From Redford on PRE who studies the U18's quite thoroughly -
Ryan Griffen SA *
Very well skilled player who can kick on both feet. Good pace. Will carry the ball. Good balance and poise. Rarely wastes a possession. Good height makes him very flexible in terms of positions. Copped heavy knock in game 2 and went missing. Good vision. Kicks well to position. Not really an inside player and I question his defensive side and his physicality. But he will go early.
Angus Monfries SA
Outstanding carnival. I like Monfries a lot. Only 180cm and on the slight side, but fantastic courage – particularly at ground level where he puts himself into the play time and time again winning a lot of possessions and free kicks. Copped a lot of knocks and tackles but just kept bouncing back. Keeps his feet all the time – a sign of a good player. On top of his inside ball winning capacity, he is a great runner outside as well, with immaculate kicking skills. Rarely wastes a possession. Beautiful poise and balance. Uses his voice and leads his team mates. Sat next to a guy who had a son in the SA team and he rated him as SA’s best player and an outstanding kid with a huge heart to match his ability. As I say, he is slight of frame but if a club is prepared to give him a couple of years to fill out, there is every chance he could be a Simon Black type for someone. I rate him highly.
Ben Eckermann SA *
Excellent carnival. Lot of possessions. Really carries the ball very well, running the lines, and sets up plays as a result - a la Ben Cousins. Good left foot on him but can struggle a bit on his right. Good pace. Well balanced. Hardest runner at carnival. Good evasive skills. Very vocal kid – motivates his team mates. On the small side, he’s not an overtly physical footballer but might develop in that regard as he is a serous kid who will go early. Has the potential to be another Schammer if he works on his physical/defensive side a bit more. Not bad.
