FOLLOWING Casey's Round 12 clash against Essendon, VFL coach Rhett McLennan provided his reflections on the contributions of AFL-listed players.
Jack Henderson
31 disposals, 9 marks, 6 tackles 10 score involvements
"Hendo was sensational again. Moving into the midfield, he couldn't have done much more in terms of impact. As we've said over the last few weeks, he's putting himself in a position where he's ready when his opportunity comes."
Changkuoth Jiath
25 disposals, 9 marks, 92% disposal efficiency
"CJ was really solid in his return from injury. I thought he used the ball well and looked strong defensively. His timing was probably just a fraction off at times, which is understandable after some time out, but overall, it was a really pleasing performance."
Tom McDonald
22 disposals, 9 marks, 8 intercepts
"TMac controlled the back half really well. His body work was strong, and he provided great direction for the younger players around him. He continues to show leadership and composure with the ball in hand."
Matthew Jefferson
5 goals, 11 disposals, 6 marks
"Jeffo was outstanding before coming off at three-quarter time. His first half was exceptional, kicking five goals and presenting strongly in the air. What was most pleasing was that his defensive effort remained high, complementing the impact he had offensively."
Latrelle Pickett
18 disposals, 1 goal, 4 marks
"Latrelle had some moments that were really solid and used the footy well. We'll continue to work with him on his positioning as a speed forward and his ground-ball work, which is still a work in progress for him."
Max Mapley
15 disposals, 10 hit-outs, 2 clearances
"Max continues to show some really exciting signs. His aerial work was strong again and he competed well in the ruck, particularly when Max Heath came off the ground.”
Ricky Mentha
14 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 intercepts
"I thought Ricky was really good. He moved well, tackled strongly and showed some excellent anticipation around the contest. It was one of his most defensively sound games and he used the ball well when he got his opportunities."
Oscar Berry
13 disposals, 3 marks
"Oscar continues to make strong progress in his development. His ball use is becoming increasingly reliable, and his defensive habits are growing more consistent each week. We're really pleased with the direction his game is heading."
Max Heath
12 disposals, 1 goal, 16 hit-outs
"Max had limited game time, he didn’t feature in the final quarter, but his first three quarters were really solid. He looked like he was managing some soreness from last week, but that didn't stop him having a strong influence around the contest and in the ruck."
Riley Onley
11 disposals, 4 marks, 100% disposal efficiency
"Riley continues to have some solid defensive moments and used the footy well. He had a few fundamental errors that cost him at times when he could've cashed in with more possessions and attacking moments throughout the day, but he'll learn from that."
Xavier Taylor
1 goal, 11 disposals, 100% disposal efficiency
"Kalani kicked his first VFL goal and gave us a really good glimpse of the player he can become. He was powerful, hard to play against, competed strongly in the air and fought hard when we needed him. He's becoming more comfortable at the level and we're excited by his growth.
Thomas Matthews
10 disposals, 2 tackles
"Tommy had a pretty quiet day. He had some pretty good defensive efforts, but the moments were few and far between for Tom."
Kalani White
2 goals, 8 disposals, 6 marks
"Kalani had some really strong defensive moments and hit the scoreboard again. There were a couple of fundamentals that probably prevented him from having an even bigger day, but he's continuing to show what he's capable of. Once he strings together four quarters, he'll have a game where he really breaks it open."
