FOLLOWING Casey’s Round 7 clash against Carlton, VFL coach Rhett McLennan provided his reflections on the contributions of AFL-listed players.

Trent Rivers
(29 disposals, 6 marks, 8 intercept possessions)

“It was great for Riv to get back out there and start playing some footy with confidence in his body again.

“There were some really good things from a defensive point of view and how that sprung his offence. He’ll be better for the run, and you can tell he probably hasn’t played VFL footy for a long time and is still finding his feet.

“But it was a good start for him down back.”

Luker Kentfield
(2 goals, 12 disposals)

“Luker was great. It was a really difficult game from a forward perspective, but Luker’s body language and the way he moved for the entire game was excellent.

“He’s shaping towards someone who’s going to be AFL ready when he gets his opportunity.”

Tom McDonald
(21 disposals, 7 marks, 8 intercept possessions)

“T-Mac’s been super. He’s been really good with the young guys and has been awesome with his approach to the game.

“He’s clearly beaten his opponent consistently this year and, in a game, where we got soundly beaten, he never wavered from his role.”

Jed Adams
(18 disposals, 7 marks)

“Jed was pretty good again.

“He got beaten a couple of times in marking contests, but there’s definitely no form slump there. He’s been consistently good.”

Riley Onley
(1 goal, 20 disposals, 7 intercept possessions)

“Riley took an illness into the game, but still kicked the opening goal and had some nice intercept moments. It was also a valuable learning experience for him in understanding how to approach games week to week.”

Jack Henderson
(19 disposals, 9 tackles)

“Hendo was excellent and was our best on baller by quite a long way.

“He just kept hunting the ball and competing in all three phases of the game. He’s ready when he gets his chance.”

Kalani White
(16 disposals, 6 hit-outs)

“For Kalani, it’s not an easy task taking on the number one ruck role each week. It’s unfair at times when he’s giving away around 20kg and 6cm to his opponent, but he’s continuing to improve with experience. The way he’s learning to compete and some of the things he’s doing around the ground are really positive signs for him personally.”

Xavier Taylor
(11 disposals, 7 marks)

“Xavier’s defensive work was a lot better and that was a real focus for him this week.

“He was also involved in some good passages of play when he moved the footy instinctively.”

Oscar Berry
(2 disposals, 1 tackle)

“It was a tough day for Oscar with the way the ball was coming in.

“He had some good moments when the footy was on the ground and we’ll keep exploring what his strengths are as he continues to build his experience in the game.”

Thomas Matthews
(8 disposals, 3 tackles)

“It was a rough day for Tommy off the back of a couple of good performances.

“He just couldn’t find himself near the footy and was a little bit reactive, but some of the younger guys looked weary coming off the six-day break.”