AFL Draft 2024: Every Vic Country player rated after U18 national championships

Vic Country’s U18 champs campaign ended in heartbreak, but plenty boosted their draft stocks. We have put every Vic Country prospect under the miscroscope.

Every Vic Country player rated after the national championships.

It was a heartbreaking end to the under-18 national championships for Vic Country, but plenty of their prospects boosted their draft standing.

The unlucky youngster at the centre of the free kick and 50 metre penalty, Tobie Travaglia, was one of the top performers from Vic Country and the late drama took nothing away from his stellar campaign.

It is understood a 50m was paid for dissent after Travaglia had been penalised for a holding free kick, which came as the Bendigo Pioneers defenders took a strong intercept mark in the dying seconds.

Travaglia is in good spirits despite the cruel finish and Vic Country coach Paul Corrigan said his side was left “gutted” by the way their carnival finished.

Vic Country look on shattered after the game. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

“He is a great kid and he is one of co-captains through the carnival as well,” Corrigan said.

“We said to him it is not that one specific play that cost us the game or whatever, you just move on now.

“It is a really hard one because from a coaching point of view you look at that incident and how much would you change in what he had done in the one-one-one situation?

“It was such a shame at that point of the game that that incident determined the result of the game.

“We were gutted and disappointed but we know we put everything out there and we played the brand of footy we wanted to play and I think in the end it was a ripping game of football.”

EVERY VIC COUNTRY PLAYER RATED

#1 Jasper Alger (Oakleigh Chargers/Warragul)

9.3 disposals, 5.0 score involvements, 3.3 marks, 1.3 goals, 60 SuperCoach points per game

The elusive small forward started the championships in fine fashion, kicking three goals against South Australia – the best of those after selling candy to the man on the mark – and then slotted two in his next game. Alger showcased his goal sense and finishing ability as well as his aerial traits and leap with some big marks that defy his 182cm stature. Didn’t kick a goal in his last two games but overall it was a promising campaign for the Warragul prospect.

#2 Archer Day-Wicks (Bendigo Pioneers/Sandhurst)

10.3 disposals, 1.3 goals, 4.0 marks, 65 SuperCoach points

Like Alger, Day-Wicks has x-factor both in the air and at ground level and he showed that in spades in the final game. Both of his goals against Vic Metro came from big leaps, one of those a pack mark that wasn’t paid which he smartly snapped through in congestion. Day-Wicks kicked a goal in each of his three games and proved doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have an influence.

#3 Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power/Leongatha)

22.7 disposals, 15.0 uncontested possessions, 6.3 score involvements, 5.0 tackles, 5.0 inside 50s, 117 SuperCoach points

Lindsay’s final game alone gave scouts plenty to think about. The versatile midfielder was the best player on the ground with a complete performance, finishing with 30 disposals, 11 marks, eight tackles, eight score involvements and six intercepts. When he wasn’t spotting up targets and presenting on the outside he was laying desperate lunging tackles going back the other way. His other two games, missing the Allies clash with injury, were promising, particularly in the win over Western Australia where he impressed on the inside with 19 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency, eight clearances and seven tackles.

Xavier Lindsay got better as the champs went on. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

#4 Oliver Warburton (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton Swans)

18.5 disposals, 4.3 rebound 50s, 3.5 intercepts, 75 SuperCoach points

Warburton had a consistent carnival, showing his well-rounded capabilities as a defender. The Bushrangers rebounder was regularly on the dangerous Isaac Kako in the final game and was able to influence the game offensively with his footskills. Was regularly entrusted with the kick-ins which is a nod to his efficiency and decision making.

#5 Finn O’Sullivan (Oakleigh Chargers/Koroit)

11.5 disposals, 10.0 uncontested possessions, 4.0 score involvements, 3.5 tackles, 56 SuperCoach points

The No.1 pick contender can be excused for some lower numbers after being thrown into the deep end, returning from broken fingers straight into the national championships. Was pivotal in the final quarter of their win over Allies with two score assists and a big mark, but was run down twice against Vic Metro where he struggled a touch. Recruiters won’t have forgotten his All-Australian national carnival campaign in 2023 and his Kevin Sheehan Medal-winning under-16 carnival, and he could still finish the year as the top selection if he recaptures that form in the run home.

#6 River Stevens (Geelong Falcons/Newtown & Chilwell)

13.0 disposals, 6.0 score involvements, 5.0 marks, 1.5 goals, 75 SuperCoach points

The son of dual North Melbourne premiership player Anthony Stevens showed promise as a small forward in his two games for Vic Country, particularly in his first match against South Australia. Stevens kicked two goals and impressed with his ball-use, hitting the target with all but one of his 12 disposals. Didn’t feature in the last two games which will suit the Roos just fine.

#7 Oliver Hannaford (GWV Rebels/Sandhurst)

10.7 disposals, 3.3 tackles, 56 SuperCoach points

Hannaford was used up forward and in defence in his three games and his tackle pressure was the highlight. His best game came against the Allies where he had nine disposals at 89 per cent efficiency, laid four tackles and took an intercept mark.

#9 Joe Berry (Murray Bushrangers/Wangaratta)

13.3 disposals, 5.5 score involvements, 2.3 goals, 86 SuperCoach points

Berry was ever-dangerous in the forward half and took his chances in front of goal, kicking nine majors on his way to an All-Australian jacket. The Wangaratta talent showed his game-changing impact in the second half against Vic Metro where he slotted three goals and laid four tackles. Looks well on the way to having his name called in the first-round come November.

Joe Berry had a major influence up forward. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

#10 Rhys Unwin (GWV Rebels/Cobden)

9.0 disposals, 3.5 score involvements, 0.5 goals, 37 SuperCoach points

Two blistering runs across Unwin’s two games showcased his speed and eye-catching traits. Unwin streamed inside 50, sold candy to a defender and kicked a goal against the Allies, while his burst in the first quarter of their loss to Vic Metro ended in a mark and goal to Day-Wicks. Was fairly quiet after that against Vic Metro but more highlights like these will help his standing.

#11 Connor Evans (Bendigo Pioneers/Kangaroo Flat)

Evans didn’t get a run for Vic Country but has shown some promising form as a defender for the Pioneers this season.

#12 Harry Charleson (GWV Rebels/East Point)

17.8 disposals, 4.3 marks, 3.8 intercepts, 1.0 intercept marks, 73 SuperCoach points

Charleson’s final game was a blip on the radar on an otherwise impressive championships campaign. The Rebels defender found plenty of the across half back and used it well across the first three games, but went at just 28 per cent by foot against Vic Metro.

#13 Tobie Travaglia (Bendigo Pioneers/Sandhurst)

21.8 disposals, 8.3 intercepts, 6.3 marks, 3.5 intercept marks, 112 SuperCoach points

Travaglia’s championships ended in agonising fashion after he was penalised for a free kick and a 50 metre penalty that won Vic Metro the match. But he was arguably the second best Vic Country player of the carnival behind Langford as the Pioneers bolter’s steep rise continued. The fleet-footed 187cm defender’s first and last games were his best, racking up 24 disposals, 13 intercepts and five intercept marks in their win over South Australia and 25 disposals, six intercepts and three intercept marks in their loss to Vic Metro. His ball-use, decision making and intercepting is first class and he looks every bit a first-rounder.

#14 Sam Lalor (GWV Rebels/Bacchus Marsh)

11 disposals, 5.0 marks, 4.0 tackles, 1.3 goals, 81 SuperCoach points

Lalor has had an injury interrupted season but still managed to show his matchwinning attributes up forward and through the midfield. The Rebels product’s three goals, 16 disposals and five marks against the Allies turned the game and showed his aerial traits with a big leap over the top of his teammate against Vic Metro. Has plenty of potential and expect him to rise up the board with some match fitness under his belt.

#15 Xavier Ivisic (Geelong Falcons/Bell Park)

22.3 disposals, 5.5 score involvements, 4.5 marks, 104 SuperCoach points

Ivisic put up numbers that rivalled the top midfielders in the pool, winning 19 touches or more in every game for Vic Country playing in both inside and outside midfield roles and up forward. The Falcons midfielder didn’t just accumulate either, with his pinpoint kicking help change the angles and create scoring opportunities. Ivisic finished with 28 disposals, five clearances, three score assists and a goal against Western Australia and gathered 13 disposals in an impressive second half in the championships decider.

Xavier Ivisic had a strong carnival. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

#16 Lachie Jaques (Geelong Falcons/St Mary’s)

16.3 disposals, 4.8 intercepts, two intercept marks, 90 SuperCoach points

Jaques was a surprise packet for Vic Country, earning All-Australian selection after shining with his intercepting, rebound and decision making out of defence. The St Mary’s product was one of the best players on the ground against the Allies with 22 disposals, nine marks, nine intercepts, three of those marks and he hit the target with 16 of his 17 disposals in their win over South Australia. Has certainly improved his standing.

#17 Ben Rongdit (Geelong Falcons/Colac)

An ankle strain hurt his chances of getting an opportunity, but the Geelong Next Generation Academy prospect already has runs on the board after a strong U16 championships last year.

#18 Cohen Paul (Murray Bushrangers/Euroa)

6 disposals, two marks, 20 SuperCoach points (one game)

The left-footer featured against South Australia in an outside role and hit the target with every one of his disposals.

#19 Mitchell Lloyd (GWV Rebels/Koroit)

13.5 disposals, 5.5 intercepts, 1.5 intercept marks, 70 SuperCoach points

Some big performances for the Rebels gave Lloyd the chance break in for the middle two games and the key defender was rock solid. Lloyd had five intercepts, five spoils two intercept marks against South Australia and won six intercepts in their win over WA, including a big grab in a pack.

#20 Jack Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton)

14.8 disposals, 5.8 score involvements, 5.0 marks, 1.5 contested marks, 1.0 goals, 96 SuperCoach points

Whitlock had a consistent championships where he showed off his strong hands overhead, leaving his best performance until last against Vic Metro. The Shepparton prospect clunked three big contested marks in the second half, two of those inside 50, and kicked two goals for the match. Looks to be one of the best key forwards available.

#21 Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Mornington)

13 disposals, three marks, three tackles (one game)

The bottom-ager got his chance against Western Australia and was creative by hand on a wing. Doesn’t turn 17 until November, so there is plenty of development left in the Stingrays product.

#22 Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays/Mount Martha)

25.5 disposals, 7.5 score involvements, 6.3 marks, 6.3 clearances, 130 SuperCoach points

Langford was the deserving joint winner of the Larke Medal after a massive national championships campaign where his contested ball-winning, penetrating kick and overhead marking stood out. The hulking 190cm midfielder was dominant throughout the carnival, eclipsed 25 disposals and five clearances in his first three championships games and was impactful again against Vic Metro, where a towering mark in the last quarter was the highlight. Has to be right in top-10 considerations now.

Harvey Langford won the Larke Medal. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

#23 Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Foster)

13.7 disposals, 3.0 ntercept possessions, 68 SuperCoach points

The fourth Duursma on the AFL/AFLW production line showed some exciting glimpses as a rebounding defender with his agility and footskills. Duursma was Vic Country’s MVP from the U16 championships and will be right in the mix to be a dual MVP at next year’s U18 carnival.

#24 Matt Whitlock (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton)

14 disposals, 3.3 intercepts, 0.5 goals, 71 SuperCoach points

While his twin brother shone up forward, Whitlock had an impact at both ends across the championships. He kicked two goals and presented well against the Allies in attack, and the read the play and distributed nicely in his other three matches in defence. He took two intercept marks and had seven intercepts in their loss to Vic Metro and had the better of key forward Tom Sims when matched up against him.

#25 Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton United)

15.3 disposals, 3.7 marks, 3.3 clearances, 64 SuperCoach points

Already 194 centimetres as a 17-year-old, Onley deployed through the midfield at times where he used his big frame to his advantage, winning seven clearances against the Allies. Going to be one to watch in his draft year in 2025.

#26 Jack Ough (GWV Rebels/Wentworth)

13.5 disposals, 10.3 uncontested possessions, 4.5 marks, 69 SuperCoach points

Played most of the championships on the wing where he caught the eye with his neat and creative kicking, overhead marking and hard running on the outside. The Wentworth product looked to be playing more of a lockdown role in defence in the final game.

#28 James Barrat (Bendigo Pioneers/Leitchville Gunbower)

9.3 disposals, 5.0 marks, 4.3 intercepts, 2.0 intercept marks, 0.7 goals, 60 SuperCoach points

The key position swingman showcased his strong hands at both ends of the ground, starting the championships with two goals as a forward and then taking six intercept marks in his next two matches down back. Has had some big games for the Pioneers and his versatility and overhead marking is appealing.

#30 Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays/Bonbeach)

16.8 disposals, 11.8 uncontested possessions, 5.3 score involvements, 1.0 goals, 90 SuperCoach points

Was perhaps unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection after an impressive carnival where he provided plenty of forward half impact and pushed himself into the first-round mix. The forward-midfielder’s standout performance came in their win over Western Australia where he kicked two goals and had 20 disposals and eight marks.

#31 Alixzander Tauru (Gippsland Power/Warragul)

5.7 disposals, 4.0 intercepts, 2.0 intercept marks, 42 SuperCoach points.

Tauru has come with a bullet after some incredible form for the Gippsland Power and he made an instant impact in his first championships game with three intercept marks, including a big grab in a pack. Didn’t win a great deal of the ball but his reading of the play impressed and he defended strongly, laying a goal-saving tackle in the final quarter of the championships decider. If his Coates Talent League output continues, he will elevate his standing further in the run home.

#32 Riak Andrew (Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick)

Four disposals, three intercepts, three tackles (one game)

The brother of Gold Coast sensation Mac Andrew played the one championships match down back and was solid in his defence, laying three tackles. Andrew is a member of Melbourne’s Next Generatio Academy and turns 19 in December.

#36 Flynn Penry (GWV Rebels/Cobden)

Five disposals, eight hit-outs, three tackles (one game)

Broke in for one game for Vic Country where he showcased his follow-up at stages, but he was up against it with in-form South Australian Alex Dodson as his opponent.

#37 Floyd Burmeister (GWV Rebels/Redan)

5.5 disposals, 13.5 hit-outs, 3.8 hit-outs to advantage, 44 SuperCoach points

Playing primarily as an undersized ruckman, the 198cm big man followed up well at stoppages and won six hit-outs to advantage in the last game against Vic Country. Showed he isn’t afraid of the biff either, getting right into the thick of it in the decider.

#38 Jonty Faull (GWV Rebels/Redan)

8.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 1.7 goals, 59 SuperCoach points

After returning from a long-term back injury with a bang at Coates Talent League level, Faull put together a promising national championships. The powerful key forward’s three-goal haul against the Allies was the highlight, and he managed to hit the scoreboard in all three of his games.

#39 Noah Mraz (Dandenong Stingrays/Noble Park)

Scouts didn’t get the chance to see the AFL Academy member across the championships with a fractured foot keeping him sidelined. The youngster who idolises Darcy Moore will hopefully get the chance to improve his standing in the backhalf of the year.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2024: Every Vic Country player rated after U18 national championships