Top Western Australian draft prospect Heath Mellody has firmed his top-10 credentials with a stunning performance for Claremont on Saturday.
The slightly-built half-back midfielder had 33 disposals and kicked a crucial late running goal, proving his competitiveness at the contest against senior bodies despite his slight frame.
An excellent Under-18s National Championships campaign for Western Australia resulted in him being named the Larke Medallist for the best performed player at the carnival, elevating him into top 10 considerations.
Always noted as one of the most elite kicks of the draft crop, his strength at contest and ability to win one-on-ones has rounded out his game which was on show.
“He's continued to work on that explosive pace to break through congestion and be able to use his weapons,” his WAFL Colts coach Mark Cossom told Zero Hanger earlier in the year.
“His ability on both sides of his body to hit targets to advantage is really impressive and he's doing work on his contested ball as well.
“We're trying to build out his game that way which has been great.
“He's one of those players who has the ability to run and carry the ball and deliver it. He has that in spades.”
Western Jets stars dominate
Western Jets' suite of draftable talent flexed their muscle in a big win over GWV Rebels.
Western Bulldogs-tied small forward Khaled El Souki showed his nose for goals with three majors and plenty of score involvements as an unselfish conduit in the attacking half. He finished the Talent League season with more goals than anyone else,
The athletic, high-flying Lachie Hicks, considered a second round prospect, had 27 disposals and three goals, continuing his strong year at Talent League level.
But the big surprise packet was defender Billy Wigmore who was an aerial force in the backline, taking a whopping 16 marks and proving impenetrable as his courage and read of the play came to the fore.
He also had 36 disposals, with the performance backing up a strong Under-18s National Championships which has him in clubs' sights.
Meanwhile, bottom-agers Jake Miller and Griffin Barker both showed plenty. The pair are both in Tasmania's reckoning, particularly Miller, who kicked three goals and his aerial power was impressive, while Barker's powerful fend-offs and class separated him with 30 disposals.
Intriguing double header
Dandenong Stingrays beat Eastern Ranges before Sandringham defeated Oakleigh Chargers in a double-header at Dingley on Saturday where there was plenty of star prospects on show.
For Dandenong, sharp-stepping, skilful winger Andrio Sousa provided a timely reminder of his talent, finishing with 27 disposals and showing his ability to cut through traffic and connect with forwards ahead of the footy. Having received a National Combine invite, he has draft interest after showing his enticing athleticism and skillset throughout the year.
Gus Kennedy continued his strong form in the second half of the season which has him in second round contention, while powerful forward Mitch Toner, who has mild draft interest despite missing the Vic Country squad, kicked five goals.
For Eastern Ranges, Zac Antonellos was impressive, showing excellent composure and hitting targets ahead of the footy, launching plenty of scoring chains as a half-forward.
Antonellos played the last game of the Under-18s National Championships after missing the first half of the season while his bottom-aged campaign was affected by a syndesmosis injury but he has shown obvious AFL attributes.
Midfielder/defender Archie Spencer, who had a strong nationals campaign, was another one of the Ranges' best with his aggression and intercepting, while top 2027 prospect Baxter Sruk played a trademark game through the midfield.
AFL Academy tall dominates
Gippsland Power's Xavier Ladbrook had one of his best games of the season, putting on an intercepting masterclass in the backline and showing promise with his athletic leap in the ruck.
His skills were also tidy enabling him to kickstart counter-attack as he was his side's best against a strong Northern Knights' lineup.
Ladbrook was named best afield in the second AFL Academy game for his competitiveness against senior bodies despite his light frame but his name has drifted somewhat in recent times as other key defenders have advanced their cases, but he remains a player with considerable upside well on the radar.
