Scouting notes: Young guns who lit up Bendigo v VAFA U19 clash

A host of impressive rising stars lit up Sunday’s interleague clash including the grandson of Richmond great Kevin Bartlett. See the breakdown of the top performers.

Mitch Kirkwood-Scott was judged best for the VAFA.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association showed why its future is so bright on Sunday with a big win over the Bendigo Football League in the under-19 representative game on Sunday.

After a tight tussle in the opening quarter, the VAFA broke away to run out 18.17 (125) to 5.6 (36) winners with a host of future stars putting their names up in lights.

We break down some of the big individual performances from across the board.

Jack Cheep, VAFA

Took home the Spirit of the Big V award for a great performance which included two goals. A really mobile forward who was super unselfish. Demonstrated a brilliant ability to get up the ground and took some nice contested marks.

Tom Farrer, VAFA

A powerful runner through the middle of the ground. A former Scotch College APS footy captain, Farrer found plenty of the ball and was one of the key reasons his side was able to get on top in the contest.

Antonio Giampa, VAFA

The De La Salle product was brilliant. Used on a wing for most of the game, he demonstrated a brilliant ability to hold his width and provide an outlet for his midfielders. When he got out in the open, he was able to deliver the ball to his forwards nearly perfectly most of the day. He’s a serious talent who will probably be playing more Coates league next season.

James Gray, Bendigo

The locals are excited about what type of footballer he can turn into. Gray battled hard in the midfield and won plenty of contested ball for his side. He’s a regular for Gisborne in the senior side and it was easy to understand why.

Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott, VAFA

He’s played some VFL footy with Casey this season and it’s clear to understand why. After an indiscretion gave away a 50m penalty in the first quarter, the tough nut was brilliant there after a little cool down on the bench. Played midfield for the most of the day and was brilliant by hand in close. Was able to cover the ground well and showed nice foot skills when given the opportunity in space. The Old Haileybury product was named best afield.

The Bendigo team at their jumper presentation.

Mitchell Lloyd, VAFA

It’s not hard to see why he’s played four VFL games for Geelong. Almost the perfect example of the modern defender at the top level. Out of Uni Blues, Lloyd read the ball as well as anyone in either game throughout the day. Brilliant skills to distribute the ball out of defence and launch counter attacks for the visitors. He and Owen Bater were magnificent.

Jack McMahon, Bendigo

Used as a jack of all trades throughout the game. Started up forward where he provided a strong marketing target with his physical presence. McMahon started the second half in the middle and was a pleasure to watch in the contested game. The Golden Square player finished in defence where he took a couple of nice intercept marks.

Tyson Nagel, VAFA

The Old Ivanhoe small forward easily could have taken home the best on ground medal on another day. Superb work rate to get up the ground and often provide the link between the midfield and forwards between 70 and 80m from goal. Finished the day with three goals. Only needed a step to be able break away from his opponents.

Aaron Nevins, Bendigo

Super talented player who has a big future ahead of him. Nevins showed off his breakaway speed from contest and loomed as the best line breaker for the home side. Consistently made the right decisions.

Charlie Richardson, VAFAThe grandson of Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett covered the ground at will, working magnificently to either end of the ground. His big and athletic frame allowed him to tower over his opponents. When he played on the wing, he took one brilliant intercept mark but got forward to kick two goals as well. He’s played the last three in Old Brighton’s senior side and you’d expect him to stay there.