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AFLW 2024 - Round 9 - Indigenous Round - Chat, game threads, injury lists, team lineups and more.
Resource 2024 AFL Draft discussion thread (Wed Nov 20 to Fri Nov 22)
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Mutineer know much about Jay Polkinghorne from Norwood u18s?
From the country where he supposedly dominated so doesn’t get too post too much for Norwood, saw him dominate some games as an underager for Norwood last year, kicked 4 on the weekend and took a screamer.
Big lad, will be interesting if he gets picked up. I’d love to take a punt on him, there’s something about him.
From the country where he supposedly dominated so doesn’t get too post too much for Norwood, saw him dominate some games as an underager for Norwood last year, kicked 4 on the weekend and took a screamer.
Big lad, will be interesting if he gets picked up. I’d love to take a punt on him, there’s something about him.
Drugs Are Bad Mackay?
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Clubs would rank their own selections at 1, 2, 3 to make them look better haha
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We picked the exact person we wanted at our exact draft rating
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Looked OK last year as an underager and again shown signs this year but didn't make the SA U18's training squad early in the year which isn't a great sign so no Nationals exposure. I thought he was a boarder at Prince Alfred so it's probably school footy commitments not country footy keeping out of the Norwood UI18's. 192cm so short for a KPF where he plays for Norwood, athletic, good hops might be a chance if he lights up the SANFL U18's in the latter part of the season but unlikely Norwood make the Finals.Mutineer know much about Jay Polkinghorne from Norwood u18s?
From the country where he supposedly dominated so doesn’t get too post too much for Norwood, saw him dominate some games as an underager for Norwood last year, kicked 4 on the weekend and took a screamer.
Big lad, will be interesting if he gets picked up. I’d love to take a punt on him, there’s something about him.
The bloke to talk to is WheresGroomgone who is from over that way and knows plenty about the youngsters from over the far west. Think he'd play for Penong (Western United)if he did play over there this year?
Did make the SA Academy squad but thern didnt make the Nationals squad.
2024 SANFL UNDER 18 ACADEMY
Central District (6):Charlie Nicholls
James Noack
Joshua Reichelt*
Tallan Rosenzweig
Aidan Schubert*
Dyson Sharp*
Glenelg (5):
Ben Camporeale
Lucas Camporeale
Luke Candy*
Angus Clarke
Harrison Ramm
North Adelaide (4):
Evan Bradley
Sam Cumming*
Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier*
Louie Montgomery
Norwood (2):
Jacob Newton
Jay Polkinghorne
South Adelaide (4):
Sid Draper
Phoenix Hargrave
Jacob Sheean
Dakota Sterzl
Sturt (3):
Harley Barker*
Cameron Kelly
Sam Waltham
Woodville-West Torrens (8):
Rome Burgoyne
Tate Delmenico
Harry Dodd
Jett Hasting
Kade Herbert
Tom Luck
Tyler Welsh
Charlie West
Last edited:
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Thanks, just read an article, has had knee issues so hasnt been back long
You’re correct Mutineer he plays for Western United when home - ripping lad good size great skills can take a mark as seen this weekend probably mark of the year so far in that age group. Could see him on a list as a Smokey and becoming very handy across half forward. Kicked 20 odd goals in a match not that long ago can play.
Afcprophet
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Draper quite handball happy?
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If he hits all the targets, like Clarry, then fine, but I don't think he does.
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This Nationals, it seems that way with average 7 kicks, 14 handballs. Putting it down to lack of fitness, due to missing all pre season with the shin splints. Last champs his split was 50/50 where he would get out, run and deliver the ball by foot more often.
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SA in general, over hand balled through the middle, at times running themselves into trouble, jagga topped the list of handballs.
noobermensch
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After a slightly disappointing Champs up to now, Kade was able to show what he's all about with a solid performance in SA's final game. He works hard defensively, applying strong tackling pressure. He's strong overhead and on the ground, and capable lacing out targets by foot.
Cal Twomey thinks too much. This is more about justifying his picks than the club’s.Excellent article and a great idea by Cal Twomey...
The draft capsule: How to solve recruiting's hindsight problem
Cal Twomey writes how a 'draft capsule' would solve recruiting's revisionism problemwww.afl.com.au
OPINION
The draft capsule: How to solve recruiting's hindsight problem
Cal Twomey writes how a 'draft capsule' would solve recruiting's revisionism problem
WE ARE calling it the 'draft capsule' and it needs to be added to the draft landscape as a key part of the year-round discussion.
Here's what we're putting forward: at the conclusion of every national draft, each club anonymously submits its top-30 list of draft prospects for that season into an online AFL portal.
They are ranked in order from No.1 to 30 and collectively each pick is assigned points. The system automatically collates the points for each player depending on where they are put by the clubs and then generates a consensus top 30 draft prospects, in order, as judged by the clubs and recruiters themselves.
It remains anonymous and under lock and key for 12 months and isn't released publicly until a week before the following year's draft – when the fanfare, interest and buzz on the next generation is at fever pitch. With time, the opening of the draft capsule will become a key part of the draft news cycle, bringing with it storylines on who was actually ranked where and how the first years of the players' careers had panned out against expectations.
Here's why the draft capsule is needed.
Recruiting has a revisionism problem. More broadly, it is human nature to use hindsight to turn the narrative the way that suits a current position.
But the clandestine nature of drafting means it is very easy years down the track to twist where certain players were ranked and how keen (or not) clubs were on them depending on how successful (or not) their careers are. Often the comparisons are used to skewer the scouts who made the choices, even though they were often in line with where the general view was of the player's draft range.
The draft capsule will take out the guesswork. Richard Tambling at pick No.4 ahead of Lance Franklin? Well, the capsule might have told you that the consensus was that Tambling was ahead of Buddy and it wasn't just the Tigers.
Dustin Martin at No.4 behind Tom Scully and Jack Trengove? The consensus might have said that's exactly where he was – and exactly who clubs also had ahead of him.
But the draft capsule concept won't just defend picks that don't turn out well – it will be able to shine a light on the riskier selections that work or challenge those that don't.
Where did the consensus draft actually have Marcus Bontempelli before the Bulldogs took him at No.4 in 2013? Or Clayton Oliver when Melbourne grabbed him at the same number two years later?
Both were considered genuine draft bolters, but were they really according to the recruiters? What about the Wil Powell type of examples? Unspoken about in the lead-up to the 2017 draft, the Suns swooped at No.19. The draft capsule would certainly not have had Powell in the consensus top 30 but he has proven to be a terrific pick.
And then there's the Chad Warner example. He got to the Swans' fourth pick in the 2019 draft at No.39 overall. Would he have featured in the consensus top 30?
In 2018, after the introduction of live trading during the draft, we started at AFL.com.au a now annual tradition of diving into the machinations of the first round of the draft in the days following it. It digs into all the what ifs, tactics and bluffs as well as the priorities for each club.
Every year since, the story has covered the deals that happened and those that didn't, the offers that fell flat and which players each clubs were really after with their picks. It serves as a reference point for down the track.
Of course, the draft capsule relies on recruiter and club honesty – the AFL wouldn't be able to enforce that other than suggesting the clubs would also get something out of the exercise.
Club recruiting teams often go back and revisit why some picks worked and others didn't, what they missed or what they mistook and any clues to help the next draft night they're on the clock. Some of those assessments can be informed further by the capsule each year, with not only content but more importantly context being borne out of the exercise.
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If the AFL makes changes to FS, NGA and academy bidding for this years draft then there may not be the opportunity to trade for another first before we have to match.
The three clubs that would normally be trading their first for a larger yield of points via junk picks are Carlton (Campo twins), Brisbane (Ashcroft) and Gold Coast (Lombardo). But now who knows what the draft landscape may look like as the AFL tries to rein in the embarrassing free hits of previous drafts.
Brisbane, GC and certainly Carlton are right now looking like they won't have particularly high picks anyway.
Fascinating watch on the so far spluttering Laura Kane to see what she proposes for the 2024 draft and beyond.
The three clubs that would normally be trading their first for a larger yield of points via junk picks are Carlton (Campo twins), Brisbane (Ashcroft) and Gold Coast (Lombardo). But now who knows what the draft landscape may look like as the AFL tries to rein in the embarrassing free hits of previous drafts.
Brisbane, GC and certainly Carlton are right now looking like they won't have particularly high picks anyway.
Fascinating watch on the so far spluttering Laura Kane to see what she proposes for the 2024 draft and beyond.
Yeah they are going alright haha - Kade Chandler’s brother is Captain coach, and Jay’s brother is very handy.
Seems like a good idea for the media and us punters, can't see the benefit to the recruiters or clubs.
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Sid Draper named on ball for the Panthers A grade on Sunday
SOUTH
League
F: Freitag, Hindes, Fitt
HF: A. Draper, Wilkinson, Wheaton
C: Duncan, Mutch, Sampson
HB: Dunkin, Schroder, Nye
B: Clavarino, Summerton, S. Skinner
R: Northam, Davis, S. Draper
INT: McCarty, Collins, Rodrigues, Schuback, Grocock, Emile-Brennan, Tucker
IN: Clavarino, Sampson, McCarty, Northam, S.Draper, Tucker, Rodrigues
OUT: Howes (shoulder), Douglass (shoulder), Pilmore, Kirkland
NEW: Olivier Northam (St Josephs), Blake Rodrigues (Yankalilla/Reynella)
MILESTONE: Hayden Sampson (100 games)
SOUTH
League
F: Freitag, Hindes, Fitt
HF: A. Draper, Wilkinson, Wheaton
C: Duncan, Mutch, Sampson
HB: Dunkin, Schroder, Nye
B: Clavarino, Summerton, S. Skinner
R: Northam, Davis, S. Draper
INT: McCarty, Collins, Rodrigues, Schuback, Grocock, Emile-Brennan, Tucker
IN: Clavarino, Sampson, McCarty, Northam, S.Draper, Tucker, Rodrigues
OUT: Howes (shoulder), Douglass (shoulder), Pilmore, Kirkland
NEW: Olivier Northam (St Josephs), Blake Rodrigues (Yankalilla/Reynella)
MILESTONE: Hayden Sampson (100 games)
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Draft watch: The APS school footy standouts who have impressed throughout the 2024 season
Here’s who have been the standouts across the competition this season.
Tairon Ah-Mu, Haileybury College
The bottom-age ruckman has been in Haileybury College’s best nearly every week. In addition to racking up the hit-outs, Ah-Mu can, and has, hit the scoreboard. Once he fills in his frame a bit more, he will be incredibly difficult to stop.
Jasper Alger, Caulfield Grammar
Caulfield Grammar has never been short of exciting goal kickers. Alger has lit up some games for CGS this year, kicking hauls of eight, five, five and four. He’s been getting high-possession numbers in each of his games and has got involved in other scores as well as his own.
Harry Armstrong, Haileybury College
It’s hard to look past a forward who kicked 10 in his last game. Armstrong stuffed the stat sheet against Melbourne Grammar, booting 10 of Haileybury’s 22 goals. Armstrong’s stocks as a draft prospect are rising as quickly as his goal tally.
Levi Ashcroft, Brighton Grammar
Ashcroft hasn’t put a foot wrong when playing for Brighton Grammar this year. He’s found the footy at will and regularly hit the scoreboard. The Brisbane Lions father-son prospect has won just about every accolade there is to offer for a draftee so far this year, so an APS title would be just another chapter to what has been a superb year.
Levi Ashcroft on the move. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Jesse Dattoli, Carey Grammar
Dattoli had some big games for Carey before impressing for Vic Metro at the national championships. The Northern Knights prospect had 30 disposals, 19 contested possessions and slotted three goals in Carey’s round two loss to Scotch College and booted four majors in their win over St Kevin’s in round five. Had led the way for Carey when he hasn’t been called up for higher honours.
Tom Evans, Xavier College
Evans stuffed the statsheet in his most recent game for Xavier, finishing with 37 disposals and 23 contested possessions. His round two display against Geelong Grammar (34 disposals, 15 contested possessions and eight clearances) also stood out. The Xavier College captain has impressed with his inside ball-winning and leadership this season and has had some promising games for the Bendigo Pioneers.
Archer Hanegraaf, Geelong College
Hanegraaf has been a key part of Geelong College’s midfield with his contested ball-winning, strong defensive pressure and scoreboard impact. The Geelong Falcons prospect went into the mid-season break in red-hot form, slotting three majors against Wesley and following it up with another three goals. 22 disposals, 16 contested possesions and eight tackles in their win over Xavier. He has combined nicely with his younger brother, Charlie, who is eligible for the 2026 draft.
Lenny Hoffman, Brighton Grammar
Hoffman has really increased his draft worth this year while playing for Brighton Grammar as well as Coates league, so much so, there’s discussion he will fall out St Kilda’s grasp as a Next Generation Academy product. He was among Brighton’s best in its last win over Carey Grammar.
Taj Hotton, Haileybury College
Hotton has been one of Haileybury College’s most consistent performers this year. He started the season in red-hot form, having 27 disposals and three goals in successive weeks. He unfortunately sustained an ACL injury which will keep him on the sidelines for an extended period of time.
Taj Hotton playing for the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Xavier Ivisic, Geelong Grammar
Ivisic has been racking up the Sherrin at will and has got better as the season has gone on, culminating in a promising national championships campaign. The Geelong Falcons midfielder registered a whopping 47 disposals, 13 marks and 10 clearances against Carey and backed it up with 36 disposals in their loss to Haileybury the next week. Initially viewed as an outside midfielder, his form at school level and the Falcons has seen him used on the inside for Vic Country at times.
Ben Kennedy, Xavier College
Kennedy has been consistently among Xavier’s best players this season when he hasn’t been in action for the Allies at the national championships. He has stood out with his reading of the play and defensive attributes, but he was swung forward in their most recent gone and starred with five goals. The Murray Bushrangers product has played every game for the Allies as a lockdown defender.
Doug Kerr, St Kevin’s
Part of Collingwood’s NGA, Kerr has had some productive outings at APS level. One of his best came early in the season when he gathered 31 disposals, 21 contested possessions and 12 clearances. Kerr played three games for the Chargers earlier in the season.
Felix Kneipp, Wesley College
Kneipp could have made this list from his fill-up game against Caulfield Grammar alone. The smooth-moving midfielder gathered 48 disposals and kicked two goals. It wasn’t a handball feast either, with 30 of Kneipp’s possessions being kicks and 24 of them being effective. In addition to that game, Kneipp has been a driving force for Wesley – regularly being named among the Lions’ best.
Sam Lalor, Geelong Grammar
Coming off a very limited pre-season, Lalor set the APS competition alight with a stunning seven-goal haul in round one against Wesley – six of those coming in the second half. The potential top-10 selection has been kept out by a couple of other injury niggles but he showed his class with a monster display in the final round before the bye, amassing 42 disposals, 22 contested possessions and two goals against St Kevin’s.
Sam Lalor celebrates one of his seven goals. Picture: Alan Barber
Sam Marshall, Melbourne Grammar
The Brisbane Lions Academy prospect produced a jawdropping statline before the APS break, raising the bat for 50 disposals in a heavy loss for Melbourne Grammar. He has won possessions for fun whenever he has taken the field for Melbourne Grammar, but he hasn’t been as available as other draftable talents as part of the Allies squad. Marshall has played for five different teams this year – recently turning out for Brisbane’s VFL side.
Bailey McKenzie, Brighton Grammar
McKenzie has been the final product in a selection of Brighton Grammar wins this year. He’s hit the scoreboard consistently, including a best-on-ground eight in his last match.
Harry O’Farrell, St Kevin’s
The AFL Academy member has been a crucial cog down back for St Kevin’s. The key defender was particularly impressive in the last game before the APS break, where he clunked seven intercept marks. He has been named in the best in just about every game he has played this season and has also played two games for Vic Metro, missing their third game against South Australia with injury.
Riley Onley, Scotch College
Onley is running a bit of a one-man-band in the Scotch College midfield, and he is doing it beautifully. Scotch has won four games this year, which have largely been due to the output of Onley. He ran amok in the early rounds, winning a pile of the footy – majority of them contested.
Flynn Penry wins a hitout for Geelong Grammar. Picture: Alan Barber
Flynn Penry, Geelong Grammar
Penry has been one of the most dominant ruckman in the APS competition, continuing his strong form from last year. The GWV Rebels big man has found plenty of the ball and given the likes of Xavier Ivisic and Sam Lalor first use in the midfield. One of Penry’s best performances came in round two when he had 28 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances against Xavier College.
Angus Phillips, St Kevin’s
Phillips, the brother of 2024 Hawthorn supplemental signing Ethan, has had some strong performances for St Kevin’s in the midfield. He dominated against Geelong Grammar before the APS break, booting three goals and tallying 43 disposals and seven clearances. He has also played three games for the Oakleigh Chargers this season.
Murphy Reid, Caulfield Grammar
The potential no.1 pick has been a clearance beast at APS level this season. Prior to his dominant national championships, Reid was winning his fair share of possessions for Caulfield Grammar but was having his biggest say at stoppage. In one game this year, more than 50 per cent of Reid’s disposals for the day were clearances.
Murphy Reid. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Ben Rongdit, Geelong Grammar
Rongdit is an eye-catching player with his outstanding leap and doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have an influence. The Cats Next Generation Academy talent, who is a 2025 draft prospect, has impressed with his intercept work and defensive acts for a Geelong Grammar side that has found itself under the pump often this year. He had 28 disposals, nine spoils and three intercept marks against Haileybury and also stood out in the Geelong school derby.
River Stevens, Geelong College
Stevens, the son of dual North Melbourne premiership player Anthony, has been Geelong College’s standout player this season. The highlight of his APS campaign came in the Geelong school derby, where the creative small won the best-on-ground medal with 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions and two goals. Geelong College coach Adam Cooney believes Stevens has a lot of talent and “definitely has some AFL attributes”. Stevens has gone on to show some good signs for Vic Country, including a two-goal performance against South Australia.
Nathaniel Sulzberger, Caulfield Grammar
Sulzberger started the APS season as one of the early bolters in this year’s draft and has maintained his trajectory for Caulfield Grammar. The powerful Tasmanian was among Caulfield’s best in their last hitout.
River Stevens in action for Geelong College.
Luke Trainor gets a kick away for Vic Metro. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Luke Trainor, Brighton Grammar
Trainor has played with an even greater sense of freedom than he typically does for Brighton Grammar this year. His ability to hold his opponent accountable has been excellent this year. While Trainor’s knock may have been his ability to defend dominant match-ups, in APS footy he has been a far bigger problem for those opponents than they to him.
Miles Tyrer, Melbourne Grammar
The bottom-age ruckman has been one of Melbourne Grammar’s top performers this season. The Sandringham Dragons prospect, who is in his bottom-age year, has been named in the best in most of their games, and was recognised as their best player against Caulfield Grammar in round five.
Ollie Warburton, Caulfield Grammar
The classy wingman has been among Caulfield Grammar’s best each and every week this APS season. Warburton was in the middle of a strong purple patch when the mid-season break hit but he will have his chance to bounce back into it next week.
Archie Watt, Xavier College
Watt has waxed well with his Pioneers teammate Evans in the midfield. He has consistently hit the scoreboard for Xavier and had an absolute blinder in their win over Wesley Colllege, kicking four goals to go with 40 disposals and 10 clearances. He has also played a handful of games for the Pioneers this season.
Levi West, Carey Grammar
West, the son of five-time All-Australian Scott and the younger brother of current Bulldog Rhylee, has been named in the best most weeks for Carey. That’s no mean feat for a kid who is in Year 10. One to watch in the future.
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That’s cool, that he gets to play with his brother, Arlo. Other State boys at SANFL level include Tyler Welsh back for Adelaide, while Kade Herbert returns to play on the wing for the Eagles where Charlie West will make is league debut up forward.
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Sam Lalor and Murphy Reid are the top picks for me.Draft watch: The APS school footy standouts who have impressed throughout the 2024 season
Here’s who have been the standouts across the competition this season.
Tairon Ah-Mu, Haileybury College
The bottom-age ruckman has been in Haileybury College’s best nearly every week. In addition to racking up the hit-outs, Ah-Mu can, and has, hit the scoreboard. Once he fills in his frame a bit more, he will be incredibly difficult to stop.
Jasper Alger, Caulfield Grammar
Caulfield Grammar has never been short of exciting goal kickers. Alger has lit up some games for CGS this year, kicking hauls of eight, five, five and four. He’s been getting high-possession numbers in each of his games and has got involved in other scores as well as his own.
Harry Armstrong, Haileybury College
It’s hard to look past a forward who kicked 10 in his last game. Armstrong stuffed the stat sheet against Melbourne Grammar, booting 10 of Haileybury’s 22 goals. Armstrong’s stocks as a draft prospect are rising as quickly as his goal tally.
Levi Ashcroft, Brighton Grammar
Ashcroft hasn’t put a foot wrong when playing for Brighton Grammar this year. He’s found the footy at will and regularly hit the scoreboard. The Brisbane Lions father-son prospect has won just about every accolade there is to offer for a draftee so far this year, so an APS title would be just another chapter to what has been a superb year.
Levi Ashcroft on the move. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Jesse Dattoli, Carey Grammar
Dattoli had some big games for Carey before impressing for Vic Metro at the national championships. The Northern Knights prospect had 30 disposals, 19 contested possessions and slotted three goals in Carey’s round two loss to Scotch College and booted four majors in their win over St Kevin’s in round five. Had led the way for Carey when he hasn’t been called up for higher honours.
Tom Evans, Xavier College
Evans stuffed the statsheet in his most recent game for Xavier, finishing with 37 disposals and 23 contested possessions. His round two display against Geelong Grammar (34 disposals, 15 contested possessions and eight clearances) also stood out. The Xavier College captain has impressed with his inside ball-winning and leadership this season and has had some promising games for the Bendigo Pioneers.
Archer Hanegraaf, Geelong College
Hanegraaf has been a key part of Geelong College’s midfield with his contested ball-winning, strong defensive pressure and scoreboard impact. The Geelong Falcons prospect went into the mid-season break in red-hot form, slotting three majors against Wesley and following it up with another three goals. 22 disposals, 16 contested possesions and eight tackles in their win over Xavier. He has combined nicely with his younger brother, Charlie, who is eligible for the 2026 draft.
Lenny Hoffman, Brighton Grammar
Hoffman has really increased his draft worth this year while playing for Brighton Grammar as well as Coates league, so much so, there’s discussion he will fall out St Kilda’s grasp as a Next Generation Academy product. He was among Brighton’s best in its last win over Carey Grammar.
Taj Hotton, Haileybury College
Hotton has been one of Haileybury College’s most consistent performers this year. He started the season in red-hot form, having 27 disposals and three goals in successive weeks. He unfortunately sustained an ACL injury which will keep him on the sidelines for an extended period of time.
Taj Hotton playing for the AFL Academy. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Xavier Ivisic, Geelong Grammar
Ivisic has been racking up the Sherrin at will and has got better as the season has gone on, culminating in a promising national championships campaign. The Geelong Falcons midfielder registered a whopping 47 disposals, 13 marks and 10 clearances against Carey and backed it up with 36 disposals in their loss to Haileybury the next week. Initially viewed as an outside midfielder, his form at school level and the Falcons has seen him used on the inside for Vic Country at times.
Ben Kennedy, Xavier College
Kennedy has been consistently among Xavier’s best players this season when he hasn’t been in action for the Allies at the national championships. He has stood out with his reading of the play and defensive attributes, but he was swung forward in their most recent gone and starred with five goals. The Murray Bushrangers product has played every game for the Allies as a lockdown defender.
Doug Kerr, St Kevin’s
Part of Collingwood’s NGA, Kerr has had some productive outings at APS level. One of his best came early in the season when he gathered 31 disposals, 21 contested possessions and 12 clearances. Kerr played three games for the Chargers earlier in the season.
Felix Kneipp, Wesley College
Kneipp could have made this list from his fill-up game against Caulfield Grammar alone. The smooth-moving midfielder gathered 48 disposals and kicked two goals. It wasn’t a handball feast either, with 30 of Kneipp’s possessions being kicks and 24 of them being effective. In addition to that game, Kneipp has been a driving force for Wesley – regularly being named among the Lions’ best.
Sam Lalor, Geelong Grammar
Coming off a very limited pre-season, Lalor set the APS competition alight with a stunning seven-goal haul in round one against Wesley – six of those coming in the second half. The potential top-10 selection has been kept out by a couple of other injury niggles but he showed his class with a monster display in the final round before the bye, amassing 42 disposals, 22 contested possessions and two goals against St Kevin’s.
Sam Lalor celebrates one of his seven goals. Picture: Alan Barber
Sam Marshall, Melbourne Grammar
The Brisbane Lions Academy prospect produced a jawdropping statline before the APS break, raising the bat for 50 disposals in a heavy loss for Melbourne Grammar. He has won possessions for fun whenever he has taken the field for Melbourne Grammar, but he hasn’t been as available as other draftable talents as part of the Allies squad. Marshall has played for five different teams this year – recently turning out for Brisbane’s VFL side.
Bailey McKenzie, Brighton Grammar
McKenzie has been the final product in a selection of Brighton Grammar wins this year. He’s hit the scoreboard consistently, including a best-on-ground eight in his last match.
Harry O’Farrell, St Kevin’s
The AFL Academy member has been a crucial cog down back for St Kevin’s. The key defender was particularly impressive in the last game before the APS break, where he clunked seven intercept marks. He has been named in the best in just about every game he has played this season and has also played two games for Vic Metro, missing their third game against South Australia with injury.
Riley Onley, Scotch College
Onley is running a bit of a one-man-band in the Scotch College midfield, and he is doing it beautifully. Scotch has won four games this year, which have largely been due to the output of Onley. He ran amok in the early rounds, winning a pile of the footy – majority of them contested.
Flynn Penry wins a hitout for Geelong Grammar. Picture: Alan Barber
Flynn Penry, Geelong Grammar
Penry has been one of the most dominant ruckman in the APS competition, continuing his strong form from last year. The GWV Rebels big man has found plenty of the ball and given the likes of Xavier Ivisic and Sam Lalor first use in the midfield. One of Penry’s best performances came in round two when he had 28 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances against Xavier College.
Angus Phillips, St Kevin’s
Phillips, the brother of 2024 Hawthorn supplemental signing Ethan, has had some strong performances for St Kevin’s in the midfield. He dominated against Geelong Grammar before the APS break, booting three goals and tallying 43 disposals and seven clearances. He has also played three games for the Oakleigh Chargers this season.
Murphy Reid, Caulfield Grammar
The potential no.1 pick has been a clearance beast at APS level this season. Prior to his dominant national championships, Reid was winning his fair share of possessions for Caulfield Grammar but was having his biggest say at stoppage. In one game this year, more than 50 per cent of Reid’s disposals for the day were clearances.
Murphy Reid. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Ben Rongdit, Geelong Grammar
Rongdit is an eye-catching player with his outstanding leap and doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have an influence. The Cats Next Generation Academy talent, who is a 2025 draft prospect, has impressed with his intercept work and defensive acts for a Geelong Grammar side that has found itself under the pump often this year. He had 28 disposals, nine spoils and three intercept marks against Haileybury and also stood out in the Geelong school derby.
River Stevens, Geelong College
Stevens, the son of dual North Melbourne premiership player Anthony, has been Geelong College’s standout player this season. The highlight of his APS campaign came in the Geelong school derby, where the creative small won the best-on-ground medal with 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions and two goals. Geelong College coach Adam Cooney believes Stevens has a lot of talent and “definitely has some AFL attributes”. Stevens has gone on to show some good signs for Vic Country, including a two-goal performance against South Australia.
Nathaniel Sulzberger, Caulfield Grammar
Sulzberger started the APS season as one of the early bolters in this year’s draft and has maintained his trajectory for Caulfield Grammar. The powerful Tasmanian was among Caulfield’s best in their last hitout.
River Stevens in action for Geelong College.
Luke Trainor gets a kick away for Vic Metro. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Luke Trainor, Brighton Grammar
Trainor has played with an even greater sense of freedom than he typically does for Brighton Grammar this year. His ability to hold his opponent accountable has been excellent this year. While Trainor’s knock may have been his ability to defend dominant match-ups, in APS footy he has been a far bigger problem for those opponents than they to him.
Miles Tyrer, Melbourne Grammar
The bottom-age ruckman has been one of Melbourne Grammar’s top performers this season. The Sandringham Dragons prospect, who is in his bottom-age year, has been named in the best in most of their games, and was recognised as their best player against Caulfield Grammar in round five.
Ollie Warburton, Caulfield Grammar
The classy wingman has been among Caulfield Grammar’s best each and every week this APS season. Warburton was in the middle of a strong purple patch when the mid-season break hit but he will have his chance to bounce back into it next week.
Archie Watt, Xavier College
Watt has waxed well with his Pioneers teammate Evans in the midfield. He has consistently hit the scoreboard for Xavier and had an absolute blinder in their win over Wesley Colllege, kicking four goals to go with 40 disposals and 10 clearances. He has also played a handful of games for the Pioneers this season.
Levi West, Carey Grammar
West, the son of five-time All-Australian Scott and the younger brother of current Bulldog Rhylee, has been named in the best most weeks for Carey. That’s no mean feat for a kid who is in Year 10. One to watch in the future.
Hope we choose either with our top pick
Not sure how his shin splints affect his poor decision making/execution, particularly by hand.
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Teams in for Sunday's Allies vs Vic Country up at Brighton Homes Arena (Brisbane's new training centre at Springfield)..!0.35AM AEST
Finally top prospect midfielder Finn O'Sullivan good to go though likely to be mightily underdone match fitness wise. A couple of interesting ins for VC clever GWV Rebel small forward Rhys Unwin and underager Murray Bushranger tall mid/utility Riley Onley and Clever small forward Gippy Power's Ricky Mentha for the Allies. Disappointing that nmid/half back Xavier Lindsay to miss with a calf strain for VC.
Finally top prospect midfielder Finn O'Sullivan good to go though likely to be mightily underdone match fitness wise. A couple of interesting ins for VC clever GWV Rebel small forward Rhys Unwin and underager Murray Bushranger tall mid/utility Riley Onley and Clever small forward Gippy Power's Ricky Mentha for the Allies. Disappointing that nmid/half back Xavier Lindsay to miss with a calf strain for VC.
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He had knee surgery earlier in the year so it’s take a while for him to get back up and running. Star.
Lol 5/6 if those centrals names have Barossa written all over em.
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