APS Insider: Scouting notes and news from Haileybury’s win over Caulfield Grammar
A ruthless Haileybury outfit remains unbeaten in APS footy this season, and an all-round team performance was headlined by the son of a footy commentator and some top draft prospects.
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A ruthless Haileybury outfit remains unbeaten after holding off a brave, injury-hit Caulfield side in a game that offered recruiters a fresh look at some exciting future AFL draft prospects.
It was a consistent team performance across the board, and it was difficult to pick the Bloods’ best players, as all players contributed well to the 13-point victory.
Haileybury pair Keegan Mountford and Dylan Linden combined for seven goals and were on fire at the attacking end, while top-age ruckman Tairon Ah-Mu was dominant.
Freddie Brayshaw, son of media personality James, was one of Haileybury’s best in the midfield as he applied relentless pressure and tackled hard.
Coach Matthew Lloyd applauded the team’s effort after the match, going around the room and commending each player on their performance.
However, the Essendon great said the hard work started now and some big upcoming matches would ultimately determine the season.
For Caulfield, silky midfielder Rory Wright continued his strong season collecting clearances at will and using his lethal left boot to find teammates.
Year 10 student and 2027 prospect Angus Brown was clean with the football and turned plenty of heads.
Caulfield had plenty of its top-age talent on the sidelines, which gave greater opportunity to 2026 prospects like Boyden George and Marlon Neocleous – both of which had great games.
Neocleous is linked with Gippsland Power and stands at just 168cm, but what he lacks in height, he makes up for with heart, as a great pressure small forward.
Another one of those 2026 prospects is Gippsland Power tall forward Wil Malady, who stands at 190cm and has elite speed.
Malady had a quiet start to the match and was starved of good opportunities but still kicked two classy goals.
Here is a bit more about some of the standout performers between two of the best APS sides:
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Tairon Ah-Mu (Haileybury) 198cm – Ruck
Ah-Mu was at his damaging best for Haileybury and led the way in the contest, with plenty of clearances and hit-outs to advantage. He used his size to take control, which isn’t new, as he dominated the comp last season as a bottom-ager. When the game was in the balance at the start of the fourth, he stood up and led the way for his side. His impressive athleticism was also on display earlier in the game as he drifted forward, launched himself into a pack to pull down a mark, and kick the goal. The Dandenong Stingrays big man collected 154 ranking points in the Coates League last round and would’ve been around the mark again. He also kicked six goals in a Vic Country trial game last month.
Keegan Mountford (Haileybury) – Key Forward
Mountford is a competitive beast, a strong contested mark and has seemingly been going under the radar. He was a one-two punch with Harry Armstrong last year and kicked more than 20 goals as a bottom-ager. He had another great game for the Bloods kicking four goals (making it eight in his past two matches) and looked like clunking the ball every time he got near it. He is a tough match up, being good in the air and at ground level, also willing to pass off to teammates inside forward 50.
Freddie Brayshaw (Haileybury) 174cm – Midfielder
A midfielder who is tied with Sandringham Dragons and offers plenty around the ball. Brayshaw is a top-age player who prides himself on his pressure acts and team-first style of play. He is an in-and-under player who is tough and strong in the contest. He also floated forward at times as a scoring threat. He combined beautifully with the likes of Lawrence, Hodder, George Dimer and Ben Devenish through the middle of the ground.
Oliver Wilson (Caulfield) 186cm – Medium Defender
The running defender was one of Caulfield’s best on the day, with consistent rebound 50s throughout the entire match. He repelled many forward entries and was trusted to take the kick-ins for his side, quickly clearing the ball with good efficiency. Wilson can break the lines with his run and has the ability to go through the midfield if required. Strong in the air and tackled hard, making it difficult for the Haileybury forwards.
Rory Wright (Caulfield) 184cm – Midfielder
Wright has been considered as a potential first-round pick in 2025 and is a classy left footer who uses the ball well. His clearance work gave Caulfield the upper hand for parts of the game and whenever they were surging, he was a key reason behind it most of the time. He glided across the ground and made good decisions by hand and foot. He’s had some big outings for the Sandringham Dragons this season, collecting 30 disposals in his most recent game.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Dylan Linden (Haileybury) – Competed hard all day and was good in the air. He got some reward in the second half and finished with three goals. A spiritual leader for the team.
Ryder Pascoe (Haileybury) – Impressive off half back, measured with his ball use and is an intercepting machine.
Wil Malady (Caulfield) – A bottom-age player who is box office. Not his biggest game, but he still produced two special goals, the best of them a checkside from the boundary in the third term, after stepping a defender.
Marlon Neocleous (Caulfield) – A bottom-age talent who was impressive. Gritty and hard around the contest, also kicked a nice goal from a forward 50 stoppage.
Ryan McConnell (Caulfield) – Won plenty of the ball, particularly in the first half and stood up in the absence of some regular midfielders.
PLETHORA OF CONTRIBUTORS
The ‘team-first’ mentality that has been drilled into the Haileybury First XVII was clear to see in the clash against Caulfield.
The willingness to dish off, shepherd for teammates, and celebrate others’ success were some pleasing things in the victory.
The side has started 5-0 despite a midfield which, on paper, perhaps doesn’t have as many star individuals or top draft prospects as other schools.
Co-captains Louis Hodder and Jack Lawrence were busy in the middle, while vice-captain George Dimer was asked by his coach to perform a role, which he did exceptionally well.
The players listed, along with many others like Ryder Pascoe off half back, form the well-oiled machine that is Haileybury.
The side dropped just one match last season and has continued its success in 2025 to remain undefeated despite narrow victories over Wesley College (seven points) and Xavier College (one point).
But there is a strong focus within the four walls on remaining grounded, with a big few weeks coming up including matches against Scotch and Carey.
CAULFIELD RAVAGED BY INJURY
Top-15 prospect Oliver Greeves was one of several Caulfield stars sidelined with injury, forcing recruiters to wait another week to catch a glimpse of the exciting 191cm midfielder.
Greeves sustained an ankle injury during Round 3 against Scotch College, where he had 11 shots on goal and showcased his ‘Dangerfield-like’ explosiveness.
Despite being touch and go to play in this game, a cautious call was made to rest him ahead of a big U18 Championships campaign with Vic Metro, which are soon to begin.
Also missing was Harper McCullough (knee), Mitch Toner (hamstring), Beau Garrett (foot), and Micah Murphy (ankle).
Murphy is expected to return as early as next week, but the others remain a few weeks away.
Adding to Caulfield’s absentees was Callum Smith, who is not injured, but was playing with Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates League.
Smith, who captained the team earlier this season against Geelong and Scotch, hasn’t played for his school since Round 3.
INJURED TIGER CHEERS ON THE BLOODS
Injured Richmond key forward Harry Armstrong watched on from behind the goals with former schoolmates, cheering on Haileybury.
Armstrong was dominant for the Bloods last season, kicking 33 goals and making his name known as one of the best key forwards in the 2024 AFL draft.
He worked closely with Matthew Lloyd to improve his goal kicking and still has a strong relationship with his former coach and the school.
Armstrong was drafted to the Tigers with pick No. 23 in last year’s draft and kicked four goals across the opening four games, before sustaining a 12-week hamstring tendon injury.
The Richmond forward still has great interest in seeing how his former team performs each week, as does Essendon’s Archie Roberts.
Roberts captained the Bloods in the APS competition back in 2023 and is coaching Haileybury’s Under-17 side this season.
FACES IN THE CROWD … AND THE HALF TIME SPREAD
Essendon Hall of Famer Matthew Lloyd was there as coach of Haileybury, while former Bomber Cale Hooker is one of the team’s Assistant Coaches.
Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel is Caulfield’s Head of Football and was there watching on from behind the bench.
While there were plenty of recruiters who made the trip down to Rendall Oval, with binoculars and notepads in hand.
Leon Harris (Brisbane Lions), Ross Hill (Geelong Cats), Nick Austin (Carlton) and Kelly O’Donnell (Melbourne) were just some of the recruiters watching on.
The halftime afternoon tea was sheltered away from the cold wind on the second level of the pavilion, with an array of delicious options.
Party pies and sausage rolls were most popular, but there was an assortment of sandwiches, quiches, doughnuts, muffins, slices and brownies, as well as fresh fruit.
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Originally published as APS Insider: Scouting notes and news from Haileybury’s win over Caulfield Grammar
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