More NGA news

[Impatient Sainter]

An extract from a Draft Central article on Sandringham Dragons -

POWERHOUSE NAB League region, Sandringham Dragons produced a handful of AFL draftees in 2020, but looks set to build on that strong crop through its formidable 2021 squad. The Dragons have essentially retained their full 19th-year list, only adding to some of the nation’s most exciting 18th-year talents at their disposal.

There are three AFL Academy members in the Sandringham squad, along with a ridiculous amount of depth and some previously unheralded names who will look to rise onto the draft radar. The Dragons could well end up producing a trio of top 10 selections as those academy prospects – Josh Sinn, Campbell Chesser, and Blake Howes – have all already built on their strong reputations in preseason.

Sinn, who recently began his studies at Monash University, is a line-breaking half-back with elite decision making and execution by foot. A versatile type, expect to also see him roll up to a wing and even get on the inside as he continues to learn his best position. He will co-captain the side with top-ager Darby Hipwell, a strong inside midfielder who will also ply his trade for the Sandringham Zebras VFL team.

During a preseason intraclub scrap, Sinn lined up against Chesser on the wing and the two were arguably the best players afield for either team. Chesser is a similar type, able to play off half-back or through midfield with a strong athletic profile and plenty of explosiveness. His running capacity and balance between contested and uncontested ball winning is outstanding.

Howes, the third AFL Academy talent, impressed in that same intraclub match and has massive upside as an athletic forward with sticky hands and elite speed. He will likely share the forwardline with Lachlan Benton, another dangerous type, while St Kilda Next Generation Academy (NGA) and Scotch College prospect Angus McLennan proves his aerial worth at half-back. The defender has terrific footy IQ and reads the play well from behind the ball.

Saints fans will likely also have their eye on fellow NGA product Jack Peris, the son of Olympic champion Nova Peris. He hails from a national athletics background and along with his famous mother, has been mentored by the likes of Ben Long as he grew up alongside a host of famous footballing families in the Northern Territory. Relatively new to the Dragons’ program, Peris will look to provide run-and-carry and tackling pressure along the wing.

In terms of other 18th-year prospects to watch, the Dragons will likely be book-ended by Dante Visentini and Caleb Lewis, while there are strong wraps on the likes of Lachlan Brooks and Finn Callaghan in midfield. Luke Nankervis is another to watch, with the forward already garnering some attention ahead of season proper.

Looking at the 19th-year returnees, 2020 National Draft Combine invitees Luke Cleary (defender), Max Heath (ruck), and Lachlan Carrigan (half-back/wing) are all listed, with the latter currently spending some time on the sidelines. Heath should have some solid competition for his ruck spot, with Jacob Edwards emerging as a top talent of late. Both players provide a physical presence and strong follow-up work at the contest.

In midfield, Claremont junior Logan Young has made the move from Western Australia and already looks at home in Sandringham’s engine room. The big-bodied 19-year-old is the son of player agent, Colin Young. He will likely play plenty of minutes on the inside along with Charlie McKay, a Carlton father-son prospect who competes fiercely and has been touted as one to watch by his teammates.

There are also some over-agers eligible for the squad, with 2001-births Felix Flockart and Jesse Castan set to be available should Sandringham VFL duties not come knocking. The former is a raw ruckman who flourished during the 2019 APS Football season, while the latter is a strong, but athletic tall defender with good upside.

Sandringham’s first assignment in the new NAB League season comes against Oakleigh Chargers, the Dragons’ closest rival and the competition’s reigning premiers. That game bounces down at 2:00pm at RSEA Park on Monday April 5, bringing a massive number of high-level draftable talent to the one place. It looms as a must-watch.

—

[saynta]

And from the heraldsun.com.au

Dragons officials say selection will be tough this year as the selectors juggle plenty of talent in their NAB League Boys squad..

There is so-called “top-end’’ talent in the form of Josh Sinn, Blake Howes and Campbell Chesser.

But officials say there is much more to watch on the Sandringham Dragons’ list than the three Academy players already being talked up before a ball has been bounced in the NAB League boys season.

Coach Jackson Kornberg and region manager Mark Wheeler believe the Dragons have assembled an excellent squad and that a string of players is capable of going on to play at the national championships.

Fifty-three players have been listed.

With last season cut off by COVID-19, only 12 have played in the NAB League, all as bottom-agers.

With 2020 jettisoned, the competition has gone to Under 19s, and 22 Dragons are in the 19-year-old bracket.

There are two players even older, ruckman Felix Flockart and key position prospect Jesse Castan. Both are also fighting for a place on the Sandringham VFL list; the hope is that they can push up to the state league.
Josh Sinn of the Sandringham Dragons and Nick Daicos of the Oakleigh Chargers. The teams will kick off the season on Easter Monday.
Josh Sinn of the Sandringham Dragons and Nick Daicos of the Oakleigh Chargers. The teams will kick off the season on Easter Monday.

Newcomers include Hugo Hall-Kahan, Jack Peris (the son of former athlete Nova), Mitch Owens (the brother of Frankston VFL forward Kai), Marcus Windhager (who is returning from an ACL), Nick Salmon and Logan Young, who has come over from Perth.

He is the son of leading WA player agent Colin Young and was a prominent Colts player for Claremont.

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“He’s come to Melbourne to chase the dream,’’ Wheeler said of Young, 190cm midfielder.

Peris is a half back and wingman, with his speed his biggest asset, reflecting his athletics background. The Melbourne Grammar boarder is also involved in St Kilda’s NGA, as are Owens, Windhager and Angus McLennan.

There are quiet wraps on Scotch College student McLennan.

“Defender, reads the ball as well as anyone in our team, to be able to roll off and intercept … strong one-on-one player as well,’’ Kornberg said.

Of the 19-year-olds, Luke Cleary, Charlie McKay (the son of former Carlton star Andrew), Darby Hipwell and Lachlan Riley (the son of “Bomber’’) trained at VFL level over summer.

McKay had a run with the Blues and the others at Sandy.

Midfielder Hipwell was named as captain last year and will be co-captain this season, sharing the role with Sinn.

Half back Cleary was shaping strongly for the 2020 season and has continued to press forward with his intercepting marking. He’ll be a vice-captain, along with McKay, Chesser and Liam Hayes.
New Dragons coach Jackson Kornberg.
New Dragons coach Jackson Kornberg.

The Dragons are rich in ruck stocks, with Max Heath returning and Jacob Edwards making eye-taking improvement.

Just as Heath, 204cm, emerged in the pre-season last year, Edwards, 202cm and a Mentone Grammar student, has risen fast.

“He’s pushed his way into contention for our Round 1 team, which is exciting,’’ Kornberg said. “He’s shown dramatic improvement … his ruck work is really good but what’s most impressed me is his around-the-ground work, his follow-up, his spread from marks and spread defensively.’’

Wheeler said the Dragons had five talls who would stand out at different times this year: Heath, Edwards, Flockart, Dante Visentini and Joe Nowell.

Visentini, 18, is 201cm and Wheeler is a fan.

“I believe he probably has the best footy brain as that big bloke. He kicks the ball really well. ‘Jacko’ has always been bullish about him but I’ve probably fallen in love with him in the last month or so,’’ he said. Kornberg added: “He’s strong overhead as a key forward. His footy IQ – know where to lead, where to take his man – is super. He’ll have a go in the ruck as well.’’

A roughie?

Wheeler always likes to spotlight a smoky ahead of the season and this year he likes Luke Nankervis, a half forward who had been playing basketball.

Nankervis will play at Southern league club Bentleigh when he isn’t selected by the Dragons.

In fact, all the 19-year-olds will be playing at their local clubs when they’re not in the NAB League, which Wheeler said was a good thing.

“That’s actually a positive of COVID, that a lot of these boys will get an opportunity to excel locally and at a higher level of footy than if we’d stayed with an Under 18 competition,’’ he said.

With less players involved in school football, there will be less chopping and changing at selection every week.

Wheeler said the Dragons had a strong list and it would create some headaches for the match committee.

“Picking the 22 each week is going to be hard, because there are so many boys with talent,’’ he said.

Kornberg said: “There will be more continuity than we’ve had in the past. We’re not going to have 12, 13 changes each week.’’

The Dragons open their season on Easter Monday, playing their great rival Oakleigh Chargers at Moorabbin.

DRAGONS COACH JACKSON KORNBERG

On Josh Sinn

“He’s tall, with a long left-foot and a damaging ball user across half back. Reads the game behind the ball, well enough to be able to intercept and then propel forwards. His weapons are his kicking and how he uses the ball, particularly from the back half. He’s got speed too and you see that when he gets the ball and starts taking ground. He’ll play half back and roll through the midfield. It will be great for him to show he can play multiple positions and develop versatility.’’

On Blake Howes

“Blake’s a St Bede’s College boy, a lead-up half forward who marks the ball strongly and has the agility to change direction. His aerial presence is terrific. And he’s quick too … sub-three for the 20m sprint.’’

On Campbell Chesser

“Campbell’s a boarder at Melbourne Grammar – he moved down from Albury Wodonga for athletics, which was his primary sport when he was growing up. He picked footy and he captained Vic Country in the Under 16s. Josh Sinn captained Vic Metro Under 16s, which is probably the first time players from the one NAB League club have captained Vic Metro and Vic Country in the same year in the Under 16 program. Campbell’s got the combination of speed and endurance and he’ll run through the wing and on the ball.’’

On Finn Callaghan

“From his intraclub performances, we were really happy he was able to package together what he does at training in games. With his agility and turn of foot, he challenges the player on the mark and accelerates at full speed, shifting angles late and kicking goals. He’ll be a wing and half forward. He’s 190cm, he’s put on a bit of size and he’s got the confidence to go and win his own footy.’’

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

[Joffa Burns]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

[Impatient Sainter]

Curly its becoming very similiar to the US College system where schools seek out these kids and offer them scholarships on the back of their footballing talent. Not all these same kids would get that opportunity to go to those schools in the past - so it is actually a positive!

[Joffa Burns]

Curly its becoming very similiar to the US College system where schools seek out these kids and offer them scholarships on the back of their footballing talent. Not all these same kids would get that opportunity to go to those schools in the past - so it is actually a positive!

Spot on IS, a large amount of talented kids in all mainstream sports receive scholarships.

Scholarships include travel, uniforms, camps etc.
Not to mention talented youth receiving apparel sponsorship and other benefits.

You then have many other systems to capture talent that may slip through the cracks.

If you have the talent you rarely get missed.

I know someone who was offered an academy spot at the GCS when he was 17 and he hadn’t played AFL since he was 12. The fact is he is an elite athlete at another sport living in the zone so they came calling.

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

[Joffa Burns]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

[Joffa Burns]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

Another generic statement from the master of type something state nothing.

Where are kids getting cut from?
Where are the funding cuts?
What has this got to do with private school and the TAC cup being a farce?
Give us some examples of kids being leapfrogged by others who are not as good?

Your information is as good as your umpires cheat against us and it’s sanctioned by the AFL comments.

You really need to spend your time trawling conspiracy theory websites where you can engage with and interact with like minded pillocks.

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

Another generic statement from the master of type something state nothing.

Where are kids getting cut from?
Where are the funding cuts?
What has this got to do with private school and the TAC cup being a farce?
Give us some examples of kids being leapfrogged by others who are not as good?

Your information is as good as your umpires cheat against us and it’s sanctioned by the AFL comments.

You really need to spend your time trawling conspiracy theory websites where you can engage with and interact with like minded pillocks.

Oracle clearly you haven’t been involved so please just move along. The process is a major issue for TAC clubs. AFL directives to cull 19 year olds and promote the best 16 year olds is causing major issues. Outlying clubs and leagues are less then happy about the fall out. The long term effect on these clubs is of major concern.

[Joffa Burns]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

Another generic statement from the master of type something state nothing.

Where are kids getting cut from?
Where are the funding cuts?
What has this got to do with private school and the TAC cup being a farce?
Give us some examples of kids being leapfrogged by others who are not as good?

Your information is as good as your umpires cheat against us and it’s sanctioned by the AFL comments.

You really need to spend your time trawling conspiracy theory websites where you can engage with and interact with like minded pillocks.

Oracle clearly you haven’t been involved so please just move along. The process is a major issue for TAC clubs. AFL directives to cull 19 year olds and promote the best 16 year olds is causing major issues. Outlying clubs and leagues are less then happy about the fall out. The long term effect on these clubs is of major concern.

Of course I’m not involved, and neither are you.
I’m not involved in umpiring either but it doesn’t mean I can’t pick bulls*** from miles away like your umpires are cheats sanctioned by the AFL comments.

I have been involved in elite programs at the AIS and have attended many educational sessions.

I can pick your involvement in some outlying minor league country club where you are a coach of an under 16 team and now think you are an authority on the AFL development program because you’ve had a kid or two get cut from the Eastern Ranges and you are looking for excuses.

Seen it all before Curly at the AIS, my kid is better than that kid but hasn’t had the opportunity because excuse, excuse, excuse. Parents and coaches who can’t cop it and bitch and moan like c#nts when their kids just aren’t elite.
I can see your type a mile away Curly.

Fact is if you are good enough you don’t get cut it you do you find an alternate path.

But don’t let the facts get in the way Curly, it’s the rich kids from private schools getting pushed forward that is the issue why others aren’t making it, it’s an agenda and conspiracy. Perhaps the AFL are sanctioning it Curly?

I really feel for the kids you coach when you have such a warped view of the world, how about teaching them to be the master of their destiny and to take responsibility instead of making excuses and blaming authority

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

Another generic statement from the master of type something state nothing.

Where are kids getting cut from?
Where are the funding cuts?
What has this got to do with private school and the TAC cup being a farce?
Give us some examples of kids being leapfrogged by others who are not as good?

Your information is as good as your umpires cheat against us and it’s sanctioned by the AFL comments.

You really need to spend your time trawling conspiracy theory websites where you can engage with and interact with like minded pillocks.

Oracle clearly you haven’t been involved so please just move along. The process is a major issue for TAC clubs. AFL directives to cull 19 year olds and promote the best 16 year olds is causing major issues. Outlying clubs and leagues are less then happy about the fall out. The long term effect on these clubs is of major concern.

Of course I’m not involved, and neither are you.
I’m not involved in umpiring either but it doesn’t mean I can’t pick bulls*** from miles away like your umpires are cheats sanctioned by the AFL comments.

I have been involved in elite programs at the AIS and have attended many educational sessions.

I can pick your involvement in some outlying minor league country club where you are a coach of an under 16 team and now think you are an authority on the AFL development program because you’ve had a kid or two get cut from the Eastern Ranges and you are looking for excuses.

Seen it all before Curly at the AIS, my kid is better than that kid but hasn’t had the opportunity because excuse, excuse, excuse. Parents and coaches who can’t cop it and bitch and moan like c#nts when their kids just aren’t elite.
I can see your type a mile away Curly.

Fact is if you are good enough you don’t get cut it you do you find an alternate path.

But don’t let the facts get in the way Curly, it’s the rich kids from private schools getting pushed forward that is the issue why others aren’t making it, it’s an agenda and conspiracy. Perhaps the AFL are sanctioning it Curly?

I really feel for the kids you coach when you have such a warped view of the world, how about teaching them to be the master of their destiny and to take responsibility instead of making excuses and blaming authority

Please don’t make out you know anything about me because you don’t. As for being self indulgent well you take the cake. It is a issue at TAC level and it’s a area that is being addressed. Yeah it’s easy to say if your good enough you’ll get picked up and yes in many cases your right they do. Then there are the kids that it breaks and they never return. If you think all kids are treated equally well that’s a fantasy not a reality.

[Joffa Burns]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

Another generic statement from the master of type something state nothing.

Where are kids getting cut from?
Where are the funding cuts?
What has this got to do with private school and the TAC cup being a farce?
Give us some examples of kids being leapfrogged by others who are not as good?

Your information is as good as your umpires cheat against us and it’s sanctioned by the AFL comments.

You really need to spend your time trawling conspiracy theory websites where you can engage with and interact with like minded pillocks.

Oracle clearly you haven’t been involved so please just move along. The process is a major issue for TAC clubs. AFL directives to cull 19 year olds and promote the best 16 year olds is causing major issues. Outlying clubs and leagues are less then happy about the fall out. The long term effect on these clubs is of major concern.

Of course I’m not involved, and neither are you.
I’m not involved in umpiring either but it doesn’t mean I can’t pick bulls*** from miles away like your umpires are cheats sanctioned by the AFL comments.

I have been involved in elite programs at the AIS and have attended many educational sessions.

I can pick your involvement in some outlying minor league country club where you are a coach of an under 16 team and now think you are an authority on the AFL development program because you’ve had a kid or two get cut from the Eastern Ranges and you are looking for excuses.

Seen it all before Curly at the AIS, my kid is better than that kid but hasn’t had the opportunity because excuse, excuse, excuse. Parents and coaches who can’t cop it and bitch and moan like c#nts when their kids just aren’t elite.
I can see your type a mile away Curly.

Fact is if you are good enough you don’t get cut it you do you find an alternate path.

But don’t let the facts get in the way Curly, it’s the rich kids from private schools getting pushed forward that is the issue why others aren’t making it, it’s an agenda and conspiracy. Perhaps the AFL are sanctioning it Curly?

I really feel for the kids you coach when you have such a warped view of the world, how about teaching them to be the master of their destiny and to take responsibility instead of making excuses and blaming authority

Please don’t make out you know anything about me because you don’t. As for being self indulgent well you take the cake. It is a issue and if you at TAC level and it’s a area that is being addressed. Yeah it’s easy to say if your could enough you’ll get picked up and yes in many cases your right they do. Then there are the kids that it breaks and they never return. If you think all kids are treated equally well that’s a fantasy not a reality.

Lol, looks like I picked you in one Curly.

So much so that rambling, bumbling post is incoherent, even by your lofty standards.

Backwater club footy is not elite sport Curly, the kids who rejection breaks don't have it mentally and were never going to make it in any sport.

Elite sports people have a mental toughness that drives them, not breaks them FFS.

Do you think they need excuse making authority blaming people like you or do they need to pick themselves up and get on with it?

I have known kids who left home at 14 to move interstate to boarding school for their sport who have copped injuries and home sickness but pushed on because they have heart, and hey they all attended elite private schools on scholarships.

You are clearly a local footy club coach who can't cop rejection and are trying to play the authority of the junior talent program that you know f*** all about.

You are as full of s*** on this as every other topic you post Curly.

Good night!

[CURLY]

The TAC selection and talent programe is a farce. These recruiters and talent scouts need to go watch games rather than sit around private schools and big name suburban clubs.

I guess the gun athletes in most sports and footballers don’t get “general excellence” scholarships to the top end schools do they Curly?

All private school boys are silver spoon kids who don’t know the value of hard work hey?

It’s not the 1970’s Curly, have a look at the talent paths available for all socioeconomic groups in society and bring yourself up to speed.

A legend of the game like you “ who knows football” should be across this

The Oracle has spoken and once again goes the personal attack. Cuts are being done all over the state at the moment and the process has major flaws.

Perhaps you could explain why the process is a farce and how and where these cuts are taking place and where are the major flaws in the process?

You appear to be confusing pointing out stupidity with personal motive. Please don’t forget I am the anointed forum oracle and the “soul voice” of the forum.

You should thank me Curly, I treat you like a normal functioning human being where others here make allowances for your “challenges” and refrain from comment.

Kids are getting cut without playing a game or anyone seeing them play for 12 months. Kids with someone pushing their barrow are leap frogging better players. This year more than ever.

Another generic statement from the master of type something state nothing.

Where are kids getting cut from?
Where are the funding cuts?
What has this got to do with private school and the TAC cup being a farce?
Give us some examples of kids being leapfrogged by others who are not as good?

Your information is as good as your umpires cheat against us and it’s sanctioned by the AFL comments.

You really need to spend your time trawling conspiracy theory websites where you can engage with and interact with like minded pillocks.

Oracle clearly you haven’t been involved so please just move along. The process is a major issue for TAC clubs. AFL directives to cull 19 year olds and promote the best 16 year olds is causing major issues. Outlying clubs and leagues are less then happy about the fall out. The long term effect on these clubs is of major concern.

Of course I’m not involved, and neither are you.
I’m not involved in umpiring either but it doesn’t mean I can’t pick bulls*** from miles away like your umpires are cheats sanctioned by the AFL comments.

I have been involved in elite programs at the AIS and have attended many educational sessions.

I can pick your involvement in some outlying minor league country club where you are a coach of an under 16 team and now think you are an authority on the AFL development program because you’ve had a kid or two get cut from the Eastern Ranges and you are looking for excuses.

Seen it all before Curly at the AIS, my kid is better than that kid but hasn’t had the opportunity because excuse, excuse, excuse. Parents and coaches who can’t cop it and bitch and moan like c#nts when their kids just aren’t elite.
I can see your type a mile away Curly.

Fact is if you are good enough you don’t get cut it you do you find an alternate path.

But don’t let the facts get in the way Curly, it’s the rich kids from private schools getting pushed forward that is the issue why others aren’t making it, it’s an agenda and conspiracy. Perhaps the AFL are sanctioning it Curly?

I really feel for the kids you coach when you have such a warped view of the world, how about teaching them to be the master of their destiny and to take responsibility instead of making excuses and blaming authority

Please don’t make out you know anything about me because you don’t. As for being self indulgent well you take the cake. It is a issue and if you at TAC level and it’s a area that is being addressed. Yeah it’s easy to say if your could enough you’ll get picked up and yes in many cases your right they do. Then there are the kids that it breaks and they never return. If you think all kids are treated equally well that’s a fantasy not a reality.

Lol, looks like I picked you in one Curly.

So much so that rambling, bumbling post is incoherent, even by your lofty standards.

Backwater club footy is not elite sport Curly, the kids who rejection breaks don't have it mentally and were never going to make it in any sport.

Elite sports people have a mental toughness that drives them, not breaks them FFS.

Do you think they need excuse making authority blaming people like you or do they need to pick themselves up and get on with it?

I have known kids who left home at 14 to move interstate to boarding school for their sport who have copped injuries and home sickness but pushed on because they have heart, and hey they all attended elite private schools on scholarships.

You are clearly a local footy club coach who can't cop rejection and are trying to play the authority of the junior talent program that you know f*** all about.

You are as full of s*** on this as every other topic you post Curly.

Good night!

You speak in cliches that belong in a perfect world. You don’t know s*** about the issues you only want to know the fluff piece stories. You think your so high and might because your a bully on a club forum.
Look at you announce that if a kid can’t handle it he/she doesn’t deserve or won’t make it. Clearly you haven’t been at grass roots level. So again don’t preach like you know what’s going on.
Like I said you don’t know me you don’t know what I do you don’t know how much or what I know.

Also if you think I give two f**** what you think again your wrong.

[Impatient Sainter]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

[skeptic]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

Agreed. Hunter IMO is about what you want can hope for in a mature, can play and compete which is better than nothing type

Beyond that... I’m a little over this whole notion of project ruck. Feel like we’ve employed this strategy over 10-15 years of getting a basketball player or someone that’s tall and just started playing and it just doesn’t ever work

Seems to me that if you don’t show anything promising in the first two years, it’s a clear indication that you’re not going to make it (as a ruck)

Ready to cut Sam and Shaun loose at years end

[saynta]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

Give him a chance FFS,

[Impatient Sainter]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

Give him a chance FFS,

Alabakis has this year to prove he deserves a chance but everyone who has seen him play suggests he has NFI. He even struggles to win taps at 211cm tall, it's not rocket science.

This will be his 3rd year if he hasnt got it by now he is not going to. I'd much rather see us develop a young ruckman come through that has grown up playing the game.

[Ghost Like]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

Makes sense, there's gold on these playing fields this year and we have two huge opportunities.

[saynta]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

Give him a chance FFS,

Alabakis has this year to prove he deserves a chance but everyone who has seen him play suggests he has NFI. He even struggles to win taps at 211cm tall, it's not rocket science.

This will be his 3rd year if he hasnt got it by now he is not going to. I'd much rather see us develop a young ruckman come through that has grown up playing the game.

Someone at Moorabbin with more of a clue than you or I must have seen something to keep him on the list for three years.

[Impatient Sainter]

Another little snippet from draft central write up on GWV Rebels TAC side -

Sam Butler – the brother of St Kilda’s Dan Butler will play a high half-forward role with GWV this season while also rotating through midfield. He brings good speed and tackling pressure to the fore, with his overall work rate impressing during preseason.

[Impatient Sainter]

Everything suggests Alabakis is not going to make it and Hunter/McKernan are backup rucks at best. With our two list spots I would love to see the club go scout the junior leagues and grab a young ruckmen and another (best available) possibly a speedy wingmen or midfielder in the mid season drafts.

Give him a chance FFS,

Alabakis has this year to prove he deserves a chance but everyone who has seen him play suggests he has NFI. He even struggles to win taps at 211cm tall, it's not rocket science.

This will be his 3rd year if he hasnt got it by now he is not going to. I'd much rather see us develop a young ruckman come through that has grown up playing the game.

Someone at Moorabbin with more of a clue than you or I must have seen something to keep him on the list for three years.

Do you have to insult everyone on this site? Perhaps they do have hope, but people I trust that have seen him play do not.

[The Billings Method]

How far away is he, exactly? What if the unthinkable happened and Hunter and McKernan went down this week? Would he be able to step in for even one week?

I've seen a lot of posters on here who state he's hopeless and won't make it. Is it:

a) He has few or none of the basic, requisite skills? (kicking, marking, handball, tackling etc.)

b) His running ability and general fitness levels are insufficient.

C) He has poor rucking skill. Can't position properly, tap to advantage, nor use his massive size to assist others.

d) He can't read the game well enough.

e) All of the above.

I'd be really interested in the opinions of those who've seen him in match sims, training or play in an actual game.