SYDNEY Academy member and father-son prospect Nick Blakey put in an exceptional performance in his side's thrilling four-point win over the GWS Academy on Sunday.
The youngster had an immediate impact and kicked three goals from his 17 disposals in the 12.14 (86) to 12.10 (82) win at Blacktown International Sports Park.
Blakey, the son of former Fitzroy and North Melbourne player John, will have to choose between three clubs – the Swans, Lions or Kangaroos – when he is eligible to be drafted in 2018.
Teammate Jarrod Osborne was the Swans' leading possession-getter with 22 touches and 10 tackles, using the ball well by hand and foot and standing up under pressure.
Midfielder James Bell, who was not mentioned in the Swans' best players, was another classy performer courtesy of his good work rate and ability to push forward when required.
Bell received a knock early in the match, which limited his output to 13 possessions and a goal.
For the Giants, tall forward Nick Shipley was ultra-competitive and aggressive in the air, ending with 21 disposals, nine clearances, seven tackles and two goals.
The 190cm goalkicker, who can perform multiple roles, has shown vast improvement since transferring from soccer as a 15-year-old.
Interestingly, Shipley had never picked up a football before joining the Giants Academy just three years ago.
Midfielder Charlie Spargo was in the thick of the action and ended with a game-high 24 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s and a goal, demonstrating his smartness in the air and at ground level.
The 173cm Spargo is the son of former North Melbourne and Brisbane Bears player Paul, but is not eligible for father-son selection.
Over-age player Connor Owen-Auburn kicked four goals and took seven marks playing a medium forward role to round out the Giants' leading players.
Owen-Auburn impressed with his strong aerial leap and composure when the ball entered attacking 50.
SYDNEY ACADEMY 5.4 6.9 8.11 12.14 (86)
GWS ACADEMY 1.1 6.3 9.10 12.10 (82)
GOALS
SYDNEY ACADEMY: Blakey 3, Osborne, Bell, Skrivanic, Tegg, Stern, Rogers, Hardman, Maze, Eynaud
GWS ACADEMY: Owen-Auburn 4, Lane 4, Shipley 2, Spargo, Edwards
BEST
SYDNEY ACADEMY: Blakey, Osborne, Stern, Robertson, Rogers, Maze
GWS ACADEMY: Shipley, Spargo, Fitzgerald, Owen-Auburn, Conlan
