Draft Watch: Carlton prospect's commanding Vic Country outing

Bendigo Pioneers co-captain Cody Walker starred for Vic Country with a game-high 35 disposals including 18 contested possessions. He also had five clearances, five rebound 50s and as many score involvements in his side’s narrow defeat. GWV Rebels star Ethan Drever was great again with 25 touches, six score involvements, five inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a goal. Rebels teammates Archie Elliott kicked four goals from six scoring shots, while defender Klay Nicholls had 12 intercepts from his 21 disposals.

For SA, Jack Slattery booted four goals in another supreme forward showing. The Woodville-West Torrens product, who has played SANFL reserves this year, has kicked 16 goals in his four National Championship outings including bags of six, five and now four. North Adelaide ruckman Ethen Herbert was strong in the ruck with 20 touches, six clearances and a goal, while Glenelg's Jacob McNicol was strong once again with 25, eight score involvements and a goal.

Brisbane academy prospect Caylen Murray was exceptional in the Allies' win, collecting 26 disposals and taking seven marks. Tassie Devils star Jake Beams was strong behind the ball, with 22 disposals - 20 of which were kicks, 10 marks and a goal. Suns academy player Jake Callinan mounted 19 disposals and two goals, while Swans prospect Henry Meaney played well with 22 and a goal of his own.

Claremont's Heath Mellody was WA's most prominent player, leading all comers with 30 disposals, 10 marks, eight score involvements and four clearances in a tight loss. Benji van Rooyen, brother of Melbourne's Jacob, was also strong, kicking a goal from his 18 disposals alongisde 20 hitouts and four clearances in the ruck. West Perth key Harvey Spawton-Guy kicked three, while Harper Banfield mounted 23 and seven tackles.