top of page

STARS OF TOMORROW TAKE IT UP TO COBURG LIONS VFL TEAM

By Blake Metcalf-Holt


Lining up against semi-professional athletes would be a daunting task for most junior footballers, but when you’re touted as the stars of tomorrow, it alleviates some of that worry.


The Marsh AFL National Academy took on VFL outfit Coburg at IKON Park over the weekend, exhibiting just some of the hot talent to enter the AFL sector by year’s end.


What eventuated was a surprisingly fiery and hotly contested affair between two sides that, despite being an exhibition match, did not let up a single bit.


Although Coburg ultimately won the game 15.10: 100 to the Academy’s 10.14: 74, it doesn’t do justice to the effort, intent and spirit that these young men put on display.


Although still in the formative years of their development, most of the young stars selected for this game would have been playing and training amongst adults and even professional footballers for some time. But the Lions would not take them lightly just because of their smaller stature.



The first quarter highlighted the obvious discrepancy in size and natural strength between the Academy and Coburg, as the Lions' forward line got to work early with four goals in the opener.


Sporadic ball stoppages in the Academy’s forward 50 gave them their best chance at converting on the scoreboard whilst the on-ball unit of Levi Ashcroft (Sandringham), Jagga Smith (Oakleigh), and Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges) held strong against a concentrated Lions midfield.



Entering half-time, Coburg held just a 16-point lead, but the Academy already signified that they were a threat with remarkable skill and synergy as a group.


The ball spent a lot of time in Coburg’s forward half of the ground, testing the draft’s top defenders.



The standout of the Academy’s backline was most definitely Tobie Travaglia (Bendigo) who it seemed like any time the ball was within reach, he made an impact.


Gifted with length, strength (including a magnificent fist), and composure that was needed to exit that intensely pressurised area, Travaglia is one of a handful of key defenders that, given time in a professional environment, will develop into a comprehensive key position player.


Granted, with the amount of time spent in this area and the repeat inside 50s, the Lions eventually broke free leading to forward Will Bella kicking four goals.


On the opposite side of the ground, another one that made his mark, predominately in the second half, was forward Taj Hotton (Sandringham).


Hotton took important grabs and steadied in front of the sticks for two goals to accompany his 16 possessions.



Despite leaning heavily into Coburg’s end of the ground, the Academy capitalised on their young legs with some impressive forward pressure from the likes of Leo Lombard (Gold Coast Academy) and Ricky Mentha (Gippsland) disrupting the Lions' removal of the ball out of their back 50.


All three of the aforementioned kicked goals in the second half, as the Academy stormed back to within single digits midway through the final quarter.


But that run would fall away just as quickly, as Coburg stiffened up their midfield presence and some mistimed balls from the Academy saw the Lions get back on track with the final two goals of the game.


Mistakes and lost contests were an inevitability, especially considering these boys, who primarily compete against each other, came together on the day and had some late omissions from the squad.


Top projected selections for this year's draft who pulled out of the game late following initial selection include Sid Draper (South Adelaide), Finn O’Sullivan (Oakleigh), Sam Lalor (GWV Rebels), Bo Allan (Peel Thunder), and Malakai Champion (Subiaco).



Many have noted the number of father-sons and AFL relatives crowding this draft with many on show against Coburg.


Levi Ashcroft (brother of Brisbane Lions’ Will and son of Marcus) pounced on the ball with 33 disposals, five clearances and a goal, as he checks to be alongside his brother in an elite Lions team next year.


Brothers Lucas and Ben Camporeale (sons of Carlton premiership player Scott Camporeale) both stood out, notably Lucas with 25 disposals demonstrating immense grit and intelligence along the wing.


Many close observers of this upcoming AFL draft have already lauded the depth of talent that will be available, but the crème of the crop that entered and shined on the weekend will be sought out in high demand by the battling clubs located near the bottom of the ladder.


That is unless certain clubs are gifted with former champions' talented offspring falling right into their laps.


Despite the final result, there weren’t many negatives to point to as the young guns stepped up to the task, something they will have to repeat, as they prepare for another VFL matchup against Footscray.

Comments


© 2035 by Train of Thoughts. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page