ROUND 3 of the 2025 Coates Talent League season gets underway tomorrow, headlined by the match between local rivals Sandringham Dragons and Oakleigh Chargers. That fixture is followed by an all-Country triple-header in Bendigo on Sunday, which clashes with the AFL Academy showcase.

NEED TO KNOW

WHEN: Saturday April 12, 2:00pm (AEST)
WHERE: Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
WATCH: Live stream via Coates Talent League app

IN A NUTSHELL

Sandringham and Oakleigh will resume their rivalry in the first of three clashes between the regions this season. The Dragons, chasing a fourth consecutive flag, have started the season with a 2-0 record after scraping over the line against Eastern last week. The Chargers are 1-1 having gone down to Calder, but rebounding with a thumping win over Northern in Round 2.

TEAMS

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#1 Jack Surkitt
#4 Julian Galbally
#5 Ricky Theodoropoulos
#6 Arki Butler
#7 James Georgiou
#9 Rory Wright
#13 Alfie Lambert
#16 Tyson Bradley
#20 Henry Thomas
#27 Xavier Bamert
#29 Phoenix Janover
#30 Darby Heelis
#32 Miles Tyrer
#34 Kye Fincher
#37 Charlie Rozenes
#41 Bennett Martin
#48 Archie Edwards
#50 James Arnold
#55 James Mikhael
#57 Luke McGinness
#60 Sacha Levine
#63 Frederick Brayshaw
#70 Kayne Watt

EMGERGENCIES:
#25 Rio Barry
#33 George Dimer
#35 Albert Macgowan

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#1 Boyden George
#2 Jack Postie
#3 Jai Saxena
#5 Samuel Grlj
#6 Flynn Woolhouse
#7 Sam Allen
#8 Zac McCarthy
#9 Aaron Sharkie
#13 Henry Dixon
#14 Max Kondogiannis
#16 Flynn McNamara
#17 Kai Stewart
#19 Thomas Phillips
#22 Jez Rigoni
#28 Thomas McCluskey
#29 Charlie Whitehead
#32 Riley Hilton
#34 Mingara Clark
#36 Hunter Holmes
#39 Ned La Motte
#40 Elliot Carlin
#48 Will Johnson
#52 Archer Ryan

EMERGENCIES:
#26 Zane Enaty
#31 Ricky Hobson
#45 Jack Graham

ONES TO WATCH

The Dragons have some handy inclusions to the side which beat Eastern. Premiership player Jack Surkitt has been named for his first game of the year, while over-ager Charlie Rozenes returns from VFL duty. They’ll run amok along with fellow smalls Arki Butler and Ricky Theodoropoulas.

Sandringham’s midfield is also a must-watch, with the emergence of Rory Wright making waves. He’s the class alongside crash-and-bash captain Xavier Bamert, and Sacha Levine. Along with Wright, expect St Kilda NGA member Kye Fincher to showcase his ball use from half-back.

The unavailability of spearhead forward Archie Ludowyke to AFL Academy duties means Kayne Watt will get to make his mark inside 50. Louis Emmett being absent for Oakleigh will also have Miles Tyrer in confident air, although an emerging Chargers tall promises to provide a challenge.

Rising prospect Zac McCarthy will likely take on more ruck responsibility, feeding a growing midfield group. Fellow Collingwood NGA member Jai Saxena impressed last week along with speedster Sam Grlj and rotating defender Aaron Sharkie. Leader Sam Allen is also building into the year nicely.

Oakleigh also has a couple of timely inclusions, with top-agers Max Kondogiannis and Charlie Whitehead set to make their first appearances for 2025. A familiar name in Hunter Holmes – the brother of Geelong’s Max – is another promising talent to watch with his dash and dare.

PREDICTION

Sandringham Dragons have been notoriously difficult to beat at RSEA Park during the early and late stages of the season, so will be confident of moving to 3-0. Oakleigh’s form last week was ominous, though, so the Chargers should give this contest a good shake. With some quality ball users and speedy players on both teams, expect an eye-catching style of play. Dragons by 9.

REMAINING ROUND 3 FIXTURE

Saturday April 12:

Calder Cannons vs. Northern Knights
10:30am @ Highgate Recreation Reserve

Western Jets vs. Eastern Ranges
1:30pm @ Avalon Airport Oval

Sandringham Dragons vs. Oakleigh Chargers
2:00pm @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Sunday April 13:

Bendigo Pioneers vs. Gippsland Power
10:00am @ Queen Elizabeth Oval

Geelong Falcons vs. Murray Bushrangers
12:30pm @ Queen Elizabeth Oval

GWV Rebels vs. Dandenong Stingrays
3:00pm @ Queen Elizabeth Oval

Bye: Tasmania Devils