Around the State Leagues: Pie bags six, young Roo stars, Tippa’s winner
Introduction
State league football around Australia continues to provide entertaining and exciting matches, with several standout performances from both established players and up-and-coming stars. This weekend saw impressive displays from players such as Jarryd Lyons, Cooper Harvey, and Xavier Duursma, showcasing their skills and making strong cases for senior team selection. Additionally, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti played a crucial role in Essendon’s one-point win, while the Collingwood Magpies dominated Frankston with a massive 95-point victory. Let’s dive into the action and explore the standout performances from the VFL, SANFL, and WAFL matches.
Adelaide Crows’ Matt Crouch shines in SANFL clash
In a disappointing loss for the Adelaide Crows’ SANFL team, Matt Crouch delivered a stellar performance, racking up 35 disposals, eight marks, and six clearances. Despite Crouch’s efforts, the Crows fell to North Adelaide by nine points. James Borlase and Sam Berry also had influential performances, with 18 disposals and 13 marks, and 21 disposals respectively.
Brisbane Lions’ Jarryd Lyons impresses in VFL loss
Jarryd Lyons continued his outstanding form in the VFL, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win for the Brisbane Lions. Lyons collected 41 disposals, eight marks, and five tackles in a one-point loss to Richmond. Despite the defeat, Lyons showcased his skills as a veteran midfielder and demonstrated why he is a key player for the Lions.
Carlton’s Jesse Motlop stars with four-goal haul
In a dominating 85-point victory for Carlton’s VFL team, Jesse Motlop stole the spotlight with a four-goal haul. The 19-year-old forward displayed his versatility and skillset, contributing 23 disposals, five marks, and six tackles. Motlop’s performance played a pivotal role in Carlton’s convincing win over the Northern Bullants.
Collingwood’s Reef McInnes kicks six goals in a commanding win
Collingwood’s VFL team secured a commanding 95-point victory over Frankston, with Reef McInnes being the standout performer. McInnes had a day to remember, kicking six goals from 15 touches. The young forward showcased his scoring ability and contributed significantly to the Magpies’ dominant display.
Elijah Tsatas shines in Essendon’s thrilling one-point triumph
Essendon’s VFL team claimed a thrilling one-point victory over Gold Coast, with first-round draftee Elijah Tsatas delivering a standout performance. Tsatas collected 33 disposals, eight tackles, and five clearances, showcasing his potential as a promising young talent. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti also contributed with 18 disposals and nine tackles, and successfully kicked the match-winning behind after the final siren.
Peel Thunder’s come-from-behind win against South Fremantle
In a thrilling encounter, Peel Thunder staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 12-point victory over South Fremantle. Bailey Banfield’s performance for Peel stood out, as he contributed nine marks and seven tackles to go with his 19 disposals. Will Brodie also had a strong impact with seven tackles from 20 touches. Peel Thunder’s determination and fighting spirit were on display as they overturned a 20-point deficit to emerge victorious.
Geelong’s Mitch Knevitt shines in close win over Sydney
Geelong’s VFL team secured a seven-point victory over Sydney, thanks in part to the standout performance of Mitch Knevitt. The midfielder collected 20 disposals, 12 tackles, and kicked a goal in a crucial display of skill and determination. Knevitt’s contribution played a significant role in helping Geelong secure the narrow win.
Richmond’s Jacob Bauer seals one-point victory
Richmond’s VFL team clinched a one-point victory over Brisbane Lions, with Jacob Bauer providing the match-winning goals. Bauer impressed with three goals, including the final two of the game, to secure the win for his team. Additionally, Bauer recorded 24 disposals and 12 marks, showcasing his impact as a mobile key forward.
Sandringham’s Zak Jones shines despite heavy loss
Despite Sandringham suffering a heavy defeat against Werribee, Zak Jones delivered an outstanding performance. Jones’s contributions included 35 disposals, 10 clearances, seven tackles, and five marks. His efforts were commendable even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Conclusion and Advice
The weekend’s state league action highlighted the depth of talent across the country, with players showcasing their abilities and making strong cases for senior team selection. It is essential for AFL clubs to continue monitoring the performances of their state league affiliates to identify players who are ready to make an impact at the highest level. These state league matches provide valuable opportunities for young players to gain experience, develop their skills, and push for senior team selection.
Additionally, these state leagues serve as crucial platforms for players who are working their way back from injury or seeking opportunities to prove themselves. Players such as Xavier Duursma, coming back from a PCL tear, and Tom McCartin, demonstrating his ability as a key defender, are prime examples of the importance of state league football in player development and recovery.
As the season progresses, AFL clubs must stay engaged with their state league affiliates and continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop. By nurturing talent at the state league level, clubs can identify future stars and maintain a strong development pathway for their players.
Overall, the state league action provided thrilling moments and showcased the depth of talent in Australian football. Fans can look forward to more exciting performances and watch as these young players strive to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
<< photo by Tim Mossholder >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
