HEAD of development Brett Allison reviews the Melbourne-listed players who played in the VFL and AFL Victoria Development League at Casey Fields on Sunday 

VFL: Werribee Tigers 8.10 (58) d Casey Scorpions 8.5 (53)

Dom Barry: Dom played half-forward and wing. He had six possessions. His work rate was not his problem, but his challenge is to convert his work rate into possessions, which can impact the game. He runs very hard, but is not getting a lot of reward for his run at the moment.

Sam Blease: Sam played half-back and had 20 possessions. We tried to change things up for Sam this week, playing half-back. He gave good run and drive from that area of the ground. His work rate was much higher than we’ve seen from Sam this season. He just needs to tidy up his decision-making from when he needs to attack or defend. But it was a good starting point for Sam this week.

Mitch Clisby: Mitch played half-back and wing. He had 25 possessions and it was another solid week. He used the ball well and set us up repeatedly during the game. He’s had three weeks of good form and he just needs his opportunity at senior level now.

Michael Evans: Michael played on ball, wing and half-back. He had 22 possessions and provided some good drive and looked dangerous with the ball at times. He needs to continue to work on the defensive side of his game and be clean at ground level to give himself the best chance of gaining selection.

Jack Fitzpatrick: Fitzy played key forward and ruck. He had 15 possessions and 14 hit outs. Jack had much more impact on the game this week. He was much stronger in marking contests and at bringing the ball to ground, if he didn’t mark it and he gave our crumbers a chance to go to work. His aggression was really good in the ruck and he really played a benchmark game that we’d be looking for him to play week in, week out. It was a really positive week for him.

Colin Garland: Col played in defence all day. We certainly saw the AFL qualities in Colin this week with 18 possessions. He’s returning to full fitness and looks to be the one that can help us the most at senior level from the weekend. 

Max Gawn: Max played ruck and key forward. He had 21 possessions and 27 hit outs. I liked Max’s game this week. He positioned himself well to intercept the opposition’s long kicks down the line. His ruck work was quite good – as he gave the midfielders first look at the ball. He used the ball well by foot this week – kicking at 90 per cent efficiency. It was a good strong week for Max, as he’s regaining full fitness.

Dean Kent: Dean played wing/half-forward. He had 24 possessions and it was good to see Dean return from injury. He played with good enthusiasm and speed, but fatigued a bit in the last quarter, but had major impact for the team in the first three quarters.

Jordie McKenzie: Jordie played midfield all day and had 17 possessions. He was watched closely by his opponent, who was clearly given a run-with role on Jordie. He worked through his task well and still played his role for the side and competed strongly, when the ball was in his area.

Daniel Nicholson: Daniel played half-back and wing. He had 24 possessions and it was a good solid game from him. His effort and intensity was there as usual. He was able to have good impact on the game, providing good run and drive from half-back or wing.

Aidan Riley: Aidan played onball and had 23 possessions. Again this week, he was very noticeable from stoppage situations, as he was explosive and strong over the ball. He needs to continue to work on the defensive side of his game, which is often started from a poor starting position. If he gets that right, he’ll be able to save himself a heap of running.

James Strauss: James played half-forward. He had seven possessions and changed his position up this week from half-back to half-forward. We need him to find more ways to get involved in the game, as when he has the ball in his possession, he uses it very well. We’d like to see him have more impact with the footy.

Luke Tapscott: Luke played half-forward and on ball. He had 16 possessions and looked far more comfortable in his second game back from injury. He was strong around the stoppages, winning the ball and providing the path for other midfielders to get the footy. He tackled strongly and it was a step in the right direction for Luke, as he continues to try and regain full fitness.

Jimmy Toumpas: Jimmy played wing, half-back and half-forward at times. He had 23 possessions and produced a much better performance this week. He ran hard and linked up well during the game. In contrast to last week, he used the ball a lot better this week, punishing the opposition for letting him have possession. Hopefully, he gained some confidence out of the performance, as he tries to regain his position in the senior team.

AFL Victoria Development League: Werribee Tigers 15.9 (99) d Casey Scorpions 7.2 (44)

Jayden Hunt: Jayden played wing and had a bright start to the game, but unfortunately received a corked thigh in the second quarter, which hampered him for the rest of the game. Jayden’s effort was all right, but would’ve had more of an impact, if he was injury free.

Maia Westrupp: Maia played as a defender all day. Again, we pleasingly saw improvement in Maia. When he plays his role and is close enough to impact the play, he wins the ball. But when his concentration lapses, he can get the wanders and allow his opponent to win possessions. His ball use and decision-making was again improved this week, which was pleasing to see.