The Limestone Coast is well represented in the AFL with plenty of homegrown players starring on the national stage.
The SE Voice’s sports journo Will Boston takes a look at how our locals fared in Round 3.
Lachie Neale
Lachie Neale had a big game on Thursday night against the Pies, racking up 35 touches, 12 kicks and 23 handballs in the loss.
The Kid from Kyby was great in the contest, recording 20 contested possessions and eight score involvements.
He also found himself with a goal in the second quarter.
Although the side did not get the win this was a positive performance for Neale as the Lions continue to find their first win.
Neale has a good matchup against the Roos this week as the Lions head into this game as heavy favourites.
Lincoln McCarthy
Lincoln McCarthy had a solid outing at the Gabba on Thursday night, recording 17 disposals and 13 kicks.
McCarthy was a major threat in the forward line, having eight score involvements, two goal assists and a goal of his own.
McCarthy could have been better in front of goal as he contributed two points along with his goal.
This was a good game from McCarthy moving forward, putting those numbers against a side like Collingwood is a good sign.
This week’s game should be another good hit-out for McCarthy against a struggling side in North Melbourne.
Toby Pink
Toby Pink had a pretty quiet game against the Blues.
Being only his third game of AFL you would not expect him to put up a show-stopping performance against a side like Carlton.
Pink recorded five touches, three handballs and three marks in the game.
A strong sign in Pink’s game was his aerial defence, with six spoils in the game which is proving to be one of the stronger parts of his on field impact.
This is quite impressive considering he was playing against Curnow and McKay.
Although Pink did not have many touches he was smart with the ball when he had it as he recorded a 100% disposal efficiency.
This week Pink has a tough match up and will be put to the test against the Lions.
Jordan Dawson
Jordan Dawson had another solid game against the Dockers, with the captain contributing 27 disposals, 19 kicks and five tackles.
Although the Crows have been struggling in 2024, Dawson has continued to lead by example in all of their defeats.
On the weekend Dawson and the Crows were lazy with the footy and constantly continued to turn the ball over.
Dawson had a season low 48.1% disposal efficiency in the game.
He will have to rally his side tonight against the Dees as this is a must-win and season defining game.
Being at the Crows Gather Round game last year the crowd played a big part in the game.
The Crows will have to feed off the crowd’s energy in this game if they want to come away with the four points.
Darcy Fogarty
Darcy Fogarty had a rough game on Friday night.
Picking up 11 disposals and seven kicks Fogarty and many other Crows forwards struggled to get anything going in the game.
Fogarty however was involved in all four of the Crows’ goals in the game – which is a good sign.
He did not kick his best in the game, registering two points.
Fogarty will have to lift his game tonight if he wants to help his side get the win.
Mitch Hinge
Mitch Hinge has had a solid start to the season with another great performance against the Dockers, chipping in with 19 disposals and 15 kicks.
Hinge was good at moving the footy as he had five rebound 50s.
As the Crows continue to struggle Hinge and the Adelaide backline have a tough job against the hot Demons.
Luke Pedlar
Luke Pedlar had another disappointing game which was cut short after being subbed off in the third quarter.
In his short time on the paddock Pedlar recorded four disposals and three kicks.
It’s a worrying sign, and you have to start to wonder if Pedlar will get dropped if he continues this lacklustre form.
Mason Redman
After missing last week’s game due to suspension Mason Redman was back in the side and made a large impact.
The big man had 25 disposals and 19 kicks in the game and was smart with the ball, having an 84% disposal efficiency.
After missing a game, Redman did not miss a beat on return and is looking like he is going to have another great season.
This week Redman and the Bombers have a tough game against the Power on Friday night.
Rowan Marshall
Rowan Marshall had a dominant performance against the Bombers on Saturday, recording 20 disposals, seven tackles and 27 hitouts.
Defensively Marshall did well in the marking contests as he had four intercept marks.
After an average game last week Marshall had a big bounce back game.
This week Marshall faces the Tigers who are coming off a big win.
Tom McDonald
Tom McDonald had a quiet game against the Power on Saturday night having seven disposals.
McDonald was good in the air, recording a season high seven spoils in the game.
McDonald used the footy well, having a 100% disposal efficiency.
Tonight McDonald will face the struggling Crows in front of an expected packed out Adelaide Oval.
Brad Close
Brad Close had a solid game on Easter Monday against the Hawks.
The former Northie recorded 17 touches, 10 kicks and seven handballs in the game as well as a goal.
Close did well at setting up teammates as he had four score involvements.
Each week the star has been building up his form and has absolutely been getting better every week.
This week the Cats face the Doggies on Saturday which should be a great match up to see where they sit form wise on the ladder.
Jeremy Cameron
Jeremy Cameron had a great game against the Hawks, kicking two goals and having 15 disposals with eight kicks and marks.
Cameron did a great job at setting up goals, having four score involvements in the game.
With the footy Cameron was smart and clean, recording a 80% disposal efficiency.
This season Cameron has been a consistent goal scorer for the Cats, kicking two goals in all three of their games.
Cameron is facing a Bulldogs side that is coming off a great percentage-boosting win over the Eagles.
With the Cats getting off to a hot start this game should be interesting with how well the Doggies have been playing.
Off the field Cameron’s personality is leading the way, demonstrated by his Channel 7 interview with BT as he strolled belatedly onto the hallowed turf at the G, complete with a solid Q&A session before the game.
