GEELONG Falcons livewire Tom Anastasopoulos is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week for Round 2, after a scintillating performance in his side’s 39-point win over Oakleigh. The 176cm small forward backed up his three goals in Round 1 with five on Saturday, headlining a stat line of 18 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles, and seven inside 50s.

Anastasopoulos is a quick and agile mover whose strengths are difficult to contain, and he used all of his smarts to fill his boots this weekend. His eye-catching feats in front of goal helped Geelong down a highly touted Oakleigh team featuring one of the best bottom-age midfield trios in the country.

The 17-year-old turned out four times for the Falcons last year with a return of just two goals, but regularly hit the scoreboard for Geelong College in the APS competition and has started his top-age Coates Talent League campaign with a bang.

Malachi White (24 disposals, two goals), Xavier Ivisic (18 disposals, one goal), and Angus Hastie (17 disposals, eight rebound 50s) were among the other Falcons to impress, while star Charger Jagga Smith led all comers with 26 touches and a goal in the losing effort.

Around the grounds, Tasmania Devils captain Tom Beaumont can consider himself incredibly unlucky not to get the nod after picking up 38 disposals in his side’s win over Western. National Academy member Colby McKercher (31 disposals, three behinds) was also in contention.

Eastern Ranges guns Josh Smillie (27 disposals, two goals) and Nick Watson (27 disposals, one goal) formed another notable partnership, while GWV Rebels defender George Stevens (32 disposals, six rebound 50s) also put up big numbers in a win. They’ll all feature in our Team of the Week – stay tuned.

As for Anastasopoulos and his Falcons, they’ll next travel to face the GWV Rebels in Ballarat on Thursday April 6, with much of the Coates Talent League action in Round 3 scheduled for a blockbuster Good Friday.

2023 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Indhi Kirk (Swans Academy)
Round 2: Thomas Anastasopoulos (Geelong Falcons)