After an impressive win over Sydney, the NEAFL Development Coaches have given their appraisal of the club’s listed players’ performances.

Chris Burgess
Chris played a solid defensive game. He continues to develop his craft as a defender, matching up on both talls to add versatility to his game. Offensively he looked to get involved and used it well when he had it.

Josh Corbett

Josh had a quiet first quarter but came into the game in the second and third quarters due to outstanding work-rate. Josh's strong hands and bodywork in the contest stood out which was great to see. He ended up with six goals and 13 marks and had a major impact on the game. 

Jacob Dawson

Jacob had another solid game this week. Defensively he was hard to play against and offensively gave us great drive off the half back line with some really good ball use. Consistency over the past few weeks has been a real key to the way Jacob has been performing.

Caleb Graham

Caleb this week defensively was good, and the key was his strength in the contest. He continues to back himself offensively, looking to get the ball in his hands when we win it. He has become a strong, consistent defender over the past month.

Jacob Heron

Jacob played a very good game. Offensively he broke the lines, receiving handballs and backing himself in to start the ball movement up. Defensively he was good with his ability to defend then transition into attack. He had a big influence on the game and really led from the front. 

George Horlin-Smith

George built into his game which was capped off by an excellent last quarter. He was strong in the contest with good ball security and transitioned well. George played the game with great intensity and showed great leadership in the midfield. He had a major impact on the game and it was great to see him come back to the NEAFL and play at AFL standard. 

Jack Leslie

Jack’s game was similar to last game - defensively he was hard to play against especially in his one on one contests. Offensively he got involved with his intent to spread hard. He broke the game open a few times with his ball use which he has been focusing on.

Jez McLennan

Jez had a solid game especially in the second half. Defensively he put himself in good positions to help out teammates while offensively he looked to create when he had the ball in his hands. We look forward to him backing up again this week.

Jordan Murdoch

Jordan played the whole game on the wing. Offensively he gave plenty of run and carry and managed to go forward and kick a couple of goals which was a positive sign. Defensively he laid a couple of nice chasedown tackles. His work rate throughout the game was a real highlight. It was a good comeback game for Jordan after missing a few through injury. 

Tom Nicholls
Tommy provided a really strong ruck contest and follow up. He laid 8 tackles for the day. Again, the highlight of Tom’s game was his aggression towards the contest. He continues to build his offensive game by getting involved in more chains. After a great start to the season, it’s pleasing Tom has continued this after the mid-season break.

Connor Nutting

Similar to last game for Connor. Some terrific leading patterns through his speed and ability to work hard off the ball. Defensively when the ball was in his area, he applied great pressure. He had the second-most score involvements with eight and hit the scoreboard four times (3.1). 

Izak Rankine
This was the first game back for Izak after his hamstring injury back in JLT2. He showed glimpses of what we can expect from Izak as he builds his career. The most pleasing part was that he got through the game well. We look forward to seeing Izak out on the park again this week.

Aaron Young
It was the first game back for Aaron after his knee injury earlier in the year. He was able to get his hands on the ball and used it very well by foot. He showed good leadership through the midfield when the game was in the balance and has pulled up well after the game.