A HOST of top prospects will feature in the 2022 NAB League Boys Grand Final, with Dandenong Stingrays and Sandringham Dragons vying for premiership glory at IKON Park from 5:10pm on Friday September 16.
The Stingrays are looking to go one better after losing the 2022 NAB League Girls Grand Final earlier this year, when they went down in a six-point thriller to the Western Jets at Avalon Airport Oval.
The Dragons will be looking to continue their stunning finals run, having reached the Grand Final following an eight-place finish on the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season.
Friday night's match will feature some of the most exciting young players in the country ahead of the 2022 NAB AFL Draft on November 28-29.
Entry to the 2022 NAB League Boys Grand Final is FREE, with the match to also be live streamed at AFL.com.au and the NAB League App.
Below are some of the players to watch in the Grand Final. Please click here to view the full squads.
DANDENONG STINGRAYS
#2 – Mitch Szybkowski
Prolific ball winner with clean hands and great work rate. Has led the program brilliantly while also juggling Vic Country and CGS commitments. Named as the rover in the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.
#3 – Cooper Simpson
Bottom age player who’s been a constant throughout the year, even captaining the side on a number of occasions. Has been able to impact games as both as an inside and outside mid.
#4 – Jaxon Binns
An elite runner who has spent time between wing and half forward. Starting to hit the scoreboard regularly.
#5 – Harry Jones
Has kicked 18 goals in his past 5 NAB League Boys games, including three bags of five. This follows an impressive season with Haileybury College, where he kicked 34 goals. Strong hands and an accurate kick in front of the big sticks.
#9 – Ned Moodie
Has had a strong finish to the year since making the switch to defence. Clean hands and a penetrating kick.
#16 – Henry Hustwaite
Seamlessly moved from half back into the midfield and hasn’t missed a beat. Has averaged 24 disposals throughout the year, which saw him rewarded with selection in the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.
#52 – Harrison Collopy
Has been a pillar of strength in the back half all year, tacking on the oppositions best forwards each week.
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS
#1 - Will Ashcroft
Hard as nails midfielder who is admired for leadership on and off the field. Contested ball is his strength, very clean hands, works extremely hard and loves kicking a midfield goal. Played Vic Metro, VFL for the Brisbane Lions and was a member of the AFL Academy, captaining the Australian team against Collingwood VFL. Was named captain of the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.
#2 - Charlie Clarke
Displays elite forward pressure with elite speed and endurance. Leading score assists, kicking multiple goals across the year as well as being elusive inside midfielder with sidestep if required. Loves a contest, tackles with intent. Represented Vic Metro, playing all games. Was named on the interchange in the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.
#5 - Cameron Mackenzie
Contested ball is his strength. Has very clean hands, works extremely hard and loves kicking a midfield goal. Linkage player covers the ground well. Played for Vic Metro and is a St Kilda NGA player. Massive influence weekly at Brighton Grammar. Was named on the wing in the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.
#6 - Mitch Rowe
Elite speed and endurance, would be one of the best aerobically tested players in the NAB League. Loves breaking the lines and is super dangerous with ball in hand. Defensive mindset and loves space with penetrating kick. Captain of Mentone Grammar.
#7 - Ben Hempel
Booming left foot kick with the ability to run both ways. Plays wing or half bank flank, as he reads the play well and gets involved with forward linkage. Loves a goal. Works hard all day. Peaking at the right time after returning from injury. Metro listed player.
#8 - Harry Sheezel
Loves breaking the lines and is super dangerous with ball in hand playing as a dangerous midsized forward or through the midfield. Can sniff out a goal, sit on shoulders and turn you inside out. Played Vic Metro and was a member of the AFL Academy. Was named half forward in the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.
#9 - Olli Hotton
Started by playing as a small forward and hass progressed to inside midfield by season end. Displays elite forward pressure finding time, space and goals regularly due to inside 50 pressure acts. Rolls through midfield, allusive and crafty with ball in hand. Late invite to Vic Metro, becoming a potential draft bolter.
