OAKLEIGH Chargers midfielder Zane Cochrane is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after an imposing performance in Round 13. The top-ager racked up a season-high 34 disposals, nine marks and six inside 50s as his side scraped past Western Jets by a single point on Saturday.

>> Snapshot: Coates Talent League Round 13

With only three fixtures over the weekend, featuring exclusively Metropolitan regions, Cochran’s outing stood out even more. The Vic Metro trialist was touted as a potential bolter coming into his top-age campaign after putting together a strong preseason, but missed out on representative honours.

Undeterred, he has returned to the fold at Oakleigh with his Carey Grammar commitments on hold. Cochrane has excelled over the last two outings in the absence of many star Chargers, posting personal best hauls of 25 and 34 disposals after averaging just under 16 in his first three games this season.

The 187cm midfielder is strongly built and thrives at the contest. His work in the clinches is primary to a solid all-round game, followed by his booming boot and solid overhead marking. He racks up the ball with follow-up efforts and is capable of getting to the outside to showcase his long kicking.

Cochrane and the Chargers, now 2-9 after their dramatic win on the weekend, will next face Eastern Ranges at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Vic Metro’s final game of the Under 18 National Championships will be against Vic Country on Sunday July 14 at IKON Park.

Around the grounds in Round 13, two Northern Knights bottom-ager Tyson Gresham was lively with 25 disposals and a goal in his side’s 15-point loss to Calder. The Carlton NGA prospect was only beaten by teammate Kristian Lawson atop the disposal tally, the latter accumulating 30.

In the same game, ruckman Cooper Duff-Tytler returned from school footy duties to be named best afield for the victors. He registered 19 disposals and 13 hitouts, and is regarded as one to watch for next year with plenty of upside for a 199cm talent.

The round’s only other fixture saw Sandringham scrape past Eastern by four points. Over-ager Ned Maginness (25 disposals, six marks) was again strong for the reigning premier, while 2025 prospect Oliver Greeves showed promise with 23 touches in just his third game for the Ranges.

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)
Round 9: Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)
Round 10: Jonty Faull (GWV Rebels)
Round 11: Tobie Travaglia (Bendigo Pioneers)
Round 12: Joshua Murphy (Murray Bushrangers)
Round 13: Zane Cochrane (Oakleigh Chargers)