THE 2023 Coates Talent League season has been run and won, with Sandringham Dragons taking out a second straight premiership. As we reflect on the year that was for part two of our season review, we cast an eye on the league’s finalists. Note; top-ranked Wildcard loser, Northern was covered in part one.

>> 2023 CTL Season Review: Wildcards

EASTERN RANGES

H&A RECORD: 6th (4th Metro) | 8-5 | 117.6%
STREAK: L | WW | L | WW | LL | WWWW | L | WWW | L

THE STORY:

Eastern made a terrific run to this year’s Grand Final, carrying an unchanged lineup through the last month and giving Sandringham a shake in the decider. The Ranges adjusted nicely after their Round 17 loss to Gippsland, which was their only defeat in the last eight games before the big dance. That final charge home saw Eastern turn around its 4-4 record after Round 11 into a positive ledger of 8-5 by the end of the home-and-away season.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Given the context, Eastern’s preliminary final win over Tasmania would have to be the highlight. Having gone down to the Devils by 19 points in Round 4, the Ranges knew they would be up against it, and that feeling would have been compounded by Tasmania’s status as minor premier. The return of star prospect Colby McKercher made the mountain even steeper, but Eastern’s never-say-die attitude shone through as the Ranges ran away with a 40-point win to reach the final game of the season.

THE STAR:

While others were more prominent throughout the year, no Eastern player has more star power or higher draft value than Nick Watson. The lively small forward bookended his year strongly, storming out the gates with three starring performances before ending his year rotating up to the wing. His match-winning ability may not have truly emerged in those last six games, but his talent is undeniable and showcased it across all levels in 2023.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Wingman Caleb Windsor has been one of this year’s steepest risers and was a true asset on the outside for Eastern this year. Cam Nyko was similarly productive in a running sense off half-back before his season ended through injury, while Ry Cantwell proved his potential as a wing/forward.

Tall forward Riley Weatherill spearheaded the side with 37 goals, followed closely by Isaac Tanzimat. At the other end of the ground, co-captains Joshua Tovey and Brayden LaPlanche settled nicely by year’s end while Cooper Trembath was resolute throughout. Midfielder/defender Tyson Sruk also posted big numbers most weeks to be among the region’s most valuable players.

THE FUTURE:

Following on from this year, there are a couple of exciting top-end prospects to monitor from the Ranges. Big-bodied midfielder Josh Smillie shapes as a top 10 talent, while Christian Moraes put together a scintillating bottom-aged season. Fellow midfielder Cody Anderson will be the team’s bull next year, while smalls Jordan Hider and Josh Galstians should also get a run through the middle.

GEELONG FALCONS

H&A RECORD: 7th (3rd Country) | 8-5 | 111.7%
STREAK: WW | L | WWW | LL | W | L | W | L | WWW | L

THE STORY:

Geelong looked a well drilled and solid team throughout the season, but really seemed to lift in performance and belief at the right time. The Falcons made a hot start to be 5-1 after Round 8, but dropped four of their next six games before peaking in the postseason. Consecutive wins against Bendigo guided Geelong into finals, where an upset over GWV Rebels proved the highlight of the region’s campaign.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

It’s hard to look past the Falcons’ quarter final win over GWV as a clear high point in the season, given they were given little chance of knocking off the rampant Rebels. Geelong had suffered a 76-point defeat to the same opposition in Round 14, but conjured a stirring 18-point boilover at GMHBA Stadium to progress to the prelims. The Falcons got close in that game too, but couldn’t quite keep up the fight for four quarters and ended up being eliminated to the tune of 34 points.

THE STAR:

While others earned representative honours throughout the year, few players were more integral to the Falcons than Patrick Hughes. The midfielder was recently crowned the league best and fairest as reward for a consistent season. He was tested with a couple of games up forward but did most of his best work on-ball, proving a strong clearance winner who lifted when his side needed it in important games.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Geelong only has one National Combine invitee this year in running defender Angus Hastie, with co-captain Michael Rudd and fellow forward Thomas Anastasopoulos heading to the Victorian state event alongside ruck Joe Pike. All four had their moments throughout the year and represented Vic Country.

The likes of Tobyn Murray and Malachi White were among Geelong’s less heralded performers, as was goalsneak Thomas Burke. Down back, the defence was held up by talls Tom Peirce and Hamish Pierson, along with Liam Kershaw.

THE FUTURE:

Having produced an even and consistently solid top-age crop this year, there may be a bit of the same in 2024 for Geelong. Among the more exciting prospects are midfielder-forward Xavier Ivisic and defender Kobe George, while Brady Hall was an Under 16 All Australian last year. Key forward Zac McInnes also showed his potential this year, as did small River Stevens.

GIPPSLAND POWER

H&A RECORD: 8th (4th Country) | 7-6 | 103.0%
STREAK: W | LL | W | L | W | L | W | L | WW | L | WW | L

THE STORY:

It was a level kind of season for Gippsland, who neither won or loss more than two games consecutively. The Power went win for loss throughout a six-week streak, but broke through for dual two-win runs at the back-end of the season. Their uptake in form almost resulted in a quarter final victory over Tasmania, but that unlikely result was brought undone by wasteful goalkicking. Still, the Country region posted a positive home-and-away record and would have been thrilled to play finals – albeit briefly.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Of all their wins in 2023, the Power’s Round 17 victory over Eastern holds up particularly well. The Ranges made this year’s Grand Final, but were forced into some pre-finals changes after going down to Gippsland by six points. There were several lead changes across a low-scoring affair, but the Power managed one final surge in term four and held on to win by a single kick.

THE STAR:

It could only ever be Zane Duursma. The star draft prospect took out this year’s Rookie Me Central Medal among a host of other accolades, and was at the centre of his side’s late-season improvement. He overcame sickness at the start of the year to click into gear, getting his fair share of midfield minutes before settling up forward and taking out the league’s goal kicking award with 29 in 10 games. That tally included a high of six, and three hauls of four.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Gippsland could well produce a handful of draftees this year, with the region’s tall talent among that list of hopefuls. Ruck-forward Archer Reid eventually found his feet, while Wil Dawson proved a capable swingman and ruck Lachlan Smith was resolute around the ball. Hawthorn NGA prospect Tew Jiath also rose up draft boards quickly after playing his first game in Round 9.

Elsewhere, Sebastian Amoroso was an important leader and role player through midfield and up forward, while Lane Ward proved his ability to rack up possessions throughout the year. He may have only played seven games, but Tom Hanily is another small on-baller who put his talent on show.

THE FUTURE:

There may not be the same absolute top-end locks for Gippsland next year, but Xavier Lindsay will be among the region’s best talents. Forwards Jasper Alger, Asher Eastham, and Ricky Mentha all have something about them, while Max Stobie could be one to watch at the other end of the ground. The Power also blooded some Under 16s, with Willem Duursma being the standout. Though, don’t discount Jobe Scapin or Brodie Atkins as bottom-agers next year.

GWV REBELS

H&A RECORD: 2nd (2nd Country) | 10-3 | 139.7%
STREAK: WWW | LL | W | L | WWWWWWW | L

THE STORY:

GWV really looked like being a premiership threat throughout the season, making its various home venues happy hunting grounds and playing several other regions off the park. The Rebels strung together an outstanding run of seven-straight wins from Round 11 to Wildcard weekend, but ultimately bowed out at the hands of Geelong in a quarter final boilover. Otherwise, as the ladder suggests, they were arguably among the top two teams throughout the season.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

There were three wins of over 70 points this season, but GWV’s tightest margin of victory – four points – may well sit as the sweetest. The result came in Round 2 against the Swans Academy, in what was truly a snatch-and-grab type of operation. GWV trailed by 26 points with 12 minutes left to play, but somehow snuck over the line on the back of five straight goals. Bottom-ager Sam Lalor was central to the comeback, booting consecutive majors in the miraculous late surge.

THE STAR:

Captain of the National Academy and a true leader in GWV’s setup, George Stevens was his side’s star man in 2023. Coming into the year off an ACL tear, the big-bodied ball winner started the season down back before shifting into midfield with great success. He averaged 29 disposals and five tackles in a wonderfully consistent campaign, with his best effort yielding 44 touches and 10 inside 50s against Dandenong in Round 11. There were few more imposing figures competition-wide.

THE MAINSTAYS:

GWV was well represented in the Vic Country squad and had some genuinely integral players to said setup, headlined by Stevens, wingman Joel Freijah, and running defender Luamon Lual. Small forward Lachlan Charleson booted 24 goals in 13 games to also be recognised on the national stage, while defender Oscar Gawith also earned a call-up. Then there were the less heralded types like Connor Byrne and Alex Molan, who performed their roles each week.

THE FUTURE:

It seems Sam Lalor will be the region’s big fish in 2024, with the powerful midfielder-forward drawing comparisons to Richmond champion Dustin Martin. There promises to be some talent in attack with marking talls Jonty Faull and Mitchell Lloyd supported by nifty small Rhys Unwin. Ruckman Flynn Penry looks a developable type, while backmen Oliver Hannaford, Harry Charleson, and Wil Rantall all showed great potential throughout their bottom-aged seasons.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS

H&A RECORD: 11th (5th Metro) | 5-8 | 89.5%
STREAK: W | LL | W | LLLL | W | LL | WWW | L

THE STORY:

Things started shakily for Oakleigh, who started the season without a coach and took some time to get going. The Chargers’ first win over a full-time region came over Western in Round 12, and it wasn’t until the back-end of the year that the side truly began to click. It almost culminated in an unlikely finals run, with Oakleigh knocking off eventual premier Sandringham on the eve of Wildcard Round, before knocking off Northern and falling just seven points short of Eastern in their elimination bout.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Of Oakleigh’s half-dozen wins this year, the one which far and away holds up best is the one over Sandringham in Round 17. The Chargers would have been thrilled to knock off their local rival, and it set the tone for a largely positive end to the season. What’s more, they pulled off the coup in enemy territory and were made to withstand multiple challenges from the Dragons.

THE STAR:

Every other region has a top-ager selected in this category, but it was just about impossible to look past Oakleigh’s future talent. Thus, Jagga Smith is the star for 2023, having averaged 30 disposals across 10 games and only further proven his credentials as a top prospect for next year’s draft. He’s only lightly built but has terrific evasive technique and an innate ability to rack up possessions in every game he plays. The smooth mover will be at the region full-time in 2024 having completed his Year 12 studies this year.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Despite a down year by their lofty standards, the Chargers may well end up with three or four draftees. Dashing defender Nathan Philactides will have his suitors and had his moments in 2023, while Melbourne father-son candidate Kynan Brown did everything in his power to improve. Wingman Will Lorenz and versatile small Harvey Thomas also likely did enough to garner interest, with the latter tied to the GWS Giants Academy.

Elsewhere, ruckman Boston Dowling earned a state combine invite and looked promising in the back-end of the year, while over-ager Will Elliott was looked at closely mid-season. Forward Billy Hicks ended the year with 30 goals, while Liam Walters was a solid outlet and Ollie Badr provided a spark in his seven games this year.

THE FUTURE:

Along with Smith, midfielders Finn O’Sullivan and Tom Gross are firming as top-end prospects. There’s plenty of club-tied talent too, like Suns Academy tall Caleb Nancarrow and Melbourne fathers-son candidate Noah Yze. Collingwood fans will also have a few to keep an eye on with NGA products Doug Kerr, Tadhg McCarthy, and Luke Quaynor – the brother of Isaac.

There’s a couple more players with footballing royalty flowing through their veins. Forward Charlie Richardson is the grandson of Kevin Bartlett, while Waylon Davey-Motlop has ties to multiple famous families. In the Under 16 category this year, All Australian ruck Louis Emmett and wingman Sam Allen made their Under 18 debuts.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

H&A RECORD: 3rd (1st Metro) | 9-4 | 117.3%
STREAK: WWWW | LL | WWWWW | LL | WWWW

THE STORY:

Sandringham was a juggernaut which proved difficult to stop in 2023, with three separate streaks of four or more wins headlining the Dragons’ second consecutive premiership campaign. They began the season with four wins before the community break, but dropped points to bottom-placed Murray and minor premier, Tasmania coming out of it. A string of five victories followed, before two more defeats straightened them up on the eve of Wildcard Round. Sandringham’s talent proved too much for the challenging regions, as the premier won its four postseason games by an average of 46 points.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

You cannot possibly go past the Grand Final win when it comes to highlights for Sandringham, though there were some terrific victories along the way. The Dragons knew they were in for a fight in Sunday’s decider but answered every challenge from Eastern, piling on six goals in the fourth quarter to end up runaway 43-point winners. The result rounded out a stunning finals campaign from the reigning and defending premiers.

THE STAR:

Take your pick. We’ll go with Ryley Sanders this time. While others were more present throughout the season, Sanders is Sandringham’s top draft prospect this year and starred in all nine games he played with the Dragons. The Tasmanian averaged 31 disposals and five tackles, never dropping below a tally of 25 touches and seamlessly leading all comers in most games. He has cemented himself as one of the best pure midfielders in the draft and will be highly sought after in the top 10 picks.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Sandringham’s top-age bracket was star-studded this year, and there were a bunch of solid operators who also contributed when called upon. The likes of midfielder Cooper Lord, and defenders Ethan Williams and Billy McGee Galimberti were among them, while the tall forward trio of Calsher Dear, Archer May, and Luke Lloyd worked wonders. Ollie Murphy showed his potential at the opposite end.

Vigo Visentini had the job of rucking to an incredible midfield, which consisted of skipper Will Brown and Harvey Johnston at times. The engine room was only bolstered by Charlie Edwards late in the season, while Tarkyn O’Leary was the best of a talented bunch of wing options. In terms of draftables, Archie Roberts will be right up there, while combine invitees Charlie Harrop and Matt Carroll made timely returns to the premiership side.

THE FUTURE:

Brisbane Lions fans will likely keep a keen eye on Sandringham, with father-son star Levi Ashcroft and academy member Samuel Marshall both tied to the Dragons. Midfielder-forwards Murphy Reid and Taj Hotton made their Vic Metro Under 18 debuts this year, along with promising defender Luke Trainor.

There is potential in the likes of Tasmanian Nathaniel Sulzberger, while Luke Kennedy recently took out a local senior best and fairest, and Joshua Dolan made a great late run in the 2023 side. Looking further forward to the 2025 draft class, Jack Dalton is a star in the making having debuted in Round 16 after captaining Vic Metro to the Under 16 national title.

TASMANIA DEVILS

H&A RECORD: 1st (1st Country) | 10-3 | 150.6%
STREAK: W | L | WWWW | L | WW | L | WWWW | L

THE STORY:

It was another historic season for Tasmania, who again fell in the preliminary finals but not before taking out its maiden minor premiership. The Devils topped the table with just three home-and-away losses, scattered between dual four-game winning runs. It looked like things were coming together nicely at the end of the season, but Tasmania couldn’t quite clear the final hurdle to crack a Grand Final berth.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

If one game best captured the spirit and skill of this year’s Tasmanian side, it was the Devils’ rousing 17-point quarter final victory over Gippsland. Up against it all day amid dreadful conditions in Craigieburn, the minor premier kicked off its finals campaign slowly and trailed at every break, but took advantage of the Power’s wayward goal kicking to keep their season alive. The Devils kicked four majors in the final quarter, having only booted five for the game to that point.

THE STAR:

Who else but recently crowned Morrish Medallist, Colby McKercher? The speedy midfielder took little time to establish himself as a top five prospect in this year’s draft, and was best afield in nearly every game he played. Aside from a match which ended early through injury and his subsequent return, McKercher never dropped below 31 disposals and managed a high of 41 after starring throughout the National Championships. All up, he averaged 29 touches, five marks, and six inside 50s across nine outings.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Tasmania benefitted from a relatively settled side this year, stacked with top-age talent. Jack Callinan joined McKercher in the AFL Academy, while versatile draft bolter James Leake will attend the National Draft Combine alongside the pair and defender Arie Schoenmaker.

The likes of Geordie Payne and Heath Ollington did enough throughout the year at either end of the ground, while top-agers Beau Nash and skipper Tom Beaumont were ever present as reliable figures through the midfield. Over-ager Jack Dolliver also led the goal kicking charts with 28 majors.

THE FUTURE:

There may not be as much top-end talent emerging from the next Tasmanian crop, but plenty of bottom-agers earned berths in this year’s side. The Ling twins – Connor and Liam – can hang on either side of midfield, while 2022 Under 16 MVP Oliver Depaoli-Kubank found his feet late in the season. Ruck Oliver Dean is the state’s lone representative for the Futures showcase, but there’s some flair to expect from Lenny Douglas, and Tommy Bennett had a solid 2023 season.