NAB League replay: Bendigo Pioneers v Geelong Falcons

A powerful Geelong Falcons midfielder was the standout as his side claimed the win over the Bendigo Pioneers. Watch the full replay and see who starred.

Dan Batten and Chris Cavanagh

4 min read

August 15, 2021 - 4:27PM

Draft news

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Geelong Falcons prospect Mitchell Knevitt has strengthened his draft standing with an imposing performance to lead his side to a 38-point win over the Bendigo Pioneers.

The powerful 193-centimetre midfielder was a standout with his strong overhead marking, contested ball-winning and forward presence as the NAB League returned for Victorian country teams on Sunday after a two week hiatus.

Playing through the midfield and up forward, Knevitt clunked several contested marks, booted a goal and won a stack of the footy in the midfield in a performance that will give recruiters plenty to think about ahead of the national championships scheduled for next month.

The Vic Country squad member has put his hand up as a potential second-round selection this season, averaging 22.9 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 4.8 clearances and 117 ranking points.

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Mitchell Knevitt helped improve his draft standing with another strong performermance. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Knevitt’s overhead marking was a highlight. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Falcons over-age wingman Noah Gribble capped another strong game with a prolific final term, while mobile 192cm forward Max Anandale was lively and hit the scoreboard.

Fellow 19-year-old prospect Sam Conforti, a 173cm midfielder who has represented Essendon’s VFL side this year, was among the best for the Pioneers.

The win sees the Falcons rise to eighth on the NAB League ladder, while the Pioneers will remain in fourth spot.

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Bendigo Pioneers brothers Cooper and Hugh Hamilton are making a splash this year as November’s AFL Draft fast approaches.

The Hamiltons hail from Colbinabbin in Victoria’s north but have been boarding at Caulfield Grammar.

Cooper Hamilton is a NAB AFL Academy member and part of the Vic Country squad.

However, a lucky escape back home means they have avoided Melbourne’s extended lockdown, meaning they were able to line up for the Pioneers their NAB League clash against Geelong Falcons on Sunday, streamed live on heraldsun.com.au

Cooper, who is a member of the NAB AFL Academy, made a slow start to the season and had a knee injury early in the year but has well and truly got going since.

The 182cm midfielder-forward played for Vic Country in a challenge game against Vic Metro in early July and continues to show what a talent he is as a hard-at-it player who loves to run and carry the ball.

“It will be exciting to get him back into our team,” Bendigo Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree said.

“We’ve seen some signs in most of our games of why he’s in the AFL Academy and why he’s a big part of the Vic Country team.”

Cooper Hamilton represented the NAB AFL Academy against Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein

He has lifted after a slow start to the season. Picture: Michael Klein

Not to be outdone, brother Hugh has also done plenty right this year despite missing selection for Vic Country’s first match.

Hugh had featured for Vic Country in a trial game in June and has been a midfielder-forward for the Pioneers this year much like his brother.

“In the games that he’s played, he’s probably been our most important player,” O’Bree said.

“He’s been our most significant midfielder but then when he’s gone forward he’s kicked goals as well.

“We’ve only had him for four games but we’re quite excited to have him back in our side.”

Other Pioneers players to watch this weekend include Sam Conforti and Jack Hickman, who have both played VFL football for Essendon this year.

Xavier Mitchell is also showing “unbelievable signs of his athleticism and skill” as he returns to fitness and form following a bout of glandular fever.

Top draft prospects to meet in revised national carnival

The country’s top AFL draft prospects are set to get their chance to shine under a revised Under 19 National Championships schedule that will kick off later this month.

The championships, which were postponed in July due to state border closures, will begin with a clash between Western Australia and South Australia in Perth on August 29.

All five championship teams will play three games over a five-week period except for the Allies, who are slated to feature in only two matches.

Squads for all teams will be announced in coming weeks.

Nick Daicos will lead Vic Metro’s charge at the Under-19 National Championships. Picture: Michael Klein

“These players represent the future of Australian football and the NAB AFL Championships presents the highest standard of representative football for aspiring talent across Australia,” AFL Head of Talent Pathways Tristan Salter said.

“We have worked tirelessly to reimagine a championships structure and timetable that maintains our unique championship opportunity for all footballers.”

The AFL still hopes to hold its national draft combine in Melbourne on September 29 and 30, where 60 nominated players will be medically screeded and interviewed by AFL clubs.

State-based draft combines will occur throughout October, with the national draft to be held in November.

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