NAB League: How Chargers boys are shaping ahead of opener

Sons of AFL greats form part of an exciting squad for the Oakleigh Chargers this season under new coach Jason Davenport. SEE THE FULL LIST HERE.

Nick Daicos is hoping to follow in his famous father’s footsteps. Picture: Quinn Rooney/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

It’s been a long time coming, but at last the Oakleigh Chargers’ next crop of AFL hopefuls get the chance to shine when they run out on Easter Monday.

For incoming Chargers coach Jason Davenport, it’s been an unorthodox start to the new gig contending with the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape, making this NAB League season one of the great unknowns.

“For what the circumstances have presented, we’re pretty happy with where we’re at,” Davenport said.

“At the time of organising it all, we weren’t able to play against an opposition – we had to play some internal games which does mean you often can feel pretty good about yourself, but at the same time you haven’t seen your stuff against an opposition.

“Our guys showed a lot of maturity in that too. They competed at a high level but there were moments where they also acknowledged that it was their teammate and looked after them – they trod that line really well from an intraclub standpoint.

“They’re definitely looking forward to getting out and about and playing against an opposition that they’re not aware of.”

Davenport brings extensive experience to the role, including time with Carlton. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media

Competition for spots is set to be red-hot this season, and while Davenport is faced with tough selection dilemmas with a healthy list to choose from, the new mentor believes it’s imperative to look at the bigger picture.

“It’s really important that our group knows Round 1 isn’t Mt Everest for what they want to achieve,” he said.

“Round 1 is the first step and that means there’s going to be some good players – when your list is as healthy as it is – that don’t get a chance to play and that’s a tough one for some to take.

“It’s more about making sure that they prepare themselves for when not if they’re going to come in.”

But it selection dilemma is welcomed by Davenport and the Chargers.

“It’s a healthy problem to have,” Davenport said.

“The healthier the competition is internally, the better you’re going to be.

“The players are going to push one-another … it’s not about comparing people and who you’re going to come into the side for.

“It’s about this is the way we play, and if this is your role do it at a high level and your spot’s going to be safe.”

An eclectic mix can be expected this season, with opportunities set to be presented across the age groups.

“Give or take our side’s going to be basically 50-50 when it comes to 19-year-olds and 18-year-olds in the first few weeks, and then as the year goes on we may even introduce some of the 17-year-olds, post national carnival,” Davenport said.

The names of ex-AFL greats jump off the page on the Chargers’ list, with one being the son of a mercurial ex-Magpie, another the son of a Brownlow medallist, and the other, the son of the full-back of the century.

The father-son prospects include none other than Nick Daicos, son of 1990 Collingwood premiership star Peter, Tex Wanganeen, son of Essendon and Port Adelaide great, Gavin, and Tom Silvagni, son of Carlton legend, Stephen.

Tex Wanganeen is eligible for both Port and Essendon father-son selection. Pictured here at Port’s father-son academy in 2018. Picture: Dylan Coker

Widely touted as one of the most promising youngsters in the program, Daicos has already made an impact in the VFL system, with a strong showing recently in the ‘Pies reserves against Footscray. Wanganeen is said to be hopeful of a return later this season after sustaining a foot injury.

And while the club is well aware of its draft prospects internally, Davenport says he’ll be keeping a lid on the expectations for the time being.

“There’s definitely players we’re identifying as draftable 19-year-olds and obviously the 18-year-olds being the draft year, ones that are being earmarked from AFL clubs and we’re aware of those names,” he said.

“But with respect to other guys that are highly committed to the program, provide them with an opportunity to put their name on the map.

“We’re going to encourage our players to express themselves, play to their strengths and compete at a high level, and particularly in these first three rounds, there’s always an opportunity for somebody to become a draft smoky very quickly.”

The Oakleigh Chargers begin their campaign on Easter Monday taking on the Sandringham Dragons at RSEA Park at 2pm.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS UNDER-19 SQUAD

Luca Anderson (Carey Grammar/Old Carey)

Spencer Anderson (Old Melbournians)

Braden Andrews (Carey Grammar/Boroondara)

Jason Baird (Wesley College)

Faye Bassarou

Scott Beilby (Scotch College/Glen Iris)

George Belcher (Old Trinity)

Hugo Bromell (Scotch College/Glen Iris)

Henry Brown (Scotch College)

Billy Bryan (St Kevins/Glen Iris)

Sam Collins (Templestowe)

Nick Daicos (Kew Rovers)

Ingo Dammersmith (Caulfield Grammar)

Sam Darcy (Scotch College/Glen Iris)

Youseph Dib (Blackburn)

Oscar Duncan (Xavier College/Boroondara)

Fraser Elliot (Uni Blues)

Brayden Fleming (Old Collegians)

Ethan Frawley (West Preston)

Harrison Free (Marcellin Old Collegians)

Julian Gangi (Boroondara Hawks)

Lachlan Godden (Doncaster)

Nick Guiney (Old Xaverians)

James Harker (Camberwell Sharks)

Will Hart (Old Xaverians)

Lochlan Jenkins (Old Grammarians)

Cal Joseph (Whitefriars/Vermont)

Luke Kelvie (Old Carey)

Alex Lukic (Old Scotch)

Flynn Maguire (Surrey Park)

Patrick Marks (Whitefriars/Vermont)

Leo Moore (Xavier College/Boroondara)

Ben Moyle (Xavier College/Surrey Park)

Ned Moyle (Xavier College/Kew Rovers)

Lachlan Rankin (Caulfield Grammar/Beverley Hills)

Dareo Rogers (Vermont)

Jed Rule (Carey Grammar/Boroondara)

Sam Seach (Hampton Rovers)

Will Sexton (Yarrawonga)

Tom Silvagni (Old Xaverians)

Alexander Tassell (Blackburn)

Joel Teal (Old Trinity)

Tharial Ter (Noble Park)

Dylan Thomas (Old Scotch)

Max Thompson (Old Carey)

Sam Tucker (St Kevins Old Boys)

Ryan Valentine (Old Scotch)

Giorgio Varagiannis (Old Grammarians)

Patrick Voss (Wesley College/Turvey Park)

Tex Wanganeen (Xavier College)

Ben Woodfull (Old Collegians)

Karl Worner (East Burwood)