Recap

Matthew Grundy’s scouting notes:

Northern Territory:

#5 Brandon Parfitt – Parfitt had a really strong performance in the midfield. He was in everything for the NT for the first three quarters and supplied the ball to his forward well. He added some composure where other players would blaze away. He had many string possessions and at time the NT players were looking to give the ball to him no matter what. He didn’t hit the scoreboard which was disappointing and on occasions he tried to do to much with the ball at times. A solid performance for Parfitt.

#8 Rohan Armstrong – One of the more unknown players from the NT squad. He had a good game playing on a wing and had some several eye catching moves. His disposal by foot was superb and showed a knack for finding space for himself. A smaller type at 178 cm but looks like he has some great traits for a player of his size. Keep an eye on him for the next two rounds.

#16 Ezekiel Frank – After being ice cold for the first few games of the season it was good to see Frank back. He kicked 3 great goals at CHF and moved around the ground well. He marked extremely well above his head and was making some strong leads. His set shot technique has improved significantly and looks like he’s become a reliable kick in front of goals. His best performance to date.

#17 Dominic Grant – This was the first time I’ve seen grant and he impressed me. He was everywhere for the NT and added a lot of class up forward or on a wing. He kicked two great goals and made opponents look silly the way he was moving around the ground. One moment that stuck out was when he ran 30 meters to lay a big sheppard which allowed for a Frank shot at goal. At times he tried to do too much with the ball and didn’t make the defensive effort. He’s prospect for the 2017 draft and will be looking to be playing some good footy for the rest of the year.

#24 Jamie Hampton – The x-factor machine from Alice Springs has put in a great game for the NT side. He provided lots of drive from half back and used his speed and skill to perfection. He used his explosive sidestep very well and danced around players like a seasoned veteran. He’s improved his defensive running from last year and keeped his man quiet all game. He’s found his home at half back and has put in a string of good performances there. Looks likely to get a call up to the Allies squad if he keeps his good form going.

#32 Tony Olango – Tony Olango had his best game at rep level today with a stunning display. He showed a lot of toe for a big fella and at times looked like a much smaller player. He side stepped lots of players and kicked two goals for the Northern Territory side. His tap work was great when he got a leap to it nut he struggled when bodied in the ruck taps. Olango looks a likely type for this years draft and if he performs next game he might get an Allies call up.

Tasmania:

#14 Nick Dodge – A quiet game for the over-ager. Dodge playing off halfback gave the Tasmanian’s some good delivery into the forward line. At times he tried to do too much with the ball creating many turnovers for the Mariners, still needing some work to tweak his kicking efficiency. He also skied the ball at times giving the NT time to get back and kill the contest. He’ll be looking to have a stronger performance next week against the NSW/ACT team.

#18 Ben McGuiness – An average performance for the brother of Josh at the Lions. He played most of the game in the midfield and gathered the ball pretty well. He had quiet a few clearances and got the the ball outside the contest really well. At times he blazed away with his kicking making the ball drop short and making his teammates work harder to pick up cleanly. With more time in the midfield I expect him to become more composed in the centre.

#21 Timothy Auckland – One of two Under 16’s playing for Tasmania, he had a very strong performance in the ruck. He was playing one out in the ruck most of the game against Tony Olango and Patrick Taban. He competed well and showed he had a great leap and followed up well on the ground. He moved great for his size and took some good marks.