TAC Under 18's Grand Final Preview

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May 23, 2001
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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.
 
It should be a high entertaining and enthralling battle between the two best sides in the business. I was amazed to notice Eastern were undefeated in the home and away rounds. I noticed the force in them since they had a 9-0 record. Calder are also a great side, however, I think they will just fall short.
 
Originally posted by GOALden Hawk


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!



Why is size such a concern in drafting, I mean really what is the difference really between being 178cm and 165cm. Either way you'll be told not to fly for the marks and get front and square.
Obviously it will be a concern for a defensive player, but not neccessarily an attacking player?

What difference would it make to Steven Milnes game if he was 10cm shorter?
 

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Originally posted by GOALden Hawk
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.
Cameron Wight is one of those big tall bastards who can run very well for his size so he is a walk up start to things like the draft camp.He is pretty good in the taps but is not a huge ball winner.He is also very young.

Brad Murphy has alot of good qualities but needs to get a bit more **** into him if he is to make it IMO.Doubts over his work ethic too IMO.Rate Cosham and Lobb alot higher in the consistency and work ethic department.

Cheep will probably get drafted mid draft from what I can tell but I dont rate him as high as others.Has had a quiter second half .Dont be suprised he is not at the draft camp the process of being invited has become alot harder.You now need 7 clubs to nominate you from memory.

Lobb is small but I would take a punt on him on a rookie list.Works his arse off is quick,reads the ball well off the pack and as Goalden Hawk said he knows his way around the forward end.
 
Originally posted by blueworms
GOALden Hawk,

where exactly did you get the stats of games played, goals and PPG?

Go to footballvic.com.au and then look at the results, somewhere in there is a link to each club's round by round stats.

I then put all these into a spreadsheet - a hell of a lot of work! I'm going to do it for the other teams as well, but only 5-6 players for each side, and only when I can find the time!

Cosham is an interesting one - he seems to get a lot of the footy. I think the fact 7 clubs asked Wight gives you some indication just how desparate clubs are for big men. No disrespect to Wight, but clearly he is an example of a kid picked on potential.

Falchoon - personally I'm with you 100%. Just ask Chris and Hitman how I was reacting when Rodan didn't go until 30+ last year. Milne does take some overhead marks however so it would affect his game slightly.

But from what I've seen Dinnell has the smarts to get around this, he has obviously had to cope with that problem all his footy career. He doesn't fly for pack marks, and uses his body cleverly one on one to get the footy when he has absolutely no right to.

I guess I'm just one of those people that can't stand blokes getting drafted because they are over 190cm, even though people like Dinnell are far more talented.
 
Will it be on TV? I remember there was a TAC Cup final on TV either in 1999 or 2000, or probably both. Oh and i am talking about televised in WA.
 
Only on Fox Footy channel
 

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Originally posted by Porthos
Only on Fox Footy channel

Cheers for telling me Porthos i appreciate it :). Damn you satellite TV! :mad: Oh and i would again appreciate it if someone could post scores, wot's been happening (eg so and so is running riot in the midfield etc) of the TAC Cup GF, kinda like text commentary i suppose, with even quarter, half, 3 quarter and full time reports. Or just whatever news there is!
 
It is on Fox Footy Channel at 8:50am with the game starting at 9am.

Why the game is at 9am this year instead of 10.10am like it was last year is anyone's guess, but I think its a stupid decision.

Take the teams listed with a grain of salt because they seem all out of whack to me. I doubt Mark Layton will even play forward, let alone FF. Sam Rudolph has spent all the finals at FF with success, yet they name him on a HBF. All year these listed TAC and VFL teams have been out of whack...gotta love mind games some clubs play.
 
7 sunbury boys named in the cannons side (with the extended bench) for tommorow.I am looking forward to seeing Nixon play.The Doctor had big wraps on him at the start of the year and I havent seen alot of him as yet.
 
Originally posted by dogboy23
7 sunbury boys named in the cannons side (with the extended bench) for tommorow
I guess that Jay Cheep and Cameron Wight are the best of them for AFL potential, but probably Jamie Lobb could bob up tomorrow and play well. Such a shame he's only 170cm. What do you think dogboy? What do you know about Thompson?

Would be a real shame if its wet tomorrow, could mean we don't see the best of the talls like Lonergan and Fisher.
 
Originally posted by footyman

I guess that Jay Cheep and Cameron Wight are the best of them for AFL potential, but probably Jamie Lobb could bob up tomorrow and play well. Such a shame he's only 170cm. What do you think dogboy? What do you know about Thompson?

Would be a real shame if its wet tomorrow, could mean we don't see the best of the talls like Lonergan and Fisher.
Thompson is a tall forward.Not sure what his exact height is but I am 6ft give or take a cm and when I am next to him I feel like a dwarf.He would be probably 193-195cm.He has been played all over the place by the cannons and hasnt really cemented a place.From what I have observed he has a habit of running under the ball in marking contests and is a touch slow.Great basketball player though;)

Lobb is an interesting one.He has been a far superior player to Cheep right through juniors and so has Cosham for that matter.Lobbs height has obviously cost his draft chances but I certainly think he would be worth a punt on a rookie list.No questions over his desire,commitment,pace,skills or talent.

I rate Cosham pretty highly and he has a pretty good attitude and very neat skills.Sipthorpe from Woodend looks a rough chance in the draft aswell.I heard you rate Murphy pretty highly Footyman.What do you like about him?

P.S-Wight is coming off stress fractures.
 
Originally posted by dogboy23
Thompson is a tall forward.Not sure what his exact height is but I am 6ft give or take a cm and when I am next to him I feel like a dwarf.He would be probably 193-195cm.He has been played all over the place by the cannons and hasnt really cemented a place.From what I have observed he has a habit of running under the ball in marking contests and is a touch slow.Great basketball player though;)

Lobb is an interesting one.He has been a far superior player to Cheep right through juniors and so has Cosham for that matter.Lobbs height has obviously cost his draft chances but I certainly think he would be worth a punt on a rookie list.No questions over his desire,commitment,pace,skills or talent.

I rate Cosham pretty highly and he has a pretty good attitude and very neat skills.Sipthorpe from Woodend looks a rough chance in the draft aswell.I heard you rate Murphy pretty highly Footyman.What do you like about him?

P.S-Wight is coming off stress fractures.
He's highly skilled both by foot and at ground level. Quite skinny though. We'll see how tomorrow's game goes.

Also, Thompson is 190cm and 85kg. I've seen him play a few times but he hasn't done a lot when I've seen him play which is why I asked about him.
 

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