CALDER Cannons head into the 2024 Coates Talent League with a new head coach and three prospects in the Vic Metro talent hub. The region has finalised its leadership group and has a couple of emerging players to watch this season. We chatted to coach Sam Willatt about the year ahead.

HOW THE SQUAD STACKS UP

“You never know until you’re out there, I guess. We’ve had one hitout against opposition with a fairly large squad… you always think you’re going well, but from what I’ve seen with the group and the way they adapt to whatever challenge is thrown at them, I have no doubt they’ll put on a good show for the whole year and I’m excited to see what we can do.”

TOP PROSPECTS

Harry O’Farrell
Key Defender/Forward | 196cm | 03/05/2006

“Harry’s been good. He was away for a little bit pre-Christmas but he’s been back with us since the new year. He’s one of those guys you hear about pre-joining and he’s really quite a respectful kid, but you can just see he’s got levels to go, which is exciting. Can’t wait to see him play.”

AFL Academy, Vic Metro Hub

Isaac Kako
Small Forward | 175cm | 07/03/2006

“I’ve been really impressed with Isaac. Again, he’s one you hear a lot about before you join and is our vice-captain for this year. The way he cares for others and drives people to be better is probably the thing that stands out the most for me. Obviously his talent on the field is pretty special too.”

Vic Metro Hub & Essendon NGA

Nash King
Midfielder | 181cm | 05/01/2006

“Nash has been brilliant. He’s been in rehab a little bit this preseason, but the way he’s approached it has been really impressive. His diligence, his maturity has been something that’s stood out. He’s just about back now, so again, another one that you hear a lot about and really excited to see what he can bring.”

Vic Metro Hub

ONES TO WATCH

“I could give you a full list but I think there will be a few that I have to mention. Patrick Said has been really impressive. He’s been playing predominantly in the midfield and he’s been really good. I think Riley Leedham is another one. He’s in really good shape and I think he ran a 6:50 2km on our second night, so he’s been really impressive as well. They’re just two.”

LEADERSHIP GROUP

“Damon Hollow will be our captain, Isaac Kako and Jayden Nguyen are vice-captains, and then Nash King, Kieran Gallagher and Hamish Bird will be filling out the leadership group as well.

2024 GOALS

“It sounds a bit washy, but as long as they’ve improved as people and as footballers, that’s my real drive. If they feel like they’ve been invested in and they’ve been cared for, then that’s a success for me. Ideally, we’d like to get guys to get drafted and go to the next level, but I think that’ll take care of itself. If they feel committed to the program and they feel invested in, we’ll be fine.”

ROUND 1

vs. Sandringham Dragons @ RSEA Park
Saturday March 23, 1:00pm