VFL: Number one draft pick shines, local gems on fire
AFL listed young guns put their hands up for senior debut as a local footy gun continued his impressive start to life in new colours. Here are the key talking points from Round 2 of the VFL.
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The second week of VFL action was dominated by a number of AFL listed stars.
Some players put their hand up for a potential senior debut as others gave their club’s supporters a glimpse into the future.
Here are the key talking points.
YOUNG TALLS DAZZLE FOR SANDY AND ESSENDON
Emerging St Kilda ruckman Max Heath gave the club’s supporters a glimpse into his potential at the weekend with a five goal performance in Sandringham’s big win over Essendon.
Heath’s performance also included 23 hit outs and 10 disposals.
Midfielder Jack Bytel did his chances of a recall to the Saints senior line-up no harm with 35 disposals and two goals in a best afield display.
Meanwhile for the Bombers, Patrick Voss increased his hopes of a senior debut with four goals.
CADMAN INCHES CLOSER TO AFL DEBUT
Another strong showing surely has to put Aaron Cadman firmly in the frame for AFL selection in the very near future.
The number one draft pick kicked three majors and laid four tackles in a big win for the Giants over Carlton.
With the GWS AFL side languishing in the bottom half of the ladder, an injection of the youthful and versatile 19-year-old could be what they need, and he looks like he is ready for that level.
SUNS BURN CATS
The Suns notched their highest ever VFL score of 182 — and biggest win — on Sunday, taking down Geelong 28.14.182 to 11.9.75 with a bolstered squad of 22 AFL-listed players.
Both Sean Lemmens (injury) and Mac Andrew (suspension) made their returns to football for 2023, with Andrew playing close to best on ground with 16 disposals, 13 marks, 2 tackles and 1 hitout.
2022 Team of the Year ruckman Ned Moyle continued to impress — and push his case for AFL football — finishing on 37 hit-outs, 21 touches and a goal. When he eventually makes his way into the forward line as coach Josh Drummond plans, Moyle will surely push for AFL selection.
A stacked list of players will be pushing for AFL selection after Sunday including Brayden Fiorini, Harry Sharp, Chris Burgess, Sam Day, Rory Atkins, Bodhi Uwland and Alex Davies.
Bailey Humphrey kicked an early Goal of the Year contender and is another one knocking on the door of the senior side.
KEEP AN EYE ON ANOTHER MELBOURNE TALL
With all eyes on Jacob van Rooyen’s senior debut, Matthew Jefferson took his opportunity to lead the Casey forward line.
The 19-year-old booted four goals in his side’s win.
STAR FORWARD BREAKS COLLARBONE
Star Sharks forward Max Pescud has suffered a tough blow early in the season, suffering a broken collarbone in the fourth quarter of their loss to North Melbourne.
16 seconds into the term, Pescud took a contested mark outside the goalsquare, but broke his collarbone as he hit the ground. Struggling through the pain, Pescud attempted the goal but it hit the post as the Sharks eventually went down 9.12.66 to 8.10.58.
Pescud will require surgery for the injury and is likely to be out for at least six weeks.
The Sharks managed to win three of four quarters across the match, but a horror 38-0 second quarter made things too difficult to come back from.
LOCAL LEGEND MAKES INROADS AT SWANS
The recruitment of Charlie Haley to Sydney from Balwyn made headlines with the 25-year-old starring at the local level, and he's taken that form north of the border.
He added another good VFL game to his resume, kicking three goals in a loss to Casey, as well as gathering 16 disposals.
His feats over the years are starting to translate at this higher level, a great advertisement for the strength of talent throughout Victoria‘s local leagues.
WILLIAMSTOWN RECRUITS START STRONGLY
The Seagulls are on the board for the first time in 2023 after recording a 27-point victory over a wayward Frankston on Friday night.
Marty Hore impressed again with 25 disposals, 24 of which were kicks, while Darby Henderson and Joel Ottavi booted three goals apiece.
Kai Owens impressed for the Dolphins with 24 disposals.
Originally published as VFL: Number one draft pick shines, local gems on fire
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