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APS Insider: Get the lowdown on the top performers, father-son guns, NGA prospects and more from Xavier v Carey
A year 10 student put his name up in lights for Carey Grammar with a brilliant best-on-ground display, while a highly rated Collingwood prospect impressed yet again in round 2 of APS footy.
Oliver Bond and Zac McCarthy were at the fore of Carey’s heart-stopping five-point win over Xavier College on Saturday.
Bond, who is the captain of the Oakleigh Chargers under-16s in the Coates Talent League, played an all-round superb game in the backline, as he clunked intercept marks, produced goal-saving spoils and tackles, and distributed the footy well.
Carey head of sport Jack Joslin noted how post-game, coach Andrew Hamilton had heaped praise on Bond.
“(He) said it’s probably one of the most outstanding individual performances he’s seen,” Joslin said of Hamilton’s praise.
“(Bond) missed out on Vic Metro selection which surprised many that know him, he has fitted in seamlessly … big moments, taking intercept marks, good decision making, he was exceptional.”
Ruckman McCarthy, who is a member of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy, has already earned the praise of AFL recruiters and impressed again on Saturday, with his agility and footy smarts on show.
“Because of his height and dominance in the ruck was able to hit that second ring to give our on-ballers that opportunity in clean air,” Joslin said.
Magpies fans would’ve had plenty of reason to keep a keen eye on the clash between Xavier and Carey, given another NGA member in Jai Saxena was also in action for Xavier.
Saxena took his chances when they came and was able to impact the scoreboard.
Xavier’s Essendon father-son prospect Alijah Davey also showcased his athleticism and fleet-footedness.
For Carey, Ned La Motte played another good game in the middle off the back of some impressive showings for the Oakleigh Chargers this year, as did 16-year-olds Levi West and Jack Condello.
West, whose draft year is 2026, is the son of former Bulldog Scott West and brother of Rhylee, and had plenty of involvement as an on-baller.
Condello, a 2027 draft prospect, was likened to rising Dog Joel Freijah by Joslin given he “showed some ability to really drive with his legs and stand up in those tackles”.
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Going to need to scramble some decent draft pics by the sounds of it. Even more so if we are into Butters.Comment
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MelburnianComment
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From a football sense the smartest play would be to sign a longer contract with the dogs and let tassie establish themselves, whilst we are hopefully competing. Consider going to tassie after 2-3 years in the comp.Comment
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Gold Coast appeared to ruin some good quality established players’ career. Bock, Rischitelli and Jared Brennan didn’t do much at the suns.
probably a few other players I am missing.Comment
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Anyone know how Mark William's son is connected to us from the NGA? Did he grow up living in Footscray or something...Comment
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It's due to his indigenous status
“Kobe is the son of Mark Williams, who played at Hawthorn and Essendon. Mark played enough games at Hawthorn for Kobe to be a father-son, he also is eligible at the Bulldogs’ NGA with his indigenous status. Kobe’s been really impressive over the summer, not only with his improvement with his athleticism, but also his leadership. He was probably our standout player in the intraclub recently as well. He’s been a forward as a junior predominantly, but we think he might be spending some time in the midfield and even across half-back with us early in the season before he returns to Scotch College.”Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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