NAB League 2019: Noah Anderson stars in Oakleigh Chargers’ Round 1 win over Eastern Ranges

Noah Anderson highlighted why he is considered a possible first-round draft selection with a best-on-ground display in Oakleigh Chargers’ Round 1 win over Eastern Ranges.

Noah Anderson picked up 28 touches and kicked four goals in Oakleigh Chargers’ Round 1 win. Picture: Scott Barbour/AFL Photos

Noah Anderson highlighted why he is considered a first-round draft selection with a best-on-ground display in Oakleigh Chargers’ Round 1 win over Eastern Ranges on Sunday.

Anderson kicked four goals and collected 28 disposals in performance coach Leigh Clarke described as a “pretty complete day”.

The robust midfielder has already been spoken of as a top-10 draft pick this year after representing Vic Metro at the 2018 under-18 national championships.

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Clarke said Anderson was clearly best afield in the 12.16 (88) to 7.5 (47) victory.

Anderson’s father, Dean, played in two premierships at Hawthorn but is ineligible to be father-son as he only played 83 games at the Hawks. He also made 67 appearances for St Kilda.

“He’s showing some signs of really good contested ball and his composure is probably what stands out most to me,” Clarke said.

“He is just so composed when he gets the ball in his hands.

“He’s not quick … but he’s certainly very rarely caught up to.”

Oakleigh Chargers’ Jacob Woodfull and Billy McCormack compete for the ball. Picture: Scott Barbour/AFL Photos

Debutant Nick Guiney was another to impress, showing his wares as a key defender.

“A young kid who has come into our program and stepped straight into his debut game after some great practice match form, and form that just showed he was willing to do his job and compete both offensively and defensively,” Clarke said.

“We’ve been really impressed with Nick and are pretty proud of the space he’s moving in.”

Eastern led by three points at quarter-time but Oakleigh quickly asserted its authority on the contest after the first change, kicking 10.13 to 4.5 in the next three quarters.

Collingwood Next Generation Academy prospect Reef McInnes was another to catch the eye.

McInnes has ties to the Magpies and will be draft eligible in 2020.

“He’s certainly showing attributes we’re pretty impressed with,” Clarke said.

“He’s been working a bit there with Craig Black at the (Collingwood) academy. He’s a kid we’ve put in our leadership group as a bottom-ager … we’ve certainly invested in him.”