After a comprehensive 70-point victory over the NT Thunder, NEAFL Coach Nick Malceski has plenty to smile about this week. 

Malceski has given his appraisal of the performances from the AFL-listed players on the day.

Will Brodie: Will started the game well, was clean in the contest and got us going forward early. Of his 30 touches, he had 16 contested which we were happy with and four tackles. His transition was good at times but is an area we will continue to grow with him so he becomes consistent throughout the game.

Jacob Dawson: Jacob played down back this week on the Thunder’s small crafty forwards and played his role. He set up very well behind the ball and closed outlets most the game. This week we will be working on some positioning at the drop of ball as it’s an area he wants to master going forward. We are looking forward to him backing his game up this week against Aspley. 

Sam Day: Sam competed well again in the air on Saturday. He didn’t have as much of an impact this week as he has in previous weeks but still managed to contribute to the team. Sam will work hard on the track and I have no doubt he will get back to his previous form.

Caleb Graham: Caleb had a similar game to last week. He was good in most his contests, was physical and used the ball ok when he had it with composure. This week’s focus will be the timing of his bodywork and spoiling on the lead. We feel Caleb is close to putting a full four-quarter performance together very soon.

Jacob Heron: Jacob started well but unfortunately copped a knock to his knee in the first quarter and was unable to continue the game.

Ben King: Ben played forward and had backed up his strong performance from last week. He was able to impact in the air and at ground level which resulted in him kicking four goals for the game. He looks to be growing in confidence which is very exciting. He will continue to work hard throughout the week on his craft to keep his good form going.

Sean Lemmens: Sean was back after nine weeks out and had an immediate impact, kicking the  first goal at the 30 second mark of the first quarter. He impacted when he was forward with his pressure and also led through the midfield with his power. He was on limited game time and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to backing it up this week.

Jack Leslie: Jack had his best game thus far. He was hard to play against in the contest and didn’t get beaten. An area we worked on during the week was ground balls and kicking composure which he was able to deliver in the game. We’re looking forward to him having a good week on the track, get his preparations right and deliver another strong game.

Jez McLennan: Jez played a game similar to two weeks ago when he found some form against GWS. We were happy with his game this week, he had a clear plan going into the game and he was able to execute it for the majority. He defended well and was proactive in moving before his opponent to impact a contest. We are excited for Jez to string consecutive games together to grow his confidence. 

Tom Nicholls: Tom was dominant in the ruck this week. He had 50 hit outs and gave our midfielders first use. His ability to follow up at the contest was good and where it needs to be each week. We are excited for him to continue this heading into Aspley so he is ready to go at AFL level when required.

Connor Nutting: Connor played on the wing this week to give us some run with TIO Stadium being such a big ground. He played to his strengths this week which we were happy about, used his power out of contests and his long kick to give us ground position. We are looking for consistency and he is looking forward to this weekend.

Michael Rischitelli: Risch set the tone in the midfield through his contest work and being clean with the ball in slippery conditions. He was rewarded with 30 touches (17 contested), five tackles and a goal in a solid performance. He will be looking to back this up this week against Aspley.

Josh Schoenfeld: Josh played more inside midfield this week and had a good game. Alongside Risch, he found some footy with 28 disposals (18 of them contested) which we were pleased with. He bounced back from last week and we are looking forward to him improving each week so he is in solid form for when he is needed at AFL level.