A pair of Gippsland Power players have put themselves on the map in the first month of the Talent League season.
Clancy Snell is establishing himself as one of the best key defenders in the draft crop, while midfielder-forward Cody Templeton has impressed with his contest, clearance work and goal kicking.
The pair are Gippsland's co-captains in 2026 and have pushed their draft cases under coach Kris Pendlebury.
“We're working on making the ground big when we have the footy and utilising his kick on the run because he's such a good runner,” Pendlebury told Zero Hanger.
“He's taken some really good intercept marks and he's really good when he's behind and spoiling.
“We'll chuck him down the other end later in the year and showcase his forward craft but his ability as a lockdown type this year has been really impressive.”
Templeton effectively turned the match for Gippsland in their Round 4 clash with AFL Academy talent Xavier Ladbrook, Wil Malady and Marlon Neocleous missing.
After proving himself as a magnetic ball-winner early in his bottom-aged season, he has transformed into a dynamic utility just as capable of turning a game in the forward line.
“He's been leading by example: he's had a really strong start to the season and there's some things he does which don't get rewarded on the stats sheet like a run and chase or a bump so we can intercept.
“It's a role he'll work into and get better and better at and he sets a great example with how hard he is at the footy.
“If I could pick a player he's like in terms of the forward-midfielder split, it's probably Toby Greene: if I needed someone at stoppage with two minutes to go, I'm throwing him in, but he's such a hard match-up forward. He'll go in there to showcase his ball-winning ability but it's probably a 70-30 forward-midfielder split.”
Both players are viewed as among the best talent from outside the AFL Academy, alongside Western Australian Lucas Robinson.
Judd Burgiel, the brother of former West Coast player Coby, is another who has impressed Pendlebury with his power in the midfield and projects as a player with the traits to play as a lockdown small defender at senior level.
Pendlebury also has ruck Cohen Dent, who is on Tasmania's watch list ahead of a mini draft of 17-year-olds they will hold at the end of the year.
The imposing tall is using his height and physicality to his advantage.
“He can take marks down the line and he's continuing to get better. He asks a lot of questions and as he gets more exposure and IQ he'll improve greatly in the back half of the year.”
Oscar Henwood is another standout bottom-ager.
He missed the Under-16s National Development Championships due to injury, but has been an organised and competitive forward/midfielder in 2026 and has mae up for lost time.
“‘He reads the ball well, is clean at ground level and has such a high footy IQ. Coming off a limited preparation, he'll continue to get better and better.”
