Falcons duo make under-18 All Australian team

GEELONG Falcons duo Jesse Mellor and Josh Lindsay have been awarded All-Australian honours for the recent under-18 AFL Boys National Championships.

Mellor (Geelong West) and Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell) represented Victoria Country in the recent tournament; named on the interchange and half-back flank, respectively.

Lindsay, who has been touted as in the top five for the coming National Draft, also finished equal fifth in the Larke Medal; the championships’ best and fairest award.

Renowned AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan complimented Mellor’s power and Lindsay’s kicking skills.

“(Mellor is a) medium forward who is powerful in one-on-one contests and strong overhead, using his body cleverly to out-position his opponents,” Sheehan’s profile stated.

“Has a clever step through traffic and shows innate goal sense, kicking eight for the Championships, including three against both South Australia and the Allies.

“Averaged 11 disposals and 2.5 tackles across the Championships.”

He described Lindsay as “a left-footed defender with a lethal boot”.

“He was a strong performer for Victoria Country, with his speed and decision making setting up the play from down back.

“Courageous in the air and a standout leader, he averaged 21.8 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency.

“Selection in the All-Australian team adds to an outstanding year after winning the Australia U18 team’s best player medal against VFL outfit Coburg earlier in the season.”

The pair will now focus on the remainder of the Coates Talent League season with the Falcons, as well as the Draft Combine later this year.

Mellor and Lindsay were joined on the Victoria Country list by Hugo Mikunda (Bell Park), Rilley Aquilina (St Josephs), Jett Elek (Lara) and Ben Rongdit (Colac).

Jack Pickett (Torquay) and Fletcher Pulleine (St Josephs) were part of the train-on squad.