The stakes are high as clubs across VFL, NEAFL and WAFL leagues begin their 2019 campaigns with the season openers set in place for this weekend. Final practice matches saw a number of player push for contention in their respective senior sides, with many showing promising signs and strong cases.
VFL
North Melbourne 5.5 (35) def. by Northern Blues 10.9 (69)
Leading every break, the Northern Blues finished off their preseason with a solid 34-point win against North Melbourne.
Midfielder Matt Kennedy starred in his return after sustaining a shoulder injury. Collecting 30 disposals, seven inside 50s and topping it off with a goal in the final term, Kennedy showed off his talent as he proves his case to be promoted to the senior side. Also making a return, Jack Silvagni gave a solid performance with 19 disposals, seven tackles and two goals. Silvagni played alongside first-year draftee and brother Ben, who also impressed.
With a bye round one, the Blue’s won’t play their first game until round two where they will face Geelong.
From North Melbourne, former Giant Paul Ahern strengthened his case for selection in the senior side after a stunning best on ground performance. After being named as emergency for the Roos in round two, Ahern received accolades for his performance from Senior Development Coach Gavin Brown.
“Playing as an inside-midfielder, he got plenty of the footy and used the ball really well. His skill execution and decision-making was outstanding," Brown told North Media.
“I really liked his game today.”
Curtis Taylor was also damaging across the midfield, showing promising sides as he enter his first year. Other notable mentions include Nick Larkey and Mason Wood who were solid in the forward line, bagging one goal each.
Next Saturday night North Melbourne will take on Werribee in their season-opener.
Richmond 15.9 (99) def. Collingwood 6.9 (45)
Collingwood not only lost their final practice match against Richmond last Thursday night, but they also lost veteran defender Lynden Dunn for the season as he sustained another season-ending knee injury – his second in only nine months. After missing the latter half of the 2018 season, 31-year-old Dunn returned for his first game back only to be left in shock as ruptured the ACL in his left knee.
The upsetting game saw Collingwood lose by 54 points against Richmond, with coach Jared Rivers applauding Flynn Appleby for his efforts in defence. Appleby continues to impress, strengthen his case for an AFL recall.
Collingwood will travel to Piranha Park this week as they face Coburg in their opening clash of the VFL season.
Richmond enters the 2019 VFL season with a commanding 54-point win in their final practice match against Collingwood.
In the wake of defender Alex Rance’s season-ending knee injury, young guns Noah Balta and Ryan Garthwaite are running contenders to fill Rance’s shoes. Both putting forward strong cases, the dynamite duo played key roles in holding Collingwood scoreless in the first term, as they only booted six goals for the match.
Balta put his speed and athleticism on display, intercepting marks across the back line, playing put the game with vigor and continuous effort. Taking on the role of back line general, Garthwaite has an eye for structure, positioning his teammates carefully and playing with diligence.
Down the other end of the field, key forward Callum Moore pushes for senior selection looking to replace Jack Riewoldt who suffered a radial fracture against Collingwood in Round 2. With elite speed and springy leap, Moore was consistent throughout the day, taking strong marks and looking dangerous up forward.
Richmond looks to continue their momentum, seeking a win against Geelong on Friday night.
Sandringham 5.10 (40) def. by Essendon 11.10 (76)
Starting strong in the first term, Sandringham were shut down by Essendon in the second quarter, resulting in a 36-point defeat.
Hunter Clark continues to press for a game in the senior side as he once again impressed with a strong performance, collecting 23 disposals.
Rookies Doulton Langlands and defender Logan Austin were both deserving of accolades as they secured 20 and 19 disposals respectively, keeping them busy on field. Of the five goals scored by Sandringham, mature-age draftee Robbie Young kicked two, while Lewis Peirce and Ben Long kick a goal apiece.
Sandringham opens their 2019 campaign with a clash against Footscray on Saturday night.
Essendon fans have some hope in winning a game, as the VFL side ran away with the win against Sandringham after enduring wind, heavy rain and hail over the weekend. In what started as a tight contest, Essendon defenders Michael Hartley and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher switch into second gear as they worked overtime to lead in the second half.
The first game in the red and black for Irving Mosquito will be one to remember. Impressing with his speed and ability to weave through traffic, Mosquito finished with two goals and a win over Sandringham.
There were plenty of positives as talls Sam Draper and Zac Clarke competed well at ground level and Noah Gown hit the scoreboard, impressing coach Dan Jordan.
“Noah Gown was also outstanding as a forward, competing in the conditions and bringing the ball to ground to give us some opportunities to score,” Jordan said.
Essendon hope to keep hold of their momentum as they come up against Frankston Dolphins this week in round 1.
Geelong 7.9 (51) def. by Casey Demons 12.7 (79)
Wet weather saw for a scrappy game from both sides in Geelong’s 28-point loss to Casey Demons. Whilst Geelong took time to adapt to the conditions, tall players Darcy Fort and Ryan Abbott contributed a goal each, placing themselves among Geelong’s best. The pair, alongside Wylie Buzza and Zac Smith, showed encouraging signs as they continue to strive for a position in the senior side.
Geelong coach, Shane O’Bree was impressed by McLachlan’s efforts in the midfield all game as he “showed his footwork and his ability around the contest.”
Geelong looks to redeem themselves as they kick off their 2019 VFL season taking on Richmond on Friday night.
Adjusting to the wet conditions early, Casey burst out of the blocks early, taking a 10-point lead going into the main break. Giving their opposition limited opportunity; the Demons finished their preseason campaign on a high.
Wagner brothers, Corey and Josh, both put on a strong performance, seeing plenty of the ball whilst also offering plenty of run.
Across the middle, Braydon Preuss dominated the ruck whilst Billy Stretch assisted in the Demon's win through his run and skill execution despite the wind-affected conditions.
Casey Demons will come face to face with Box Hill Hawks on Sunday, as the two compete for a round one victory.
Werribee 8.5 (53) def. by Box Hill Hawks 9.14 (68)
After trailing in the first term, Box Hill kicked into high gear in the tight match against Werribee. Strong ball use and run saw the Hawks finish their final practice match with a 15-point victory.
After being omitted from the senior side and being replaced by Tom Scully, defender David Mirra responded with an outstanding performance, giving Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson plenty to think about.
Mitch Lewis continues to show promising sides as he continues to be strong down forward, coming off the back of last year’s performance, scoring 38 goals from his 19 games at Box Hill.
Box Hill Hawks will host Casey Demons at home in the first round of the 2019 VFL season.
Footscray 10.16 (76) def. Williamstown 10.9 (69)
Footscray didn’t let the cold, blustery weather impact their final hit out before round one next week, sealing the deal with a win over Williamstown.
Many players proved their worth during the Dogs' win, with youngster Patrick Lipinski dominating the game with 32 possessions and goal. Having played 18 career games for Western Bulldogs, Lipinski continues to push his case for another run in the senior side.
Will Hayes and Roarke Smith also impressed, finishing with 22 and 18 disposals respectively, as they provided run for the Dogs. Fletcher Roberts also provided some run and remained strong in defence, collecting a solid 18 disposals.
Another youngster, Rhylee West (father-son draftee), showed positive signs after finishing the game with 19 disposals and a goals, taking yet another step in the right direction.
Footscray will open up the 2019 VFL season against Sandringham Zebras on Friday night at VU Whitten Oval.
