Waiting in the Wings: Jeffrey presses debut case, Cockatoo stars, Jones injured
After another week of limited state league matches, a nine goal-haul from Gold Coast Academy product Joel Jeffrey headlines the weekend action, while Nakia Cockatoo continues to push.
Gold Coast Suns
After being listed as an emergency this week Joel Jeffrey (AF $170k SC $102k DEF) continues to push his case for a debut, kicking an impressive nine goals from 11 disposals.
Malcolm Rosas Jnr (AF $189k SC $130k FWD) finished with a team-high 27 disposals and seven tackles to push his case for selection again. First-round draft pick Elijah Hollands (AF $258k SC $180k M/F) collected 20 disposals.
Brisbane Lions
Nakia Cockatoo (AF $243k SC $123k M/F) played in the VFL after being the medical sub this week and finished with 13 disposals and two goals.
Lions VFL Coach Mitch Hahn said: “Nakia Cocktaoo continued with his progression and had a pretty strong four quarter performance.”
Ely Smith (AF $170k SC $123k M/F) kicked a goal to go with his 20 disposals.
GWS Giants
Zach Sproule (AF $246k SC $185k FWD) put in a dominant performance, kicking 2.4 to go with his 24 disposals and 10 marks.
Sydney Swans
Will Gould (AF $170k SC $123k DEF) had 16 disposals playing a fill-in role for the Giants.
Essendon
Alec Waterman (AF $356k SC $231k FWD) collected 14 disposals but also a game-high 10 tackles to press his AFL case after being dropped a fortnight ago.
West Coast Eagles
Alex Witherden (AF $640k SC $415k DEF) showed his class, finishing with 25 disposals, eight marks and three tackles. Luke Foley (AF $269k SC $197k DEF) had 25 disposals for the Eagles to stay in senior contention.
Fremantle
Nathan O’Driscoll (AF $218k SC $117k MID) collected 19 disposals after being named as an emergency last week.
Scrimmages
Orazio Fantasia (AF $452k SC $286k D/F) will put his hand up for selection after playing in a match simulation on the weekend.
Meanwhile Lachie Jones (AF $333k SC $243k DEF) suffered another injury setback in the same practice match.
Adelaide’s James Rowe (AF $389k SC $288k FWD) kicked five goals, after being “managed” from the seniors.
Brayden Cook (AF $22k SC $117k M/F) was a standout and Adelaide’s SANFL coach Michael Godden said: “the most impressive thing is his speed in his game… it was a good reward for the hard work he’s been putting in”.