HIGHLYrespected AIS/AFL Academy coach and former Fitzroy coach Alan McConnell runsthrough the players who caught his eye in the second round of division-onematches played at MC Labour Park in Carltonon Friday.
Inthe first match, Western Australia made it twofrom two after defeating Vic Country by 43 points, while Vic Metro chalked upits first win with a 26-point victory over South Australia in the second match. Hereare McConnell's thoughts.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SamFairclough
Fairclough won plenty of the ball –although he probably dropped out of it a little bit in the second half. He'sgot a stronger body than some of the other boys, and got a lot of the ball whenit mattered early in the game.
BradEbert
He again demonstrated his class and abilityto find the ball, both inside and outside, while his disposal was quiteexceptional.
HamishHartlett
Hamish is very lightly built and stillbottom-age, he's really classy and things happen around him when he gets theball. He has a nice side-step and despite his build at this stage of hiscareer, he is able to win the ball in one-on-one contests and find it in space.He also has lovely balance.
TomMcNarmara
McNarmara was at half-back and probablyplayed his best game. He's an AIS boy and it was probably the best game I'veseen him play. It was not ideal conditions for him because he's a runninghalf-back who likes to get handball receives and carry the footy. He's anathlete and he won plenty of the ball in conditions that didn't suit him.
LeviGreenwood
I think Greenwood's attack on the ball at half-backis exceptional. He just drives very, very hard at the footy and he makes youstand up and have a look at what else he's got to offer.
VICMETRO
AndrewOtten
I thought Otten, particularly early in thegame, was very exciting. His ability to find the ball and take contested marks– he took one lovely contested mark – indicated he was a player to watch.
TrentCotchin
Cotchin had a much better match todayacross half-back. It was interesting that he was freed up and not tagged asheavily as he was against WesternAustralia. He certainly enjoyed a bit more freedomand demonstrated an ability to be a one-touch player.
MitchellFarmer
From the back-pocket, Farmer read the ballexceptionally well. He had a great game and nullified his opponent. Hegenerated plenty of run for the Vic Metro team out of defence.
LukePotts
Potts booted four goals and was impressive.
WillSullivan
His ruck work and body work was good. He'snot a highly-rated player in this company, but I thought he demonstrated a bitto keep people intrigued.