Development coach Travis Varcoe reviews the 13 AFL-listed players who featured at VFL level against Brisbane in round two.

Jedd Busslinger

13 disposals, five marks, three tackles, four rebound 50s

“It’s been awesome to have Jedd put a block of work together throughout the pre-season – he’s obviously come from a long way back with his shoulder. To be able to piece it together and get himself right to get out on the park is great. He’ll obviously take a few weeks to find his feet and feel comfortable again, but I’m sure he’ll be better for the run.”

Charlie Clarke

11 disposals, four marks, three tackles

“Like Buss, Charlie’s been progressing over the last couple of weeks – being able to get some continuity at training and getting out on the park. For him, it’s just keeping things simple - having some taller targets around him makes things a bit easier for him too. I’ve enjoyed watching his progress over the last couple of weeks.”

Sam Darcy

18 disposals, six marks, four clearances, three goals, 10 hit-outs

“It was nice to have someone of that calibre come back to us. He started off the game in the right frame of mind, and was able to impact for us in front of the ball. Again, he just gives us a nice focal point, and then confidence to be able to take territory. It’ll be good for him to put some form together and take that confidence going forward.”

Rhylee West

18 disposals, four marks, eight inside 50s, three goals

“Westy had that Westy-type of bash and crash game. He spent a little bit more time forward which is good for his development, and potentially getting an opportunity going forward. For him to be able to hit the scoreboard and take his chances where he could – I just loved some of his stuff in front of the ball. He’s always got that ‘wants to win’ mentality, which we all love. The way he’s been tracking along has been pretty encouraging.”

Toby McLean

21 disposals, five marks, seven tackles, four clearances

“Tobes has been chucked around a little bit, which is one of his strengths. He knows what each line or position requires, and he has a ‘no fuss’ mentality and just goes out and executes it. In terms of his impact on the gam - it can’t be underestimated how much impact he has on the players around him, and give them that live feedback. I can’t speak anymore highly of what he’s been able to bring, and not just from a game impact point of view.”

Tim O’Brien

15 disposals, four marks, five rebound 50s

“We’ve had a few players come in off long injury layoffs, and TO is another. The power of work he’s put in to be able to come out and play – he just sures things up for us. He has that level-head experience under his belt, and like Toby, he has the ability to make others better around him. Hopefully with a bit more continuity with matches, he’ll just keep growing and helping the Club in general.”

Buku Khamis

Nine disposals, four marks, two goals

“Buks had a pretty high work-rate and output. Again, having Sam (Darcy) there meant that not all the attention was on Buks to have to compete and do all the grunt stuff in front of the footy. He was able to work off and showcase some of his other abilities. It’s a new learning curve for him, because I don’t think he’s had too many big key forwards around him since the start of this year to give him a bit of a chop-out. I loved his effort – he’s only going to grow and be a beneficiary of having Sam, Mitch Hannan and some others alongside him to free him up a little bit.”

Mitch Hannan

15 disposals, five marks, three inside 50s, two goals

“Mitchy was good – again, it was a bit of a bash and crash game, and early on he was able to hit the scoreboard. He’s always using his speed to get out to open side, to challenge defences to defend him but his ability to also get up the ground to help us as a team is first-class. It was another workman-like performance.”

Lachie McNeil

14 disposals, six marks, one goal

“With AFL experience around him, Lach was able to go about his business. He’s tough and clean, and had some nice moments in the game which is really good for him and his confidence. He spent a lot of time forward, and was able to expand some of his stuff on the wing. It’s a nice progression piece for Lach.”

Luke Cleary

18 disposals, six marks, six rebound 50s

“As much as I’ve said this already, Clizz benefited off having TO and Gardy around because it just allowed him to play more freely up the ground a little bit more – which he is suited to. Being able to learn off those guys and actually have the live feedback and encouragement from them was really good too. He’s still in a learning process, but his ability to soak up things - during the week or even on game-day - and transfer it into games is awesome. It was another good hit-out for Clizz – I’m excited to see what he piece together in the next few weeks.”

Cody Raak

Nine disposals, three tackles

“Raaky has been transferred down back – he obviously started there and then moved forward, but he’s back in defence now. It’s good to see him get the ball in his hands a little bit to help his defenders out. Him and Clizz were actually great beneficiaries of having those experienced boys back there – it allowed them both to play with a bit more freedom and confidence. I liked his game very much.”

Jordon Sweet

10 disposals, four clearances, 52 hit-outs

“It was a big day in the middle for Sweety. He’s putting together a nice block – to be able to impact the centre bounce stuff and then spread away from there. (Ruck coach) Stef Martin has been great for him – being able to hone in on some of his craft stuff, not just in the ruck but around the ground too. Sweety generally starts in the middle and really sets us on our way. He was one of our better players for the day. I loved his game.”

Ryan Gardner

Five disposals, two marks

“Like some of the other boys, Gardy was coming back off a long layoff. Being able to piece together a nice block from training through to the game was good. From a game point of view, it was just nice to get him through. He pulled up pretty well from it. His communication and being to help out in the air – he’s courageous and the boys love having him there. He’ll be better for the run.”