See who sizzled for your club in pre-NAB Cup trial matches

[Ricochet]

Courtesy of the Herald Sun


CARLTON BLUES

Brock McLean was the midfield standout, racking up possessions with ease. He looks in fine touch, while Kane Lucas, who has promised that breakout year for so long now, showed glimpses.

Key defender Matthew Watson excelled, with his lethal boot and ability to read the play making him a standout. Jeff Garlett surprisingly pushed towards a halfback flank in a sign the goalkicking dazzler could be unleashed this year, as Mick did to Leon Davis in the pair’s final year at the Pies.

Andrew Walker provided his usual flare, while blonde-haired Nick Graham won plenty of admirers. The bargain midfielder, nabbed at No. 54, won plenty of clearances.

Rhys O’Keeffe, the classy left-footer who kicks goals, impressed and is a highly regarded internally at Visy Park.




COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES

IT looks like Andrew Krakouer is back. The magical forward showed plenty of tricks at Victoria Park on Friday, kicking a big bag of goals and avoiding

Quinten Lynch has been all the rage this summer and he justified that with some big grabs and working nicely into the Pies’ structure.

Clinton Young got on the paddock despite foot surgery, while fellow recruits Jordan Russell showed poise in defence and big Ben Hudson hasn’t lost any of his rucking nous.

Luke Ball boundary umpired, while Dale Thomas sat out and remains Collingwood’s biggest worry with his ankle concern.

Dane Swan moved OK, but don’t expect the likes of him or Scott Pendlebury to really flick the switch until next month.

Swan’s fitness is supreme.



ESSENDON BOMBERS

IT was more bad news for the Bombers, with skilled onballer Jake Melksham suffering a broken hand.

He’ll miss Friday night’s NAB Cup opener, along with captain Jobe Watson (knee) and star David Zaharakis (quad).

Zaharakis remains the biggest worry of that trio, while Brendon Goddard’s pre-season continues to be outstanding.

Nathan Lovett-Murray captained the Indigenous All-Stars on Friday night and did well, but Paddy Ryder was the star.

The ruckman towelled up Orren Stephenson in a dazzling display, while Leroy Jetta provided a highlight in win with a 60m bomb goal.



RICHMOND TIGERS

NOT a great showing put in when Richmond played the All-Stars in Alice Springs, but Tiger fans, keep your memberships away from all microwaves.

It was closer to a Coburg side than Damien Hardwick’s best 18 on the paddock, while there were still some positives to extract from the 50-point belting.

Matthew McDonough looks like a shrewd addition. The medium forward showed his smarts and accuracy with a nice goal, while No. 9 pick Nick Vlastuin showed his trademark ferocious attack which is likely to earn him an advanced debut.

Luke McGuane and Aaron Edwards started in the forward 50, and with all due respect, the Tigers will be a far scarier outfit when Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery take their places.

Todd Elton showed promising signs as a tall forward in tough conditions, while Dusty Martin lifted after the first break, albeit his execution surprisingly let him down.



SAINT KILDA SAINTS

STEPHEN Milne was all the talk after his four-goal effort, but you suspect the showings of boom recruit Tom Hickey and rising star Jack Newnes would have coach Scott Watters even more elated.

Hickey, who the Saints snaffled from the Gold Coast to aid their shallow ruck stocks, monstered his rivals in the hit-outs early before performing well against Justin Koschitzke.

He looks set to make a big impact this season, while Newnes’ class was on show for all to see.

David Armitage was among the standout performance, winning plenty of touches and sneaking forward to kick goals, while Milne’s offsiders Ahmed Saad (two goals) and Terry Milera (three goals) again looked lively.

Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes), who has trimmed down, marked well up forward in a big boost to the attacking potency. The man with a swankier name could be on his way to a beefed-up season.

Josh Saunders showed how brave he is and was the pick of the kids, while fellow draftee Nathan Wright has impressed this summer.

But the Saints’ second pick, mercurial forward Spencer White, faces an uphill battle to make an impact in his first year as he battles to overcome a wrist injury.



ADELAIDE CROWS

THE Crows boast one of the healthiest lists in the league and staged an intra-club behind close doors on Friday. Jason Porplyzia and Lewis Johnston, playing on opposing sides, booted three goals each, while Brad Crouch justified the hype surrounding his debut.

The hard-at-it but explosive midfielder, who coach Brenton Sanderson loves, is ready for a Round 1 debut after a year dominating at SANFL level.

He played in the midfield and drifted to half-forward, while ball magnet and bargain draft pick Rory Atkins showed off his neat kicking.

Taylor Walker was held goalless despite his side striking 16 majors in a positive sign for Adelaide’s load sharing.

The battle to be Tex’s sidekick will drag into the NAB Cup with Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan still vying for the role vacated by Kurt Tippett.



FREMANTLE DOCKERS

AARON Sandilands dominated the ruck and continues to impress after two seasons plagued by two injuries.

The big man is running pain free and, at 30, is set for a bumper year.

Jack Hannath, the man Freo pinched at the 11th hour from Melbourne’s clutches, kicked two goals and provided a target up forward.

Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce are set to run riot on opposing wings this year, showing off their skill and dash at the Dockers’ trial match.

Haydn Ballantyne spent more time in the midfield, while Fremantle’s best three players â€" Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe and David Mundy â€" sat it out.



PORT ADELAIDE POWER

THE Power played its SANFL equivalent â€" Port Magpies â€" and dominated in unsurprising fashion.

Jay Schulz snagged five majors in the first half before retiring, while raw draftee Mason Shaw played the second half and jagged two majors in front of the 4000-strong crowd.

Youngster Jake Neade booted two goals, including providing the highlight when he danced around several opponents before finding the sticks.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries unselfishly set up a few goals before unleashing in the midfield, while WAFL recruit Kane Mitchell blitzed in the midfield.

His tank looks impressive and the long-haired ball magnet could break through for senior action this season.

Mature-bodied clearance king Ollie Wines, Port’s prized No. 7 draft pick, sizzled and is seemingly headed towards a Round 1 debut and MCG showdown against best mate Jack Viney.

For the record, the Power saluted by 129 points.



SYDNEY SWANS

THE Swans played just a 40-minute trial match before holding a big skills session at Lakeside Oval on Friday, but it was again veteran Jarrad McVeigh who shone.

The premiership star has been a standout all pre-season for the Swans, who will host a 60-minute scratch match this Friday. Youngster Brandon Jack tried hard, while Harry Cunningham’s midfield and forward work excited Sydney’s coaching artillery.

Lewis Jetta is another Swan who returned from the flag victory in super touch and is looking to build on last year’s breakout season.

[Holz]

Mitchell and WInes looking really good now.

Sandi sure is tempting me. Just cant fit him in at this stage.

Luke Ball boundray umpriing is he injured?

[Ricochet]

Mitchell and WInes looking really good now.

Sandi sure is tempting me. Just cant fit him in at this stage.

Luke Ball boundray umpriing is he injured?

Yeh i read somewhere else that they won't rush Ball into game-play straight away.

Sandi is looking so tempting

[Football Factory]

Mitchell and WInes looking really good now.

Sandi sure is tempting me. Just cant fit him in at this stage.

Luke Ball boundray umpriing is he injured?

Dont think he's injured .. from what ive heard he's taking a very laid back approach after his knee injury last year .. Collingwood will ease him back in and will play some Nab so he is ready to fire round 1.

Sandi will stay in my team

Good to hear B.Crouch is kicking butt

[Mr.Craig]

One of the most impressive performers during the off season has been Sam Landsberger, especially when it comes to fantasy relevant content.

[Adamant]

Sandilands = Lock.

[Presto]

Sandy is a lock for me too, but I would not get carried away considering his opposition on the ruck: Craig Moller and Jack Hannath.
Both Griffin and Clarke did not play.

[Noz]

Craig Moller will be bigger than Nic Naitanui

[elephants]

Craig Moller will be bigger than Nic Naitanui

How do you mean?

[Mr.Craig]

Craig Moller will be bigger than Nic Naitanui

How do you mean?

He's a very exciting prospect. Not sure about becoming bigger than NicNat (well, he's taller so I guess he has that part covered :P)

Here's some highlights of Moller running around on the basketball court.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zanQz6ZWzHA

[elephants]

Was gonna say, Nic Nat is still only 22. He's going to get plenty bigger than he is already ;)

[Noz]

I meant excitement wise, Natanui is good but struggles with consistency I don't see this being a problem with Moller

I really can't wait until we see Moller V Natanui both in their prime go 1 on1.

[elephants]

Consistency will always be a problem with young ruckmen. Maybe not Moller, admittedly I haven't seen much of him, but chances are it will be.

This is a problem fixed with experience. It's coming ;)

[Noz]

Moller has been on Freos radar for about 5 years he played with the giants in the TAC a couple years ago and in the 4 games he played he got 2 BOGs, 1 2nd best and 1 4th best on ground.

I really hope Natanui can improve his game this year it would be amazing to witness.

[elephants]

Yeah, this Moller kid look promising.. But until I see anything at AFL level he will always be a Nic Nat pretender :P