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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 Connor Thar was the driving force in a nine goal to one second half that saw Western storm home to defeat Eastern. Finishing runner up to Liam Stocker in the Morrish Medal, Thar has been a consistent figure for Western throughout the season and is starting to gather interest of AFL recruiters. At stoppages, Thar regularly won first possession and used his agility, evasion, well timed ball fakes and acceleration to speed away from the contest untouched. Thar won the ball at critical moments, taking energy out of Eastern's charge with every possession. Thar's ground ball winning, clean skills and composure with ball in hand were all highlights. Seen as a late draft chance, Thar plays a style of game reminiscent of David Rodan. At 174cm, 69kg, Thar plays taller than his height due to his strength but is also an impressive ball winner. Against Eastern he amassed 32 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six tackles, eight clearances, nine inside 50s and a goal. While it has been impressive seeing Thar kick five goals over the past four weeks through the midfield, the next stage in his development will be transitioning to play more through the front half. As a small, it's unlikely he'll find himself with too many midfield minutes at the next level.  TAC Cup Elevating Geelong to a one-point win against Calder, likely top-two draft choice Sam Walsh received heavy attention from Calder but racked up the football anyway all while keeping composed and working hard defensively. His pressure on the ball carrier, tackling and smothering of opposition kicks were all highlights. The prolific ball-winner gathered 26 disposals, 16 contested possessions, seven tackles and five clearances. Impressing with his kicking, vision, agility, evasion, tackling, ground ball pickups and aggressiveness, Ned McHenry was valuable for Geelong. The forward pressure specialist produced 20 disposals, nine contested possessions, six tackles and two goals. Feeling dangerous and influential each time he touched the ball, Calder's Curtis Taylor provided a strong marking target inside attacking 50. His most exciting moment was a specky on Brayden Ham's shoulders. The ball-winning forward secured 11 disposals, five marks (one contested) and kicked two goals.  Playing an influential part up forward in the third quarter, Scott Carlin managed 19 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 11 tackles and two goals for Greater Western Victoria in a surprise win against Northern. Winning first possession at stoppages, Ely Smith won best on ground honours with 29 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six tackles, six clearances and six inside 50s. Arguably the No. 1 draft riser from the weekend's action, Mathew Walker played an all-round game for Murray. The GWS Academy prospect was his side's most dangerous marking target forward of centre while his low, piercing kicks and ability at ground level were features. Seeming to have found his best role as a forward with stints through the midfield, Walker posted 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six marks (one contested), nine tackles, seven clearances, six inside 50s and three goals. Walker, who possesses the versatility to play forward, midfield or back, came onto the radar of clubs with his six goal haul against Western just over a month ago and is playing a standard of football that may see him attract a bid. Bendigo underage defender Brodie Kemp laid genuine claims for early draft selection in 2019. His intercept marking, aerial marking, one-on-one marking and run from defence were highlights and kept Bendigo in the contest. The promising defender posted 23 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight marks (three contested) and seven tackles. In a different role as a forward, Jacob Atley was Bendigo's best with 21 disposals, 10 marks (two contested) and three goals. The younger brother of Shaun (North Melbourne) and Joe (Port Adelaide) provided a marking presence inside 50m and won important ground balls, ending the game as Bendigo's only multiple goal kicker. SANFL League Contributing impressively for the Eagles in their win against Sturt, potential No. 1 selection Jack Lukosius worked hard throughout the contest, collecting 18 disposals and seven marks. Reserves Playing a pivotal role for Central Districts in their win against West Adelaide, likely first round midfielder Jackson Hately amassed 27 disposals, five marks, seven tackles and two goals.  Under-18s Small midfielder Jacob Kennerley was the leading ball winner for Norwood in their win against North Adelaide with 39 disposals, 14 marks, eight inside 50s and one goal. Continuing his strong midfield form, explosive midfielder Tom Sparrow was South Adelaide's best in their loss to the Eagles. He secured 27 disposals and 10 tackles. WAFL League Earning best on ground honours for Claremont in their win against East Perth, Western Australian Under-18 Championships MVP Jordan Clark showed his class. The talented back-flanker secured 15 disposals and 10 marks and after a strong month of WAFL League football is expected to feature in the first half of this year's draft. Reserves Among Claremont's best players in their loss to East Perth, Rylie Morgan posted 32 disposals, six marks, five tackles, nine inside 50s. Colts Among the bests for Swan Districts in their win against Peel, Jarrod Cameron was dangerous in front of goal, gathering nine disposals, seven marks, five tackles and four goals. In his strongest performance for the season, key forward, Dillon O'Reilly helped East Fremantle to a convincing win against South Fremantle. The promising key forward managed 19 disposals, nine marks, and six goals. For South Fremantle, skilful forward Luke Moore showed promise up forward kicking five of his sides eight goals. NEAFL NEAFL Rising Star, Mitch Maguire was instrumental for Canberra in their elimination final win against Sydney University. The 20-year-old secured 45 disposals, 10 tackles and five inside 50s. Sitting firmly in the draft mix as one of this year's most promising mature age prospects, Maguire has been dubbed by some a Dayne Zorko clone at 175cm with his ball winning capabilities, damaging skills, power and capacity to hit the scoreboard.
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