AGSV football grand final: Who impressed in PEGS’ win
A rising star from one of footy’s most famous families set the tone for PEGS in the AGSV grand final and from there his teammates lifted. See who else impressed in our scouting notes.
Thomas Lincoln has league football coursing through his veins.
The nephew of Essendon great Dustin Fletcher and grandson of Ken, Lincoln lit up the AGSV grand final with a pair of goals in as many minutes to flip the match on its head and set up a Penleigh and Essendon Grammar grand final triumph.
PEGS prevailed 7.8 (50) to 4.9 (33) over Ivanhoe Grammar at Shann Oval, in a game which offered plenty of promise.
Scroll down to read the full scouting notes
Following an even opening term, Ivanhoe had a mountain of possession for much of the second quarter - but through both wasted chances and an impenetrable web of PEGS’ interceptors - failed to capitalise.
Good teams find a way to win, and PEGS did just that as Lincoln rose to the occasion to clunk a pair of marks on the lead against the run of play.
With ‘The Fletcher Scoreboard’ the backdrop, neither of Lincoln’s set shots looked like missing and suddenly the momentum was back with the home side.
Lincoln continued to impose himself on the match, floating higher up the field in the third term and hitting targets inside 50 without fail.
“I’ve had an interrupted year, I’ve only played six games due to injury, slow start, but to be able to get involved and have a presence was really great, I was thrilled,” Lincoln said after the match.
“It’s a big (family) legacy, big shoes to fill definitely with Dustin playing 400 (AFL) games, all you can do is follow in their footsteps.
“I’ve got my two cousins playing as well and to share the field with them and have pop (Ken) and Dustin watching is massive, we love it.”
Lincoln said the win was “amazing”, with hundreds of PEGS student flooding the field when the final siren sounded.
“We had the loss (in the grand final) last year and to be able to come back and win it, we’ve had a couple of ups and downs, can’t explain it.”
PEGS’ tall timber impressed at both ends of the field, with Noah McMenamin flying against Ivanhoe’s early barrage brilliantly to mark and spoil like a man possessed.
Tristan Leeds also impressed in defence, while Caspar Roberts clunked some good marks and got his name on the scoresheet, as did Alex Gray.
Highly fancied draft prospect Cooper Duff-Tytler showed glimpses of his class, winning hit outs, and taking marks and bringing the ball to ground when needed, with PEGS coach Mark Williams describing him as “fantastic”.
Duff-Tytler had stiff competition in the ruck from underage Vic Metro squad member Harry van Hattum, who competed well in the ruck and delivered dangerous kicks inside 50.
Campbell Stone, Hamish Pearce and Jackson Watkins all impressed in the midfield, with Williams describing the trio as “really workmanlike, just connecting the dots”.
“Campbell Stone set us up in the first half, a couple of really composed kicks which gave us a bit of a lead,” Williams said.
“(Pearce is) very dynamic, his nickname’s silk and his skills are fantastic, he did all the basic things right, tackled hard, ball security, hit his targets by hand and foot and worked really well both ways.”
After taking an 18-point lead into the half-time break, Williams said the match was broken open int he third quarter as PEGS kicked 21 points while holding Ivanhoe scoreless to take a 39-point advantage into the final change.
“The first quarter we were feeling them out a bit, there was a bit of nervous energy,” Williams said.
“In the second quarter we tried to break the game open and just couldn’t get free, (Ivanhoe) were good behind the ball.
“We broke them open in the third quarter with the breeze … everyone played their role, that’s the main thing and that’s why we won.”
Ivanhoe’s Hudson Price capped off a strong display by breathing life into the contest late with two crafty goals, including a brilliant snap from a tight angle.
His side finished the match with a flurry to cut the final margin back to 17 points.
“Once the last quarter came we fell to pieces, cramping and disorganised and (Ivanhoe) took advantage of that and got themselves back in the game,” Williams said.
“We had a good buffer but they were coming really hard and we were falling down like flies.”
GRAND FINAL SCOUTING NOTES
Thomas Lincoln (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
Lincoln enjoyed a superb match, kicking a pair of crucial ones in quick succession which swung the match in his side’s favour. He was leading really well, and also took some good grabs slightly higher up the field later in the match. From there, he was able to find targets inside 50 and set up scoring opportunities. Is in fine form given he broke into the Calder Cannons side last month and kicked two goals on debut.
Hudson Price (Ivanhoe Grammar)
Price was a standout for Ivanhoe as he has been for much of the season. The pint-sized player used his pace well and his disposal was highly effective. He enjoyed a great passage of play in the second quarter when he won a clearance from the centre square, then outworked his opponent forward to get on the end of the following kick, before he had the presence of mind to chip to a teammate in a better position as he ran in to take his set shot. He also got his name on the scoresheet as Ivanhoe rallied late in the match, kicking two goals in a flurry including a great shot from a tight angle in the pocket.
Cooper Duff-Tytler (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
Duff-Tytler’s ruck work was again a highlight and helped PEGS. He had a quieter game once the ball was on the ground by his game-breaking standards but took some big marks early and brought the ball to ground when needed. Duff-Tytler’s tied to the Calder Cannons and was fresh off a national championships with Vic Metro that saw him earn under-18 All Australian honours.
Isaac Dugdale (Ivanhoe Grammar)
The strong-bodied Ivanhoe captain was hard at the ball in the midfield. The left-footer won his fair share of the footy and disposed of it well too. He’s tied to the Northern Knights.
Campbell Stone (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
Had a crucial first-half in particular for PEGS, and was involved in plenty of their scores. His kicking was composed all day and he hit Thomas Lincoln on the chest beautifully to set up a crucial goal that would kickstart his side’s momentum shift.
Harry van Hattum (Ivanhoe Grammar)
Competed very well in the ruck and certainly held his own against Duff-Tytler in what was a relatively even ruck duel. Similarly to his opposing ruck, he wasn’t quite as influential around the ground as he’s shown he can be at AGSV level this season. Will be a very exciting prospect next season given he’s still underage. The Northern Knights talent was one of four underage players included in the Vic Metro squad as a train-on, but he featured against Vic Country and was named in the best.
Hamish Pearce (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
Dubbed ‘silk’, Pearce showcased himself as a smooth-user of the ball and was accurate by both hand and foot. He tackled hard and ran well both ways. Has been a regular for the Calder Cannons this season.
Jackson Watkins (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
His workrate was exceptional in the midfield, he played a crucial role and provided great link-up play. The underage prospect featured for the Calder Cannons too and kicked three goals in his last outing for the,.
Boyd Carpenter (Ivanhoe Grammar)
Was very involved and had plenty of the footy in the middle of the park for Ivanhoe. He rarely wasted the ball when he had it.
Noah McMenamin (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
For the second week running McMenamin dominated as an intercept defender. The high-jumper used his lead and height to advantage, crashing packs and killing every Ivanhoe shot that fell short of the goal-line with a mark or spoil. The Western Jets product has featured regularly at Coates League level too.
Brian Dintinosante (Ivanhoe Grammar)
Dintinosante took some good marks in the backline for Ivanhoe and also distributed the ball well.
Tristan Leeds (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
McMenamin’s partner in crime in the backline, Leeds also intercepted well and used the ball well. The pair spearheaded a very strong defence. Leeds has also featured often for the Calder Cannons this season.
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
The AGSV’s two premier ruckmen are set to go toe-to-toe in a must-watch battle that will shape Friday’s grand final.
Underage Ivanhoe Grammar ruckman Harry Van Hattum will be out to inspire his side to an upset over the might of top 10 draft prospect Cooper Duff-Tytler and Penleigh and Essendon Grammar.
The school’s last met at PEGS’ Shann Oval in round 7, with the home side cruising to a commanding 57-point victory.
“We beat Ivanhoe comfortably last time but there were periods in the game where they had opportunities to stick with us and just didn’t quite take their opportunities,” said PEGS coach Mark Williams.
“We had control of the game and we were able to continue scoring and stop them from scoring.”
Ivanhoe coach Ben Ingleton PEGS was the one team that “got hold of” his side in the home and away season.
“PEGS beat us comfortably, we had a couple of injuries that day … there’s a couple that have come back in the team since then and we’re a different look since the last time we played them,” Ingleton said.
“They’ve got Cooper (Duff-Tytler) in the ruck, it’s going to be a great contest to watch and Cooper’s one to we’ve got to be aware of when he goes forward, but they’ve got other players too.
“We’re going to need a really good team performance from us but we’re confident we will bring that effort and make a good game of it.”
PEGS coach Williams actually coached Van Hattum’s dad “many years ago” at Preston, and said the emerging ruck was a “ripper”.
“Tough, really good player,” Williams added of Van Hattum, who joined Duff-Tytler in the Vic Metro squad a train-on player this season, one of just four underage players to be included.
“Their midfield’s really potent as well, like most the game will be won in the midfield, it’s about who’s cleaner at getting the ball inside 50 and who can convert really.
“They’re really well coached … in the end it’s about who wants it most really and both our sides will be evenly matched again.
Ingleton said that the pressure and contest would be key.
“We’ve just got to make sure we bring that again for four quarters, and our effort,” Ingleton said.
“(PEGS) are similar to Marcellin, if you let them off the chain they can score quickly so we’ve got to make sure we’re attacking the ball hard and winning first possession and applying pressure when they’ve got it.”
SEMI-FINAL PREVIEWS, PLAYERS TO WATCH
The Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria football semi-finals are upon us.
Yarra Valley Grammar will host Penleigh and Essendon Grammar at 10.30am on Saturday, while minor premiers Marcellin College will host Ivanhoe Grammar at 10.45am.
Discover the previews for both matches below.
Yarra Valley Grammar v Penleigh and Essendon Grammar
Yarra Valley Grammar form: W, W, W, W, W (2nd)
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar form: W, W, W, W, L (3rd)
Last time they met
There’s recent history between these sides, with Yarra Valley pulling off a come-from-behind victory over PEGS in the final round of the home and away season.
PEGS had led at every change but was scoreless in the final term as Yarra Valley kicked four goals to surge to a 9.7 (61) to 6.7 (43) victory.
“It was a really tight game, we were in front until three quarter time and they overran us in the last quarter, they got on top on the midfield and then their forwards ran away and kicked some critical goals in the last quarter,” reflected PEGS coach Mark Williams of the loss.
“We’ll need to keep the game tight, try and play it on our terms and get a bit of quick ball movement going, they’re very good defensively.
“Both teams are evenly matched but in the end it’s going to come down to momentum and a little bit of scoreboard pressure.”
Players to watch
Cooper Duff-Tytler (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
Floating around the top five on most predicted draft boards, Duff-Tytler is one of the AGSV’s standout players this season. He’s a dominant ruckman who can act as an extra rover, his marking around the ground is exceptional and he’s potent forward.
Darcy McCall (Yarra Valley Grammar)
Dealt the daunting task of battling Cooper Duff-Tytler, the Yarra Valley ruckman performed well last time the sides met and another strong showing will be crucial. His tap work is his strength.
Hamish Pearce (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
A strong clearance player who has smart ball-use and won’t cough the footy up when under the pump.
Aaron Sharkie (Yarra Valley Grammar)
The Oakleigh Chargers prospect kicked 3.3 last time the sides met and was lively inside the forward 50. Can provide crucial spark for his side forward. Has also figured for Vic Metro.
Jackson Watkins (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
The bottom-age midfielder is enjoying a great season. He’s played a few games for Calder, is very dynamic and hard at the ball with great skills. He breaks away from tackles and congestion really well.
Jordan Knapp (Yarra Valley Grammar)
The promising midfield prospect has been in fine form and stepped up to kick a matchwinning goal for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates league. He captained the Vic Metro under-16s last year and has impressed at AGSV level.
Tristan Leeds (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar)
A centre-half back who intercepts well and is key to PEGS’ offensive transition. He was tagged last time the sides met and the match-up will be an interesting watch.
Marcellin College v Ivanhoe Grammar
Marcellin College form: W, W, W, L, W. (1st)
Ivanhoe Grammar form: W, W, W, L, W. (4th)
Last time they met
Marcellin College and Ivanhoe Grammar haven’t met since back in round one.
Ivanhoe Grammar was fielding 11 debutants that day, and fell 28 points short losing 10.11 (71) to 6.7 (43).
“Now we’ve had a season together and natural improvement and development I think we’re ready to give it a shake,” said Ivanhoe Grammar coach Ben Ingleton ahead of Saturday’s semi-final.
“For us it’s about playing our game and sticking at it consistently, playing our style for longer I guess. We want to play our style and play to our strengths.
“We’ve got a very strong midfield and we’re pretty consistent across the board, which Marcellin are too.”
Marcellin coach Ryan Edwards said both teams play an attacking brand of footy and always look to score.
“Contest and clearance will be key in a semi-final along with the effective ball use,” Edwards added.
Players to watch
Harry van Hattum (Ivanhoe Grammar)
Van Hattum is an excellent tap ruckman who is a premier big man in the AGSV competition. He leads the midfield and wins lots of possession around the ground. He has for Vic Metro as a bottom-age player this season.
Nick Canavan (Marcellin College)
Canavan is powerful midfielder who provides plenty of burst from stoppage.
Issac Dugdale (Ivanhoe Grammar)
The Ivanhoe Grammar captain, Dugdale is a Knights-listed and strong-bodied midfielder who leads his side well. His consistency is his strength, and he’s hard at the contest and a beautiful left foot kick.
Roman Moxon (Marcellin College)
Moxon is a classy midfielder with elite ball use.
Darcy Dunn (Ivanhoe Grammar)
Dunn’s been a big improver this season. He’s developed into a really good utility who intercepts the ball well. He can play in the midfield or forward.
Nico D’odorico (Marcellin College)
An underage player still in year 11, D’odorico is a midfielder-forward who impacts the scoreboard.
Stefan Nedelkovski (Ivanhoe Grammar)
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Nedelkovski is a big-bodied forward who attacks the footy and contests hard. Also has little trouble finding the scoreboard and has often kicked multiple goals this season.
Josh Kol (Marcellin College)
Kol is a speedy midfielder-forward who is great in the air and clean on the ground.
Originally published as AGSV football grand final: Who impressed in PEGS’ win
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