WAFL grandfinals

[henry123]

was lucky enough to get down to all three grades today to check out a bit of talent

the standard of football put on by the swandistricts boys in the colts was great to watch

players like walters jetta etc. had a real influence on the game as did most swan players

i was a bit dissapointed in perth though as they all of a sudden decided to play dirty once they realised the game was no longer winnable

there was a few players running around wearing a perth jumper that i would question about playing colts football. i dont want to mention names but number 21 from perth had no effect on the game what so ever nor did he for the entire season IMO a 2nd rate amatuer player

the league game was awesome to watch with the likes of natanui rich yarran pearce banfiled garlett cockie all on display although not many of them played as well as they would have liked

all in all a great day out at the football

 

[Bulldogs_6]

At one stage the Swans youngsters gave Subi an almighty fright, lead by big Nicholas Naitanui, this kid will be an absolute star with further coaching and a few AFL pre-seasons. Anyway now for the reviews.

Nicholas Naitanui (Swan Districts)- Controlled the first half. Was extremely influential on both sides of the field and showcased just about everything a youngster proving his worth would like to do.
I really cannot explain this but this big fella ran down one of the Subiaco players after starting atleast 15m behind, it was unbelievable, the pace of this giant along with his leap which drew awes from the crowd are nothing short of spectacular. Prior to this chase big Nic won 2-3 one-on-one contests on the opposition forwards which resulted in spoils or marks. About 10 minutes later he was moved forward and took a grab out in front and converted. Love the kid.

Daniel Rich (Subiaco)- Subiaco's one and only (correct me if I'm wrong) tremendous draft hopeful. Was benched at the start of the game but as soon as he came on I could have seriously mixed him up with a senior player if it wasn't for the build in which he makes his own or the blonde hair. This kid has freakish skills and is extremely strong in the hips, allowing him to stand up in tackles. To compliment this is his composure and decision making. Didn't get as much of the ball as I had expected (which is a little rough considering he is an 18 year old playing in a man's game), however when he got the ball he was always on the mark. Future star, and tremendous upside, could slot into a team straight away.

Clancee Pearce (Swan Districts)- Another one of the Swans mature bodied kids being thrown into the line up, which doesn't say much for what this kid can produce. Throws his body in on all costs, good decision making and reads the play well. Perhaps one of the less rated players in the draft however may I add he won WA's fairest and best award for the Under 18's competition. He is along with Rich strong in the hips and generally wraps tackles strongly. A very reliable half back and is a smokey IMO to slot into a team straight away next year due to his mature body and ball winning abilities (Bradd Dalziell of this draft). However on occasions his kicking lacks penetration and on occasions this causes turn overs.

Chris Yarran (Swan Districts)- Very, very good talent. However I am not completely convinced, as on occasions he may come across as lazy. He could on skills and talent alone be rated as a top 5 draft pick, however he is only good on the ball. Has the makings of a Cyril Rioli at ground level and a Josh Hill in a marking contest, but as the ball slips 15-20 metres away from him he appears very lazy and unaccountable. You would expect his Aboriginal blood would allow him to run down players from ridiculous distances away but in times like today he appeared lathargic and uninvolved, which would have been a downside for all the recruiters who went to the ground today. Mind you I saw the best of him last week where he kicked 4 goals, including 2 bananas from the boundary which he made them look easy.

Brett "Wolfy" Wolfendon (Swan Districts)-My smokie for this years draft. He is overraged and turning 20 next year, however this should not mean much as he is still a young talent and as he has shown today can match the more maturer aged players with his silk and precise kicking abilities. Has barely been mentioned as a possible draftee however I'm sure the recruiting managers would have liked what they saw today. The pony tail which he has does not do the way he plays justice, as he is in on every contest and tackles well. Can run and carry and is very capable of kicking a goal himself, kicked 2 today from what I can recall.

Note- Llane Spaanderman (Swan Districts) should be closely looked at by the Bulldogs. He is a ruckman who is above average for a ruckman in ruck contests, at ground level and in marking contests. Gathered a large amount of disposals today, many of which resulted in clearances. Brilliant kick also. Was released by Brisbane for attitude problems if what I have heard is correct, but a second chance will do him well.

I also would like to apologise for my lack of knowledge on Subiaco's young talent as I have not followed them as closely as my beloved Swannies

 

[sinepari]

Agree with your comments on Pearce, although I doubt he would've escaped the eye of many a RM. He does have a very unique kicking style too.

 

[Par4]

At one stage the Swans youngsters gave Subi an almighty fright, lead by big Nicholas Naitanui, this kid will be an absolute star with further coaching and a few AFL pre-seasons. Anyway now for the reviews.

Nicholas Naitanui (Swan Districts)- Controlled the first half. Was extremely influential on both sides of the field and showcased just about everything a youngster proving his worth would like to do.
I really cannot explain this but this big fella ran down one of the Subiaco players after starting atleast 15m behind, it was unbelievable, the pace of this giant along with his leap which drew awes from the crowd are nothing short of spectacular. Prior to this chase big Nic won 2-3 one-on-one contests on the opposition forwards which resulted in spoils or marks. About 10 minutes later he was moved forward and took a grab out in front and converted. Love the kid.

Do you really believe that or have you been taken in by the hype?

His tackle on Phil Read was a standout an example of his unique athletic abilities, but playing wise he is underwhelming, to say the very least.

The mark and conversion you are talking about was more down to Yarrans foot passing than his marking abilities.

For me, it was Spandermann that controlled the first half, he was the reason for all the first half drive. Naita still has alot to learn about his game and how to use his athletic ability to best advantage. He seems to want to get rid of the ball and often misses his targets through haste. What he needs to realise is that his pace is elite, his first 5 steps will buy him an extra half second to make a decison.

Given the right coaching, by the right people he will develop into a great ruckman who can also player as a clearance specialist who moves forward.

When the game was gone, Dawson moved him into the centre and played him as a rover, he didnt look too out of his depth so I think he could make an impact in that type of role.

He just needs to master his own game and he should be ok.

 

[numbat06]

all nat did was run down read
and kick a goal...
he didnt control the first half -.-

and all rich did was miss from 50 out

neither did much so i dont see how you made your comments

 

[sinepari]

yeah but damn the wind was blowing in all directions.

 

[The Coast]

Nicholas Naitanui (Swan Districts)- Controlled the first half. Was extremely influential on both sides of the field and showcased just about everything a youngster proving his worth would like to do.
I really cannot explain this but this big fella ran down one of the Subiaco players after starting atleast 15m behind, it was unbelievable, the pace of this giant along with his leap which drew awes from the crowd are nothing short of spectacular. Prior to this chase big Nic won 2-3 one-on-one contests on the opposition forwards which resulted in spoils or marks. About 10 minutes later he was moved forward and took a grab out in front and converted. Love the kid.

I wouldn't go that far. The chase down was very exciting and he played fairly well in all of the positions he was placed in. I liked him as a ruck rover in the last quarter - real potential there.

Rich didn't get too much of it but he uses the ball so well. Whichever club gets him shoudl be very happy.

I believe Adam Cockie is a possible draftee from Subi (?)

 

[Bulldogs_6]

What I meant by controlling the first half was that his run down made the most influential change in the game as that clearly was the turning point where Swans went to kick 2 or 3 goals. And also numbat your comments are unfair, because he won 3 or 4 marking duels in the back half which could have/should have resulted in Subiaco goals. Let's just say he set the half alight rather than control it.

Agree on Spaanderman, looks quite the player.

 

[Par4]

What I meant by controlling the first half was that his run down made the most influential change in the game as that clearly was the turning point where Swans went to kick 2 or 3 goals. And also numbat your comments are unfair, because he won 3 or 4 marking duels in the back half which could have/should have resulted in Subiaco goals. Let's just say he set the half alight rather than control it.

Agree on Spaanderman, looks quite the player.

He's been on two AFL lists, Brisbane and West Coast. Both cut him.

Not sure he has a future in the AFL. Brisbane for a court case, same deal at West Coast. Has massive problems controlling himself off field.

 

[swannies]

Loved Neville Jetta in the colts GF, plus Frank Quartermaine and Sunny Walters and Clint Garlett played probably his best game I've seen him play. Blighty was pretty good again, as were both ruckmen, who controlled Peedle for most of the match, bar a small patch in the final quarter.

Perth's coach, in those conditions, should have had McLaughlin on a lot more because something seemed to happen each time he was on the ground and it was wet, so better bet than the tall forwards they had.

 

[Par4]

Loved Neville Jetta in the colts GF, plus Frank Quartermaine and Sunny Walters and Clint Garlett played probably his best game I've seen him play. Blighty was pretty good again, as were both ruckmen, who controlled Peedle for most of the match, bar a small patch in the final quarter.

Perth's coach, in those conditions, should have had McLaughlin on a lot more because something seemed to happen each time he was on the ground and it was wet, so better bet than the tall forwards they had.

So, ****ing cold.

Neville Jetta and Walters would form a handy combination working in tandemn, similar to North Melbourne's dynamic duo. They were both outstanding considering the early morning conditions.

Think Blight is starting to show why he was invited to DC, cant say Ive watched him as much as some of the other Swan boys but he does have some outstanding qualities.

 

[swannies]

So, ****ing cold.

Neville Jetta and Walters would form a handy combination working in tandemn, similar to North Melbourne's dynamic duo. They were both outstanding considering the early morning conditions.

Think Blight is starting to show why he was invited to DC, cant say Ive watched him as much as some of the other Swan boys but he does have some outstanding qualities.

It's very odd because the first time I thought he had something was the same day I boarded the Neville Jetta bandwagon and that was a cold, wet, miserable day at Basso Oval v Claremont.

And you're right, it was so cold, but I still enjoyed the day, despite the league loss.

 

[Par4]

It's very odd because the first time I thought he had something was the same day I boarded the Neville Jetta bandwagon and that was a cold, wet, miserable day at Basso Oval v Claremont.

And you're right, it was so cold, but I still enjoyed the day, despite the league loss.

Good day off footy, great turnout from the locals, biggest crown in 6 years.

Great advertisement for W.A footy.

 

[bigburger]

If the reason i got told why he was cut from Brissy's list then no AFL club would want him.

 

[Par4]

If the reason i got told why he was cut from Brissy's list then no AFL club would want him.

Because he was involved in an aggravated assault? Broke into a house and stood over someone with a baseball bat?

That'll do it.

 

[scottwade]

If the reason i got told why he was cut from Brissy's list then no AFL club would want him.

Well other than West Coast who rookie listed him after he left Brisbane.

 

[bigburger]

Because he was involved in an aggravated assault? Broke into a house and stood over someone with a baseball bat?

That'll do it.

Thats exactly what I heard lol.

 

[bigburger]

Well other than West Coast who rookie listed him after he left Brisbane.

Yes it wasn't the smartest listing we've ever done. I meant more in terms of nowadays.

 

[Chops_a_must]

Agree with your comments on Pearce, although I doubt he would've escaped the eye of many a RM. He does have a very unique kicking style too.

I don't entirely.

From what I've seen of the others, I think he's got the best skills of anyone in the draft. Not as good on one boot as Rich, but very good on both sides.

Very good decision making, and his balance, awareness and evasion is superb. Many times I've seen him dance around multiple players after getting a hard ball only to spot up a target 50m away.

 

[TheBigUnit]

****ing cold is probably an understatement!

Walters and Jetta are guns, both very influential yesterday. Blight too - surprised he wasn't named in the bests. A.McKinlay is certainly very silky in both skill and movement-wise. Jamie Bennell was very good too - could be a Wirrpanda-type defender.

Surprises me that Simon Parry didn't get a SS invite - tall, mobile utility - can pay CHB and push into the midfield - beautiful kick of the footy - great penetration (that pinpoint 55m pass to Daly on the lead ). Was one of the Swans best yesterday. Maybe some clubs are trying to keep him under the radar or there's something we don't know about.

From Perth Colts, I really like Elari's (reminds me of Sheahan from Vic Country - not just looks wise, but playing style too) and McLaughlin's games and both definitely catch the eyes with their bleached blonder hair. Brennan and Crabtree have a lot of class and composure about them and Goodwin has a raking left foot kick. Ali Smith was solid through the midfield, but didn't look as quick as he normally is (think he just came back from injury?).

Cockie was very good in the league game - surprises me not to see him named in Subi's best. I thought he was the main instigator in the shift in momentum Subi's way in the second quarter. His inside work and defensive pressure/tackling is excellent - is able to have such a big influence around stoppages. One of those guys that doesn't need to get a lot of stats to have an impact.

Wolfenden was the Swans best IMO. He's a running machine - did it all yesterday, ran all day, broke lines, tackled, pressured, delivered neatly with barely a break. He's small and slight but makes up for it in other ways. Has so much heart, one of those guys that will 'bleed' his clubs colours.

Rich had a good 1st half IMO - some good tackling, a couple of nice runs down the wing and set Brad Smith up on more than one occassion with that left boot. Only the 9 disposals all up - most of them probably came in the 2nd half - I think he's that type of player that not going to exceed himself when the team is dominant, but when the tides against them he invariably lifts his game.

Naita was good - his best game of the finals series. As always some inspiring tackling and pressuring efforts, as well as some very good burst runs from stoppages/congestion - needs to work on his vision when kicking though (turned it over a couple of times). Definitely his best game of the finals series. Should've had 2 goals (HTB in the goal square wasn't given too him, when the guy he tackled had more time than Naita did with the one against him).

Banfield has to be a certainty now to get picked up now - hope it's by WC

 

[eskimo123]

From Perth Colts, I really like Elari's (reminds me of Sheahan from Vic Country - not just looks wise, but playing style too) and McLaughlin's games and both definitely catch the eyes with their bleached blonder hair. Brennan and Crabtree have a lot of class and composure about them and Goodwin has a raking left foot kick. Ali Smith was solid through the midfield, but didn't look as quick as he normally is (think he just came back from injury?).

I've watched Goodwin a couple of games this year and he is infact a right footer but is very good on both sides of his body, from all reports he has had a rotten run with injury and sickness through the season.

A.Smith didnt play in the Perth side for the grand final, i was talking to one of the parents and it was number10 for perth had to switch jumpers because his jumper was ripped in the melee.

I was also fairly impressed with the Perth backline, even though they were under constant pressure i believe they all showed alot of composure and never gave in although a few mistakes costed them a couple of goals it was good to see even the fullback running to try create on the wing.

Severely outdone by Swans side though.

 

[TheBigUnit]

I've watched Goodwin a couple of games this year and he is infact a right footer but is very good on both sides of his body, from all reports he has had a rotten run with injury and sickness through the season.

A.Smith didnt play in the Perth side for the grand final, i was talking to one of the parents and it was number10 for perth had to switch jumpers because his jumper was ripped in the melee.

Interesting, wouldn't have picked it if you didn't tell me. Did Goodwin miss the U18 championships through injury?

Cheers for the info about Ali Smith - so it was Joel Fiegert then. Didn't think it was him, as I said he looked a fair bit slower (Smith is lightning quick), didn't notice no. 5 in the first half and Ali had black hair when I last saw him play.