V-Line Cup 2023: The Barwon future stars who impressed at U15 carnival

Easton is proud of the way his side attacked the tournament, which featured the best country talents from across Victoria, and is excited by the talent coming through the ranks in the region.

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After winning their first game against Gippsland on Monday, the Cats led 15-3 at quarter time in their next match before conceding five unanswered goals in the second term.

“In this environment against these kids a five or 10 minute lapse … against what are to be Vic Country U16s kids is going to come back and bite you,” Easton said.

“It’s a good learning experience for them, try and learn on the run and try and identify and close it down.

“Really impressed with their attitude, there is some good talent in this region that would comfortably handle that experience and handle the next step up as well which is exciting.”

BARWON DIV 1 BOYS

Darcy Harrington (Ocean Grove)

There was some confusion around Harrington after he ran out in the No. 34 instead of his slated No. 15, but that didn’t stop him taking out Barwon’s best-on-ground medal in the first game. The Ocean Grove midfielder was high-level performer across the two games with his clean hands and workrate, also hitting the scoreboard while resting forward with three goals for the tournament.

Noah Williams (Bell Park)

Williams showed real promise through the midfield with his running capacity and agility, allowing him to sidestep opponents with ease. The left footer booted two goals in their opening game against Gippsland.

Jack Pickett (Torquay)

Pickett was adjudged as Barwon’s best player in their loss to South East, providing strong impact in the ruck and up forward with two goals. The Torquay junior was named in the best in both of their matches with his launch as the footy as a forward impressing.

Bohdi Hateley (Ocean Gove)

Hateley took the game on with his blistering speed and pinpoint kicking across the carnival, giving the Cats drive off halfback. The medium defender was one of his side’s best in their loss to South East.

Tom Teague (Ocean Grove)

Teague’s workrate up and down the ground was important for Barwon across the two days. Gave them options on the outside in attack and pushed back into defence to help out the Cats’ back six.

BARWON GIRLS

Ava Bilyk (St Mary’s)

The talented midfielder was arguably the Cats’ best player across the carnival, receiving best-on-ground honours in the first game. She kicked one of the goals tournament in the second game, bending it through with a banana while running towards the boundary.

Meyah Fursland (St Joseph’s)

Fursland was one of the surprise packets for Barwon in the ruck, impressing with her ruck craft and follow up work at stoppages. Was named in the best in both games for the Cats.

Charlee Morrow (Lara)

Morrow stood up whenever the Cats needed her to in the clinches, winning plenty of contested ball and getting it forward. Was everywhere in the second game as her side’s best player.

Grace Carroll (Geelong Amateur)

Caroll sparked Barwon with two goals in succession in the second game, and both of them were crackers. The forward also added a goal for the Cats in their first match.

Teliah Tkaczuk (St Joseph’s)

Tkaczuk shone in defence, reading the play well and taking intercept marks.

BARWON DIV 2 BOYS

William Hibble (St Joseph’s)

Hibble nearly single-handedly won the game for his side against South East, booting four goals and imposing himself with his strong contested marking. He won the medal for his efforts in that match and kicked another goal in the first game to finish as the equal third highest goalkicker in Division 2.

Joel Bartley (Barwon Heads)

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Dan Batten

The Cats skipper led from the front, shining with two goals in their comfortable win over Gippsland as one of their best. Bartley also caught the eye in their second game, with his third quarter particularly impressive.

Bodhi Black (Geelong West)

The Geelong West product took out the best-on-ground medal in the first match of the carnival.

Originally published as V-Line Cup 2023: The Barwon future stars who impressed at U15 carnival