WILL Brodie has further established himself as one of the leading midfielders in this year's draft pool after a commanding showing for the NAB AFL Academy against Werribee's VFL team on Friday night.
In a curtain raiser to Collingwood's clash with Richmond, this year's draft hopefuls were overwhelmed by the mature bodies of the Werribee players, losing by 50 points. After a strong start, the Academy lost 18.12 (120) to 10.10 (70).
Brodie was awarded the MCC President's Medal as the Academy's best player after gathering 20 disposals and sending the ball isndie-50 on seven occasions. He was especially prominent in the second term as the Academy booted four goals, with Brodie kicking one and setting up another for his team.
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The Murray Bushrangers teenager was also the Academy's best player a year ago when it travelled to New Zealand for a clash with a mature-age squad.
West Australian Sam Petrevski-Seton showed why he is in the minds of clubs as a possible No.1 pick with a classy outing, the midfielder picking up 14 disposals and kicking an opening term goal. His ability to weave through traffic and set up the play was impressive.
Captain Jarrod Berry (17 disposals, four rebound-50s) ran hard through the midfield, Jack Bowes kicked two goals from 14 polished disposals, Sam Powell-Pepper showed his power and strength at the stoppages, and Hugh McCluggage was smart in tight spaces.
The Academy led Werribee by one point at half-time before the stronger bodies outworked the potential draftees, slamming on 12 goals to three after the long break.
There were eight North Melbourne-listed players lining up for the Tigers, with draftee Declan Mountford winning the best afield medal for his 21-disposal and one-goal effort. Hard-running midfielder Ryan Clarke also pressed his senior chances with 27 disposals and 1.3.
Ruckman Majak Daw had 20 disposals and kicked two goals, but also spent fair chunks of the game playing as a midfielder, where his size and strength put him in a strong position to win a handful of clearances.
In previous years the Academy's April contests against senior opponents have seen some of the most talented prospects emerge and stamp themselves as early picks, and the squad will have another chance next week when it takes on Geelong's VFL side next Saturday at Simonds Stadium.
It was all high fives for the Academy players early in Friday's match. Picture: AFL Media
NAB AFL ACADEMY 3.1 7.2 8.6 10.10 (70)
WERRIBEE VFL 4.3 6.7 12.8 18.12 (120)
GOALS
NAB AFL Academy: Battle 2, Bowes 2, Sproule 2, Brodie, McCluggage, Petrevski-Seton, Waterman
Werribee VFL: Barrack 3, Daw 2, Durdin 2, Wagner 2, Clarke, Mountford, Fordham, McFarlane, Wilson, Gribble, Maishman, Munro, Butt
BEST
NAB AFL Academy: Brodie, Petrevski-Seton, Berry, Bowes, McCluggage, Powell-Pepper
Werribee VFL: Mountford, Clarke, Fordham, McFarlane, Butt, Wilson
