TASMANIA Devils star Colby McKercher is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week for Round 7, after another dominant performance in his side’s 34-point win over the Swans Academy. The midfielder racked up 32 disposals, nine tackles, nine inside 50s and two goals as Tasmania went clear atop the table.

It was merely another big performance in McKercher’s season to date, with the National Academy talent averaging over 31 disposals, seven inside 50s and a goal per his five Talent League outings. He is also yet to drop below 31 touches in any game across what has been a remarkably consistent run of form for the standout Apple Isle prospect.

Devils skipper Tom Beaumont put in another strong shift with 27 disposals and a goal, while over-age forward Jack Dolliver snared six goals to bring his season tally up to 15. McKercher’s fellow AFL Academy member Caiden Cleary led all comers for the Swans, notching 27 disposals in his side’s final Talent League appearance.

Now a game clear of three Victorian regions jostling for second spot, Tasmania’s next test comes against the GWV Rebels at Mars Stadium on Sunday morning. The game marks a fourth-consecutive interstate trip for the Devils, who lost their only game thus far to Bendigo Pioneers at Arden Street Oval in Round 3.

Around the grounds, Suns Academy guns Ethan Read and Jed Walter also put their hands up for Player of the Week honours. Walter booted six goals but was ineligible after taking out the award in Round 6, while Read was beaten out by McKercher in our poll after collecting 27 disposals, 10 marks and 24 hitouts in the ruck.

A couple of Eastern Ranges were also close to nominations, with bottom-ager Christian Moraes (34 disposals, eight marks, six inside 50s) and wingman Caleb Windsor (31 disposals, 16 marks, seven inside 50s) putting up monster numbers against the Lions Academy on Saturday.

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)
Round 4: Joel Freijah (GWV Rebels)
Round 5: N/A
Round 6: Jed Walter (Suns Academy)
Round 7: Colby McKercher (Tasmania Devils)