Balwyn small forward Daniel Scala receives EFL Division 1 and 2 Young Gun Award nomination

WITH several of Balwyn’s top-liners missing through injury, small forward Daniel Scala made an immediate impression on debut to receive the Round 8 nomination for the Young Gun Award.

Daniel Scala celebrates a goal for Balwyn. Picture: David Woodhouse

RODNEY Eade hadn’t heard much about Daniel Scala before Saturday.

But it didn’t take long for the small forward to show the Balwyn coach some of his tricks.

With several of Balwyn’s top-liners missing through injury, the small forward made an eye-catching debut against Vermont.

Scala kicked three goals to be among the Tigers’ best players in the 25-point defeat, earning the Round 8 nomination for the Eastern Football League Division 1 and 2 Young Gun Award.

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Scala is also listed with Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup, booting 11 goals from seven games this year.

Eade said the 18-year-old had the attributes of a promising small forward.

“Obviously his speed off the mark, ability at ground level and he knows where the goals are, which is a real good trait to have,” Eade listed as his best traits.

“There are not many around that can make goals out of nothing, he gets in the right spots, so obviously a reasonably high level footy IQ, which is a real bonus for him.”

Eade said the Tigers would look to give Scala senior opportunities when he was available from Oakleigh Chargers.

“It was his first time playing against men and especially in an undermanned team that we had, there wasn’t many tall forwards to work off and for him to do what he did was a real feather in his cap,” he said.

“The way he performed, if the opportunity arose, we’d definitely love to play him.”

Scala is joined by Division 3 and 4 nominee Xavier Fry from Whitehorse Pioneers.

Fry is also listed at Oakleigh Chargers this year and has played two senior games at the Pioneers.