from a Pies player, but then quickly dived to grab him by the hips and earn the free kick.
#12 Elijah Hewett (Swan Districts/Western Australia)
Forward/Midfielder | 27/05/2004 | 185cm | 84kg
A day of ‘almosts’ for the Swan Districts League representative. Hewett wasn’t quite his prolific self throughout the game, spending the majority of his time in the forward line where he found it difficult to work into the game like he usually does. There were certainly moments when Hewett was given a go through the midfield where he shone, showing clean pick-ups at speed and quick hands to match, as well as an ability to spot targets straight from clearances. Hewett’s aggression at the ball carrier was obvious throughout, and whilst he gave away a few frees he never wavered in his application defensively. For all his time in the forward half, Hewett managed to find the goals after drawing in a free kick, kicking truly from 20 out.
#14 Alwyn Davey Jr. (Oakleigh Chargers/Northern Territory)
Forward/Defender | 26/02/2004 | 181cm | 74kg
A difficult day for the Essendon father-son prospect, Davey found it difficult to get involved throughout the game amid a few positional changes. Despite not seeing much of the ball, Davey made the most of his opportunities with classy disposal and some nice displays of evasion in tight contests, essentially plying his trade on each line.
#17 Mitch Szybkowski (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 9/01/2004 | 186cm | 84kg
Despite limited opportunities on-ball, Szybkowski was a consistent presence on the inside and around stoppages, using his bigger frame to out-body opponents and win first possession. What has stood out most with Szybkowski all season has been his hands in tight and remarkable ability to keep his arms free when being tackled, and that continued against the Pies VFL side as he just found ways to slip his arms up every time someone tried to wrap him up. Szybkowski often found the best option by hand, spotting options forward of him through traffic to release them in to space.
#18 Anthony Munkara (West Adelaide/Northern Territory)
Forward | 3/10/2004 | 186cm | 77kg
Arguably the surprise packet of the day, Munkara didn’t win a heap of the footy but managed to do something exciting every time he was around it, especially in the forward half. Munkara’s marking was superb for the game, holding seemingly everything in his area even when copping contact, while following up with smart ball use as he often looked to move the ball into central spots and take inside 45 options. The absolute highlight of the day came as Munkara was wrapped up after a run into the forwardline, looking certain to be pulled to ground, but somehow he managed to shake himself free of the tackle and proceed to snap from the boundary line, with the ball falling just short of the goal line.
#19 Elijah Tsatas (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Wing | 18/10/2004 | 186cm | 79kg
Playing most of his game on the wing, Tsatas didn’t quite get as involved as he has at NAB League level but still managed to show off his burst and dare when he was released in to space by hand. Uncharacteristically, Tsatas was at times a little rushed with his disposal with the increased congestion, but got more polished as the game wore on. Tsatas slotted an early goal when he quickly reacted to a rushed kick from the boundary line to take an easy mark on the chest, slotting the set shot with ease.
#20 Adam D’Aloia (Woodville-West Torrens/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 9/04/2004 | 186cm | 86kg
Starting his game up forward before rotating through midfield, D’Aloia looked up to the task of taking on senior opposition with his strong frame. The South Australian is incredibly clean below his knees and in contested situations, a trait which proved invaluable as Collingwood turned up the pressure gauge. His kicking, a key area for improvement, could have done with a bit of polish when clearing packs, though D’Aloia looked anything but rushed when slotting a goal on the run during term two. His distribution by hand was neat as always, as the Eagles product continually showed his class in that department.
#21 Lachlan Cowan (Tasmania Devils/Allies)
Defender | 1/12/2004 | 188cm | 81kg
The standout Tasmanian talent has plenty of flair, and looked to showcase his more eye-catching attributes from defence. Cowan was able to compete both aerially and in general play, using his leap to get a fist in from behind before even rising for a clean intercept mark during the fourth quarter. Predominantly stationed down back with a short rotation to the wing, Cowan also got his chance at the kick-ins in term three but opted against unleashing long, instead lowering his eyes to try find shorter targets on repeat disposals.
#24 Luke Teal (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Defender | 20/05/2004 | 188cm | 80kg
While he took some time to get up to speed, Teal ended up as one of the Academy’s best defenders with his versatility and athleticism on show. Undeterred by being caught holding the ball and giving away a couple more free kicks in the first half, the Oakleigh Chargers talent began to get stuck in and proved more polished as the game wore on. He really got going with an intercept mark in the third term, and competed well in the defensive 50 with his springy leap and desperation to cut off Collingwood attacks.
#25 Jason Gillbee (Bendigo Pioneers/Allies)
Defender | 15/05/2004 | 190cm | 78kg
Gillbee’s representative experience will be lengthy by year’s end, given he also turned out for Vic Country last week, but will wear Allies colours during the Under 18 championships. The Bendigo Pioneers product was a reliable figure in defence, using his range to get amongst the action in a contested sense, but impressing most with his running capacity and ability to move the ball on in transition. He wore contact well, especially in a few instances during term four where he rode bumps and got disposals away as opponents looked to bring him down. In potentially his best outing for the year given the context, Gillbee again looked quite comfortable down back despite his ability to play just about anywhere.
#27 Max Michalanney (Norwood/South Australia)
Defender | 26/02/2004 | 191cm | 74kg
Another who built into the occasion, Michalanney had a couple of tough early matchups on AFL-listed opposition but got into his work nicely soon enough. Listed at 191cm, the Adelaide father-son candidate can impact aerially, but looked arguably more effective when rebounding the ball out of defence in waves. He waxed well with his fellow backmen and earned a nice defensive 50 one-on-one win in the fourth term, getting a touch in aerially before winning a free kick as the ball hit the deck.
#29 Matthew Jefferson (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Tall Forward | 8/03/2004 | 194cm | 76kg
The raw and rangy forward fared relatively well on a tough day for Academy attackers, hitting the scoreboard with a lone goal and showing some promise with his marking game. Jefferson offers great reach and range at 194cm, able to take the ball at high points and lean on his athleticism to get into good positions forward of the ball. Having showed he can improve his set shot routine in the opening quarter, the 18-year-old went on to convert a lovely snap in term three as a sighter of his dynamism.
#30 Jedd Busslinger (East Perth/Western Australia)
Tall Defender | 11/03/2004 | 196cm | 82kg
The leading key back in this year’s crop, Busslinger showcased his defensive versatility with terrific adjustments to combat the bigger bodies of Collingwood’s tall forwards. After the 199cm, 100kg Billy Drake nudged him under a ball in term one, Busslinger took the back shoulder of his opponents and affected several spoils when Collingwood sent the ball in high and long – reading the play beautifully. The West Australian’s distribution looked sound with a touch of time and space, and his intercept mark on forward wing during term three was a handy highlight to jot down.
#33 Harry Lemmey (West Adelaide/South Australia)
Tall Forward | 30/01/2004 | 199cm | 94kg
Having struggled to string together a few games at senior level for West Adelaide, Lemmey was one who looked down on confidence in the early stages, but dug in for a real crack after half time. He was a touch stagnant in his leading patterns among the Academy’s raft of tall talent, which suited the plans of Collingwood’s strong defensive setup. Eventually, Lemmey began to advance further afield and display his strong hands, getting involved all the way up at half-back with quick handballs away. He also competed well in a one-on-one at half forward during term three, proving strong while wrapping the ball up for a stoppage.
#34 Aaron Cadman (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 3/03/2004 | 194cm | 88kg
A shrewd inclusion to the Academy squad, Cadman was another tall attacking option who looked to get busy in the midst of Collingwood’s sturdy structure. As one of the deeper outlets early on, he got to a couple of good spots inside 50 to mark with typically strong hands, but missed two set shot opportunities in the opening quarter. As the game unfolded, he began to work further afield on the lead and even shifted to defence in term four, leaning on the versatility he displayed as a bottom-ager for Greater Western Victoria.
#38 Henry Hustwaite (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Defender/Midfielder | 20/07/2004 | 194cm | 84kg
Playing in opposition to his elder brother, Campbell, Hustwaite proved he was up to the task as an inclusion to the Academy setup. He was clean and quick with his touches as usual, and at 194cm showcased he can do it aerially as well with a couple of intercept marks in the third term. The Dandenong Stingrays talent then shifted into midfield for the final 25 minutes, as he has done during the NAB League season, and swept back to good effect with typical composure in tight spots.
#39 Tom Scully (West Adelaide/South Australia)
Tall Forward | 2/11/2004 | 201cm | 83kg
One of the rising talls in this year’s crop, Scully arguably started the best of his fellow forwards before fading out of what was a tough day for the Academy forwards. He can certainly be cleaner with his contested marking, but managed to juggle a couple of grabs early on to boost his confidence. Much like Jefferson, Scully’s set shot routine came unstuck and he missed a couple more chances in open play, though he can take positives out of having such opportunities in the low-scoring opening half. Also providing fold as a second ruck, Scully was made to show his versatility as a lean 201cm talent with high potential.
#40 Jackson Broadbent (Peel Thunder/Western Australia)
Ruck | 2/12/2004 | 201cm | 100kg
A ruck with senior experience in the WAFL, this was one of the rare occasions this year where Broadbent was outsized at 201cm and 100kg. The Peel Thunder bigman found it hard to time his jumps and get first hand to the ball in the ruck, but was incredibly proficient around the ground with exceptional skills and clean hands for a player of his build. He was a touch stiff in his marking attempts, but proved much more fluid when dishing out handballs to his midfielders and getting involved as the ball hit the deck. While he may not grow much in terms of pure size, Broadbent has improvement left to add to the around-the-ground impact he already offers.