The rising stars in line for a debut at your club during August’s footy frenzy
As if footy everyday wasn’t exciting enough. An influx of debutants are set to feature during the next four rounds of a jam-packed fixture. Who will get a taste of senior footy at your club? Dan Batten looks at the candidates.
Dan Batten, Herald Sun
Subscriber only
It is an exciting time to be a footy fan with a fixture frenzy awaiting us.
Adding to the sense of anticipation will be the influx of young talent set to get their first taste of senior footy, as injuries mount and experienced players are managed through this trying period.
Some clubs have been generous to their young talent this season as they rebuild, while other sides, like Carlton, have blooded a host of debutants in previous seasons.
Which young guns are in line for a debut over the jam-packed next four rounds?
Check out the leading debut candidates at your club.
Adelaide
2020 debutants: Fischer McAsey, Will Hamill, Shane McAdam, Ned McHenry, Andrew McPherson
On the cusp: At 0-7, the lowly Crows will continue to play the kids and expect more debuts to come in the next month. Second-year defender Jordan Butts and 2019 draftee Josh Worrall impressed down back in a recent scratch match against Port Adelaide. Inside midfielder Harry Schoenberg, the club’s second pick in last year’s draft, is edging closer to an AFL berth and was matched up against Tom Rockliff at the weekend. Ruck understudy Kieran Strachan is ready if they decide to give Reilly O’Brien a rest.
Brisbane
2020 debutants: Deven Robertson, Tom Berry
On the cusp: The Lions have a very settled line-up with players such as Alex Witherden struggling to get games. Bullocking midfielder/forward Ely Smith could be given his first crack with a hardened body ready-made for the rigours of senior footy. Academy graduates Keidean Coleman and Connor Ballenden may come into considerations after being named emergency last week, with Coleman able to provide speed in their front half. Will Corey Lyons, brother of Lions star Jarryd, finally get his chance in his fourth season on Brisbane’s list?
Carlton
2020 debutants: Sam Philp
On the cusp: We are more likely to see familiar faces such as Paddy Dow and Lachie O’Brien re-enter the frame for the Blues, but there’s a couple of names to watch out for. Rookie forward Josh Honey lit up a recent scratch match with three goals against St Kilda’s reserves and could add some spark to their forward mix. Gut-running defender Matt Cottrell was named as an emergency in Round 7 and may be called on and is yet to debut after joining the club with mature-age success Michael Gibbons during the supplemental selection period last season.
Collingwood
2020 debutants: Tyler Brown, Will Kelly, Atu Bosenavulagi
On the cusp: Following a week’s rest after Round 8, Collingwood has back-to-back four day breaks, so you’d expect Nathan Buckley to get creative at selection. Irishman Mark Keane impressed with his intercept work during pre-season and can help plug a hole down back. Running machine Jay Rantall, who took out both of the Magpies’ 2km time trials in his first pre-season, could also be promoted while Scott Pendlebury (quad) is sidelined.
Essendon
2020 debutants: Ned Cahill
On the cusp: Coach John Worsfold indicated senior opportunity is coming for ruckman Sam Draper and he shapes as an exciting prospect standing 205cm and weighing 108kg. Developing tall Harrison Jones, their first pick of the 2019 draft, has to overcome a foot injury but could be called on given Essendon’s injury woes up forward. This may also work in Irving Mosquito’s favour if the Bombers continue to place an emphasis on pressure — as they did in Round 8.
Fremantle
2020 debutants: Sam Sturt, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Minairo Frederick, Tobe Watson
On the cusp: Fremantle is keen to play the kids having already trialled five debutants, the most recent being mature-age defender Tobe Watson, who held his own after being called up as a late in against Geelong. There are several more uncapped Dockers Justin Longmuir will consider, with ruckman Lloyd Meek front of the queue if they opt to give Sean Darcy or Rory Lobb a rest. Second-year midfielder Luke Valente has impressed during match simulation and should enter calculations, as will fellow rookie Tom North. Will the Dockers unleash their third top-10 selection from last year, exciting forward Liam Henry, over the next four rounds?
Geelong
2020 Debutants: Brad Close
On the cusp: Three games in two states across 14 days await the Cats, so expect a number of changes at selection each round. Key-position forward Nathan Kreuger and rangy defender Ben Jarvis were both named as emergencies in Round 8 and the South Australian duo loom as likely debutants. Tall defender Sam De Koning held the No. 1 ruck mantle in their recent scratch match with recognised ruckmen Rhys Stanley and Darcy Fort injured. Both will miss their blockbuster clash against West Coast, but Geelong are likely to allow Esava Ratugolea and Mark Blicavs to share duties again. First-round draftee Cooper Stephens is another who could be thrown in if experienced midfielders are eased through.
Gold Coast
2020 debutants: Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Connor Budarick, Izak Rankine
On the cusp: The Suns have another first-round selection from the 2019 draft to unveil in Sam Flanders, who will add power and a sense of x-factor up forward and through the middle. Wingman Jeremy Sharp, a second-round pick in the same draft, could enter the frame with his elite skills on the outside, while largely forgotten defender Jez McLennan is still yet to debut. The 23rd selection in the 2018 draft has been named as an emergency numerous times and this is as good a time as any to give the talented junior a taste.
GWS
2020 debutants: Tom Green, Lachie Ash
On the cusp: Greater Western Sydney’s midfield logjam has kept first round draftee Xavier O’Halloran on the outer since he arrived at the club at the end of 2018 and they will be eager to see what he can produce with his contract finishing up at the end of the season. The Giants have recruited two ready-made forwards in the last two drafts, with VFL product Jake Riccardi and 25-year-old goalsneak Thomas Hutchesson able to be called on if required. If they decide to change things up in the ruck, Kieran Briggs or Matthew Flynn may be considered.
As if footy everyday wasn’t exciting enough. An influx of debutants are set to feature during the next four rounds of a jam-packed fixture. Who will get a taste of senior footy at your club? Dan Batten looks at the candidates.
Dan Batten, Herald Sun
Subscriber only
It is an exciting time to be a footy fan with a fixture frenzy awaiting us.
Adding to the sense of anticipation will be the influx of young talent set to get their first taste of senior footy, as injuries mount and experienced players are managed through this trying period.
Some clubs have been generous to their young talent this season as they rebuild, while other sides, like Carlton, have blooded a host of debutants in previous seasons.
Which young guns are in line for a debut over the jam-packed next four rounds?
Check out the leading debut candidates at your club.
Adelaide
2020 debutants: Fischer McAsey, Will Hamill, Shane McAdam, Ned McHenry, Andrew McPherson
On the cusp: At 0-7, the lowly Crows will continue to play the kids and expect more debuts to come in the next month. Second-year defender Jordan Butts and 2019 draftee Josh Worrall impressed down back in a recent scratch match against Port Adelaide. Inside midfielder Harry Schoenberg, the club’s second pick in last year’s draft, is edging closer to an AFL berth and was matched up against Tom Rockliff at the weekend. Ruck understudy Kieran Strachan is ready if they decide to give Reilly O’Brien a rest.
Brisbane
2020 debutants: Deven Robertson, Tom Berry
On the cusp: The Lions have a very settled line-up with players such as Alex Witherden struggling to get games. Bullocking midfielder/forward Ely Smith could be given his first crack with a hardened body ready-made for the rigours of senior footy. Academy graduates Keidean Coleman and Connor Ballenden may come into considerations after being named emergency last week, with Coleman able to provide speed in their front half. Will Corey Lyons, brother of Lions star Jarryd, finally get his chance in his fourth season on Brisbane’s list?
Carlton
2020 debutants: Sam Philp
On the cusp: We are more likely to see familiar faces such as Paddy Dow and Lachie O’Brien re-enter the frame for the Blues, but there’s a couple of names to watch out for. Rookie forward Josh Honey lit up a recent scratch match with three goals against St Kilda’s reserves and could add some spark to their forward mix. Gut-running defender Matt Cottrell was named as an emergency in Round 7 and may be called on and is yet to debut after joining the club with mature-age success Michael Gibbons during the supplemental selection period last season.
Collingwood
2020 debutants: Tyler Brown, Will Kelly, Atu Bosenavulagi
On the cusp: Following a week’s rest after Round 8, Collingwood has back-to-back four day breaks, so you’d expect Nathan Buckley to get creative at selection. Irishman Mark Keane impressed with his intercept work during pre-season and can help plug a hole down back. Running machine Jay Rantall, who took out both of the Magpies’ 2km time trials in his first pre-season, could also be promoted while Scott Pendlebury (quad) is sidelined.
Essendon
2020 debutants: Ned Cahill
On the cusp: Coach John Worsfold indicated senior opportunity is coming for ruckman Sam Draper and he shapes as an exciting prospect standing 205cm and weighing 108kg. Developing tall Harrison Jones, their first pick of the 2019 draft, has to overcome a foot injury but could be called on given Essendon’s injury woes up forward. This may also work in Irving Mosquito’s favour if the Bombers continue to place an emphasis on pressure — as they did in Round 8.
Fremantle
2020 debutants: Sam Sturt, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Minairo Frederick, Tobe Watson
On the cusp: Fremantle is keen to play the kids having already trialled five debutants, the most recent being mature-age defender Tobe Watson, who held his own after being called up as a late in against Geelong. There are several more uncapped Dockers Justin Longmuir will consider, with ruckman Lloyd Meek front of the queue if they opt to give Sean Darcy or Rory Lobb a rest. Second-year midfielder Luke Valente has impressed during match simulation and should enter calculations, as will fellow rookie Tom North. Will the Dockers unleash their third top-10 selection from last year, exciting forward Liam Henry, over the next four rounds?
Geelong
2020 Debutants: Brad Close
On the cusp: Three games in two states across 14 days await the Cats, so expect a number of changes at selection each round. Key-position forward Nathan Kreuger and rangy defender Ben Jarvis were both named as emergencies in Round 8 and the South Australian duo loom as likely debutants. Tall defender Sam De Koning held the No. 1 ruck mantle in their recent scratch match with recognised ruckmen Rhys Stanley and Darcy Fort injured. Both will miss their blockbuster clash against West Coast, but Geelong are likely to allow Esava Ratugolea and Mark Blicavs to share duties again. First-round draftee Cooper Stephens is another who could be thrown in if experienced midfielders are eased through.
Gold Coast
2020 debutants: Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Connor Budarick, Izak Rankine
On the cusp: The Suns have another first-round selection from the 2019 draft to unveil in Sam Flanders, who will add power and a sense of x-factor up forward and through the middle. Wingman Jeremy Sharp, a second-round pick in the same draft, could enter the frame with his elite skills on the outside, while largely forgotten defender Jez McLennan is still yet to debut. The 23rd selection in the 2018 draft has been named as an emergency numerous times and this is as good a time as any to give the talented junior a taste.
GWS
2020 debutants: Tom Green, Lachie Ash
On the cusp: Greater Western Sydney’s midfield logjam has kept first round draftee Xavier O’Halloran on the outer since he arrived at the club at the end of 2018 and they will be eager to see what he can produce with his contract finishing up at the end of the season. The Giants have recruited two ready-made forwards in the last two drafts, with VFL product Jake Riccardi and 25-year-old goalsneak Thomas Hutchesson able to be called on if required. If they decide to change things up in the ruck, Kieran Briggs or Matthew Flynn may be considered.
