A PAIR of double-headers headline the action in Round 16 of the Coates Talent League, the penultimate home-and-away weekend this season. The fixture is back out to a bumper six games, and we preview each of them with a look at the form guide and all the players to watch.

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Saturday August 19, 11:00am @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

IN A SENTENCE

Bolstered by a host of school football stars, the Sandringham Dragons will look to push forth towards a sixth-straight win and the minor premiership when they host Northern.

WHERE THEY STAND

Records:
Sandringham – 1st | 9-2 | 129.6%
Northern – 4th | 8-3 | 120.3%

Streak (most recent first):
Sandringham – WWWWW
Northern – LLWWW

ONES TO WATCH

Sandringham’s inclusions are ridiculously good. Fresh off winning the APS title with Haileybury College, Archie Roberts returns alongside Larke Medal winner Ryley Sanders – both set to play their first Talent League games since Round 3.

The Dragons have access to a further seven representative squad members, including bottom-agers Sam Marshall and Levi Ashcroft. Both are tied to Brisbane for next year’s draft. Also, keep an eye out for Vic Metro’s title-winning Under 16 captain and MVP Jack Dalton on debut.

Northern is also set to unleash a debutant in Tyson Gresham, the brother of Jade. It’ll be a familiar setting for him, with senior Parade College guns Nate Caddy, Christian Mardini, and Zak Johnson all set to play key parts. Lucas McInerney also returns after a strong Vic Metro Futures outing.

PREDICTION

The reigning premiers have showcased their scary depth and while Northern briefly snatched top spot a few weeks ago, the competition has a much different complexion for the last couple of rounds. Dragons by 30.

Saturday August 19, 1:00pm @ Morwell Recreation Reserve

IN A SENTENCE

After breaking through for their first set of consecutive wins for the season, the Gippsland Power will hope to continue their surge up the ladder in one final home game against Oakleigh.

WHERE THEY STAND

Records:
Gippsland – 8th | 6-5 | 105.2%
Oakleigh – 12th | 3-8 | 84.2%

Streak (most recent first):
Gippsland – WWLWL
Oakleigh – LLWLL

ONES TO WATCH

Oakleigh will again field a strong side on paper, while also calling upon Giants Academy member Harvey Thomas fresh off a VFL stint. All Australian Under 16 ruck Louis Emmett will also make his debut, while bottom-agers Finn O’Sullivan, Jagga Smith, and Tom Gross firm as good watches.

Gippsland’s main men are hitting top form at the right time, namely Zane Duursma and Archer Reid. The Power have also unearthed an exciting defensive combination in Wil Dawson and Tew Jiath, while bottom-agers Xavier Lindsay and Ricky Mentha lead a promising future crew.

PREDICTION

Gippsland seems to finally be jelling and playing to the sum of its parts, but is in risk of hitting a speed-bump on home turf if Oakleigh can do the same. Pound for pound, the Chargers are a serious shout here despite what form may suggest. Still, Power by 3.

Saturday August 19, 1:30pm @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

IN A SENTENCE

Separated only by percentage amid the mid-table bottleneck, the Eastern Ranges and Geelong Falcons will jostle for ascendancy in what promises to be a tight tussle on neutral ground.

WHERE THEY STAND

Records:
Eastern – 7th | 7-4 | 114.9%
Geelong – 6th | 7-4 | 118.7%

Streak (most recent first):
Eastern – WWWLL
Geelong – WLWLL

ONES TO WATCH

One name stands above the rest in the way of inclusions – Nick Watson. Eastern’s ‘Wizard’ will be the top prospect afield, but keep an eye out for rising wingman Caleb Windsor, too. Cam Nyko returns for his first match since Round 11, and Cooper Trembath is in after making his VFL debut.

Despite their long-time footy factory status, the Geelong Falcons only have two draft combine invitees to highlight. Dashing defender Angus Hastie is top of the tree and Tom Anastasopoulos looms as a draft smoky, while co-captain Michael Rudd has produced terrific form of late.

PREDICTION

While Geelong recaptured some form with a solid win last time out, Eastern’s three-strong streak points towards a side on the up. The depth and quality should prove too much for a well drilled Falcons side. Ranges by 15.

Sunday August 20, 11:00am @ Queen Elizabeth Oval

IN A SENTENCE

A fifth-consecutive win is up for grabs when the GWV Rebels travel to take on Bendigo in the opening bout of Sunday’s double-header.

WHERE THEY STAND

Records:
Bendigo – 9th | 5-6 | 98.0%
GWV – 3rd | 8-3 | 129.3%

Streak (most recent first):
Bendigo – LWWLL
GWV – WWWWL

ONES TO WATCH

Completing somewhat of a national tour with his local outing and VFL return, Harley Reid is back to captain the Bendigo Pioneers. He adds some much needed star power to the lineup, while bottom-aged marking phenom Jobe Shanahan is one to keep an eye on.

GWV boasts a strong core of five Vic Country representatives, including George Stevens who made a stunning VFL return last week. The region’s bottom-age brigade is emerging too, with tall forward Jonty Faull among seven Rebels who turned out for Vic Country’s Under 17 side last week.

PREDICTION

No side with Reid on the team sheet can be ruled out, but GWV has been on a tear lately and will be playing for automatic finals qualification. That should prove enough inspiration, on top of the many draft prospects looking to impress. Rebels by 40.

Sunday August 20, 12:30pm @ KGV Oval

IN A SENTENCE

Tasmania will play its first Talent League game in over a month and push towards reclaiming top spot when Calder comes to town on Sunday.

WHERE THEY STAND

Records:
Tasmania – 2nd | 8-3 | 143.6%
Calder – 5th | 7-4 | 156.4%

Streak (most recent first):
Tasmania – WLWWL
Calder – LWLLW

ONES TO WATCH

The same stars headline Tasmania’s team, though it may take a slightly different shape. Jack Callinan looks like getting a run off half-back, while James Leake has been named at centre half-forward. Midfielder Colby McKercher may also finally secure the RMC Medal this weekend.

Calder is an even side which will be hungry to rectify last week’s shock loss. Jordan Croft is the key man up forward, while bottom-agers Nash King and Damon Hollow will look to reprise their partnership after turning out together for Vic Metro’s Under 17 side.

PREDICTION

Calder will have to catch Tasmania cold here after the Devils’ month off, but jetting across for a 12:30pm game will not make things any easier. The home side thrives on its own patch and boasts serious star power which should hold up against the gallant Cannons. Devils by 10.

Sunday August 20, 1:30pm @ Queen Elizabeth Oval

IN A SENTENCE

After Murray snapped its own losing streak last time out, Dandenong will hope to do the same when the two sides clash in the final game of the round on neutral ground.

WHERE THEY STAND

Records:
Murray – 13th | 3-9 | 75.8%
Dandenong – 10th | 5-6 | 97.2%

Streak (most recent first):
Murray – WLLLL
Dandenong – LLLLW

ONES TO WATCH

Dandenong has one of the most stacked lists of representative players this year, albeit if that hasn’t translated to results. Watch for co-captain Cooper Simpson to continue to build into top form, while bottom-ager Noah Mraz looks like a serious tall talent for the future.

Murray has its own future talent in the Whitlock twins – Matt and Jack. Defender Oscar Ryan is a handy inclusion, while star midfielder Darcy Wilson has been in red-hot form and Charlie McCormack should take some confidence from his recent VFL outing.

PREDICTION

Murray finally broke through for its third win of the season and looks like being a potential bogey team come Wildcard Round. Both sides are better on paper than what their records suggest, and perhaps an upset is brewing here. Bushrangers by 7.