SANDRINGHAM Dragons skipper Angus Brayshaw has continued his strong early-season form, the midfielder producing a standout display in the AIS-AFL Academy's 73-point loss to Collingwood's VFL side at the MCG on Friday.
Several senior-listed players, including Ben Kennedy, Tony Armstrong and Kyle Martin, led the Magpies to their 14.20 (104) to 5.1 (31) victory.
But Brayshaw showed his progress as a draft prospect with 21 disposals, four inside-50 entries and by playing with a cool head under pressure.
The Dragons captain, whose father Mark is on North Melbourne's board and played 32 games for the Kangaroos, was presented the MCC Chairman's Medal for the best Academy player by MCC president Paul Sheahan.
AFL commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick was also on hand to hand the chairman's cup to Collingwood's captain Josh Thomas, who had 23 disposals.
Despite the heavy defeat and being outmuscled around the ball, there were other contributors for the Academy, who head on their two-week tour of Europe on Saturday night.
Athletic key forward Tom Lamb presented well across half forward, taking five marks and kicking a goal. Ruckman Sean McLaren tried hard in the ruck and around the ground opposed often to Quinten Lynch.
Of the smaller draft hopefuls, Jarrod Pickett (14 disposals) gave some zip out the middle and around the wings with four clearances, Lachie Weller (13) added composure, and Jaden McGrath (14) ran with the ball and opened space.
West Australian Bradley Walsh, who captained the Academy, also held his own around the stoppages and finished with 16 touches.
Key forward Patrick McCartin kicked the opening goal of the game after a strong mark deep in attack, but played only a few more minutes of the match after entering it with a finger injury sustained last week at TAC Cup level.
For the Magpies, Kennedy was excellent, picking up 28 touches and a goal to three-quarter time before sitting out the last term.
Tony Armstrong also gathered some form in his first season with the Magpies, picking up 30 disposals, of which 14 came via handball receives, showing his willingness to run.
Kyle Martin (30 disposals) and Marty Clarke (20) were others to feature prominently.
AIS-AFL ACADEMY 3.0 4.0 5.1 5.1 (31)
COLLINGWOOD VFL 3.4 8.12 10.16 14.20 (104)
GOALS
AIS-AFL Academy: Dawson, McCartin, Lamb, Lim, Wright
Collingwood VFL: Martin 2, Lynch 2, Gray 2, Witts 2, Kennedy, Ferguson, Couch, Williams, Wallace, Allan
BEST
AIS-AFL Academy: Brayshaw, Hammelmann, Lamb, Nelson, Heeney, Goddard, McLaren
Collingwood VFL: Armstrong, Kennedy, Witts, Williams, Ramsay, Gray
