WERRIBEE sets the scene for Friday’s Victorian Under 18 trials, with prospects pressing their case for a shot at representing the ‘Big V’. Players from outside the initial Country and Metro talent hubs will be particularly keen to leave an impression. We highlight 12 who you should keep an eye on.

>> SQUADS: 2025 Victorian Under 18 trials

GAME ONE

VIC COUNTRY:

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

CTL averages: 11.0 disposals, 3.5 marks, 15.5 hitouts

Finck turned in a sensational performance as Greater Western Victoria held on to beat Geelong in its first match of the season. The mobile ruck came into 2025 with little fanfare but has impressed as a mobile roaming ruck. He offers aerial presence around the ground and leaps well at the centre bounces, though at 195cm may not necessarily be a frontline ruck option at representative level. With that in mind, Finck may well gain exposure at either end of the ground to test out his versatility.

Thomas Matthews (Gippsland Power)
Small Forward | 171cm | 28/02/2007

CTL averages: 13.7 disposals, 5.0 tackles, 2.0 goals

Matthews has captained Gippsland to a 3-0 start in the Coates Talent League, setting the tone with his defensive pressure and scoreboard impact. Outlined as one to watch in preseason after unluckily being left out of Vic Country’s summer hub, the diminutive talent has gotten to work with goals in each game to date, and six tackles in two of those outings. You have to have some seriously good traits to make it at 171cm and Matthews is exciting, so faces a good test as the quality of opposition rises.

Zac Walker (Gippsland Power)
Tall Defender | 191cm | 03/03/2006

CTL averages: 17.5 disposals, 10.0 marks, 4.5 rebound 50s

Gippsland opted against having any over-agers return to the program this year, but added a 2006-born talent in Walker. The lean 191cm defender’s form at local level and throughout preseason was too good to refuse, plying his trade as an interceptor. He reads the play brilliantly well and plucks one-grab marks, posting a perfect 10 in each of his two Coates Talent League games so far. Walker even got to showcase some expansiveness on the rebound in his last outing, and is a serious Mid-Season Draft candidate.

VIC METRO:

Rod Ali (Eastern Ranges)
Defender | 186cm | 11/01/2006

CTL averages: 8.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 3.0 tackles

Ali is a player Eastern has been keen to have in its ranks for some time, though footy has taken a back seat to basketball. With this being his last eligible year to play in the Coates Talent League, the over-age has justified the faith shown in him. An ultra competitive defender who plays taller than his 186cm standing, Ali’s ability to split aerial contests and produce repeat efforts at ground level is outstanding. He also began to showcase his marking ability with seven in his last game, pointing towards high upside.

Cooper Herbert (Calder Cannons)
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 19/01/2006

CTL averages: 12.3 disposals, 4.7 marks, 1.0 goals

Late interest in Herbert from last year has carried on into his over-age campaign, with the Calder Cannons powerhouse impressing in his first two outings. He is capable of having 15-20 touches and a goal per game, impacting with his turn of speed and penetrative kicking. Herbert has mostly caught the eye in the front half where he can hit up on the lead and wheel around towards goal, but he is also a handy pinch-hitting midfielder. Expect him to feature heavily in Mid-Season Draft conversations.

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

CTL averages: 20.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 13.0 hitouts

One of the very many club-tied players set to take the field on Friday, McCarthy is storming up draft boards. After five games last year, he entered the season 2025 in Round 2 with a promising showing against Northern. He looks every bit the athletic and skilful tall that recruiters see upside in with averages of 20 disposals and a goal per game. Given Vic Metro’s strong ruck depth, McCarthy’s ability to play up forward and cover ground well will be invaluable as he hopes to earn a Big V jumper.

GAME TWO

VIC COUNTRY:

Brodie Atkins (Gippsland Power)
Midfielder | 181cm | 25/01/2007

CTL averages: 21.7 disposals 7.7 tackles, 4.0 inside 50s

While he had a relatively lean disposal haul of 14 in his most recent Coates Talent League appearance, Atkins is usually a reliable ball winner who thrives on the tough stuff. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, burrowing in for contested possessions and laying tackles in bulk, including 11 against Murray in Round 1. Midfields are always tough to crack, so unless his form is undeniable, perhaps further developing a second position up forward will help Atkins’ cause. His high pressure and work rate hold up.

Floyd Burmeister (GWV Rebels)
Key Forward | 199cm | 04/05/2006

CTL averages: 14.5 disposals, 6.0 marks, 1.5 goals

Burmeister is another over-ager in the Mid-Season Draft frame, attracting interest after a couple of promising games up forward. Having also tried his hand in the ruck last year, the athletic and high-flying tall is developing into a dangerous spearhead. He has taken six marks in each of his two Coates Talent League games to date, registering 10 scoring shots for a total of three goals – all of which came in Round 1. While he still has some filling out to do, few key defenders can match his mobility and aerial ability.

Jaidi Jackson-Leahy (Bendigo Pioneers)
Midfielder | 183cm | 31/01/2007

CTL averages: 22.0 disposals, 6.3 marks, 4.7 inside 50s

Having trialed for Vic Country’s Under 16 squad in 2023, Jackson-Leahy returns to that stage looking for an Under 18 representative jumper. Having only played three Coates Talent League games last year, he has already doubled his tally in 2025 with a trio of solid performances. Most recently, he picked up a personal-best 24 disposals and 12 marks, while also booting his first goal for Bendigo operating off the wing. The left-footer is a sharp ball user and smooth mover with clean hands overhead.

VIC METRO:

Adam Sweid (Calder Cannons)
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 14/09/2007
Essendon NGA

CTL averages: 27.0 disposals, 6.7 tackles, 1.0 goals

Sweid has proven across the first three weeks that his opening round breakout was no fluke, going from strength to strength as a small and creative midfielder. He has steadily risen from his debut disposal haul of 25 to reach 30 in Round 3, all while impacting the scoreboard and bringing teammates into the game. His work rate is impressive as he relentlessly surges the ball forward with a sharp turn of foot, while also applying defensive pressure. He’s a member of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy program.

Jai Saxena (Oakleigh Chargers)
Small Forward | 179cm | 27/07/2007
Collingwood NGA

CTL averages: 15.7 disposals, 5.7 marks, 3.0 goals

Saxena has been a pleasant surprise to many with his start to the season, coming onto the radar with nine goals in his first three Coates Talent League games. That includes a haul of five in his most recent outing, with the Collingwood-tied prospect now firmly in the sights of keen Magpies fans. Recruiters will also be on the look-out, with Saxena’s crafty work around goal and ability to hit-up inside 50 making him difficult to contain. There’s good competition for spots in the small forward slot, so he’ll need to impress.

Rory Wright (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder | 183cm | 02/06/2007

CTL averages: 21.3 disposals, 5.7 marks, 5.3 inside 50s

Wright has been arguably the find of the first Coates Talent League block, showcasing a range of terrific traits. Whether out on the wing or on the inside, he is a dangerous ball user who thrives on picking out targets heading inside 50. Wright is also strong through the core and can stand in or drive through tackles. His clean hands are a real feature with gutsy overhead marking, and while not the quickest over the ground, he can carve up the opposition if afforded too much time and space.