TASMANIA Devils over-ager Geordie Payne is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after stuffing the stats sheet in Round 8. The mid-season draft prospect racked up 29 disposals, seven marks, nine inside 50s, and four goals in his side’s 42-point win over Eastern Ranges on Sunday.

Payne has been in ripping form over the last three weeks, averaging 28 disposals, seven tackles, and six inside 50s to only strengthen his case for a shot at higher honours. The 18-year-old attracted interest late last year as a rebound defender, but has transformed his game as a mid-forward in 2024.

He has hit the scoreboard in each of his five Coates Talent League games to date, booting 12 goals overall including a hat-trick of hauls yielding three goals or more. His agility, aggression, and two-way influence have made him an integral part of Tasmania’s system, and one of the top over-age players.

On the back of Payne’s exploits, Tasmania has won four consecutive games having dropped the first three. The Devils now sit second on the latter ahead of a clash with Northern Knights at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon – their first away trip after a fruitful fortnight at home.

Around the grounds in Round 8, there were plenty of performances worthy of Player of the Week honours. Calder Cannons livewire Isaac Kako was arguably closest after posting 29 disposals, 12 inside 50s and three goals in his side’s 26-point win over the Suns Academy.

Gold Coast bottom-ager Zeke Uwland was terrific in the same game, accumulating 35 touches, eight marks and nine rebound 50s in a losing effort. Fellow 2007-born club-tied talent Thomas McGuane also tipped the 30-disposal mark in Western’s scrappy win over GWV Rebels.

Dandenong fought to a draw against the Lions Academy thanks largely to its rampant co-captains. Cooper Hynes (27 disposals, nine inside 50s, four goals) was rampant early, while Harvey Langford (33 disposals, nine inside 50s, one goal) lifted late in what was a thrilling finish.

Elsewhere, Sandringham Dragons tall Sam Buck was the pick of the key position players after booting five goals from 15 touches and five marks against the Swans Academy. It was the undermanned reigning premiers’ first loss of the season, in the final game of Sydney’s Coates Talent League stint.

2024 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)
Round 2: Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons)
Round 3: Will McLachlan (Geelong Falcons)
Round 4: N/A
Round 5: Bailey McKenzie (Sandringham Dragons)
Round 6: Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 7: Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power)
Round 8: Geordie Payne (Tasmania Devils)