
Well for the supporters of the other 14 teams, this game probably holds more significance in the long-term, as quite a few of these players will be drafted and play senior footy next year.
The match is between the Calder Cannons and Eastern Ranges, and promises to be a close game. Eastern went 18-0 during the year, only to suffer a shock loss to the Cannons in the qualifying final. Both teams had easy wins in the Preliminary, and are the best 2 teams in the comp at the moment.
Although the result probably isn't of great importance to most of you, I'm still going to tip an Eastern win. You don't win 18 games straight without been a very good team, and they have a fantastic midfield in particular that should be too strong at the stoppages. They also have several forwards who can kick a bag.
Calder have a more even (and younger) side based on a very good defence. They are probably in better form at the moment, but I think Eastern will be keen to avenge their loss 3 weeks ago, and will sneak home by a couple of goals.
Anyway, the players are probably more important than the result - so here are a few to watch out for, as these guys are probably the most likely to make AFL.
Calder Cannons
41 - Jay Cheep, 176cm, 66kg. 15 games, 25 goals, 20.2 PPG
Fairly small midfielder, but he is very classy. Played for Vic Metro and was named Rover in the TAC Team of the Year. Seems to be fairly consistent and usually manages a couple of goals a game. Didn't get asked to draft camp, so there may be queries on his size.
11 - Ryan Crawford, 182cm, 80kg. 7 games, 4 goals, 13.4 PPG
The cousin of Shane, Ryan is a left-footer winger. I can't say I've been overly impressed in what I've seen so far. Tends to be very left-sided and his kicking lacks penetration. Is yet to get over 20 possessions in a TAC game either. Was named in the All-Australian side after a good carnival for NSW. Described to me by one source as "the most overrated player in the draft", so will be interesting to see whether he goes as early as the media are predicting.
15 - Ryan Crowley, 188cm, 80kg. 18 games, 24 goals, 19.3 PPG
Versaitile player, usually plays on a wing however. Was solid without been outstanding at the carnival, and same in the TAC games I've seen. Is going to draft camp.
1 - Jamie Lobb, 170cm, 70kg. 13 games, 27 goals, 16.1 PPG
I tend to think he is too small to be drafted, but uses the footy very well and loves kicking a goal.
23 - Tom Lonergan, 194cm, 80kg. 8 games, 7 goals, 9.4 PPG
Tall forward who played for Victoria Country and is going to draft camp. No doubt will attract interest on his size and ability to take a contested mark alone. Still has a lot of developing to do however.
21 - Brad Murphy, 184cm, 73kg. 17 games, 31 goals, 18.8 PPG
Hard working midfielder. Didn't really know much about him until footyman started talking him up, but his stats are pretty good, and he was pretty good in the Prelim. Picked up 15 votes including 4 BOG's in the Morrish Medal. Against the Western Jets he picked up 25 kicks, 16 handballs, 11 marks and kicked 6.4!
52 - Bo Nixon, 190cm, 86kg. 9 games, 8 goals, 20.7 PPG
Watch this guy closely, I'm a big wrap for him. Was touted as a Top 10 pick before the Nationals, but had a quiet carnival and seems to have slipped down the pecking order a bit. There is a lot to like about this kid. Has the height to play forward or back, but is athletic enough to play on a wing as well.
He was BOG for mine in the Prelim, taking some outrageous marks going with the flight of the ball. Didn't play many TAC games (possibly due to school footy, not really sure) but looks very promising.
33 - Daniel Sipthorp, 187cm, 80kg. 17 games, 21 goals, 13.1 PPG
Another player who can play both ends of the ground, although has been named as a medium forward for draft camp. Probably plays taller than he would be able to at AFL level, none the less is a great mark.
24 - Cameron Wight, 197cm, 88kg. 12 games, 14 goals, 6.0 PPG
Can't say I've noticed him at all, but has been named as a ruckman for draft camp, so someone must see potential. Will play in the forward pocket with spells in the ruck.
Eastern Ranges
33 - Cameron Cloke, 194cm, 89kg. 18 games, 4 goals, 8.6 PPG
I'm not sure if he is playing (might be injured) but if he does I'm sure Pie fans will be watching closely. Personally I reckon he is overrated. Doesn't seem to do much around the ground, and 4 goals for the year is ordinary. Always harder to tell with big blokes however how they will develop.
2 - Stephen Dinnell, 165cm, 71kg. 19 games, 36 goals, 18.9 PPG
A real interesting one. Probably one of the most exciting players I've seen, yet chances are he won't even be rookie listed. The same height as Libba, recruiting staff are going to be wary, even after the success of Rodan this year. Personally, I think it would be a huge mistake.
This kid is the definition of excitement machine. Think a smaller version of Stephen Milne with greater capacity to play on the ball. Doesn't know the meaning of handball inside 50 (he has kicked 36.35 for the year) but is also used as an onballer and works well at the stoppages.
Great skills, incredibly quick, and reads the game brilliantly. Some of his front and square stuff, along with no-look handballs etc make him a joy to watch. Kicked 5 goals for Vic Metro against WA, named forward pocket in TAC Team of the Year and finished 2nd in the Morrish Medal with 20 votes. You can probably tell I'm a big fan!
43 - Jarrod Fearon-Brown, 189cm, 77kg. 16 games, 2 goals, 8.1 PPG
Full back all year, played for Vic Metro in defence. Has a great leap, but not quite sure where he would play at AFL level.
25 - Brad Fisher, 190cm, 75kg. 20 games, 43 goals, 16.2 PPG
Has impressed all year, getting forward pocket in the TAC team of the year. Despite this didn't make the Vic squad and wasn't selected for draft camp. Usually plays CHF and is great overhead, with 139 marks for the year. Has the height and ability, surely worth a look later in the draft.
13 - Blake Grima, 179cm, 77kg. 18 games, 10 goals, 25.3 PPG
This guy will surely go high in the draft. Midfielder who racks up the possessions. Vice captain for Vic Metro, centre in TAC team of the year. A beautiful kick, was probably BOG in the Metro-Country game. Has hardly played a bad game all year, has all it takes to make the next step.
6 - Nick Malceski, 186cm, 72kg. 13 games, 13 goals, 11.7 PPG
Good mark for his size, be named as a medium forward for the draft camp. Played for Vic Metro.
30 - Joel Perry, 193cm, 80kg. 16 games, 20 goals, 11.8 PPG
Been named as a tall forward for draft camp. Doesn't have brilliant stats and didn't do much for Metro in the carnival, but as a tall will be looked at closely.
21 - Kris Shore, 190cm, 81kg. 18 games, 12 goals, 11.0 PPG
Used mainly as a tall forward, Shore is also going to draft camp and is a good grab.
8 - Kade Simpson, 180cm, 68kg. 18 games, 17 goals, 14.6 PPG
Has all the credentials to be drafted high. All-australian, TAC team of the year, heading to draft camp. Plays on the wing and is a great player to watch, always seems to use the footy. Has clean hands and is not afraid to take blokes on.
5- Leigh Treeby, 181cm, 78kg. 20 games, 16 goals, 22.0 PPG
Hasn't received the publicity of his teammates, but looks the goods. TAC team of the Year, 15 Morrish votes and a truckload of possies indicates a very good player. Great at the stoppages and has a sensational handball. The other feature of his game is his attack on the footy and opposition, racking up 114 tackles for the year. Clubs looking for an in and under midfielder a bit deeper in the draft would surely look at him.
The match is between the Calder Cannons and Eastern Ranges, and promises to be a close game. Eastern went 18-0 during the year, only to suffer a shock loss to the Cannons in the qualifying final. Both teams had easy wins in the Preliminary, and are the best 2 teams in the comp at the moment.
Although the result probably isn't of great importance to most of you, I'm still going to tip an Eastern win. You don't win 18 games straight without been a very good team, and they have a fantastic midfield in particular that should be too strong at the stoppages. They also have several forwards who can kick a bag.
Calder have a more even (and younger) side based on a very good defence. They are probably in better form at the moment, but I think Eastern will be keen to avenge their loss 3 weeks ago, and will sneak home by a couple of goals.
Anyway, the players are probably more important than the result - so here are a few to watch out for, as these guys are probably the most likely to make AFL.
Calder Cannons
41 - Jay Cheep, 176cm, 66kg. 15 games, 25 goals, 20.2 PPG
Fairly small midfielder, but he is very classy. Played for Vic Metro and was named Rover in the TAC Team of the Year. Seems to be fairly consistent and usually manages a couple of goals a game. Didn't get asked to draft camp, so there may be queries on his size.
11 - Ryan Crawford, 182cm, 80kg. 7 games, 4 goals, 13.4 PPG
The cousin of Shane, Ryan is a left-footer winger. I can't say I've been overly impressed in what I've seen so far. Tends to be very left-sided and his kicking lacks penetration. Is yet to get over 20 possessions in a TAC game either. Was named in the All-Australian side after a good carnival for NSW. Described to me by one source as "the most overrated player in the draft", so will be interesting to see whether he goes as early as the media are predicting.
15 - Ryan Crowley, 188cm, 80kg. 18 games, 24 goals, 19.3 PPG
Versaitile player, usually plays on a wing however. Was solid without been outstanding at the carnival, and same in the TAC games I've seen. Is going to draft camp.
1 - Jamie Lobb, 170cm, 70kg. 13 games, 27 goals, 16.1 PPG
I tend to think he is too small to be drafted, but uses the footy very well and loves kicking a goal.
23 - Tom Lonergan, 194cm, 80kg. 8 games, 7 goals, 9.4 PPG
Tall forward who played for Victoria Country and is going to draft camp. No doubt will attract interest on his size and ability to take a contested mark alone. Still has a lot of developing to do however.
21 - Brad Murphy, 184cm, 73kg. 17 games, 31 goals, 18.8 PPG
Hard working midfielder. Didn't really know much about him until footyman started talking him up, but his stats are pretty good, and he was pretty good in the Prelim. Picked up 15 votes including 4 BOG's in the Morrish Medal. Against the Western Jets he picked up 25 kicks, 16 handballs, 11 marks and kicked 6.4!
52 - Bo Nixon, 190cm, 86kg. 9 games, 8 goals, 20.7 PPG
Watch this guy closely, I'm a big wrap for him. Was touted as a Top 10 pick before the Nationals, but had a quiet carnival and seems to have slipped down the pecking order a bit. There is a lot to like about this kid. Has the height to play forward or back, but is athletic enough to play on a wing as well.
He was BOG for mine in the Prelim, taking some outrageous marks going with the flight of the ball. Didn't play many TAC games (possibly due to school footy, not really sure) but looks very promising.
33 - Daniel Sipthorp, 187cm, 80kg. 17 games, 21 goals, 13.1 PPG
Another player who can play both ends of the ground, although has been named as a medium forward for draft camp. Probably plays taller than he would be able to at AFL level, none the less is a great mark.
24 - Cameron Wight, 197cm, 88kg. 12 games, 14 goals, 6.0 PPG
Can't say I've noticed him at all, but has been named as a ruckman for draft camp, so someone must see potential. Will play in the forward pocket with spells in the ruck.
Eastern Ranges
33 - Cameron Cloke, 194cm, 89kg. 18 games, 4 goals, 8.6 PPG
I'm not sure if he is playing (might be injured) but if he does I'm sure Pie fans will be watching closely. Personally I reckon he is overrated. Doesn't seem to do much around the ground, and 4 goals for the year is ordinary. Always harder to tell with big blokes however how they will develop.
2 - Stephen Dinnell, 165cm, 71kg. 19 games, 36 goals, 18.9 PPG
A real interesting one. Probably one of the most exciting players I've seen, yet chances are he won't even be rookie listed. The same height as Libba, recruiting staff are going to be wary, even after the success of Rodan this year. Personally, I think it would be a huge mistake.
This kid is the definition of excitement machine. Think a smaller version of Stephen Milne with greater capacity to play on the ball. Doesn't know the meaning of handball inside 50 (he has kicked 36.35 for the year) but is also used as an onballer and works well at the stoppages.
Great skills, incredibly quick, and reads the game brilliantly. Some of his front and square stuff, along with no-look handballs etc make him a joy to watch. Kicked 5 goals for Vic Metro against WA, named forward pocket in TAC Team of the Year and finished 2nd in the Morrish Medal with 20 votes. You can probably tell I'm a big fan!
43 - Jarrod Fearon-Brown, 189cm, 77kg. 16 games, 2 goals, 8.1 PPG
Full back all year, played for Vic Metro in defence. Has a great leap, but not quite sure where he would play at AFL level.
25 - Brad Fisher, 190cm, 75kg. 20 games, 43 goals, 16.2 PPG
Has impressed all year, getting forward pocket in the TAC team of the year. Despite this didn't make the Vic squad and wasn't selected for draft camp. Usually plays CHF and is great overhead, with 139 marks for the year. Has the height and ability, surely worth a look later in the draft.
13 - Blake Grima, 179cm, 77kg. 18 games, 10 goals, 25.3 PPG
This guy will surely go high in the draft. Midfielder who racks up the possessions. Vice captain for Vic Metro, centre in TAC team of the year. A beautiful kick, was probably BOG in the Metro-Country game. Has hardly played a bad game all year, has all it takes to make the next step.
6 - Nick Malceski, 186cm, 72kg. 13 games, 13 goals, 11.7 PPG
Good mark for his size, be named as a medium forward for the draft camp. Played for Vic Metro.
30 - Joel Perry, 193cm, 80kg. 16 games, 20 goals, 11.8 PPG
Been named as a tall forward for draft camp. Doesn't have brilliant stats and didn't do much for Metro in the carnival, but as a tall will be looked at closely.
21 - Kris Shore, 190cm, 81kg. 18 games, 12 goals, 11.0 PPG
Used mainly as a tall forward, Shore is also going to draft camp and is a good grab.
8 - Kade Simpson, 180cm, 68kg. 18 games, 17 goals, 14.6 PPG
Has all the credentials to be drafted high. All-australian, TAC team of the year, heading to draft camp. Plays on the wing and is a great player to watch, always seems to use the footy. Has clean hands and is not afraid to take blokes on.
5- Leigh Treeby, 181cm, 78kg. 20 games, 16 goals, 22.0 PPG
Hasn't received the publicity of his teammates, but looks the goods. TAC team of the Year, 15 Morrish votes and a truckload of possies indicates a very good player. Great at the stoppages and has a sensational handball. The other feature of his game is his attack on the footy and opposition, racking up 114 tackles for the year. Clubs looking for an in and under midfielder a bit deeper in the draft would surely look at him.