EDFL: Harry Albon catches the eye for Craigieburn

A 17-year-old midfielder made his mark for Craigieburn in a finals like win over St Albans with coach Shane Jacobs declaring he has a “big future” ahead as an ex-AFL forward fired.

Albon debuted for the Calder Cannons earlier this season.

Shane Jacobs promised to back the kids when he was appointed Craigieburn coach.

Now he’s watching them grow before his eyes.

The Eagles recorded their most impressive win in Jacobs’ two-year tenure on Saturday with a 18.9 (117) to 14.6 (90) win over St Albans.

And it was midfielder Harry Albon, who is on the Calder Cannons Coates Talent League list, who was front and centre.

The 17-year-old booted two goals in a best on ground display.

“He was best on by a mile,” Jacobs aid.

“Last year we played him on a wing to get him on the outside but this year he has taken his footy to another level. We’re very lucky to have access to him when he is available.

“He’s just slotted into the midfield beautifully and is finding as much of the footy as our more experience guys, the likes of our co-captain Jamie Gorgievski.

“He’s got a big future ahead of him.”

Albon might have turned heads on the weekend but Jacobs is confident his young side, among the youngest in the league, there is still more talent to be unearthed in the future.

“When I sat down with the club, I told them how important it was to build from within,” he said.

“Our under-16s are really strong, the under-18s played in a grand final last year. There’s a few in the 18s this year I’d like to get involved in the senior team.

“I think they can come in and play a role when the time is right. We’re playing good footy at the moment, the results are showing the growth in the group.”

The Eagles’ experienced players are still leading the way despite the emergence of the future stars.

Jake Carlisle booted three goals against St Albans, his best return of the season.

“Jake’s knowledge is outstanding and he’s been fantastic for me since I came into the coaching role,” Jacobs said.

“He can play anywhere on the ground. He obviously kicks goals but can go into the ruck when we need it as well.”

The weekend’s win marked an important milestone in Craigieburn’s development with Jacobs declaring his side had learnt plenty from their opening round to Hillside.

“After that game I said there’s no more honourable losses,” he said.

“People probably look at it and say we did well to get within 21 points but we don’t want to be that side. We worked hard for two weeks (due to a round two bye) to focus on St Albans and the players really responded.

“The coaching staff has really put it on them to drive this growth. St Albans are a high quality side and I was impressed with how we went about it.”

Craigieburn will now have another week off after playing its round four fixture against Roxburgh Park on Good Friday.

“I wasn’t sure how the start of week on, week off was going to impact us before the season but I think it’s given us a chance to rest some sore bodies,” Jacobs said.

St Albans will next face Maribyrnong Park.