Teenager boots two goals on debut in Panthers’ big win against Kambalda

Railways selectors used Saturday’s clash against Kambalda to debut teenage ruckman Jayden Spackman, who kicked two goals in the side’s 219-point win, 34.18 (222) to 0.3 (3), to complete round 18 in the Goldfields Football League.

Spackman was among 13 goalkickers for the GFL leaders whose 22-goal second half included 14 in the third quarter.

After four colts games and 11 in the reserves, Spackman became the latest youngster to get an opportunity at senior level for the red-and-blacks under Rhett Pettit.

“I actually gave the boys a bit of a cook at half-time, after we’d kicked 12.13, and I felt we were going through the motions,” Pettit said.

“Before the game, we talked about where we wanted to be taking our shots from.

“But I thought early on that we played around a bit too much and the message definitely was to be more direct.

“I thought we did a pretty good job of that after half-time and it was great to see the young fellow, Jayden Spackman, at only 16, go forward in the last quarter and kick two goals.

“He’s a big kid so you forget he’s only 16 at times, but it was nice to see him come in and play most of the game in the ruck, alongside another young colt, Kelby Virgin.”

Railways’ forward line was powered by Jack Steel, who kicked eight goals, and Chris Yarran (five goals).

Four others — Kyle Penny, Kyde Stubbs, Josh Mathers and Tom Gilbert — each booted three.

Pettit hoped Steel’s output was a preview for what was in store during the upcoming finals for the Mitchell medallist.

“He’s played really good footy all year, but maybe the previous couple of weeks had been a little bit down on the goal scoring front,” Pettit said.

“So we had a focus there to go through him as much as possible.

“We rested quite a few — probably 10 and injuries are always a risk but we got through OK.”