EASTERN Ranges raw talent Rod Ali will make his VFL debut on the weekend when he dons the black and white stripes at Preston City Oval. The athletic defender is a rare Coates Talent League inclusion on a weekend where only the Jets have a bye.

Ali has shown promise throughout his few matches both for the Ranges and Vic Metro in the trial game. He last played in Round 3 for the Ranges where he clunked seven marks from 11 disposals, earning him a chance to represent the ‘Big V’. There he got to match it with some quality opponents as he vied to make the final squad.

While Eastern make the trek north to take on Brisbane Lions Academy, Ali will team up with the Pies in the Victorian state league where club recruiters will get an opportunity to see the over-ager up against senior opponents. He will join fellow 19-year-old Joel Cochran in the Pies’ defence, with the former Swans Academy making his return.

Ali’s inclusion is perhaps overshadowed only by the return of AFL Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell who plays his first competitive game in 380 days. The Eastern Ranges over-ager will be the 23rd Player for the clash against Northern Bullants who have brought back former Pies’ NGA prospect Yuyu Ashwin.

Elsewhere, Sandringham Zebras have brought in over-age pair Jez Rigoni (Oakleigh Chargers) and Charlie Rozenes (Sandringham Dragons). Rigoni made the move to Melbourne after representing Murray Bushrangers last season and has so far added three games to his three from 2024, while 172cm Rozenes has played the two to make it eight over the past two seasons.

Over in the WAFL, Peel Thunder small forward William York is an unlucky casualty for the Mandurah-based side, though the Colts team will be thrilled to see him return for his first game at the level this season. York has averaged 13.5 disposals per game at League level, kicking the one goal, but laying three tackles per match and just last round took a season-high six marks against East Perth.

Another big inclusion is that of Top 10 draft hope Fred Rodriguez who returns to South Fremantle’s Colts program. He has been named in the centre to team up once more with fellow State Academy member Toby Whan. However the Bulldogs do lose Ryda Luke who gained much attention following his his eight goals from eight kicks against Swan Districts in Round 3, before slotting another three in Round 4 against West Perth.

The SANFL Under 18s do not play until May 24, with the most recent matches only taking place over the last three days. With South Australia’s Under 18s Championships campaign to get underway on June 1 in New South Wales, there will be one more opportunity at the level for players to stake their claim. The likes of midfielders Jack Cook and Noah Roberts-Thomson, and ruck Ethan Herbert have made their presence felt thus far.

Of course the Northern Academy talent in Queensland and New South Wales will prepare for the Coates Talent League this weekend, as will those from Tasmania and Northern Territory rounding out the state action. A whopping eight games take place in the Talent League, with predominant double-headers alongside the girl’s matches.

Coates Talent League Boys: Round 6

Friday, May 9:

Tasmania Devils vs. GWS Giants Academy | North Hobart Oval @ 6:30pm

Saturday, May 10:

GWV Rebels vs. Sydney Swans Academy | Highgate Recreation Reserve @ 1:10pm
Brisbane Lions Academy vs. Eastern Ranges | Sandgate AFC @ 1:10pm
Bendigo Pioneers vs. Calder Cannons | Queen Elizabeth Oval @ 1:10pm
Dandenong Stingrays vs. Northern Knights | Shepley Oval @ 1:40pm
Northern Territory vs. Western Jets | TIO Stadium @ 4:00pm

Sunday, May 11:

Geelong Falcons vs. Gippsland Power | Avalon Airport Oval @ 11:00am
Gold Coast Suns Academy vs. Oakleigh Chargers | People First Stadium @ 12:10pm