APS Insider: Get the lowdown on the top performers, father-son guns, NGA prospects and more from Xavier v Carey

Father-son prospects, NGA stars and a 2027 draft prospect who is already turning recruiters’ heads were all in action in APS footy this week. Get the inside word on what happened.

Zac McCarthy of the Chargers kicks a goal during the 2025 Coates Talent League. (Photo by Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)

A year 10 student put his name up in lights for Carey Grammar with a brilliant best-on-ground display, while a highly rated Collingwood prospect impressed yet again in round 2 of APS footy.

Oliver Bond and Zac McCarthy were at the fore of Carey’s heart-stopping five-point win over Xavier College on Saturday.

Bond, who is the captain of the Oakleigh Chargers under-16s in the Coates Talent League, played an all-round superb game in the backline, as he clunked intercept marks, produced goal-saving spoils and tackles, and distributed the footy well.

Carey head of sport Jack Joslin noted how post-game, coach Andrew Hamilton had heaped praise on Bond.

“(He) said it’s probably one of the most outstanding individual performances he’s seen,” Joslin said of Hamilton’s praise.

“(Bond) missed out on Vic Metro selection which surprised many that know him, he has fitted in seamlessly … big moments, taking intercept marks, good decision making, he was exceptional.”

Ruckman McCarthy, who is a member of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy, has already earned the praise of AFL recruiters and impressed again on Saturday, with his agility and footy smarts on show.

“Because of his height and dominance in the ruck was able to hit that second ring to give our on-ballers that opportunity in clean air,” Joslin said.

Jai Saxena of the Chargers in action during the 2025 Coates Talent League. (Photo by Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)

Magpies fans would’ve had plenty of reason to keep a keen eye on the clash between Xavier and Carey, given another NGA member in Jai Saxena was also in action for Xavier.

Saxena took his chances when they came and was able to impact the scoreboard.

Xavier’s Essendon father-son prospect Alijah Davey also showcased his athleticism and fleet-footedness.

For Carey, Ned La Motte played another good game in the middle off the back of some impressive showings for the Oakleigh Chargers this year, as did 16-year-olds Levi West and Jack Condello.

West, whose draft year is 2026, is the son of former Bulldog Scott West and brother of Rhylee, and had plenty of involvement as an on-baller.

Condello, a 2027 draft prospect, was likened to rising Dog Joel Freijah by Joslin given he “showed some ability to really drive with his legs and stand up in those tackles”.

Western Bulldogs training at Whitten Oval. Levi West in his kicking motion. Picture: Michael Klein.

BIG NAMES IN ATTENDANCE

Carey Grammar graduate and now AFL Saint Anthony Caminiti was among the big names in attendance at the match and could be seen floating around Carey’s huddle at quarter time.

Former AFL Cat turned NFL punter Ben Graham was another unsurprising familiar face in attendance given his son Jack was in action for Xavier.

Former Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro was also in attendance and keeping a close eye on proceedings, as were player managers Mark ‘Maxy’ Kleiman (Kapital Sports Group), Matt Bain (TGI Sport), Max Hayes (TGI Sport) and Brett Deledio (Mac’s Sports Promotions).

THE OFF-FIELD BATTLE

While they may have fallen short on the field, Xavier certainly dominated the battle of the respective cheer squads – a somewhat unsurprising outcome given the home ground advantage.

The battle was summed up succinctly by one young punter, who bluntly noted: “Carey’s cheer squad is sh**”.

It was Carey who had the last laugh late in the game however, with raucous celebrations after each goal, before the standard “Carey!” followed up three claps, rung out late in the match.

Xavier’s boisterous fans — some complete with red and black face-paint or adorning a red cape — cycled through an array of chants throughout the day.

Among them, the round ball-esque “ole ole ole” and “sha la la la la la la” chants, and a version of the timeless “everywhere we go …”

THE HALFTIME SPREAD

Host Xavier rolled out a tantalising array of treats in what was a heavily-dessert focused halftime spread. Staples such as party pies, sausage rolls, Anzac biscuits and chocolate chip cookies were included.

Among the plentiful sweet treats: muffins, slices, cakes, macrons, lamington balls and chocolate Rice Krispies.

There was also a selection of what appeared to be extravagant quiches to the ill-informed eyes of this writer.

Originally published as APS Insider: Get the lowdown on the top performers, father-son guns, NGA prospects and more from Xavier v Carey