Sparkes continues to shine

WHILE his former Wonthaggi Power and Collingwood VFL teammate, Jack Hutchinson, was making all the headlines, getting picked up by West Coast Eagles in the mid-season draft, Ryan Sparkes was turning a few heads himself.

Sparkes racked up 30 possessions in a stellar game out of the centre in the VFL and could also be destined for his opportunity by season’s end. Fingers crossed.

“Quickly becoming one of the team’s most consistent and unforgiving players, Sparkes was a force in the middle of the ground all night,” said Collingwood in its review.

“He regularly got first hands to the ball with his contest work typically a feature of his game, while his work rate around the ground was also on show.

“The big-bodied mid finished with 30 disposals and six clearances in his ninth game for the club.”

Ryan was back in the black and white after starring for the Power at Bairnsdale the week before, earning the praise of his local club for being prepared to make the longest trip in Gippsland football to support his Power mates.