HEAD of development Brett Allison reviews the Melbourne-listed players who played in the VFL and AFL Victoria Development League at Frankston Oval on Sunday 

VFL: Casey 9.14 (68) d Frankston 6.18 (54)

Sam Blease: Sam played wing and half-forward. He had 22 possessions and was able to impact the game more than he did the previous week. Pleasingly, he had a lot more possessions in the forward half of the ground, which certainly gave the team a far more attacking look.

Mitch Clisby: Mitch played half-back and was given a run-with role on the opposition’s most dangerous forward. He had 16 possessions and produced a much stronger performance this week. Mitch has been asked to focus on the defensive side of his game and he shut a quality opponent out in this game, so that was good for him.

Colin Garland: Col played as a key defender – his first game at VFL senior level this year after he returned via the Development League from injury last week. He had 15 possessions and it took him a little while to get the speed of the game, as would be expected. But the longer the game went on, the better Col looked. His reading of the game and his ability to cut the angles and help out teammates in defence showed signs of what we’re used to seeing from Col at senior level. For him, he’s just looking to get back to full fitness.

Max Gawn: Max played ruck/forward. It was his first game back from a hamstring injury, having played in a VFL practice match in the AFL round one equivalent. Max achieved what we were looking for. He got through unscathed and was competitive in the ruck and he also contested well in the air. Gawny finished with 19 hit outs.

James Harmes: James came back into the senior side after playing in the Development League the previous week. It was his second senior game after playing against Essendon in the opening round of the VFL season. He played half-back and won the ball well, with 31 possessions. James did some good work inside, but he’s a first year player who needs to make his accountability as a major focus going forward, once the ball leaves the stoppage area. But it was a good, strong game from James on the weekend.

Jayden Hunt: Jayden played wing/half-back. He had eight possessions and looked far more comfortable in defence than he did on the wing. He shows AFL qualities, when he runs and carries the ball, but he’s still finding his feet in his first year at senior level.

Mark Jamar: Mark played ruck/forward. He had 10 possessions and 14 hit outs. Mark rucked strongly and gave the midfielders first use of the ball. Pleasingly, he was able to have an impact up forward in the third quarter, when he took two strong marks and kicked two goals, which were a significant contribution to the win. Mark should be getting close to a senior recall, I would’ve thought.

Daniel Nicholson: Daniel played wing and had 18 possessions. His work rate is always a strong indicator of Daniel’s game. He led the group well and if he can just clean up some of his decision-making errors, he’ll certainly be pressing for senior selection.

Aidan Riley: Aidan had 25 possessions as an inside midfielder. He was really strong and hard around the contest. Aidan plays with AFL intensity and is looking to get his fitness to AFL level. Once he does that, he’ll definitely be pressing for senior selection.

Christian Salem: Christian had 32 possessions. He played his first game as an inside midfielder for Casey. He used the ball quite well and was instrumental in the last quarter, helping Casey win the game. The thing he needs to work on is his accountability once the ball leaves the stoppage area. But otherwise, he’s going well.

James Strauss: James played half-back, wing and forward. He did well in all areas of the ground. He used the ball really, really well – his disposal efficiency was 95 per cent. He had 21 possessions and looked his best when he was running and carrying the ball. But he can get caught just taking it sideways and backwards at times.

Jimmy Toumpas: Jimmy played half-back and had 11 disposals in the first half of the game. He was solid and gave plenty of drive when he was on the ground, but he unfortunately received a heavy knock just before half-time, after backing back with the flight of the ball. Although he tried to come back on the second half, he was ruled out with concussion by the doctor, so he took little part after half-time. But he was a good contributor while he was on.

AFL Victoria Development League: Casey 13.10 (88) d Frankston 10.8 (68)  

Max King: Max played as a key forward and had a solid contribution in the game. He led well and had a confidence boosting game at Development League level.

Maia Westrupp: Maia played down back. He presented solidly and continues to learn and improve in his first full season since coming from New Zealand.