West Coast & Freo-linked prospects at combine
Fin Yeo (Fremantle linked) broke the AFL agility record with a time of 7.533, and came second in the 20m sprint with a time of 2.95
G Kenh (West Coast linked) won the 20m with a time of 2.931 and a vertical jump of 82cm.
H Banfield (West Coast linked F/S) impressed in the agility with a time of 8.074
1st Quarter WC 2.1 : 13 to Subiaco 2.3 : 15
Highlights: T Williams field kicking, G Kenh ground speed & Clean hands. F Macrae keeping his feet and Hewett starting strong. Neg: Grego & Davis turnovers.
NGA 1st game Garrison Kenh.
Tough conditions. The hold in the ball has been abandoned, lol.
We've had a lot of the ball forward, but we're struggling to score.
Maric, Davis, MaCrae & Brock playing, so maybe someone plays a half.
...
Hewett seemed to injure his lower leg early in the first & has just limped off the ground at the 8th minute mark in the 2nd.
11.50 2nd Quarter heavy rain. Lions controlling the ball.
...
Half Time: WC 3.8: 26 to Subi 6.6: 42
...
3/4 Time: WC 6.11: 47 to Subi 6.7: 43
...
Full Time: WC 10.13: 73 to Subi 8.8: 56
...
Goals: C Datson 3, M Flynn 2, Owies, Maric, Barnett, Davis & Kernutt 1.
Best: Flyn, MaCrae, Schoenberg, Datsun & Hall
HM: Grego, Kernutt & Owies.
Also, a shout out to T Williams & Hewett in the first half. Liked Williams ball use.
Ultimately we just had bigger bodies around the ball all day and tried to over finesse in the first half, and nearly kicked the game away from ourselves. We still have trouble carrying and kicking the ball between the arcs.
We matched the physicality after half time and Flynn absolutely dominated and I'd say BOG.
MaCrae 30p, Hall & Schoenberg had first use from Flynn and we really should have won by more in the end.
G Kenh impressed in his first game with 13 p. He's real quick and has clean hands. If he has 1/2 metre on his opponent, they couldn't close him down. Very flashy.
Owies had a mixed day, but 100% effort. I reckon players like him, MaCrae & Flynn and the WAFL players in Datsun & Kernutt really led from the front today.
Good gritty win. Well done boys. We were down 2 players in the second half in Hewett & T Williams, but stuck it out. Maric had 6 tackles in the 2nd half.
Also, Subi played hard, but mostly fair. Hickmont got under a few skins, and a few of our players lost their cool at times, but Subi are rebuilding and need a big ruck, so they battled hard.
1st Quarter:
WC: 2.3: 15 to WP: 3.3: 21
Half Time:
WC 6.6: 42 to WP 6.6: 40
Love the development of Grego, that bit of composure before he kicks. Great just seeing some of our players putting in some time in a competitive WAFL side. CDT really showing his class.
3/4 Time
WC: 11.10: 76 to WP: 9.9:63
Win!
Final Score:
WC: 15.12: 102 defeated WP: 13.12: 90
WC goals: CDT 4, Flynn, Owies & Barnett 2, Dewar, Gross, Hall, Schoenberg & Jamieson 1.
Best: Flynn, MaCrae, Grego, CDT, Banfield & Gross.
HM: C Hall 2nd half, Jamieson leadership, Dewar & Schoenberg.
Have I missed anyone? comment below.
Vic Metro embarrassed a poor kicking country side to claim the championship. Congratulations to Metro, they were well coached and well led from a tight knitted defence.
The highlight was metro's even spread of kicking efficiency and a strong kick/mark game.
Harry Van Hattum showed how difficult it can be for opposition midfielders, constantly winning the clearances, and despite the overall disposals being relatively even, first use translated directly to dominating the kicks & marks.
Metro's mid's in Albert Macgowan & Angus Tippett dominated the possessions in & outside the contest.
Lewis Houndsome & Harry Van Hattum combined for 34 hit-out's, 20 contested possessions & 10 clearances, whilst Tate Hodgson, Billy Wigmore & Tyson Bradley had 21 intercepts.
In fact, score involvements produced from the top 11 players were all from Vic Metro confirming how one-way the ball moved.
For Vic Country Darcy Szerszyn confirmed his draft stocks with a solid display against a strong tide, Noah Williams battled with 8 tackles along with Gus Kennedy & Wil Antrobus.
Top draft prospect Cody Walker battled, but epitomised Vic country's poor disposal.
This game was so one-sided it's difficult to reach too many conclusions. There's a lot of players that have to work into the remaining rounds to justify higher draft positions.
WC draft- more questions?
It seems there's been a loose consensus regarding the top midfielders in this draft, but I'm still undecided on the overall best talent.
Does the draft start like this:
West Coast watch.
Gus Teixeira 181cm: is clearly blessed with strong ability, he's quick, can kick a fast lowball W Duursma like & has shown strong lead up goal forward craft, however is he going to be this high teens/ 20's possession getter? and has he produced enough midfield moments to show he'll be an AFL mid? Hold - Watch
Ethan Drever 188cm: I've put his name up solely because he's been mentioned as a top 5 prospect. I'm interested as to why? What are his elite qualities? I don't see him as an inside midfielder, rather as a balanced type, but as yet I haven't seen-outside of a few flashes- a dominant 4 quarter game. He has had a few 20+ possession games, but Vic Country have been beaten in the midfield all series. Vic Country didn't have that dominant ruck and I probably haven't gravitated to his game. Hold - Watch
Harrison Chapman 189cm: He's got strong AFL traits, especially with how the game is being played today. Good height, covers the ground and has good ball use. Arguably outside the top 5 for talent. Draft watch ⬆️.
Darcy Szerszyn (188cm): Playing as a back half player he once again showed his athleticism and ability to intercept under pressure. Can he play higher up-field? Draft watch ⬆️.
Lachlan Hicks (183cm), Albert Macgowan (187cm) & Angus Tippett (194cm) have all had understated champ series, and I can see them rising higher, although are ranked lower in the draft. Draft watch ⬆️. Later selections.
Kodah Edwards: (182cm) I see him as a player that will firm closer to draft night. He's that you know what you're going to get player with quick hand to foot speed, inside capable, strong hands and forward ready AFL starter. Hold -➡️
Leo Steed: (176cm), I have Leo as the bolter of this draft, his combination of speed and courage around the ball makes him a very alluring prospect. He can accelerate from stoppages and create space making him a versatile player who can start forward and be switched to the midfield to make a difficult match-up that can close down space around the ball. ⬆️.
Khaled El Souki (175cm): I think this game puts El Souki up in lights and possibly into the top 10. His strong tackling and unselfish plays work with his high impact game.⬆️.
Noah Williams (177cm) & Marlon Neocleous (168cm), Unfortunately they've both had a disrupted series, Neocleous had an impact going into the midfield in his first game, and Williams has consistently battled in the midfield taking up the defensive role and showing glimpses of his skills. The lack of continuity playing in their preferred positions have probably seen them drop in the rankings, although they'll be a steel if they fall too far. drift ↘️
Heath Mellody (184cm): He is another draft riser with a strong series showing he is capable at playing higher up-field, although at AFL level probably starts on the defensive side as that player who can move the ball efficiently. Difficult to judge his mid credentials with Vic Country missing the inside Cody Walker and beaten in the ruck. Still, he took advantage to show his versatility. ⬆️
Wil Malady (190cm): I’m a big fan of Malady’s game. He’s been described as undersized for a forward, but he has all the ingredients to be a difficult match up. It’s his combination of athleticism, IQ and competitive spirit that makes him dangerous, and he rarely goes scoreless in games. Also, his ability to play in different positions puts him into top 15 contention.
Who have I missed? Let me know.
# Under 18 Championship takeaways: apologies if I've missed someone.
With one game remaining and the championship already decided I thought I’d bring the discussion about the progress of under 18 development.
This year, arguably more than others will keep the draft list managers busy deep into the Talent, WAFL & SANFL league season. Many of the top academy players only showed glimpses due to disrupted programs. Injuries and limited preparations impacted on performances.
Harry van Hattum was underdone recovering from an injured Quad, Will Malady twisted his ankle early in the WA game, and Cody Walker injured himself during the Allies game. Marlon Neocleous ruled himself out from the WA game due ti back spasms, and one of Brisbane’s academy players in Matthew Owen dislocated his shoulder sidelining him from the remaining championship games. Noah Williams strained his hamstring, but recovered to put together some understated performances in the following WA & SA games, and after blitzing his first game against Vic Country GWS academy midfielder Ethan Matthews succumbed due to bone stress in his foot.
From a WA perspective Koby LeCras suffered a partial ACL tear in his West Perth debut game and Garrison Kenh was working his way back from hamstring soreness, also Lucas Robinson didn’t appear after the first 2 champ’s games.
This was after potential top 10 players Dougie Cochrane was sidelined for 2026 due to knee tendinitis, and forward Jack Pickett injured his knee tearing his ACL & MCL, after a strong bottom-age season. Another 1st round candidate in El Souki (VM) was out of the Champ’s with a fractured ankle.
The 2026 WA team finally showed some strong consistency throughout the series. The competitive lead-up games definitely helped players like Benji van Rooyen & George Gale, whilst Leo Steed continued his strong WAFL league form with Swan Districts. This culminated into a strong start against South Australia.
Mellody showed he was capable in multiple positions and along with Leo Steed will come into contention for the Lark medal.
Tom Brown also showed strong defensive qualities holding up under pressure and our small forwards in Lachlan McGlade & Cameron Maynard surprised a few teams with strong agility & evasiveness around goals.
Bottom-age players Axel Walsh & James Artemis delivered strong performances & Fremantle NGA Finlay Yeo showed glimpses of his talent.
West Coast NGA players:
Harper Banfield: (Balanced Midfielder)
Started off with a solid performance against SA with 24 disposals, 3T, 4 Cl & 279 Mg and followed up with 20d, 5T, 2 Cl & 322 Mg against Vic Metro. Harper stuck his head down and worked into these championships completing the series with 25d, 9T, 3Cl & 377Mg against Vic Country, and 23d, 7T, 5Cl against the Allies.Overall a very consistent hard working series which showcased his ability to compete on the inside and to find avenues to deliver the ball inside 50.
Noah Braun: (Wing)
To be honest Noah was the surprise packet for me. He was brought into the side for the last 2 games. It’s not easy, but he found a way to impact and show his lethal left foot. In his first game against Vic Country he showed his ability to play the wing position and get the ball to find him. He finished with 19p, 4m & 2 Cl, however it was his second game against the Allies that got the commentators talking with a couple of classy goals, one from the boundry line on the run from 50. Then after, he delivered a kick to find Benji Van Rooyen at the goal line. He faded in the 2nd halves, but finished with 2g. 1b, 12 d, 5 Si & 3 Ip.
He has the skills and size at 183cm, it’s just the physical aspect of the game that needs development, his arms haven’t seen a dumbbell and he can get pushed around on field.
Garrison Kenh:
Kenh arguable has the biggest upside of all our NGA players. His athleticism shows out on field and really presents a difficult matchup on field. When he gets the ball his speed and agility troubles opponents and he can break lines with his aggressive bullet passes. His game isn’t perfect, but it’s good that he played these last games to find his mix and learn to tighten up later in quarters/games to look after the ball. Definitely worth developing. He had 22p against Vic Country at 353 Mg with 6 Si & 4 Ip going at 81% efficiency. In the second game he followed up with 22p, 4 i50, 5 Si & 3 Ip at 77% .
Kyan Perera:
The impressive aspect to Kyan’s game was his leadership qualities, he’s small in size, and didn’t shy away from the contest and although he isn’t a high possession player, he found ways to impact with tackles, score involvements & intercepts. His best game was against Vic Country with 13d, 6m, 332MG, 5Si & 3 i50’s. He fought bravely in the Vic Metro game, but their kick & mark game was strong and our 2nd half entries were poor. Still, 5d, 4T, 2i50, 2Si,2 Ip & 2i50T showed he kept his head.
Lachlan McGlade: (Small forward)
Lachlan charged out of the blocks and genuinely thew SA off balance with his mobility in his first game. He ran 6 i50’s with 12 p, 5 Si, 5T & 348Mg for 2g.2b.
The next game against Vic Metro was a bigger challenge with Metro controlling the ball and continually intercepting the wayward entries. Still, he had 8d, 4 Si, 4 i50’s for 2g.
He was a bit quieter in the last 2 games, although he kicked 3 goals against Vic Country with 7p and was scoreless against the Allies with 8 possessions & 4 Si.
A total of 7 goals for the championship showed he doesn’t need much of the ball to be dangerous and keep his feet.
* I cut out the conclusion. It became a rant and I didn't want to come across too negative about some of the scheduling & media quality.
Might want to add Noah Braun & Kyan Perera as a couple of NGA's in the mix. I thought they both had good games in WA's come from behind win against Vic Country in their Under 18 championship game.
I was impressed with how well Noah played his wing position, just presenting in the right places to link up exiting the defensive half and then using the ball well by hand or putting speed on the ball when required.
He had 19 possessions,5 IP, 3 SI & 2 clearances.
I haven't seen much of him, but at 183cm he'd have mid potential once he fills out. He's pretty skinny at the moment and didn't lay a tackle so I'm guessing he's a rookie candidate atm, but if he has another good showing, his name will be in the mix.
I was surprised Garrison Kenh was left out of the first 2 games, because watching him in this game on Friday you could see how he really bothered his opponents with his speed & agility. He ended with 22 possessions, 6 SI & 4ip at 81%. It wouldn't surprise me if he gets a bid on draft night.
Kyan Perera is the least mentioned of our NGA's, he's small by nature, but he's showed some surprising leadership during these championship's. He hasn't shied away from the contest, and was poleaxed in this game, before dragging himself off to gather himself, eventually returning to provide a selfless conduit, setting up numerous plays. He ended up with 6 marks, 3 tackles, 5 Si & 3 ip at around 70%. He's averaged around 5 score involvements a game.
Lachlan McGlade is the NGA I'm most unsure about, in regard to his draft range. He had a strong first up game v's SA with 12 p, 5 T & 2g.2b. In the 2nd v's Vic Metro he had 8p & 2 g & in this 3rd game v's Vic Country he had 7p & 3g. I'll wait for the combine before drawing any conclusions.
West Coast Next Generation Academy talent Cody Lee the 193cm Perth defender has also received a call up for the final game against the Allies.
WA Football site says, "Ramsay will be joined in the side by Perth defender and 193cm West Coast Next Generation Academy talent Cody Lee, who caught the eye earlier in the season when he took a staggering 15 marks in a Colts game against ladder leaders South Fremantle."
The article also said that "The WA squad had the chance to train and use the facilities of AFL clubs Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn during the week."
Either way there's competition for draft places, with the last game against the Allies and the remaining WAFL games, there's still plenty to play out.
Halftime: Vic Metro 11.8:74 to Allies 3.2:20
Though I’d type some notes about the game from a draft perspective.
First up, please the Vic Metro don’t need extra help from the ump’s. It’s not something I want to discuss, but the lack of consistency in the hold in the ball has affected the scoring board, and some scrutiny is required.
The game was completely one sided in the 1st quarter, the Allies had made 6 changes from last weeks poor showing against SA, and it showed against a confident Metro side kicking with the wind in Bendigo Ballarat.
The Allies were missing some of their best midfielders, including Ethan Matthew’s who apparently has his foot in a moon boot from a hotspot foot injury.
A few positional changes were made in the C Hodge was playing more through the middle. He started solid along with the form players in C Murray & A Hill & Swans academy player in H Meaney. New inclusion in J Callinan got involved.
From the Vic Metro side, they were once again backed up by their strong defensive line in T Bradley, B Wigmore & A Spencer .
From a draft side both A Butler & Teixeira did their work forward, leaving the mid duties to J Knapp, H Cooke & A McGowan.
Still too hard to make an assessment on the higher ranked mids.
Other players prominent in the first half were L Houndsome, H Van Hattum with the HO advantage & the busy G Dimer.
2nd Half:
Dimer once again busy in the forward half, G Teixeira has 3 goals playing forward.
For the Allies, Australian academy player A Hill has been busy.
This game has a bit of a talent mismatch.
3/4 time.
Vic Metro 117 to Allies 27
J Knapp 26d, MacGowan 19d & G Teixeira 4 goals.
Last: L Burrows dominant on the wing, Metro with arguably the top 10 players on field.
Small forwards running amuck, G Dimer 3g, H Cooke. Underage player in J Miller showing his marking ability with 9m.
Margin over 100 points.
R Thompson with a couple of late goals for the Allies.
G Teixeira probably the standout today from a draft watch, but with limited midfield minutes it still leaves questions.
Vic Metro dominated the HO + 17 & i50’s +16
The clearances favoured Metro +7 in an area the Allies were more competitive.
Final Score: Vic Metro: 20.19: 139 to the Allies 8.8: 56
Goals:
Metro: G Teixeira 4, A Tippett 3, G Dimer 3, S Gayfer 2, A Butler 2.
Allies: R Thompson 2, J Callinan 2.
Best:
Metro: G Teixeira, J Knapp, A MacGowan, D Dimer & H Cooke.
Allies: C French, C Blackwell-Smith, A hill, C Murray.
WA 5.9: 39 defeated by Vic Metro 11.9: 79
WA battled hard in a competitive game against a Vic Metro team with a stronger spread of talent.
Some key metrics favoured WA, including the i50’s 47 to 35 lead by Leo Steed with 6 and helped by Benjamin van Rooyen with 4.
The ruck battle was won by Benjamin van Rooyen, with HO’s in his favour 17-15 Against an underdone Harry van Hattum.
Injury has interrupted van Hattum’s lead up, but take nothing away from Benji, he performed well.
The major factor in this game was the intercept dominance by Vic Metro 72 to 62 and the around the ground stop and kick marking 120 to 53.
WA’s forward line was vulnerable going into the game with 3 small forwards in Lachlan McGlade, Cameron Maynard & Kyan Perera. This turned out to be the case with WA unable to bring the ball to ground and players like Billy Wigmore bringing down 13 interceptions marks. In fact Vic Metro players Wigmore, Tyson Bradley and Kai Parker collected 30 intercepts.
WA won the clearances 27 to 24 and lead at the main break by 5 points before Vic Metro wore down WA around the ground controlling the kick and mark game leading the disposal count by 370 to 277 and kicks 228 to 157.
From WA’s perspective Heath Melody stepped up his game to lead the games disposals and was arguably BOG with 29 disposals & 7 intercepts. He showed a good balance and efficient disposal.
Leo Steed was also prominent, especially in the first half, but with 11 contested possessions, 9 tackles and 24 disposals, he gave everything in his tank & portrayed his agility and clearance ability leading the game with 6 clearances.
Benji Van Rooyen 10 cp, 17 HO, George Gale 28 p & Finlay Yeo 6 tackles,were strong and Tom Brown battled in defence.
For Vic Metro it was more of an even spread across the field with players like Wigmore, McGowan, Flower, Bradley, Hodgson & Dimer & Teixeira performing well amongst others.
From a draft perspective, a few questions start to develop. Can Arki Butler remain high in the draft, based on a forward game, or is his talent enough to hold his ranking with say a Cam Rayner comparison. I’m not to sure, still it’s early and we’ll see going forward.
Melody confirms his talent & Steed reinforces his abilities, Benji van Rooyen probably holds with only his decision making holding him back from being a 1st round contender, although clubs might favour rucks.
George Gale had another strong game, although I’d need to do a rewatch. What did you think?
Billy Wigmore put his name up to the fore and I though Tate Hodgson let a few people know he’s around.
Teixeira looked hampered by a lower leg issue, but took his chances up forward & Harrison Chapman kept up appearances.
There were a few Vic Metro names that will rise if they continue to fulfill their roles into the championships.
Overall a good competitive game and win by Vic Metro.
Under 18 Championship’s 2026
Sat 13 June 2026
SA 10.6:66 defeated by WA 11.12: 78
WA went into this game as underdogs. SA the reigning champion’s came into the game with a number of Academy players in good form. Kodah Edwards had been in good touch with South Adelaide, G Paterson had come off a strong showing during the Academy games & E Herbert had performed well rucking for the SA 18 v’s SA 20’s.
The WA small forwards didn’t get the memo and proved to be the difference in the game. Interestingly, Ethan Herbert started forward and remained there until later in the game, when he provided stiffer competition; unfortunately, by then, it was too late.
Benji van Rooyen got the edge in the ruck contests with 18 HO’S & 5 clearances. Helping him out was Axel Walsh (10 HO’s,4 cl) and over-ager Frazier Rickson (6 HO’s, 2g).
This enabled Lucas Robinson (8 cl) & Harper Banfield to get the ball to the outside for the dynamic BOG Leo Steed (30d, 4 cl, 6 Si & 13 contested possessions).
Receiving were players George Gale 7 i50’s & followed on by James Artemis with 10 score involvements, Finlay Yeo 5 Si & Kyan Perera 5 Si.
Finishing the good work was the dynamic small forward duo in Lachlan McGlade 2g.2b & Cameron Maynard 2g.1b. Both of them competing for celebratory back flips.
WA dominated the inside 50 count winning 48 to 35, with George Gale 7, Lachlan McGlade 6 & Benji van Rooyen 4 leading the count.
Down back WA’s Ethan Turner, Maxim Collins & Flynn Tomasini combined for 17 intercepts.
For S.A. Memphis Web was arguably their most consistent player with 10 contested possessions & 7 score involvements, Gabriel Paterson got his angry pants on with 3 goals, but it was Anthony Long who proved to be the most dangerous forward with 3g.3b & 6 score involvements.
Jake Eime & Sam Tassone both used the ball well.
Jack Jordan, another coming off strong academy form led the match intercepts at 7.
Kodah Edwards tried hard with 4 clearances & 7 cp, but failed to really influence the game. Others: I thought Kale Matthews-Hampton & Jacob McNicol tried hard & Harvey Crocker presented well for 7 marks and 22 disposals.
Best:
WA: Leo Steed (BOG), James Artemis, Lachlan McGlade, Benji van Rooyan, Frazier Rikson & George Gale.
SA: Memphis Web, Anthony Long, Sam Tassone & Jake Eime.
My take: Leo Steed was running around doing what he liked, not sure he had been scouted, but he’s quick and tough. From an AFL prospective he projects as a small forward who can work upfield. His kicking is OK, but can get a bit loopy with his disposal. Still early in the series to make projections, but these players are highly desirable.
From a WC NGA perspective Lachlan McGlade made a first up impression, showing good strength around the ball. He’s got a bit of that Willie Rioli build and looked dangerous around the ball. The other prospect, academy player Garrison Kenh was not selected. Not sure why- maybe his defence- , but they might rotate players throughout the champs.
One could easily be forgiven for a drop of in form after a change in the rules and a following drop to the beagles, however Matt Flynn didn't follow the script.
Not only has he kept his head high, he has maintained an incredible work rate to dominate and provide a platform for our developing players to work on a competitive level.
Watching the WAFL in the last few weeks has been enjoyable, because you can see our younger players grow.
It's not easy, the mental and emotional discipline has to be consistent to fuel success on field, particularly when situations out of your control change.
To Flynn's credit he brought a strong energy into his games and worked hard with the weekly midfield changes to forge victories.
Round 3: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 51 HO's & 1 goal.
Round 4: 16 disposals, 5 marks & 40 HO's.
Round 5: 14 disposals & 33 HO's.
Round 6: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 4i 50's & 36 HO.
Round 7: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 32 HO's & 1 goal.
Round 8: 17 disposals, 35 HO's & 5 tackles.
Round 9: 18 disposals, 34 HO's & 1 goal.
Round 10: 12 disposals, 6 marks & 40 HO's.
Well done Matthew Flynn.👏👏
Half time:
WC 6.6: 42
Claremont 8.3:51
WC: 25 i50's to Claremont 20
Claremont have the better forwards at this stage and we're struggling to contain Claremont's chip and run game. Claremont leading the disposals 202 to 145.
Hewett trying hard leading the disposals with 14 d & 4 tackles with his new shaved scone. Francou also continuing his good form. Schoenburg & McCrae getting a bit of the ball.
Lindsay was all class with the ball, kicking a good ball, whilst Gross and Owies provided good work rates.
Flynn was starting to get on top of Eastland in the centre.
Claremont started to get on top going into the 2nd, we simply couldn't convert and failed to defend the field when Claremont rebounded.
The impetus for our fightback started with some dynamic centre clearances from Tyler Brockman and some finesse from the likes of Tyler Williams and Dewar.
Full Time:
WC WIN!
WC: 16.11: 107 to Claremont 15.7: 97
J Burke standing up for the defence in the last.
Oliver Francou: 25 disposals & 10 Clearances, 4 tackles, 5 marks.
Matt Flynn: 18 disposals, 34 HO & 6 Clearances.
Elijah Hewett: 22 disposals, 7 Clearances & 8 tackles.
Finlay MaCrae: 22 disposals, 6 i50's
Tom Gross 4 goals, Marcus Herbert & Harry Schoenburg 16 disposals.
Tylah Williams, Jack Williams, Tyrell Dewar, Matt Owies: 2 goals.
Best: O Francou, E Hewett, M Flynn, J Burke & T Gross
HM: T Williams (classy), M Owies (8Tackles), J Lindsay (1/2 game) (Elite ball use), F MaCrae, L Grego (good moments), T Dewar(Work in progress defensively, but good offensive moments), F Rodriguez (good ball use, 5 i50’s)J Ewings (15d, 5 M). and our team approach. Well done!
A low scoring game with windy and sporadic heavy rain resulting in a win for a hard working team effort by Peel Thunder.
Peel simply used the ball better and strung together strings of fast play from a disciplined defensive minded team work.
From a WC perspective, the 2 new recruits brought strong games and were arguably our best two players.
Oliver Francou was our most consistent player over 4 quarters, playing the inside mid role, highlighting his skills in the contest leading with 7 strong tackles and providing an exit with the ball.
Marcus Herbert, led our disposals, showing plenty with his poise and skills- got plenty of the ball early on- and showed his midfield skills when moved into the centre during the last quarter with a strong breakaway clearance.
Matt Flynn tried hard all day battling Sean Darcy with 5 tackles & 33 HO's, and Tom Gross worked hard, getting open for his 16 possessions and 1 goal. Matt Owies was another who didn't give up kicking a strong goal in the last to keep us in the game.
Ultimately we butchered the ball too much stringing 2 plays before bombing the ball too much. In the third we constantly directed the ball into the dead pocket and were outworked by a cleaner Peel outfit.
WC: 4.9:33 defeated by Peel Thunder 8.7:55
He also prefers to draft youth in the MSD rather than mature players and does't really see any mature prospects this year. He also acknowledged they prioritise the national draft.
Draft strategies: MSD 27:55 & School footy: 31:18
I was impressed to hear Adrian Caruso's intend and strategy. From a WC fan perspective, id'd be refreshing to see someone from our list management talk about what they're doing. Interesting Caruso talks about his past recruits and the strategy behind the selections.