WESTERN Jets star Thomas Burton is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after continuing his outstanding form in Round 9. The midfielder/defender racked up 35 disposals, 10 marks, six tackles, seven clearances, and seven rebound 50s in the Jets’ 47-point loss to Murray Bushrangers on Sunday.

>> Snapshot: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 9

While the results haven’t gone his side’s way this season at 1-5, Burton has maintained a remarkable level of consistency. Round 9 marked the National Academy member’s fifth game of over 30 disposals in as many outings, averaging an even 33 touches, 7.4 marks, and 5.2 rebound 50s to date.

He has formed a terrific midfield partnership with Collingwood father-son gun Thomas McGuane, who had 28 disposals and a goal himself. While McGuane tends to venture forward from the middle, Burton tracks back to help support the defence and dictate transition play with relentless running.

Burton’s form also comes on the eve of his Under 18 National Championships debut with Vic Metro, where he is likely to spend time rolling across half-back. The Vics will be looking to claim back-to-back titles with Burton, McGuane and key defender Jacob Marron picked to represent the Western region.

Elsewhere in Round 9, midfielder Callum Smith was terrific with 24 disposals, six clearances and a goal as Dandenong Stingrays pipped Tasmania by seven points. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves booted the winning goal, with both players poised to suit up for Vic Country in Western Australia this weekend.

Eastern Ranges pair Josiah Landy (22 disposals, two goals) and Max Bartlett (16 and four) impacted the scoreboard in their side’s 63-point win over Northern. Things were closer in Bendigo as Sandringham scraped past the Pioneers, who were led by brilliant bottom-ager Cody Walker (31 disposals).

Meanwhile, Gippsland Power’s midfield continues to hum. Top pick contender Willem Duursma cruised with 20 touches while the likes of Brodie Atkins (26 disposals), Cody Templeton (24), and Zac O’Keefe (23) got busy. The latter pair also booted one and two goals respectively in a tight win over GWV Rebels.

2025 CTL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Round 2: Cody Templeton (Gippsland Power)
Round 3: Thomas McGuane (Western Jets)
Round 4: Max Hudson (Suns Academy)
Round 5: Daniel Annable (Lions Academy)
Round 6: Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy)
Round 7: Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers)
Round 8: Charlie McKinnon (GWV Rebels)
Round 9: Thomas Burton (Western Jets)