• Draft mailbag: Cal Twomey answers your questions
THE OAKLEIGH Chargers have claimed back-to-back TAC Cup premierships after defeating the Eastern Ranges by 12 points on Sunday.
The Chargers' third premiership in the last four years came after they finished the home and away season in sixth position, seeing them progress from an elimination final to capture the under-18 flag at Etihad Stadium.
The Ranges also finished outside the top four to win through to the Grand Final, but were outclassed by the hard-running and even Chargers unit, which won 10.13 (73) to 9.7 (61).
Midfielder Kade Answerth won the TAC Medal as the best player in the win, after gathering a game-high 30 disposals and 10 clearances.
It capped a consistent season for Answerth, who was overlooked at last year's NAB AFL Draft but returned to the TAC Cup system under the 19-year-old rule and showed his ball-winning traits.
Oakleigh coach Mick Stinear said he hoped AFL clubs would give Answerth another look this year.
"His biggest improvement has been his running game and is explosiveness in tight," Stinear said.
"He just has a will to compete and will to win.
"He has had some Port Melbourne opportunities in the VFL, he had three games there ... It has been a super year from him and I am really happy for him."
The coach also nominated Jack Firns and Tom Phillips as others who would have impressed AFL recruiters.
Chargers teammate David Cuningham put in a strong display through the midfield as well, winning 20 disposals and showing his dash and pace by sending the ball inside-50 on six occasions.
Patrick Phillips picked up 21 disposals and also hit the scoreboard with 2.6, while another over-ager, Tom Phillips, kicked two goals in an influential first term.
In his first game since injuring his hamstring in round 12, Alex Morgan also provided some spark for the Chargers in the second half, kicking a goal from 14 disposals.
Ranges midfield star Ryan Clarke was a central reason for their progression to the Grand Final, but the hard-working onballer couldn't have the same say on Sunday.
He picked up 18 touches, while half-back Anthony Brolic also found 18 disposals in a polished display off half-back.
Jayden Stephenson, a wiry forward prospect not eligible to be drafted until 2017, again showed his exciting promise by booting three goals for the Ranges.
Stephenson played in this year's under-16 championships for Vic Metro in July but was exceptional for the Ranges in the finals, kicking 10 goals.
The Chargers broke to a five-goal lead at half-time but the deficit was cut to just two points at three-quarter time after a five-goal third term from the Ranges.
However, the Chargers steadied in the last quarter to take control of the game and seal the premiership.
EASTERN RANGES 2.3 3.6 8.6 9.7 (61)
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS 4.2 8.6 8.8 10.13 (73)
GOALS
Eastern Ranges: Hardwick 3, Stephenson 3, R.Clarke, Cotte, Garner
Oakleigh Chargers: P.Phillips 2, T.Phillips 2, Thompson 2, Walker, Morgan, Crocker, Kerr
BEST
Eastern Ranges: Cotte, Hardwick, R.Clarke, Stephenson, Brolic, Crocker
Oakleigh Chargers: Answerth, Cuningham, P.Phillips, T.Phillips, Pearce, Morgan
