Elite talents: The 36 players to watch, X-factors and young guns on AFL Sydney grand final weekend
AFL Sydney grand final weekend is set to showcase the elite male and female talent across the league. We take a look at the 36 players to watch, X-factors and young guns ready to shine.
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Six huge grand finals across two days are set to draw the curtains on a huge AFL Sydney season.
Blacktown will play host to the elite male and female talent who are set to shine on the big stage on grand final weekend.
We look at the 36 players to watch, X-factors and young guns across all grades.
PREMIER WOMEN
Players to Watch
Caitlin Reid (East Coast Eagles)
Reid is regarded as the number one ruck in the competition. She was on fire in the semi final with a 33 hitout/21 disposal game. Her follow up work at the contest and running ability to provide an option ahead of the footy are where she separates herself from her opponents.
Danika Spamer (UTS Bats)
Been arguably the best this season for the Bats in her first season of Sydney football and finished third in the best and fairest voting. Had a stellar year and is tipped to have a big game in the grand final. Has proven time and time again she is up to the big stage and will be going at the contested ball.
X-Factors
Caitlin Davidson (East Coast Eagles)
Has been the standout goalkicker in the league this season with 45 goals to lead all in the premier women. Her ability to get up and down the ground gives the team multiple avenues to goal.
Imogen Brown (UTS Bats)
Has come up big in the last couple of weeks, particularly in the finals. Coming off a toe injury, Brown has had a big impact in the forward line, kicking four goals last week. Not a traditional forward but is so crafty and skilful, and someone that can turn a game around with her boot.
Young Guns
Amelie Prosser-Shaw (East Coast Eagles)
Amelie is still just 16 years old. She has added a huge amount of outside run since coming back in round 10 from a broken arm. She has been named in the best in the Eagles’ two finals so far and is playing with great confidence.
Ella Parker (UTS Bats)
Returns to the side after featuring in the AFLW Futures match last weekend. A strong draft prospect who was named as the league’s Rising Star. Has showcased her skills in her debut season of open women’s competition. She loves to take the game on despite being undersized and gets at the ball in the air.
PREMIER MEN
Players to Watch
Christian Loone (North Shore Bombers)
Christian is a dynamic player, supper athletic and can play many roles for the team. He formed his reputation as a ruckman but more recently has established himself as a key forward, competing strongly in marking contests but also proactive when the footy is on the ground. He has developed into a key player in the team and when he is playing with high intensity his teammates follow his lead.
Sam Thorne (UNSW/ES Bulldogs)
A player who is very lively around the contest, one of the midfielders but can also go forward and kick goals when he gets his hands on the ball. His ability to win contested football is nearly the best in the competition.
X-Factors
Ethan Grace (North Shore Bombers)
Ethan is a super talented young player with explosive pace and a raking left foot kick. This year he has spent his time between the Sydney VFL team and North Shore and is growing as a player each game. He has developed a tougher defensive aspect to his game during the year.
Jackson Tikkeros (UNSW/ES Bulldogs)
A very fast, smaller forward. When he gets out the back within the forward line or is able to find a bit of space to gather a crumb, he is hard to stop around goal. Can kick goals from anywhere inside 50.
Young Guns
Will Hopkins (North Shore Bombers)
Will is still eligible for U19s but has established himself in the men’s team after overcoming a rib injury. Playing as a small forward, Will has a good balance between attack and defence knowing when he needs to pressure the opposition into turnovers but has a unique ability to lead strongly and present himself as an option. He is an elite kick and makes good decisions with the footy.
Ned Hawkins (UNSW/ES Bulldogs)
Plays down the back and sometimes goes through the midfield. A powerful, running defender who is good in the air and on the ground. Has the ability to run and carry the football, and break lines.
PREMIER MEN’S RESERVES
Players to Watch
Will Bradley (North Shore Bombers)
Despite Will being in the twilight of his career, he has been in great form in the second half of the year playing some quality footy. He has a great work ethic, prepares very professionally and sets a great example for the younger players in the group to follow. He loves a contest and will be pivotal in this week’s game.
Matthew Powys (Sydney University)
One of the stars of Sydney Uni who has been picked in their best eight times this season. Been a consistent performer at this level for so long and rarely turns in a bad one. Effective on both sides of the ball and needs to be at his best again.
X-Factors
Michael Roach (North Shore Bombers)
A tough old fashioned player who thrives on a contest and throws his body in with reckless abandon. Great tackler and plays with great intensity. He has come back from a knee reconstruction this year and has built his form in the second half of the year gaining confidence week on week to become a key player in the team.
Egan Bradbery (Sydney University)
A prolific goalscorer with 28 goals for the season to lead his team and sit third in the division. Sydney Uni will need him firing in front of goal and to take his chances to take it to a credentialed North Shore side.
Young Guns
Elmore Alexander (North Shore Bombers)
Super talented player being a great athlete who can play many positions on the ground looking at ease with all of these positions. His biggest attribute is his athleticism, having the ability to take strong park marks but also competing for the footy on the ground. He will become a regular Prems player in the coming years.
Max Bylsma (Sydney University)
A country boy who played his junior footy with Orange, Bylsma got a taste of Premier football this season and hasn’t looked out of place. Impacts the contest and uses his size to perfection in the back line.
UNDER 19s
Players to Watch
Owen Turner (UNSW/ES Bulldogs)
A silky player who has lots of speed and good endurance. Played a few senior games this year. Commutes from the south coast every weekend to play, and is a half-back or midfielder who drives the ball forward. A best on ground contender if he gets going.
Declan Fitzpatrick (Sydney University)
Played a pivotal role in Sydney Uni going unbeaten through the regular season. A key man in every sense of the word and among the favourites for best on ground this weekend. In 19 games he’s been among the best 14 times, a tribute to his consistency.
X-Factors
Louis Kitto (UNSW/ES Bulldogs)
An inside mid and wing who is one of the smallest in the team but goes the hardest. He finished equal third in the best and fairest, and can seriously change the game if he gets his hand on the footy. A great user of the ball.
Daemon Lakatos (Sydney University)
The leading goalscorer in the U19s competition with 61 majors for the season, Lakatos will again be a key target in the forward line for Sydney Uni. Has booted six or more on four occasions this season, so can go off if given the chance.
Young Guns
Jed Robin (UNSW/ES Bulldogs)
A key forward who knows how to kick a goal and take a big contested mark. Can really change the game and get the ball going UNSW’s way. Still a year young but has already played a fair few Premier games, and is full of confidence.
Oscar Bosnjakovic (Sydney University)
The vice-captain of the side who is enjoying a stellar season. Been rated in the best players nine times this year, and has enjoyed a taste of reserves action in the Prems. A leader in this group who gets it done with actions.
PLATINUM MEN
Players to Watch
Bailey Stewart (South West Sydney Blues)
An ex-GWS VFL listed player who has elite skills and vision. Plays a high half forward role who can play through the midfield and impact the scoreboard.
Jaden Gilheany (Camden Cats)
Jaden is the leading goal kicker in the Platinum Division competition with 63 goals for the
season. The 20-year-old young gun is a strong overhead mark and accurate kick for goal. He
will be a handful for opposition defenders with his speed and athleticism.
X-Factors
Kuiam Anu-David (South West Sydney Blues)
Son of singer Christine Anu plays an electric brand of football off half back or half forward. Brings great skills, quick and a great leap. Always the joker but has white line fever and will be ready to tackle his former club Camden.
Troy Curtis (Camden Cats)
Troy is an incredibly fast player on the lead and accurate kick for goal at half-forward. His pressure and tackling ability is first class and an X-factor for the Camden Cats forward line. Kicked three goals in a best on ground performance in the second semi-final two weeks ago.
Young Guns
Kohan Prenter (South West Sydney Blues)
Fresh off his Kieran Jack Medal (U17s Div 1 best and fairest) he will be poised to play a vital role off half back. An attacking player with good skills and decision making, and is looking forward to going back-to-back after winning a competition last year.
Riley Fream (Camden Cats)
Riley is a fearless midfielder who is an accumulator of hard-ball gets. Never one to back away from a contest, he is an important part of the Camden Cats engine room. Finished third in the 2023 AFL Sydney league best and fairest for the Platinum Division competition.
PLATINUM MEN’S RESERVES
Players to Watch
Jack McCulloch (Camden Cats)
Jack is a smart and skilful midfield player who plays an exciting and physical brand of footy.
He has had an outstanding individual season, winning the 2023 AFL Sydney McFarlane
Medal for best and fairest player in the Platinum Division Reserves competition.
Campbell Saddington (North Shore Bombers)
Fresh from winning the McFarlane Medal as best and fairest in Platinum Reserves on Monday night, Campbell is in excellent form in the ruck for the Bombers. With the ability to move forward and kick a goal, he also provides a valuable forward target.
X-Factors
Matt Lecek (Camden Cats)
Matt is the leading goal kicker in the Platinum Division Reserves competition with 40 goals
to his name for the season. A veteran of the side, Matt’s footy smarts, strong marking ability
and accurate set shot kicking will be a major factor in Camden winning the game.
James Gibson (North Shore Bombers)
A strong defender and midfielder, James has the ability to win the hard ball and to turn defence into attack all over the field. He’s shown that throughout the season he has the ability to change a game with a few big plays.
Young Guns
Lachlan Watt (Camden Cats)
Lachlan possesses accurate and silky skills on both sides of his body. The 19-year-old young
gun can play in the midfield or as a small forward. Super fit and athletic, Lachlan can run all
day. He will be a handful for the opposition player that is tasked with limiting his impact.
Charlie Lovegrove (North Shore Bombers)
Charlie is a versatile and athletic player with a strong mark who provides elite run which breaks lines and has a disciplined approach to defence. His youthful ability will prove crucial in a big game.
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