https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/af...t/news-story/6f43d3ffbab62f998cfd6d09ac00c5ba
ADELAIDE
The hype factor around him already made a Round 1 debut possible, but
Riley Thilthorpe’s stocks soared during Saturday’s SANFL trial match.
At just 18 years of age, the key forward outmarked and outplayed nearly everyone on the ground with some scintillating footy, booting 4.2, setting up two other goals and taking some brilliant contested marks.
It’s understandable that Matthew Nicks would want to take it slow and steady with the generational talent – if the South Australian keeps that form up, though, he may have no choice but to give him his AFL debut in the season-opener.
Sam Berry and
Luke Pedlar were two others who shone through the midfield and could get a look-in.
After five matches in 2020,
Billy Frampton looks set to solidify his spot in the starting line-up judging by a great three-goal performance, which follows on from some elite form throughout pre-season matchups.
BRISBANE LIONS
Heading into his third season on the Lions’ list,
Ely Smith continues to give himself a great chance of an early debut in 2021.
Smith returned to the club in great shape, with his increased aerobic capacity helping him finish fourth in the club’s time trial and perform strongly overall on the training track.
He was given plenty of game time during the Lions’ comfortable win over the Suns, mainly playing on a wing as he continues to build his outside game.
It wasn’t a performance that would’ve made the Lions’ match committee quickly pop Smith’s name on the whiteboard for Round 1 line-up, but he’s never been closer than a debut than now.
CARLTON
Given he played just three AFL matches in 2020 and appeared well and truly out of favour,
Paddy Dow certainly made his capabilities known against Essendon.
The midfielder was one of the clear standouts in the pre-season contest and appears certain to be in the side for Round 1.
Dow was the third pick in the 2017 national draft but has struggled for game time under David Teague.
However, it was his work in traffic and zip in the attacking half that caught the eye, making him a player likely to add some spark to the Blues best 22.
“Dow was good, he had good exposure through the midfield and he compliments that group really well,” assistant coach Dale Amos told reporters after the game.
A pinpoint pass inside 50 to Harry McKay hasn’t been missed by Carlton fans on social media, with the clip being shared by many to indicate just how crucial his ball use was in the game.
COLLINGWOOD
It was clear why a number of teams with top-10 selections at last year’s national draft did plenty of work on Geelong Falcons young gun
Ollie Henry, with the Pie pushing his claims for a Round 1 spot after a standout performance.
Henry was one of the shining lights for the Magpies in their practice match with Geelong, flying high for a number of marks and showing off his athleticism in the attacking half.
Assistant coach Hayden Skipworth confirmed Henry was right in the mix for the season-opener after Nathan Buckley’s side lost a number of players in the trade period last season.
“He gives us a little bit of X-factor in front of the ball,” Skipworth said.
“He had speed and aerial (skills).
“We played him deep and high (in attack). He hasn’t played in the midfield this year, but I can see him pushing up there in future years.”
Henry was the club’s first selection in the draft, landing at Pick 17.
ESSENDON
The Essendon forward line for Round 1 is beginning to become clearer after some impressive individual performances against Carlton on Thursday.
But it’s one player who isn’t even on the club’s list that may well be the bolter for the season-opener against Hawthorn, after a four-goal haul.
Former Eagle
Alec Waterman slotted four goals in the practice match, including three in the final term, to press his case to win a contract in the supplemental selection period. He complemented talls
Harrison Jones and Peter Wright well, pressing up the ground and nailing his set shot attempts.
“Four goals and he played half a game, so great effort on his behalf,” assistant coach Blake Caracella said post-match.
“He’s going to keep training and we will see what happens contract wise. He played first quarter and kicked a goal early through a 50m penalty, but then kicked the rest of his goals in the last quarter.”
Jones is seemingly likely to also feature in the side for the first game after a strong showing following a big pre-season.
The 20-year-old has added a number of kilograms to his frame and marked well against older opposition.
“Jonesy was lively up forward, bit of a variety. Playing together for the first time, he runs around and takes a good mark. He kicked two goals and once again young kids playing against opposition for the first time,” he added.
FREMANTLE
If Sean Darcy can’t get up for Round 1,
Lloyd Meek proved on Saturday he could be the man to lead the Dockers’ ruck stocks.
The 203cm big man is yet to debut after being taken with Pick 69 in the 2017 draft, but showed his potential against the Eagles, shading big man Nathan Vardy with his competitiveness, follow-up efforts and chemistry with his midfield.
“I was really pleased with his game,” Dockers coach Justin Longmuir told reporters post-game. “He’s done a lot of work over the pre-season so he deserves his opportunity and I thought he played really well.
“We’ll get a better look next week. They (the Eagles) will get Nic Naitanui, who is probably the best ruck in the competition. I’m confident in the work that he’s done, the progression he’s made over the last year and a bit to get to AFL standard.”
Young forward
Josh Treacy also showed he could be anything, presenting strongly and taking a great contested mark on his way to two goals.
When asked whether Treacy was a sneaky Round 1 chance, Longmuir said the rookie just needed to “keep doing what he’s doing” but added the Dockers weren’t putting high expectations on their first-year players.
“We’re starting to build some depth with our small forwards and Josh is putting pressure on ‘Tabs’ (Matt Taberner) and ‘Lobby’ (Rory Lobb) to perform well each week,” Longmuir said.
“I was impressed with what he’s done over the pre-season, impressed with his game today and he’ll likely get another opportunity next week and put his name in contention for round one.”
First-round draftee
Heath Chapman also didn’t look out of place, impressing with some clean touches off half-back in the two quarters he played.
