TAC Cup: Hamish and Andrew Brayshaw headline list of elite talent in Dragons v Falcons decider

IT’S time for the final Sandringham Dragons edition of the ‘Hamish and Andy’ show as the Brayshaw brothers shoot to end their junior careers with a TAC Cup title.

Hamish Brayshaw has been described as a ‘smart, intelligent kid with a big physique.’

SUNDAY night` will screen the final Sandringham Dragons edition of the ‘Hamish and Andy’ show as the Brayshaw brothers shoot to end their junior careers with a TAC Cup premiership.

While the grand final won’t produce this year’s No.1 draft pick, the younger brothers of Melbourne midfielder Angus headline a range of prospects as the Dragons battle Geelong Falcons at Etihad Stadium.

The Falcons have not reached the grand final since their 2000 flag, which Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge played in as a bottom-ager.

Andrew Brayshaw is a likely top 15 draft pick.

Hodge this week addressed the 2017 outfit, which enters on an eight-game winning streak.

Hamish Brayshaw captained last year’s Dragons premiership with a broken foot and, after returning as a 19-year-old, shapes as a rookie chance.

Andrew has soared into the likely top 15 of this year’s draft after averaging 25 disposals and five tackles since returning from Vic Metro.

“I don’t think he’d be out of place (near top of draft),” talent manager Ryan O’Connor said.

“He does a lot of things very, very well and clubs like the fact he keeps it simple. He does the right things at the right times and also seems to have an ability to step it up at critical times if the team’s not going well.”

“And Hamish is definitely worth giving the opportunity.

“He polled 15 votes in the Morrish Medal out of eight games. He’s played some good VFL footy, has continued to improve and he’s a smart, intelligent kid with a big physique.”

The Falcons are a more even team.

“You’re never going to get over 10 drafted, but there’s been interest in at least 15 of our kids,” talent manager Michael Turner said.

“We’re in a grand final and it’s given those kids on the edge a bit more chance.”

Sam Walsh has made a big mark with the Falcons this year.

Prized 2018 prospects Sam Walsh (Falcons) and twin brothers Max and Ben King (Dragons) will highlight why clubs will be hesitant to trade away early picks in next year’s draft.

That trio could contend for the No.1 mantle in a strong talent pool.

“As athletes over 200cm they’re freakish,” O’Connor said of the Kings.

“Given their athleticism and ability to impact in a bottom-age year, it all bodes well for the top-age year,” O’Connor said.

“Max is more a forward-ruck and Ben is more a key defender. But when Max had a knee cleanout, Ben was utilised forward and he kicked a couple of bags of six at school and expanded his game that way.

“They read the ball well in the air and when they get big and tall, a bit like Ben Brown, there’s not too many that can get above that. Twins compete against each other.”

Darcy Parish’s brother Cassidy will also line up for the Falcons, as will Geelong’s 2018 father-son prospect Oscar Brownless.

St Kilda spearhead Paddy McCartin’s brother Tom, who is just old enough for this year’s draft, has been named at full-forward.

“He’s different to dad,” Turner said of Brownless.

Oscar Brownless has been called a ‘very talented player.’

“He’s starting to develop a bit. We’ve played him on the back flank, we often do that with 17-year-olds to teach them defence – that’s what AFL clubs want.

“But he can go on the wing, half-forward and ruck rover.

“So in AFL-terms he’s probably going to be exactly that, a wing and half-forward. He’s a very talented player and the AFL academy are looking to maybe add him in.”

Parish also differs to slender Bombers midfielder Darcy.

“Cassidy is completely different to his brother,” Turner said.

“He’s a big unit, like he’s about 193cm at the moment and I was walking behind him the other night and you could play him at centre half-forward.

“He’s got his detractors, but since the national championships he’s played really well and he’s improved his kicking immensely and his spread and defensive running has gone to a really elite level.”

Left-footer Matthew Ling shapes as the Falcons’ first draft selection.

“He only played a couple of games last year, but he’s just developed into an elite player,” Turner said.

“He’s got genuine speed and evasiveness, he’s a beautiful left-foot kick and he sets up the play from the back line.

James Worpel was named skipper of the TAC Cup Team of the Year.

“He’s come under the radar very strongly. Unlike (James) Worpel and that he hasn’t been marked continuously since he was 16, which can be a disadvantage sometimes.”

Turner says Worpel is “a gun – and an absolute bull”.

The big-bodied midfielder captained the Falcons and Vic Country this season and was named skipper of the TAC Cup Team of the Year.

“I compare him to Taylor Adams, who was our captain, and Ben Cunnington, who was our captain. He’s exactly the same,” Turner said.

“He mightn’t go in the top 10, but he’s going to play AFL footy next year. He’s got (Adams and Cunnington’s) traits, but he’s quicker and more explosive.”

Former cricketer Nathan Murphy and inside midfielder Charlie Constable (groin) enter after fitness clouds, but are first-round prospects.

Constable’s speed worries some, but he has become a “surprise packet” this year after overcoming impact injuries.

Originally published as TAC Cup: Hamish and Andrew Brayshaw headline list of elite talent in Dragons v Falcons decider