FOUR victorious Coates Talent League regions are represented by three players apiece in the Rookie Me Central Round 12 Team of the Week. Among the standouts are impressive bottom-agers and those looking to press their case for representative berths. See who made the cut in our 24-player squad.

>> Scouting Notes: Coates Talent League – Round 12

DEFENCE

B: Ryan Eyre (CC) – Luke Trainor (SD) – Lucca Grego (WJ)
HB: Geordie Payne (TD) – Joshua Tovey (ER) – Charlie Naish (NK)

There is a lack of true key position height in this week’s defence, but the rebounding power is strong. From 195cm makeshift full back Luke Trainor down to each pocketman and flanker, all six defenders had at least 22 disposals in Round 12.

The Northern-Tasmania thriller saw Charlie Naish‘s Knights snatch victory from Geordie Payne‘s Devils, but the pair come together across half-back on either side of Eastern Ranges interceptor Joshua Tovey, who was resolute in a win over Geelong Falcons.

Accompanying Trainor on the last line are a couple of kick-in takers in Ryan Eyre and Lucca Grego, who are repeat entrants this week like most of the backmen. Both racked up a good amount of ball and looked to repel from defensive 50.

MIDFIELD

C: Tobie Travaglia (BP) – Murphy Reid (SD) – Christian Moraes (ER)
FOL: Flynn Riley (NK) – Jagga Smith (OC) – Josh Smillie (ER)

A monster week for midfielders made the selection squeeze tough, but the starting mix is made up of five bottom-agers. Over-age Northern ruck Flynn Riley is the only exception after a day out against Tasmania, winning 49 hitouts to go with 16 disposals and two goals.

Player of the Week Murphy Reid was a lock in the centre of the park, while fellow Vic Metro squad members Jagga Smith and Josh Smillie effectively picked themselves on the back of dominant displays, having been rested from representative duties.

Out on the wings, Smillie’s teammate Christian Moraes earns another entry as he continues to go from strength to strength for Eastern. On the opposite side is Bendigo’s Tobie Travaglia, who compiled season-high numbers in his side’s win over Murray.

>> Round 12 Player of the Week: Murphy Reid

FORWARD

HF: Cooper Hynes (DS) – Luke Lloyd (SD) – Tom Beaumont (TD)
F: Billy Hicks (OC) – Mitch Doddos (BP) – Oskar Smartt (BP)

The players in this week’s forward line booted five goals, though only Oakleigh’s Billy Hicks did so in a win. Tasmania skipper Tom Beaumont nearly spurred his side home against Northern, while bottom-ager Cooper Hynes went big in Dandenong’s loss to Gippsland.

Elsewhere, prolific Sandringham marker Luke Lloyd returns for another week, and Mitch Doddos makes his maiden appearance after arguably his best game yet. Teammate Oskar Smartt rounds out the front six after snaring three goals in his midfield rotation.

INTERCHANGE

INT: Sam Frangalas (DS), Hugo Garcia (CC), Tom Hanily (GP)
Patrick Hughes (GF), Nick Newton (MB), Joshua Walker (OC)

EMG: Kristian Ferronato (NK), Harvey Langford (DS), Massimo Raso (WJ)

Two players who amassed 35 disposals in the same game – Sam Frangalas and Tom Hanily – headline an interchange laden with midfielders. The likes of Hugo Garcia, Patrick Hughes, and Nick Newton were also prolific in losses to earn a spot, as Oakleigh’s Joshua Walker sneaks in as the third Charger in this week’s side.