Underagers shine as AFL prospects improve draft stocks in Northern Knights big win over Western Jets

While Northern Knights’ AFL hopefuls strutted their stuff in front of a host of club recruiters, a pair of 17-year-olds stole the show against Western Jets in the NAB League season finale.

Josh Watson gathers for Northern Knights.

AFL scouts descended on Werribee’s Chirnside Park on Saturday for the NAB League’s final-round triple-header.

However, it was a 17-year-old who grabbed the attention in Northern Knights’ 32-point win over Western Jets in the opening game of the day.

Nik Cox is tipped to be in high demand come the 2020 AFL Draft and recruiters got a taste of his talents.

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Standing 197cm, Cox played across half-forward and collected 12 disposals, seven marks and two goals, with his second major a sweet strike from outside 50m.

Knights coach Justin Wenke said Cox was a rare talent.

“He’s just so exciting, almost 200cm, his mobility, he’s a 6:30 on the 2km (timetrial) and he kicks left and right,” Wenke said.

Josh Watson gathers the loose ball.

Sam Philp in action for Northern Knights.

“He’s got a point of difference in his game that not a lot of kids have at that size. He can mark, he can kick and he can run.”

Fellow underagers Josh Watson and Ewan Macpherson — a Western Bulldogs father-son prospect — were equally impressive.

In just his fifth NAB League game, Watson was named Northern’s best with 21 touches, four tackles and a goal, while Macpherson finished with 22 possessions.

The Knights were in control for much of the contest, the Jets’ profligacy in front of goal killing off their hopes in the 10.8 (68) to 4.12 (36) defeat.

The win lifts Northern above Western into sixth on the ladder and a date with Bendigo Pioneers in the wildcard round.

“We played the Jets in Round 1 and we were about five and a half goals up with 10 minutes to go and we got beaten,” Wenke said.

Josh Honey fends off Tom McMahon.

Liam Kolar wins the tap over Aaron Clarke. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Charlie Simonsen in action for Northern Knightsin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“The boys had a bit to play for — it was fifth versus sixth — and there was something to take today.”

However, the win was soured by reports against Watson and Ryan Sturgess, while Liam McMahon and Nathan Howard suffered injuries.

Sturgess was outstanding in both attack and defence, finishing with 21 touches and 13 marks, while Adam Carafa’s return in midfield produced 23 possessions, four marks and four tackles.

Fresh off earning an AFL Draft state combine invite, Josh D’Intinosante booted 4.2 from 13 disposals as well as six marks and six tackles.

Wenke said the reigning best and fairest was arguably the best small forward in the competition.

“His performance in the last five or six games has been outstanding as a small forward,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s been a small forward in the comp that has been able to deliver the standard of performance that he delivered today.”

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