2009 Under 18 Championships

[Missing Dog]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

Here's a few profiles from AFL website

Western Australia
David Swallow: Brother of (North Melbourne's) Andrew, David is just the ultimate professional. He's got a massive work rate and wins a really good mix of contested and uncontested footy. He has great endurance, uses the ball really well and is good in close. Current member of AIS /AFL Academy squad.

Anthony Morabito: Supremely talented and athletic utility who can play forward. Exceptionally skilled and a member of Western Australia's squad at last year's championships. Can do magical things. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Brandon Matera: Goal kicking midfielder with speed and classy skills. Extremely clever around the goals. Son of former Eagle Wally Matera and nephew of club greats Peter and Phil.

Kane Lucas: Highly skilled midfielder with strong endurance. Uncanny ability to find time and space to make correct decision. Applies himself extremely well with a desire to learn and improve. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Jack Darling: A 188cm centre half-forward who is beginning to learn his craft as a midfielder. An outstanding competitor, really good one-on-one and has clean hands. He loves the physical contest. Current member of the AIS/AFL Academy squad.

South Australia
Alex Carey: Midfielder who makes good decisions and demonstrates very neat foot skills. Was in the SA U18 squad last year, but didn't make an appearance at the championships. Also an exceptional junior cricketer. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Jack Trengove: Very clever inside midfielder who can play in a variety of positions. Has a tremendous work ethic with and without the football. A quality leader with exceptional smarts.

Hayden Jolly: Ball-magnet midfielder with good foot skills. Powerful through the legs and clever at stoppages. Current member of AIS/AFL Academy squad.

Matthew Thompson: Hard at it, powerful inside midfielder. Has a strong work-rate and backs himself both in the air and at ground level. Physical player who has a large appetite for the contest. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Scott Lycett: A 201cm ruckman with really good mobility for his size. Strong player with good clean hands who can push forward and be extremely dangerous; exactly what's required of the modern day ruckman. Current member of AIS/AFL Academy squad.

Victoria Country
Allen Christensen: Prolific ball-winning midfielder who hurts opposition teams on the scoreboard. Wins plenty of contested possessions and is extremely clever around the goals. Best-on-ground for the Geelong Falcons in the opening three rounds of the TAC Cup.

Sean Atley: Smart Murray Bushrangers midfielder who regularly pushes forward. Has exceptional vision and awareness, elite sideways movement and extremely clean hands. With fantastic endurance and speed to match, Atley looks set to play a big role at this year's championships. Current AIS/AFL Academy squad member.

Koby Stevens: Gippsland Power midfielder with a ferocious attack on the ball and player. Stevens is a natural leader with a burning desire to succeed. Wins an abundance of contested possession, is strong overhead and looks set to figure very early in November's NAB AFL Draft. Current AIS/AFL Academy squad member.

John Butcher: Immensely talented key position prospect with the Gippsland Power. At 197cm has great agility, pace and endurance for his size and is rarely beaten in a marking contest. Has clean hands and can play forward, back or even in the ruck. An exceptional talent. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Alex Keath: A 196cm Murray Bushrangers forward with outstanding speed for his size. Talented key position prospect with a great work ethic, and doesn't stop presenting. Quality leader who captain the Victorian under-17s cricket team and has been selected in the Australian World Cup under-19s squad. Current AIS/AFL Academy squad member.

Victoria Metro
Tom Scully: Captain of the TAC Cup's Dandenong Stingrays and potential number one draft pick. Scully is a dominant left-footed inside midfielder, clean on both sides of his body. Incredible aerobic capacity and an appetite for the contest to match. The complete package. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Jordan Gysberts: The 189cm midfielder wins more than his fair share of both contested and uncontested ball, rarely fumbles and uses it extremely well. Gysberts was one of the standout performers in the recent AIS/AFL Academy tour of South Africa.

Steve McCallum: Lightly built midfielder who ranks up possessions at will. One of the key players for the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup, McCallum has speed, footy smarts and uses the football extremely well.

Tom Hill: Versatile big man and quality leader. TAC Cup Northern Knights captain who can play in the ruck or at centre half-back. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.

Joshua Toy: A powerfully built half-back flanker who is terrific in one-on-one contests. A creative and attacking player, willing to run and carry. Has a penetrating kick and a fantastic attitude. Won the Ben Mitchell Medal, voted on by his peers as part of the recent AIS/AFL Academy tour to South Africa.

[Missing Dog]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

U18 Eye catches: Week 2

Vic Country 14.6 (90) d Vic Metro 11.8 (74)

VIC COUNTRY
Andrew Hooper – Andrew is very interesting. I saw him at under-16 level and last year when he won Vic Country's most valuable player. He predominantly played back pocket/half-back and just keeps getting the footy. He finished with 26 disposals, 13 marks, including four contested, which is a fair effort considering he is 172cm. He is Brent Harvey's size with a stocky body shape. With the evolution of small forwards, you've got to have someone to play on them and he fits the bill. He's very quick over 20 metres and is really strong in the contest.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Dustin Martin – was very impressive. It was the first time I'd seen him play. He played midfield and deep forward. He is strong, showed very clean hands and is good on both sides of the body. He had a big influence, particularly in the first half.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Ben Cunnington – Ben played midfield/deep forward. He has really strong hands and attacks the footy. He looked really dangerous when he was on the lead and finished well.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Koby Stevens – His first half was workmanlike and he didn't standout early, but his second half was very good. He finished with 23 possessions, 10 tackles and four inside 50s. His work in close and hardness at the contest was impressive. He showed these attributes during his time in the AIS/AFL academy.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

VIC METRO
Tom Scully – Was best-on-ground. He has a fantastic work-rate and when others were starting to tire, he was still working and running. Early on, he wasn't as clean as what he normally is, but he settled in pretty quickly. His hands in close were unbelievable – they were lightning and able to find teammates in space. Tom finished with four clearances and 33 disposals, including 23 handballs. He hardly missed a target with his hands.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Josh Toy – Josh played off half-back. He had 25 disposals, four inside 50s and four rebounds. He has a wonderful attack on the ball, backs himself and provides run-and-carry. Josh is also a penetrating kick.
Draft eligibility: Gold Coast has the capacity to sign him as one of its 12 x 17 year olds born January-April 1992. If not selected by Gold Coast, he is eligible for 2010 NAB AFL Draft.

Sam Shaw – It was the first time I've seen Sam play. He displayed athletic attributes, was very agile and really good overhead. He finished with 21 disposals and 11 contested possessions. It was a good performance.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Andrew Moore – He played as a lead-up centre half-forward and was extremely impressive. He kicked two goals, showed strong hands and possesses a good vertical leap. You could see him playing a Ryan O'Keefe-type role. He is the brother of Richmond's Kelvin.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Western Australia 19.12 (126) def. South Australia 12.6 (78)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Anthony Morabito – An AIS/AFL academy graduate, Anthony was outstanding. He doesn't get the possessions some others do – he had 19 touches – but he influenced the game. He played on the wing, had four clearances, six inside 50s and kicked two goals. His run-and-carry and assists were highlights. His mix of uncontested and contested footy is very good.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

David Swallow – The brother of North Melbourne's Andrew played at half-back. He came through the AIS/AFL academy and has a wonderful work-ethic. He is really good in contested situations and finished with 27 disposals and seven marks. David is really good around the stoppages and rebounded six times.
Draft eligibility: 2010 NAB AFL Draft

Brandon Matera – The son of Wally and nephew of Peter and Phil. He was phenomenal. He's a left-footer and reminded me of Phil. Predominantly a forward pocket, he moved up to half-forward and was a livewire. He was really good on the lead, can win it in contested situations and is good overhead. He had 19 disposals, four inside 50s and kicked 4.4. He loves kicking a goal, but also gave some away.
Draft eligibility: Gold Coast has the capacity to sign him as one of its 12 x 17 year olds born January-April 1992. If not selected by Gold Coast, he is eligible for 2010 NAB AFL Draft.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Jack Trengove – Jack is the South Australian captain. He was outstanding with 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six tackles, eight clearances and six inside 50s. He's got a mature body, kicks the ball well, is well balanced and makes good decisions. Jack played in the midfield and as a lead-up half-forward. He loves a contest and was ferocious with his attack on the footy.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Matthew Panos – Kicked three goals playing at centre half-forward. He took eight marks, including three contested, and had two scoring assists. Matthew has strong hands and presented well all day. His finishing in front of goal was exceptional and he also has good acceleration. He was hard to stop on the lead.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Alex Carey – Alex had 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions and four clearances. He was playing half-forward and changing through the midfield. He was really clean, good around the stoppages and courageous, putting his body on the line. Alex is an AIS/AFL academy graduate.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Sam Day – Sam played as a key defender and forward. He was exciting, although he only got 11 disposals. He took three fantastic contested marks and kicked two goals when he went forward in the second half. Sam is athletic, has strong hands and really competes. He has played high-level basketball and is also an outstanding baseballer. Sam is already 196cm, despite being a bottom-ager.
Draft eligibility: 2010 NAB AFL Draft

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/78077/default.aspx

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

We need strong quick players that can kick. Not speedster's like Essendon who cant win contested ball.

I wouldn't be against trading a Boyd or Cross to the Goldcoast for good draft pick, to negate the effects of the "block obsolescence".

We need a midfielder who possess the balance of both good kicking skills and pace and we shouldn't be too focused on just pace. The likes of Ward who can will some contested football would be ideal.
As you rightly say we don't just want flat out speedsters.

I'm hearing that Reid is the more realistic Gold Coast target at the moment.

[comrade]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

I'm hearing that Reid is the more realistic Gold Coast target at the moment.

That's a concern, as I think he'll be a very good player.

I'm hopeful that he can force his way into the Bulldogs for a few games in the second half of the year, and then cement himself more next year. It's difficult with such a good midfield group though, as who do you omit for him?

[The Coon Dog]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

U18 champs: WA downs NT by 53 points

A STUNNING 11-goal second half has helped Western Australia to a comfortable 53-point win over the Northern Territory in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

The match at TIO Stadium in Darwin was competitive in the first half but the Sandgropers stormed clear after the long break.

Joel Houghton was the leading scorer with four goals, while Mitch Duncan and Matt Fyfe bagged three each.

Northern Territory had their fair share of the football in the opening half but were forced into over-possession by the skilful and relentless WA defence.

When they upped the ante in the second half, NT was unable to go with a WA side with a noticeable class advantage.

Mark Hutchings was outstanding through the midfield while David Swallow continued his fine form across half back and later in the midfield.

Duncan’s game across half-forward was one of the highlights as was the performance of Nicholas Winmar on the wing.

The winning WA ruck combination of Josh Donaldson and Cameron Kickett were also pivotal in the result.

The NT’s best included midfielder Scott Taylor who was hard at it all night and never gave in, while Roland Ah Chee showed plenty of vigour.

Another who impressed with limited opportunities was Troy Taylor up forward. His touch and athleticism was a joy to watch.

Northern Territory 1.2 4.6 4.7 6.9 (45)
Western Australia 1.4 5.7 8.11 16.12 (108)

GOALS
Northern Territory: Dion Gordon 2, Dean Staunton, Jerry Wilson, Paul Cox, Scott Taylor
Western Australia: Joel Houghton 4, Mitch Duncan 3, Matt Fyfe 3, Travis Colyer, Brandon Matera, David Swallow, Anthony Collica, Mark Hutchings, Nicholas Winmar

BEST
NT: James Wray, Dean Staunton, Scott Taylor, Cameron Jones, Pierce Liddle, Lindsay Lawler
WA: Mitch Duncan, Mark Hutchings, David Swallow, Chris Luff, Jamie Cripps

At TIO Stadium

[The Coon Dog]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

U18s: Vic Metro demolish NSW/ACT

VIC METRO has bounced back from an opening round loss against Vic Country to thrash New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory by 111 points at Bruce Purser Oval, in western Sydney on Saturday.

Metro 24.16 (160) defeated NSW/ACT 8.1 (49) in the first of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships double-header at Rouse Hill. The visitors were outstanding from the start and never looked in doubt.

Vic Metro had plenty of standouts, including classy half-forward Jayden Hoegel, who won an equal 26 disposals, booted 2.3 and had five scoring assists.

Key forward Ben Griffiths starred with five goals – the most for the match – while Andrew Gaff, Jordan Gysberts, Robbie Hicks and Andrew Moore all booted three each.

Potential Gold Coast recruit Josh Toy shone from half-back and potential No.1 draft pick Tom Scully (17 disposals) was still good, although not as prominent as his previous game. Ben Jacobs was another to shine, with his pack mark late in the game a beauty.

For the Rams, Anthony Miles booted three and claimed 19 disposals, while Jason Tutt's 26 disposals was an equal game best.

NSW/ACT 2.0 5.0 5.1 8.1 (49)
Vic Metro 6.8 12.10 18.13 24.16 (160)

GOALS
NSW/ACT: Miles 3, Emery, Sargeant, Segrave, Tutt, Williams
Vic Metro: Griffiths 5, Gaff 3, Gysberts 3, Hicks 3, Moore 3, Hoegel 2, Ezard, Hartigan, Jacobs, Scott, Scully

BEST
NSW/ACT: Williams, Tutt, Johnson, Miles
Vic Metro: Hoegel, Toy, Purcell, Gaff, Jacobs, MacMillan, Griffiths, Gysberts, Fitzpatrick

Match six played at Bruce Purser Oval, Rouse Hill in western Sydney

[The Coon Dog]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

SA holds off gritty Queensland

SOUTH Australia has held off a gritty Queensland by 31 points to open its NAB AFL under-18 championships account in the second of the double-header matches at Bruce Purser Oval in western Sydney on Saturday.

The Croweaters 12.12 (84) defeated the Scorpions 8.5 (53).

Although South Australia led at each change, Queensland trailed by just 10 points at three-quarter -time, before the Croweaters booted four goals to one in the final term.

Highly-touted South Australian draft prospect Jack Trengove was one of the best with 18 disposals, five tackles and two goals in the midfield.

Luke Tapscott, another of South Australia's players to watch for in November, also impressed with 17 touches and nine inside-50s.

AIS/AFL academy graduate Alex Carey shone with a team-high 25 disposals for the Croweaters, while smalls Daniel Scott-Collings and Taite Silverlock chipped in with two majors.

Queensland skipper Marc Lock, who is not one of Gold Coast's contracted players, shone again with a match-best 29 disposals. Ruckman and contracted Gold Coast player Zac Smith dominated the ruck with 29 hit-outs.

Queensland 1.1 4.2 7.3 8.5 (53)
South Australia 4.3 5.5 8.7 12.12 (84)

GOALS
Queensland: Fowler 2, Bevan, Dixon, Lock, Magin, Manzone, Rees
South Australia: Scott-Collings 2, Silverlock 2, Trengove 2, Craig, Giddings, Hannath, Milera, Panos, Solly

BEST
Queensland: Thomas, Ramage, Magin, Lock, Grayson, Thomson, Smith
South Australia: Carey, Keller, Potts, Evans, Trengove, Panos, Menzel, Tapscott, Jolly

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

I'm hearing that Reid is the more realistic Gold Coast target at the moment.

I think he is pretty much a certainty for the GC. I wonder what draft pick we'd get in return for someone like Reid...

[Drunken Bum]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

I think he is pretty much a certainty for the GC. I wonder what draft pick we'd get in return for someone like Reid...

personally i wouldnt be all that concerned about what draft pick we got for him(from what i understand it wouldnt be much) and simply be very happy that they only managed to get Reid rather than Higgins or one of our other established young guns

I am not saying this as a slight on Reid in any way, i just know who i would prefer to lose to GC if we do lose someone

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

Where do you guys think someone like Trent McKenzie will go in the draft? He goes to St. Paul's in Altona North, can he make it at AFL level?

What about Sean Tighe who is currently playing for the Western Jets?

[lemmon]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

Where do you guys think someone like Trent McKenzie will go in the draft? He goes to St. Paul's in Altona North, can he make it at AFL level?

What about Sean Tighe who is currently playing for the Western Jets?

Trent Mackenzie isnt eligible this year, only a year 11 I believe.

[Mitcha]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

Where do you guys think someone like Trent McKenzie will go in the draft? He goes to St. Paul's in Altona North, can he make it at AFL level?

What about Sean Tighe who is currently playing for the Western Jets?

If I was a betting man I would say he is almost certain to go to the Gold Coast as one of 12 seventeen year olds they are able to take in this years draft. If not would love the Dogs to grab him next year.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

If I was a betting man I would say he is almost certain to go to the Gold Coast as one of 12 seventeen year olds they are able to take in this years draft. If not would love the Dogs to grab him next year.

Well that really sucks. Could he actally choose to completely skip this draft? At every school match he was always BOG.

[lemmon]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

Well that really sucks. Could he actally choose to completely skip this draft? At every school match he was always BOG.

You a St Pauls boy mate?

[mjp]

Re: 2009 Under 18 Championships

If I was a betting man I would say he is almost certain to go to the Gold Coast as one of 12 seventeen year olds they are able to take in this years draft. If not would love the Dogs to grab him next year.

Well - it is up to him.

The 17 year olds nominated by the GC this year have 3 options:

1/.Accept the offer and relocate.
2/.Accept the offer and stay where they are for 2010 for reasons of schooling.
3/.Reject the offer and nominate for the draft at the end of 2010 as they otherwise would.

Keep in mind that if they select option 3, then the GC can still pick them at the end of next year anyway.

Is this kid playing state 18's this year? I would have thought that given the wraps you are giving him he must be...but then again, I am not sure of the standard of competition that St Pauls would be playing is.