Western Australia
Blayne Wilson – Played at half-back and read the ball well. He is really strong overhead and is an exceptional kick, with just three of his 23 kicks ineffective. Blayne also took nine marks, had four rebound 50s and was rated best by the WA coaches.
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, he is eligible for the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
Kane Lucas – A quality midfielder, he has played 75 per cent across half-forward. It was his best game so far in the championships, with 18 possessions, five inside 50s, two goals and two scoring assists. He has played WAFL seniors this year.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Brandon Matera – Word had it that he was in a serious car accident during this week, so he was fortunate to be with us, let alone playing. He got the all clear and played exceptionally well – he was at his best. He got 17 disposals, nine contested, six inside 50s, four goals and four scoring assists. His forward pressure was quite phenomenal.
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, he is eligible for the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
Anthony Morabito – Rated WA's second best by the coaches, I thought he was okay in the first half, but he set the game alight in the third quarter. He collected 17 disposals, 11 contested, laid four tackles and had six inside 50s. There is an X-factor about him.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Jack Darling – Played at centre half-forward, although undersized. He is a fantastic competitor, finishing with 15 disposals, eight contested and nine tackles, highlighting his forward pressure. Jack also kicked two goals, had five assists and six inside 50s.
Draft eligibility: 2010 NAB AFL Draft
Vic Metro
Tom Scully – The captain was again head and shoulders above anyone else from Vic Metro. He was heavily tagged, but still had 30 disposals, 13 contested – a game-high – six tackles and eight clearances. There was a fair percentage ineffective, but that was due to the enormous pressure put on by SA. His will to run and put himself in the contest was outstanding. He's actually like watching an AFL player, who is dropping back to play in the championships. He is absolutely ready-made.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Josh Toy – Played half-back and it's fair to say early on he was a little bit restricted, because he played on Lucas. He is wonderful one-on-one, but can also read the play. Josh still got 23 disposals, five tackles and at his run-and-carry best – 10 rebound 50s.
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, he is eligible for the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
Daniel Talia – He was quite exceptional for the second week in a row. Daniel had 18 disposals, six tackles and five marks. He is one of the better key defenders in the championships so far and generates run from the backline – doesn't just stay at home.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Jake Melksham – Quiet early, but his second half was quite pleasing. He had 21 disposals, with most coming after half-time. He had five clearances, including four centre clearances, underlying his inside ability. Jake also had three tackles.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Robbie Hicks – A small forward with electrifying pace, he kicked four goals and had six inside 50s – a good effort in a losing performance. He caused WA some concern when he came onto the ground. Robbie is one of the quickest players in the championships.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
South Australia 16.9 (105) d Vic Country 7.12 (54) at AAMI Stadium
South Australia
Jack Trengove – The captain led the way with 27 disposals, 12 contested – a game-high – seven clearances and three inside 50s. He played midfield/forward and kicked three goals. He went off early in the final term, after being crunched in a tackle.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Hayden Jolly – A bottom-age player, Hayden is a ball-magnet, winning 28 disposals, three clearances and four inside 50s. There are some areas of his game he knows he needs to work on. He is reasonably effective by foot and had a good game.
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, he is eligible for the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
Derek Wanganeen – Hailing from a familiar football name, he played on the wing, can win it inside and outside and is highly-skilled. Derek had 25 disposals, 11 contested, five tackles, three rebounds and six inside 50s. He had a very good game.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
James Craig – He had 24 hit outs, 11 possessions, seven contested and four clearances. James was really effective with his hands and dominated the hit outs. His gave first use of the ball to his midfield.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Vic Country
Gary Rohan – Gained 18 disposals, eight contested, plus four tackles and seven inside 50s. He played half-forward and high up the ground. Gary has tremendous leg speed, a really good vertical leap and presents well. It was a classy display again.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
Ben Cunnington – Played midfield/half-back. He was really hard-at-it with eight contested possessions, five tackles, five inside 50s and three rebounds. Ben was also good around the stoppages – he is ferocious around the contest and was serviceable.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
David Astbury – Personally, I thought he was Vic Country's best against SA. Started forward this week – he has also impressed in defence – taking six marks, four contested – on a day when conditions didn't suit it. He presented well and was impressive again.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
