Young Falcons fly high

All sides have young players, but premiership sides have young guns. And its midfielders Aaron Black (20) and Shane Nelson (20), along with swingman Nick Rodda (19), who have stepped up to fill that role for the Falcons. The influence of Black and Nelson was emphasised at the Sandover Medal count on Monday night. Black polled higher than any other West Perth player. His 30 votes ranked him sixth in the league. Nelson was the Falcons’ third highest with 20, behind Mark Hutchings, who polled 24. Rodda has filled gaps and played key roles when necessary. Having to replace injured ruckman Chris Keunen in the second semi-final, his last-quarter performance against Claremont’s Mark Seaby and Mitch Andrews ” one of the WAFL’s best ruck combos ” earned plaudits from coach Bill Monaghan and footy followers alike. Monaghan was content with how the youngsters had conducted themselves in the lead-up to the grand final against East Perth. ‘They’re fantastic kids ‘