NORTHERN Academies have entered the fray in Round 4 of the Coates Talent League, with three of them earning wins over the weekend. While there remains one match left to play, plenty of Allied prospects emerged as they test their mettle against the best Victoria has to offer.

>> Snapshot: 2025 Coates Talent League Round 4

Note: This article will be updated post the Calder Cannons vs. Northern Territory fixture.

Swans Academy 8.12 (60) def. by Tasmania Devils 9.13 (67)

By: Michael Alvaro

SWANS ACADEMY:

#8 Nicholas Andreacchio
Midfielder | 178cm | 10/03/2006

Stats: 32 disposals, 7 marks, 5 clearances

Clearly the best player afield on Friday, Andreacchio ran riot through midfield to collect a game-high 32 disposals in three quarters of footy. He wasn’t sighted in the final term but did plenty of damage before then, zipping his way through traffic and delivering the ball well going inside 50. The over-ager was also sharp by hand and often found a way out of tight spots to supply teammates or hit lateral kicks. He ended up with a couple of goal assists in term two, with his hard running and ball use proving crucial to the Swans’ transition game.

#14 Kaiden McNamara
Defender | 186cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

Having spent time venturing into midfield at times this year, McNamara reverted back to his usual role in defence. His rough and tumble style allowed him to absorb contact and play with strong physical intent, bouncing back up each time he went down. It was also useful when backing into packs to intercept. McNamara often looked to move the ball on quickly and while prone to blazing away by foot, showed he is also capable of more measured disposal via the kick-ins.

#17 Harry Kyle
Defender | 188cm | 16/07/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Kyle has emerged this year and was arguably the Swans’ most productive player out of defence. He looked to be a smooth mover, getting into all the right spots to either intercept or provide an outlet option in transition. Kyle was clean and efficient with ball in hand, which proved a key trait as he took on a good load of the distributive duties. He favoured his left side and created attacking drive on the overlap, eventually earning a run on-ball for his efforts.

#20 Guy Jenkin
Wing | 177cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 10 marks, 1 goal

Playing on the opposite wing to his twin brother, Jenkin racked up 10 marks in an archetypal kind of performance on the outside. While still quite small and lightly-framed, he was more than willing to compete and wore contact to take strong grabs overhead with a nice leap. He was constantly an option in space, either tracking back or sneaking forward to help the Swans go end-to-end. Jenkin hit the scoreboard during term four as he ran hard over the back and into an open goalsquare.

#33 Max King
Tall Forward | 192cm | 01/09/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

It was an indifferent kind of performance from King, who was nullified aerially but impacted with his dynamic movement across the ground. The agile 192cm prospect was a permanent fixture up forward and leant on his athleticism to create scoring opportunities. He was too big and powerful to wrap up in tackles, albeit having his disposal impacted, and weaved through traffic like few others can. King bagged a sensational goal in the first quarter by cutting off a Tasmanian switch kick and playing on to score from 50 metres. It would be his only major, posting 1.4 for the day.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#9 Toby Callow
Defender | 187cm | 28/07/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 11 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Callow had his breakout performance in Round 4, racking up season-high numbers across the board as a defender. After a costly turnover early in the piece, the top-ager built into his work with courageous efforts to pluck intercept marks and play taller than his 187cm standing would suggest. Callow handled the ball brilliantly and read the flight expertly, positioning in all the right spots to make some clean plays across defensive 50. His marking exploits resembled those of elder brother Jackson, who spent time on Hawthorn’s list via the Tasmanian pathway and Norwood (SANFL).

#11 Nathaniel Sulzberger
Midfielder | 187cm | 06/05/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 8 marks, 5 inside 50s

Sulzberger has been building into the year nicely and topped Tasmania’s disposal charts with 28 on Friday. He showed signs of a more expansive game, getting on his bike to provide transitional run and gain metres on the outside. He was strong as usual around the contest, with his ability to stand in tackles or drive his legs holding up. His kicking was measured and continues to improve, while also being relatively sharp by hand in a well-rounded performance.

#12 Rylee McHenry
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 17/07/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 9 tackles

An all-effort type who fits right into the typical Tasmanian mould, McHenry led from the front in his side’s win. He started on-ball and while not always polished with his kicking, opted against blazing away in favour of feeding runners when faced with frontal pressure. That adjustment, and his ability to snatch quick metres in explosive bursts brought some dynamism to his in-and-under style. McHenry also spent time up forward and showed his power there, slotting a long-range set shot goal in the first quarter. He worked hard to make his presence felt going both ways.

#19 Lucas Wootton
Midfielder | 179cm | 11/05/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 13 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Another quick midfielder at Tassie’s disposal, Wootton led the game for tackles with 13. He displayed deceptive strength to bring down charging opponents in open play, catching them holding the ball or preventing forward forays from unfolding. Wootton was also useful on the attack with his quick feet and bursts out of congestion, powering out in straight lines or making darting steps around his adversaries. This was his highest-disposal game for the season to date.

#28 Avery Thomas
Defender | 186cm | 20/09/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 9 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Tasked with the unenviable job of matching up on Max King, Thomas held his own despite the size difference. An explosive athlete in his own right, the top-ager flew for some incredibly gutsy intercept efforts, flying across packs or backing into them. His strong frame allowed him to bounce off the opposition, and he showed good balance to often land on his feet. While a little less expansive with ball in hand, Thomas played his role to a high level and largely nullified King’s aerial game by splitting each contest. He simply made few mistakes.

Suns Academy 16.16 (112) def. Dandenong Stingrays 7.8 (50)

By: Michael Alvaro

SUNS ACADEMY:

#8 Koby Coulson
Midfielder | 180cm | 31/07/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 6 clearances, 11 inside 50s

Coming into the game with a good amount of hype and VFL experience under his belt, Coulson delivered as one of the Suns’ main men in midfield. He won the first clean clearing kick and competed with a no-nonsense approach throughout the day. Coulson’s tendency to blast the ball forward at all costs made his kicking a little scrappy, though he was sharp by hand and dealt with the hot footy well. With a bit more class to compliment his toughness and defensive application, Coulson could also have ended with a couple of goals on the run as he stormed into attack.

#14 Jai Murray
Midfielder | 187cm | 09/03/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 8 tackles, 9 clearances

With a few of the headline prospects missing for Gold Coast, Murray took the opportunity to make the midfield his own and was arguably the most polished player afield. A smooth mover with innate poise, he danced around opponents to exit congestion unscathed and was hardly ever rushed with ball in hand. Murray’s vision and skills allowed him to set up scores and he found the goals himself with a steady effort on the run in term three. A surprising but pleasing aspect of his play was his tackling, showing strength and good technique to bring opponents to ground.

#16 Cooper Collins
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 13/11/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 clearances

Collins recently made his VFL debut and is another Sun emerging outside of the core, recognised group. He looked most at home up forward where he could hit up at the ball and utilise his aerial game, but also got a good run through midfield. Collins was clean at the coalface and used the ball well by hand, though had less success by foot and could only manage a couple of minor scores.

#24 Nelson Beikoff-Smart
Small Defender | 178cm | 15/03/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

One of the prominent over-agers afield, Beikoff-Smart was busy as ever across half-back. He was central to the Suns’ ball movement, taking the kick-ins and often venturing high up the ground to overlap or join in off the stoppage. Taking the game on with speed and intent, Beikoff-Smart put 100 per cent effort into his play and carved paths forward relentlessly. He kicked off both feet and was consistently able to penetrate both arcs, getting reward for effort with a goal in the final quarter.

#26 Max Hudson
Tall Forward | 192cm | 11/01/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 9 marks, 5 goals

Having mostly cut his teeth as a tall defender, Hudson proved a revelation upon switching forward on Saturday. His sound reading of the ball in flight translated well, as he often reacted best to long entries to get into position or meet the ball uncontested. It took little time for him to hit the scoreboard with a goal in the opening 90 seconds, going on to boot five with reliable set shot finishing. He eventually got busy further afield, getting on his bike to present up the line and gaining confidence with each foray outside 50. One to watch amongst a talented bunch of Suns.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#4 Marcus Prasad
Small Forward | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal

Prasad played his usual game as a dangerous high forward with pace and skills. He used his turn of speed to prove a slippery customer up the field, looking to get creative with each possession. The livewire small also spent time on the wing and while Gold Coast’s pressure tested his ability, particularly at just 167cm, Prasad continued to give his all. He ended up with a goal in the third quarter after intercepting a Suns kick inside forward 50, brought closer via a 50m penalty.

#8 Max Lee
Defender | 183cm | 24/07/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Making his return to action after missing the last two rounds, Lee led the defensive line for Dandenong. He read the play well to peel off and intercept, utilising his strong frame and explosive athletic traits to arrive at the contest. Those same attributed could be observed on the rebound as Lee tucked the ball under his arm and stormed forward. With a consistent and injury-free run at it, he could develop into a desirable prospect.

#10 Sam Lewis
Midfielder | 186cm | 25/02/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 clearances, 1 goal

Up against a relatively strong Gold Coast engine room, Lewis was kept to under 20 touches but showed signs of his ability. He was typically strong at the contest, standing up in tackles to dish out handballs or stepping out of traffic with poised movement. He is most effective when doing so and ending with a long clearing kick. Lewis also spent time forward late in the game and had a few chances to impact inside 50, eventually bagging a goal from a free kick on the angle.

#11 Toby Sinnema
Midfielder | 180cm | 11/12/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 6 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Sinnema started out in his customary wing role before shifting on-ball and even dropping back to defence. He looked dangerous when able to drive his legs into space and utilise his punchy left-foot kicking, though such time in possession was hard to buy. The Melbourne NGA prospect provided run on the rebound and chained a few nice plays together, bringing energy as the Stingrays’ top disposal-getter. His versatility bodes well heading into representative season.

Murray Bushrangers 6.16 (52) def. by Giants Academy 11.11 (77)

By: Declan Reeve

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#7 Ryder Corrigan
Midfielder | 186cm | 14/03/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 4 clearances

Coming up against many of his teammates from the 2023 Under 16 National Championships, Corrigan once again worked hard around stoppages with his relentless attack on the ball. He could be seen standing up in tackles to deliver hands out of the contest and positioned well around the ground to take marks as a switch option, proving strong overhead. Corrigan had moments where he unnecessarily invited pressure, punishing some of his ball use, but was generally reliable when in space or kicking from over the mark.

#8 Ben Kennedy
Forward | 189cm | 02/07/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals

The over-ager was arguably his side’s most important piece in the attacking half, often being more switched on than his opposition to get into good spots and hold uncontested marks in transition. Kennedy’s kicking for goal was almost 50-50 as he registered three majors and two behinds, but his ball use around the ground to provide teammates with opportunities in the forward half was exceptional.

#15 Harry Dean
Tall Defender | 193cm | 13/11/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 8 rebound 50s

There were times where it looked like Dean was running a one man show in the defensive half, freely intercepting GWS’ entries with superior positioning and clean grabs, and sweeping up misplaced disposals from his teammates. Dean’s rebound game was complimentary to his intercepting prowess, showing off his superb left boot and vision when exiting the defensive 50. He even took opportunities to demonstrate his speed when he carried the ball out under his arm. 

#26 Blake Newton
Forward | 180cm | 16/12/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Not too dissimilar to Kennedy, the bottom-ager did really well to get into good spots when his side was in transition and hold uncontested marks in the attacking half, with his second goal coming from a smart lead when the opposition defence lost focus. In classic small forward fashion, Newton was extremely competitive at ground level and threw everything at securing the ball on the deck, almost snapping one off his opposite foot after beating three opponents in the goalsquare. Newton’s ball use was somewhat erratic, showing a willingness to use his left foot when on the right side for it, but also having a couple of moments where he could’ve been more composed.

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#5 Ethan Matthews
Defender | 185cm | 04/09/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s

The bottom-aged defender was one of the classier ball users on the day, taking the bulk of his side’s kick-ins and using it smartly with his favoured left foot. Matthews showed some nice composure when winning the ball around the contest, able to spot out good options by hand as pressure came towards him, often pushing up to cover the defensive side of stoppages. In the second half Matthews was more often the target of his side’s kick-ins, leading into good spots along the boundary to receive the ball uncontested, and handing off to a runner more often than not. 

#24 Oliver Withers
Midfielder | 183cm | 11/01/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 7 tackles, 8 clearances

The over-ager and captain of his side led by example with his relentless hunger for the footy around contests, utilising his mature frame well to dig in and compete for the ball anytime it was in the area. Withers also demonstrated a strong defensive drive, working hard to pressure opposition ball carriers to lay a tackle or force a mistake coming out of contests. 

#38 Tallis McMillan
Tall Forward | 191cm | 11/04/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 4 goals

Despite being a little undersized as a key position forward, McMillan competed well aerially to rarely be out-marked. He also worked hard to gain separation on the lead in the forward half, showing clean hands in front when allowed to get to full stretch. It wasn’t all forward 50 action for McMillan despite leading the goal tally, as he looked to get up the ground and had a few opportunities to display his classy left foot when given space with ball in hand. 

#39 Jim Houston
Ruck | 196cm | 10/02/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 marks, 19 hitouts

Giving up a few centimetres in the ruck contests, standing at just 196cm, Houston more than held his own at stoppage. He avoided contact with the opposition ruck around the ground to make getting the front spot easier for himself, tapping well with both hands when he executed his preferred move. Houston was also handy around the ground as he competed aerially and played his role a kick behind the ball. Whilst Houston wasn’t poor with his skills he mostly played within his means, looking to get the ball to teammates as opposed to doing too much himself.

Lions Academy 9.12 (66) def. Geelong Falcons 8.12 (60)

By: Michael Alvaro

LIONS ACADEMY:

#7 Benjamin Lillico
Midfielder | 178cm | 09/09/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 clearances

Lillico showcased a good range of fundamentals in midfield, looking well-rounded with his stoppage work. His handling was clean and his skills proved neat, while also having the hard edge to lay tackles and absorb contact. He often looked to wheel to the outside or peel off as the receiver when surging Brisbane into attack. His poise in possession was a nice point of difference too, able to hold his releases and combine with teammates out of congestion.

#13 Cooper Hodge
Midfielder | 182cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 clearances

A chip off the old block in some ways, Hodge made most of his impact around the contest. He and Lillico were the Lions’ leading first possession winners, able to power away from would-be tacklers and feed the ball out effectively. Hodge, the son of richly credentialed Hawthorn champion Luke, is tough as they come but went on to show some outside traits after half time as he surged through the corridor and racked up some easier possessions.

#18 Caylen Murray
Defender | 183cm | 03/01/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 clearances, 9 rebound 50s

An Under 16 All-Australian last year, Murray was Brisbane’s main distributor from defence. He took on some of the kick-in duties and compounded his possessions with strong running to overlap and drive the ball forward in repeat waves. The bottom-ager was also able to deliver on the move and after missing a few kicks early on, ended up being relatively efficient. He has scope to develop into a midfielder with his agility and natural ball winning ability.

#38 Charlie Hewitt
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 06/01/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 13 hitouts, 2 goals

Arguably the most dominant bigman afield, Hewitt performed with the authority any over-ager should. He imposed himself on the contest both at stoppage and around the ground, posting six clearances and five marks. Many of the latter stat came inside 50, allowing Hewitt opportunities on goal as he booted two majors. While not overwhelmingly quick or athletic, his physicality was useful and he built into the game nicely to consistently find the footy.

#40 Isaac Waller
Ruck | 203cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 16 hitouts

Waller was Brisbane’s primary ruck and showed some nice signs in the role. Most impressive was his mobility, looking comfortable with ball in hand to take ground and look to deliver by foot. The leftie became stronger in marking contests as the game wore on and while erratic at times, has strong potential as a 203cm tall with decent skills and the ability to impact coming away from stoppage.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#7 Fred Lucas
Defender | 181cm | 02/10/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 9 marks, 8 inside 50s

Lucas popped out of the ground in a prominent performance down back, leading his side for disposals, marks, and inside 50s. While he and Geordie Richardson shared the ball plenty in the early stages, he went on to win some of his own with aggressive positioning up the ground and intercept marks defiant of his 181cm listing. Lucas’ kick-first approach and willingness to move the ball quickly meant he put the onus on Brisbane to defend.

#8 Angus White
Small Forward/Wing | 175cm | 17/12/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s

White was among the many smooth-moving smalls at Geelong’s disposal, first plying his trade as a high forward before switching to the wing. He brought fluency to the Falcons’ ball movement, proving a useful connection piece in transition as he got busy between the arcs and dished off clean disposals. He carved through traffic with classy bits of agility and was hardly fazed by pressure.

#13 Rilley Aquilina
Midfielder | 181cm | 27/11/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 clearances

Aquilina has grasped his opportunities in Geelong’s midfield and continues to produce two-way output. A fierce tackler, he hunted opponents with good closing speed and was strong enough to bring them to ground, helping win back possession for his side. Aquilina’s pace was also evident on the attack in short darting runs to get to the outside and pin-point short kicks. He also punched above his weight with a strong overhead mark in term two.

#25 Jett Elek
Key Forward/Ruck | 201cm | 17/04/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals

While not yet the finished product, Elek once again showed great potential as a mobile key forward who can pinch-hit in the ruck. He made a strong start to proceedings, booting the first goal of the day after a nice pluck one-on-one. Elek went on to have another shot in the opening five minutes and added to his goal tally in term two, finishing with 2.3. With 10 disposals, five marks and two goals to half time, Elek was on track for a big game but faded after the main break.

#47 Noah Williams
Wing/Midfielder | 176cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 tackles, 2 goals

With over half his total disposals coming in the final quarter, Williams very nearly dragged Geelong over the line. He had several shots on goal and bagged two majors in the final 25 minutes, taking on the big moments as a bottom-ager. The diminutive talent started on the wing and held his own when folding into traffic, wearing contact to best release teammates or carving a way through the congestion with his turn of speed. Williams was quiet in patches but got a run on-ball and made a splash as his side charged back into contention.