Each week, ESPN.com.au AFL draft expert Chris Doerre casts his eye over the country's best junior footballers to give readers an early insight into the next generation of AFL stars.
As well as attending live games, Doerre pores through match vision, analyses the stats and talks to industry sources to ensure he can offer the most insightful draft analysis.
Aside from the weekly wraps, Doerre will also unveil his power rankings at the end of each month and as we get closer to November's national draft, Doerre will also predict who goes where with his annual phantom draft.
Player Focus
Breaking the lines and carrying the ball 30m at a time, evading would-be tacklers and shrugging tackles, Lachlan Ash starred for Vic Country in their upset victory against Vic Metro in Game 1 of the Under-18 trials on Saturday.
On a Vic Country team that looked more switched on than their more talented rival, it was the play of Ash on the outside that provided the most drive and excitement.
With the versatility to play half-back, wing or through the midfield, Ash is a talented intercept mark who reads the ball in flight early and gets to the drop of the ball. His speed, endurance and agility stand out and his evasion and composure under pressure further add to the appeal.
Playing a style of game similar to Carlton veteran Kade Simpson, if Ash develops the contested side of his game further and starts hurting opponents more by foot, he can feature inside the first round of this year's draft.
Under-18 Victorian trials
Game 1
Winning the ball through the midfield and looking dangerous when he rested forward, Sam Flanders was one of Vic Country's most important. Most impressive was how vocal he was throughout, both on the field and on the bench. Even though it was a practice match, Flanders was invested in the result and locked to be one of the tone-setters for Vic Country.
Murray underager Elijah Hollands was the focal point up forward for Vic Country, proving difficult to contain one-on-one, hitting the scoreboard, setting up teammates for scoring opportunities and providing excellent forward pressure.
Showing class for Vic Country, Jay Rantall was evasive in traffic, linked up well by hand, provided run and kicked a classy goal from 55m on the move.
When used through the midfield Noah Anderson gave Vic Metro a major ascendency and when he played forward he looked like the most dangerous attacking option. Playing with a sore shoulder and having it examined at three-quarter time, Anderson consolidated his position as the pick No. 1 favourite with another exceptional performance.
Having an impact for Vic Metro, Miles Bergman was influential each time he was involved in the game. He chased and pressured the Vic Country ball carriers with high levels of effort, took a key intercept mark and intercepted a handball in traffic. He's someone who doesn't find much of the ball but often influences the outcome of games.
Game 2
Helping Vic Metro to a win, Matthew Rowell was the dominant midfielder. Leading the way through the midfield with his ball winning, he also took two valuable intercept marks.
Sharing the midfield load with Rowell, Daniel Mott was the other prolific ball winner at stoppages who helped Vic Metro get on top.
Reading the ball in flight for Vic Country, James Schischka was an intercept marking force. His skills in addition to his line-breaking speed and evasion impressed.
Hurting the opposition with his kicking, Cody Weightman was one of Vic Country's best with his impact in the final quarter particularly impressive.
NAB League
In trademark style, Greater Western Sydney midfielder Thomas Green put on a clinic against Northern at stoppages with 38 disposals, 27 contested possessions, six tackles and 13 clearances in a dominant display.
GWS overager James Peatling was productive and damaging. With 15 of his 19 kicks effective, the talented midfielder managed 29 disposals, 15 contested possessions, six clearances, 10 inside 50s and one goal.
Fellow GWS overager Jeromy Lucas was equally influential with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, five marks (two contested marks), six clearances, five inside 50s, two goals and four score assists.
Reminding onlookers of Essendon midfielder Devon Smith, Connor Budarick was relentless with the pressure he applied through the midfield in Gold Coast's strong win against Oakleigh. The 176cm midfielder collected 28 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight marks, eight tackles, five clearances, six inside 50s, one goal and four score assists.
One of this year's most dangerous forwards, Joshua Gore continued his strong vein of form for Gold Coast. After kicking three goals in each of his two other games, Gore managed 20 disposals, eight marks, four inside 50s and two goals. While he caused Oakleigh a lot of problems around goal, he was wasteful with five behinds.
Racking the ball up through Brisbane's midfield, Will Martyn secured 37 disposals, 12 marks, five inside 50s and two score assists against Eastern, but it was not enough to get Brisbane over the line.
Leading the way for Sydney in their win against Sandringham, underage midfielder Errol Gulden was the most influential. He posted 27 disposals, six marks, 10 inside 50s, one goal and three score assists.
SANFL
League
Holding his own for Norwood in their five-point win against Sturt, highly rated midfielder Dylan Stephens collected 15 disposals and five inside 50s
Looking a class above League competition with his long kicking and intercept marking prowess, key defender Will Gould has made it clear in the opening rounds of the season he is this year's most ready-to-go key defender. The powerfully built defender amassed 24 disposals, 10 marks, six tackles and seven rebound 50s for Glenelg in a draw against South Adelaide.
Reserves
Making a push for League selection, Cameron Taheny was influential for Norwood in their eight-point win against Sturt with 24 disposals, seven tackles and one goal.
WAFL
League
Hard-running midfielder Jeremy Sharp was industrious for East Fremantle in their loss to Subiaco with 14 disposals, six marks and one goal.
Colts
Winning the ruck battle and having an impact up forward, Luke Jackson performed an important role for East Fremantle against Subiaco. The athletic ruckman secured 17 disposals, six marks, 24 hitouts and two goals in the win.