Northern Knights unearth young excitement machine in NAB League win

The Northern Knights kicked off its NAB League campaign with a win over Western Jets with several young talents putting on impressive displays.

Dominic Akuei jumps over Paul Tsapatolis. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Northern Knights kicked off its season with a Good Friday win over Western Jets and may have discovered the next excitement machine.

In 30 degree heat at Craigieburn’s Highgate Reserve the Knights outlasted their NAB League rivals to claim a nine-point win, 8.13 (61) to 7.10 (52).

Ned Long was best-on-ground with 26 disposals and three goals rotating through the midfield while Joel Fitzgerald was the game’s leading possession-winner with 32 touches, 12 marks and four tackles.

However, it was Dominic Akuei’s performance that had tongues wagging with his marking, athleticism and versatility an intriguing combination.

The 196cm Old Trinity youngster started at full-back and took several intercept marks before being moved into the ruck, showcasing his mobility and leap, finishing with 12 touches, 13 hitouts, three tackles and a goal.

NAB League boys: Northern Knights v Western Jets. Akuei Dominic (Northern) and Paul Tsapatolis (Western). Picture: Valeriu. Campan

Dominic Akuei takes a mark in defence for Northern Knights. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Knights coach Leigh Clarke said he expected to start getting some calls for more background on Akuei.

“Dom continues to literally come forward in leaps and bounds, he played full-back and took some amazing marks,” Clarke said.

“We had to swing him into the ruck because Fletcher Parkinson dislocated his shoulder so he stepped in against an AFL-listed ruckman from Geelong (Paul Tsapotolis) and almost jumped clean over him.

“It shows he’s able to impact in multiple roles and his mobility will also allow him to play on the wing, at his height and physiology could become a really exciting prospect.

“He won the 20m (sprint) and jumping at our testing day, which shows the kind of athlete we’re dealing with.”

Long was an emergency for the Vic Metro Under-16 squad in 2019 and will be looking to break into the under-19 squad for this season’s national championships.

The midfield-forward showed plenty of potential playing through the midfield while posing a threat when resting forward.

“Longy is in an interesting space, I know young kids want to develop as midfielders because that’s where the glory is but we had an honest chat after the game and he showed his best impact up forward,” Clarke said.

Northern Knights captain Joel Trudgeon. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Jaelen Pavlidis and Darcy Wilmot fly for the ball. Picture: Valeriu. Campan

“He rotated forward from the midfield and showed he can compete in the air and it was a really strong game for him.

“We want him to have a big first three games and then Longy will head off to private school footy with Melbourne Grammar.”

After a scrappy start, the match kicking into gear in the second quarter with both teams booting three goals and the Knights holding a 13-point lead at half-time.

Despite the heat and the Jets already having a game under their belts, the Knights were able to hold firm in a second half arm-wrestle.

Josh Ward, Patrick Dozzi and Ewan Macpherson both finished with 22 disposals while skipper Joel Trudgeon had 20 touches and six tackles.

“The kids, families, supporters and staff are all very happy to see them out playing again, it’s something they’ve all worked so hard for,” Clarke said.

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“It was challenging conditions for both teams – 30 degrees in the first hit out back – and Rob Chancellor and I were able to watch the boys play four good quarters of footy.

“Physiologically, it’s a credit to the conditioning staff of both sides, the boys were able to get through four quarters because I thought we’d have players leaving the ground significantly impaired by cramp.”

Parkinson was the only major casualty for the Knights with the big man to have scans on his shoulder this week.

The Knights return to Preston City Oval on Saturday, April 10, for a Round 3 clash against Sandringham Dragons.