NEWLY appointed AIS/AFL academy high performance coach Jason McCartney and AFL national and international talent manager Kevin Sheehan look at the third round of the 2009 NAB AFL under-18 championships.

McCartney looks over Tasmania’s clash against Queensland while Sheehan looks at the Northern Territory’s clash with NSW/ACT.

Tasmania 16.14 (110) d Queensland 7.6 (48) at Aurora Stadium, Launceston

Tasmania
Jesse Crichton – I was pleased with the way Jesse went about it. He was prominent last year and an AIS/AFL academy member this year. His first game was okay, his second was quiet by his standards, but he was back at his best with 28 disposals this week. The standout feature of his game was finding space and releasing a handball.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Ryan Harwood – He was absolutely outstanding, best-on-ground. He had 26 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances and three goals through the midfield and up forward. He was also strong overhead.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Marcus Davies – I was really impressed with him in game two and he was nearly best-on-ground in the first half against Vic Country. A rebounding, run-and-carry half-back, he was extremely prominent again with 26 disposals, 11 rebound 50s and four tackles. He has courage and is good overhead.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Luke Russell – Luke was very impressive again, kicking two goals and winning 26 disposals. Last game, because of a shoulder injury, he played forward against Vic Country, but he was back to a 70/30 per cent midfield/forward role. He started really well and set the standard for the rest of the day.
Draft eligibility: Gold Coast has the capacity to sign him as one of its 12 x 17 year olds born January-April 1992. If not selected, he is eligible for the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.

Cameron Milne – An over-age 19-year-old ruckman, he played last year, but has been dominant in the past two weeks. He had 27 hit-outs and 10 disposals, but his follow up work as a big-bodied player is good too. He also had four clearances and has given his midfield – an A-grade midfield that stacks up with the best division one teams – first use of the ball.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Josh Green – He won 25 disposals, 11 clearances and five tackles playing on the wing and rotating through the midfield. Josh also pushed forward and kicked two goals. He was very prominent and was good around the contest and set-play situations.
Draft eligibility: 2010 NAB AFL Draft

Queensland
No eye catchers for this week

NSW/ACT 12.10 (82) d Northern Territory 11.8 (74) at ANZ Stadium

NSW/ACT
Jordan Williams – A left-footed midfielder, he has been very consistent in the midfield over the three games. He is a prolific ball-winner and his work-rate has been terrific. He also has a great mix of contested and uncontested footy. He has won 29 contested and 33 uncontested possessions in the championships. He also provides run.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Dylan McNeil – He was NSW/ACT's best in game one, clashed heads with a teammate in game two and was out of business early, but was among his side's best on the weekend. He kicked well, his clearance work is strong, but his outside game, where he found space and used the ball well, came to the fore. He also possesses terrific leadership.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Tom Young – Tied to the Magpies, they would be happy with his progress. He's averaging 18 or 19 disposals per game and is really working hard in the midfield or half-back. He has been an effective player.
Draft eligibility: NSW scholarship holder with Collingwood

Will Langford – Son of Hawthorn great Chris, he is progressing well. He took some great marks on the weekend, which really made you stand up and take notice. He shows great discipline in defence and athletic ability for someone who hasn't played a lot.
Draft eligibility: NSW scholarship holder with Hawthorn 

Northern Territory
Roland Ah Chee – Playing in the midfield, his run, clearance work and work-rate was terrific. He's had 88 disposals in three matches. He kicked two goals in two minutes in the last quarter to keep his side within reach. He's presenting well as a forward option.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Charlie McAdam – The son of Gilbert, he is a left-footer, who is only lightly-built, but he is very smart. He reads the angles well, makes good decisions and hits targets – there is a lot of Gilbert in him. His ability to step around an opponent is also evident. He won 27 disposals off half-back.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Troy Taylor – No relation to teammate Mitch, he wears the lime green boots and plays like someone who wears lime green boots. He has got some Daniel Motlop about him. He is brilliantly quick on the lead and can take some spectacular marks and kick some great goals. He's got the bells and whistles and it's exciting when it gets in his area. He has some great natural talent. He has kicked six goals from three games.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

Mitch Taylor – He has been excellent at full-back. He stood on the shoulders of an opponent to take one of the marks of the year the other day. He's not afraid to take the game on from defence. There is a bit of Darryl White about him.
Draft eligibility: 2009 NAB AFL Draft

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.