WITH two weeks down in the 2025 Coates Talent League season, prospects are already staking their claims for representative honours. The first block of three rounds forms an important period in the selection process, with plenty of players from outside the Vic Country, Vic Metro, and Allies summer squads able to press their case. We highlight eight more top-agers who did so in Round 2.

>> Scouting Notes: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 2

Talor Byrne (GWV Rebels)
Midfielder | 174cm | 14/11/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Keen observers will remember Byrne for his electric couple of goals in last year’s Grand Final, and he seems to have taken another step as a top-ager. The diminutive prospect slotted into Greater Western Victoria’s (GWV) on-ball group seamlessly, defying his size with some gutsy efforts overhead to compliment his speed and sharp kicking. He could shape as a handy small utility in the Vic Country setup with such traits, potentially reverting back to a role up forward.

Jett Elek (Geelong Falcons)
Key Forward/Ruck | 201cm | 17/04/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 2 clearances

Elek was a late inclusion to the Falcons’ squad late last year and has made good on the recommendation from local club Lara upon debuting in 2025. Standing at 201cm, he moves quite well for a tall and has presented as a prominent leading option over the first two weeks. He has inevitably also rotated through the ruck and gotten his hands on the ball at stoppage, or while roaming around the ground. Elek can still look to fill out his frame but is a developable raw prospect with plenty of upside to work with.

Chad Finck (GWV Rebels)
Ruck | 195cm | 22/04/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 18 hitouts, 6 inside 50s

GWV was a ‘wait and see’ on who would pop up across its new-look squad, and Finck looks like being one such prospect. While slightly undersized at 195cm, he was the Rebels’ mainline ruck and comfortably topped the hitout count compared to his Geelong opponents, while also showing nice signs around the ground. His attack on the aerial ball and willingness to stand up in contests was impressive, with the top-ager able to sustain his impact away from the stoppages.

Zac McCarthy (Oakleigh Chargers)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 27/10/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 clearances, 17 hitouts, 1 goal

Collingwood fans are usually all over the latest news on their club and Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect McCarthy has garnered plenty of attention this week. After missing Round 1, the athletic tall made an immediate impact for Oakleigh. He started up forward before switching into the ruck and allowing Louis Emmett to gain some exposure in attack. He offers great aerial range and speed for a player his size, shaping as a potential top 25 bolter if he continues his trajectory.

Rylee McHenry (Tasmania Devils)
Midfielder | 179cm | 17/07/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 8 clearances, 8 inside 50s

Tasmania sent only two players to the condensed Allies preseason camp, so needless to say plenty of other prospects from the state will be keen to push for representative honours. Captain McHenry is among them, a combative inside midfielder who provides fierce two-way application at the contest. He drove his side forward relentlessly with eight clearances and inside 50s as the game’s top ball winner against Calder, despite his side being comfortably beaten.

Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons)
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 04/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles

Another NGA prospect in the mix, Cats fans will have their eyes fixed on Mellor’s progression. He racked up an equal game-high 25 disposals against GWV and earned stints in midfield, but arguably did his best work operating across half-forward. With strong hands overhead, he had a knack for marking the ball in good spots to launch inside 50, proving a pivotal connection piece for the Falcons. That looks like being his role if he can push for representative honours, as he can also hit the scoreboard.

Jai Saxena (Oakleigh Chargers)
Midfielder | 179cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals

Along with fellow Collingwood NGA member McCarthy, Saxena popped up as one to watch out of Oakleigh’s big win over Northern. A smaller midfielder, he was dangerous on the way forward with a sharp turn of foot and clean skills. His size, ground level game and ability to contribute in scoring chains suggests he could become a handy asset in the front half, particularly if looked at by Vic Metro selectors.

Aaron Sharkie (Oakleigh Chargers)
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 20/01/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Sharkie has had a prolific couple of weeks for Oakleigh, culminating in his well-rounded performance on the weekend. A precise ball user across half-back, he also proved capable of rolling through midfield and finished as the Chargers’ top ball winner. He went at 80 per cent disposal efficiency and brought the ball into each third of the ground, performing at a level which should earn him trials for Vic Metro.

>> Onto the Radar: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 1