Chargers smash the Calder to win TAC flag

Exciting Collingwood AFL father-son prospect Darcy Moore has led the Oakleigh Chargers to a comprehensive 47-point win over the Calder Cannons in Sunday’s TAC Cup grand final.

The Chargers captain showed off his elite contested marking ability and fine disposal as he kicked two goals to help his team blow away the Cannons after quarter time, 17.15 (117) to 11.4 (70) at Etihad Stadium.

The teenager, the son of dual Brownlow Medal winner Peter Moore, is likely to go to the Magpies under the father-son rule in the coming national draft.

He showed his class in the opening minute of the match with a strong contested mark and a beautiful 40m kick that hit Lachlan Wadwell on the chest.

Wadwell duly kicked the game’s opening goal.

Moore stands at 199cm and plays as a leading centre half-forward, but he has good closing pace as well and showed his ability to work hard by moving into the centre of the ground at times.

Collingwood will nominate Moore ahead of the October 6 father-son bids, but they may have to give up their first-round national draft selection at No.8 to recruit him.

The Cannons had finished the home and away season on top of the ladder, but they suffered a massive pre-match blow when highly-regarded draft prospects Peter Wright and Damien Cavka pulled out because of injury.

The pair have first-round potential and their absence left a big hole in the Cannons’ forward line.

Wright has a hamstring injury and Cavka, who has been the Cannons’ best player in the finals, was withdrawn because of a groin problem.

Despite Wadwell’s opening goal, the Cannons started the match better.

Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Jayden Foster was an excellent target up forward and kicked two goals in the first term.

Likely draftees Paul Ahern and captain Touk Miller were also creative.

Ahern is an excellent contested mark, while Miller is quick and strong.

Ahern hit the ground heavily after a marking contest in the second quarter, his head making strong contact with the hard Etihad Stadium surface.

He didn’t have the same impact on the game after that.

After quarter time, the Chargers took control of the midfield and started to dominate the match with their run.

Jordan De Goey, another highly-rated prospect was superb.

His ability to win the ball in the packs was a major reason why the Chargers grabbed control.

Small forward Toby McLean, named player of the grand final, became dangerous in front of goals and the Chargers pulled away.

Chargers coach Mick Stinear was rapt with his players’ performance.

“They are an outstanding group of young men, it’s just a privilege to be involved with them,” he said.

“In the pre-season they promised to get the best out of themselves and they did just that.”

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