EASTERN Ranges wizard Nick Watson is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week for Round 3, after a dominant performance in his side’s 36-point win over Northern. The 170cm pocket rocket gathered 34 disposals and kicked two goals from five scoring shots to be a lock for this week’s award.

An AFL Academy member who represented Vic Metro as a bottom-ager, Watson came into his draft year as one of the most highly touted prospects across the nation. He has lived up to the hype so far this season, averaging 26 disposals, 5.7 marks and over a goal per his three Talent League games.

Watson has offered a few different looks so far in 2023, too. While most at home inside 50, the 18-year-old has played a higher role in attack while also being swung to defence over the last two weeks. He racked up plenty of possessions there on Friday, even taking some of the kick-ins.

Also among the Ranges to impress in their win was over-age ruckman Clay Tucker, who clunked a few nice marks around the ground and kicked two goals to press his midseason draft claims. Bottom-ager Christian Moraes also brought good early energy but was ruled out after a crunching hit in term two.

Around the grounds, Murray’s Oscar Ryan won a round-high 35 disposals in the Bushies’ win over GWS, with National Academy standout Darcy Wilson booting three goals from 23 touches. George Stevens (29 disposals) also had another big day as GWV remained undefeated on Thursday night.

Perhaps claiming second spot to Watson in the player of the week race was Dandenong over-ager Ziggy Toledo, who booted six goals as the Stingrays downed Gippsland in Morwell. Calder’s Mahmoud Taha also threw his hat in the ring with two majors from his 32 disposals in a victory over Western.

Ryley Sanders, Archie Roberts and Will Brown all impressed once more for Sandringham in a comprehensive win over local rival Oakleigh, while top prospect Harley Reid spearheaded Bendigo’s win over Tasmania, whose efforts were headlined by Colby McKercher.

2023 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Indhi Kirk (Swans Academy)
Round 2: Tom Anastasopoulos (Geelong Falcons)
Round 3: Nick Watson (Eastern Ranges)