Ned and Flynn Gentile steal the show as Calder Cannons come from behind to defeat GWV Rebels
Brothers Ned and Flynn Gentile formed a match-winning combination as Calder Cannons squeezed past GWV Rebels as Sam Ramsay showed his AFL Draft class with a best on ground performance.
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It was the Gentile Show on Sunday as Calder Cannons squeezed past GWV Rebels by four points in their NAB League clash.
Ned and Flynn Gentile combined for 42 disposals to help propel the Cannons to a thrilling come-from-behind victory in Ballarat.
AFL draft smokie Ned collected 21 touches, five tackles and kicked three goals — including two in the nail-biting last quarter — while 16-year-old bottom-ager Flynn finished with 21 possessions of his own, three marks and six tackles.
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Down by 10 points at three-quarter-time, the Cannons charged home to win 9.11 (65) to 8.13 (61) and move into fifth on the ladder.
Best on ground Sam Ramsay continued his rich vein of form with 33 touches and 12 tackles — the third time in the past four games he’s racked up 30 or more disposals.
Up forward, father-son hopeful Mason Fletcher continued to impress, kicking 3.3, to take his tally to 10 goals in his last four games.
Cannons coach Ross Smith said the even contribution was pleasing as finals loom.
“We were quite fortunate in some respects, we did play five 16-year-olds, which is quite risky and ambitious,” Smith said.
“We were behind all day and really they gave us a chance. They were 5.11 at one stage and they probably could have buried us.
“Then our 18-year-olds started to find a bit of the footy and in the end we were in front at the right time of the game.
“Flynn Gentile was terrific all day and the other 16-year-old who was fantastic was Harrison Andronaco. He was easily our best player in the first half.
“Flynn’s one of the best third, fourth, fifth effort players I’ve seen. As soon as it leaves his hands he wants it back.”
Smith also praised the work of Jackson Cardillo in midfield and Josh Hotchkin’s ruck work in the decisive final quarter.
Cardillo, 17, finished with 18 disposals, three marks and three tackles.
“He gets his knees dirty, Jackson, his tackling pressure has always been good for us,” Smith said.
“He’s been one of our prime-movers. We’re trying to get him more time in the midfield, being an under-age kid to prepare him for next year.”
The Cannons now have a fortnight off with a Round 16 bye and league-wide bye before a final-round encounter with ladder-leader Eastern Ranges on August 17.
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