Throughout the 2008 NAB AFL under 18 championships, afl.com.au will speak to a key recruiter/official about the players they thought shone on a particular day's play.
On Sunday, we spoke to AIS-AFL academy high performance coach Alan McConnell.
His comments came after the first day's play of division one, where Vic Metro sealed a three-point thriller over Vic Country, just moments before the final siren.
Nick Suban - Suban's ball-winning ability and ground work was great.
Nic Heyne - Heyne created a number of opportunities to work his way into the game. He used the ball effectively and also created a number of scoring opportunities.
Tom Rockliff - He was a very good player, booting four goals.
Jack Watts - He finished with 12 possessions and booted four goals, including the match-winner.
Shaun McKernan - His ruck-work was excellent. Vic Metro had the better of the stoppages because of McKernan's ruckwork.
Tyrone Vickery - Vic Metro's ruck dominance was due to McKernan and Vickery. Vickery also won his share of the ball as well as influencing the play with his ruckwork.
Tom Lynch - He was dominant early, but drifted out of the game. He presented up extremely well early in the game, when he was playing as a leading forward, coming up to half-forward.
Michael Hurley - Hurley was the best backman on the ground. He just doesn't get beaten in one-on-one contests. He hasn't had high possessions, but whenever he's been in a one-on-one contest, he never gets outmarked. He also doesn't give his opponent easy possessions, so I'd say he was the dominant defender.
Xavier Gotch - He picked up good numbers in terms of possessions - he got 21 disposals the most for his side.
David Zaharakis - Zaharakis also gained 19 possessions, behind only Gotch for Vic Metro.
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