NAB League 2019: Fifteen-year-old ruckman makes debut for Dandenong Stingrays

As part of the NAB League Futures Round, Dandenong Stingrays had a first-gamer who is yet to turn 16, Patrick Gerdan.

Dandenong Stingrays coach Nick Cox looked away from the scoreboard and saw a lot to like in his team’s performance against the Murray Bushrangers on Saturday.

Sure, the Rays lost by 34 points, 13.20 (98) to 10.4 (64).

But they fielded 16 bottom-age players as part of the NAB League Futures Round, including 15-year-old ruckman Patrick Gerdan from Beaconsfield.

Gerdan, Brock Cliffe (Frankston YCW), Jake Klein (Langwarrin) and Lachie Cooper (Noble Park) were on debut.

“It was a really positive day for us against strong opposition again,’’ Cox said.

“We had a lot of kids exposed to some really good players and they could see where they sit with their footy. At the moment some of them are better than others. But that’s the journey they’re on.

“If you have a look at the scoreboard they should have won by a lot more. But it was pleasing we showed some signs in patches.’’

Patrick Gerdan takes a kick for the Stingrays. Pic: Stephen Hicks

The Stingrays’ best three players were all bottom-age players: Max Gregory, Bryce Milford and Gerdan, who is yet to turn 16 and went up against a 19-year-old opponent.

“He held his own. You could even make a case for him to say he broke even, if not came out on top,’’ Cox said. “He was an emergency for the Vic Country Under 16s. He’s a real competitor. He’ll play again next week, definitely.’’

Stingrays talent ID manager Darren Flanigan said: “Yeah, Paddy he’s a hard worker, a good, strong lad who competes consistently well all day. We were really pleased with the way he played.’’

Cliffe was handy in the midfield, and Klein and Cooper had some good moments in defence.

Vic Country representatives Sam de Koning and Lachie Williams did well, and tall forward Jai Neal kicked two goals.

As part of Futures Round the Stingrays had to play 11 bottom-agers, but with players away at the nationals and school football, they had an extra five.

They’ve now played 32 first-gamers this year.