By Jonty Ralphsmith
Gippsland prime mover Xavier Lindsay was among eight local players to take part in a boys Under-17 Vic Country representative match on Sunday.
Lindsay has been in a rich vein of form for the Power, averaging 29 touches and six tackles in the last four games as an inside midfielder.
He again showed his ability to slip through stoppage and gather loose ground-balls against Queensland.
A 2022 Under-16 All-Australian player, Lindsay’s transition to the higher level has been seamless as he has naturally put on size and looks threatening when his team is chaining possession.
After showing he had the physicality to match it with some of the best in the country in the first half, he was moved to his preferred wing position after the main break.
The 17-year-old’s game sense and nous stood out, as did his work rate as he clogged up defensive 50 on multiple occasions and directly set up a third quarter goal with a snap in traffic.
He also found himself on his own for large chunks late in the game as Vic Country clung to a narrow lead, briefly surrendered it, then won with a kick after the siren to Murray’s Jack Whitlock.
Dandenong midfielder-forward Cooper Hynes had two important moments of composure in the clinches in defensive 50 late to resist Queensland scores.
When the visitors kicked what looked to be the winning goal, Hynes, the son of former Frankston VFL captain John, released a teammate to get it going forward from centre for Vic Country.
Tough midfielder Harvey Langford also found plenty of the footy as he has done all year for the Stingrays.
Narre North Foxes junior Noah Mraz also showed glimpses, rotating through the ruck and as a key defender who took some important marks, while Harrison Doughton was competitive in attack.
Gippsland also had halfback Max Stobie and wingers Max Donohue and Julian Callahan in action, while Alix Tairu was squad listed but absent on game day through injury.
