Northern Knights young guns impress in big win over Oakleigh Chargers
Northern Knights’ ball magnet set to rocket up AFL draft boards after showcasing his talents in a head-to-head battle against prospective No.1 pick Nick Daicos.
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Northern Knights’ AFL hopeful Josh Ward has shot up draft boards after an enthralling battle with expected No.1 pick Nick Daicos.
The two young guns went head-to-head for much of Saturday’s NAB League clash with Ward and the Knights coming out on top by 42 points at Warrawee Park.
While Daicos finished with a game-high 37 disposals and a goal, Ward earned best-on-ground honours with 34 touches of his own and outscored his rival with 174 SuperCoach points to 138.
The outstanding performance has him behind only Daicos in average disposals per game in the competition with 29.
Knights coach Leigh Clarke heaped praise on his young charge’s ability to play both sides of the ball.
“Josh is a terrific player and he was at his best at the weekend,” he said.
“He played on Nick Daicos, I’m not sure what Daicos got but Ward was clearly our best player.
“Offensively and defensively, his ability to work hard and his cleverness around the ball – his footy IQ – will hold him in good stead for a high draft pick I think.
“Josh is an ego-free player and willing to do what the team needs but his ability to also get on the offensive side of the ball was great. He’s got a lot of traits that AFL teams will like.”
Knight skipper Joel Trudgeon continued his outstanding season with a game-high 185 SuperCoach points thanks to 30 possessions, eight marks, nine tackles and 1.3.
Darcy Wilmot impressed off half-back with 22 disposals and Under-17 Vic Metro hopeful Jason McCormick kicked four goals.
Developing tall Angus Sievers was also important tackling the Chargers’ ruck duo of Ben Woodfull and Sam Darcy.
“Angus’ ability to play a role against Woodfull – the Vic Metro ruckman – and then they put Sam Darcy in there,” Clarke said.
“He’d only be 6 foot 2 or 6’3 but his ability to play the role for his team is extraordinary and he’s highly respected by his teammates.
“Trudgeon continues to play well above the standard and deserves everything he’s got.
“Macpherson slots back in from the Bulldogs and showed his ability to play above NAB League standard.
“Wilmot knows when the moment is there to use his high-end speed, agility and ability to see the game to open it up from half-back.”
North Melbourne father-son hopeful Jackson Archer – son of Glenn – was named in the best.
Five players made their NAB League debuts – Ben Fisher, Deacon Kalpakis, Ben Ham, Josh Hamilton and Aiden Biddle.
The 14.10 (94) to 7.10 (52) win sees the Knights jump to second on the NAB League ladder.
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Clarke was especially pleased with the performance after a three-week hiatus due to Melbourne’s COVID lockdown.
“The boys played four quarters of solid football, they should be really proud, the preparation was less than ideal for everyone,” he said.
“For them to perform at that level for four quarters against a team as high regarded as Oakleigh, it was a long-awaited win for the program.
“They’re a really connected group, if one of them goes to dinner there could be 25 going to dinner.”
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