A CONDENSED Coates Talent League fixture saw just four games played across the weekend, featuring plenty of talent out of the Vic Country, Vic Metro, and Allies squad. Before the National Championships resume next weekend, we took note of how some of the leading prospects performed.

>> CTL ROUND 11: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Dandenong Stingrays 7.14 (56) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 13.5 (83)

By: Michael Alvaro

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#6 Charlie Orchard
Tall Defender | 190cm | 17/06/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 4 rebound 50s

A difficult player to beat at his best, Orchard and his fellow Dandenong defenders had plenty of repelling to do. The over-ager utilised his aerial range to impact contests before following up at ground level to recover the ball and rebound. He distributed well off the last line and provided repeat running efforts to advance the play further afield. Orchard also slotted a late consolation goal on the fly after being paid advantage from a free kick.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

While hit-or-miss at times, Sinnema delivered some sensational searing passes skewing the ball around his body. He looked dangerous when carving a way forward, darting around opponents with quick steps and proving hard to contain. With enough time and space, he was capable of picking out targets heading inside 50 and generating scores. Sinnema’s flair was also complimented by some hard efforts at the contest, though he looks best when able to utilise his speed on the outside.

#15 Gus Kennedy
Midfielder | 185cm | 21/02/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 11 tackles, 7 inside 50s

Kennedy is extremely highly rated internally and again showed why with an industrious performance in midfield. The hard-nosed bottom-ager laid a game-high 11 tackles and did so with ferocity, showcasing similar power when he burst through the front of stoppages. One of Kennedy’s explosive bursts ended in a nice pass heading inside 50, lowering his eyes to spot up a target on the move.

#18 Darcy Szerszyn
Tall Defender | 188cm | 20/05/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

Another promising bottom-ager in Dandenong’s ranks, Szerszyn competed hard and showcased his well-rounded defensive game. He would often be the hand-off matchup to follow Josh Shepherd up the ground, looking to either split aerial contests or take clean intercept marks. He was courageous overhead and followed up well at ground level with desperate tackling efforts. For a taller player, his ability to run and connect through the corridor was impressive when rebounding.

#29 Callum Smith
Midfielder | 189cm | 12/09/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 tackles, 11 clearances

Smith continued on his merry way with another solid performance as Dandenong’s A1 midfielder. The big-bodied ball winner prised 11 clearances and was clean in doing so, also showing a knack for making intercepts through the corridor. While not blessed with natural pace or scintillating skills, Smith did the basics right and used his strong frame to slip tackles. The grandson of Richmond champion Kevin Bartlett also proved to be a leader, taking advantage of a 50-metre penalty to slot Dandenong’s opening goal after his side had previously posted 0.6.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#6 Flynn Woolhouse
Key Forward/Ruck | 195cm | 06/05/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals

It was an economical outing from Woolhouse, who needed only six touches (all kicks) to boot and equal game-high four goals. He helped set the tone for Oakleigh, bagging two in the opening quarter, including the game’s first with finishes on the inside and outside of his boot. The bottom-ager went on to showcase his aerial ability with nice presentation up the ground and time in the ruck, finishing with a pair of set shot goals in the second half.

#23 Lucas Tovey
Ruck | 199cm | 03/01/2006

Stats: 29 disposals, 19 hitouts, 7 clearances

Tovey produced a career performance in the ruck having mostly featured as a key defender last year. The former Vic Metro representative had very little trouble getting his hands on the ball, following up to clear it by hand and feed his rovers when ruck contests proved a nil-all draw. Tovey dished out 20 handballs and was a strong marking presence around the ground, including with two contested grabs. His size and follow-up at the contest proved pivotal.

#36 Hunter Holmes
Midfielder | 187cm | 19/02/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Oakleigh’s sole Vic Metro representative afield in the face of Dandenong’s five-strong Country cohort, Holmes was ultra competitive. While quite lightly framed, he held up well in the face of contact as many players struggled to find space. The scrappy midfielder showed class with a ground ball and blind term in the second quarter, followed by a gutsy contested mark. He also got stuck in to lay tackles and proved he can balance his usual outside running game.

#64 Josh Shepherd
Key Forward | 195cm | 14/12/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 7 marks, 4 goals

Having plied his trade as a key defender this year, Shepherd swung forward to good effect on Saturday. His attack on the aerial ball was terrific, often able to get a fluent run and jump at the contest to reel in seven marks (five contested). Shepherd attracted Dandenong’s best defenders and had them handing off when venturing up the field, where he could provide a viable connection piece down the line. All of his scores came from set shots, finishing with 4.2.

GWV Rebels 14.10 (94) def. Murray Bushrangers 6.9 (45)

By: Michael Alvaro

GWV REBELS:

#5 Floyd Burmeister
Key Forward | 199cm | 04/05/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

Burmeister showed plenty of the traits which had him pegged as a Mid-Season Draft contender, operating dangerously across half-forward. With athleticism to work up the ground and extend at the aerial ball, and a booming kick to penetrate deep inside 50, he proved a valuable connection piece for the Rebels heading forward. The over-ager took a terrific two-grab mark before drilling the ball into Charlie McKinnon for the game’s opening goal, signalling his intent. He went on to wheel around on his favoured left side for a pair of terrific long-range goals, ending with 2.2.

#11 Riley Holloway
Defender | 183cm | 05/10/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Holloway was somewhat of a surprise packet on Sunday, intercepting plenty which came his way and repelling with constant rebound run. Whether positioned high outside 50 or in his defensive goalsquare, the top-ager reeled in the ball calmly and sparked GWV’s transitional play with his run and kick distribution. A speccy on the wing in term three was among his absolute best highlights.

#22 Charlie McKinnon
Tall Forward | 190cm | 25/10/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 7 goals

McKinnon boasts a competition-best 22 goals in five games this season, backing up his Round 8 haul of eight majors to slot seven this time out. The 190cm sharpshooter judged the breeze beautifully with his set shots, and even pulled out a party trick to split the big sticks with a kick over his head in term two. After posting five goals in the first half, he began to attract one-on-two contests deep inside 50 and that made his usual craft a little more difficult. When isolated, he’s extremely hard to stop and is usually clinical within 30 metres of goal.

#23 Flynn Penry
Ruck | 201cm | 20/04/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 23 hitouts, 5 clearances

Competing against this year’s frontline Vic Country ruck, Penry imposed himself by engaging body contact and using his big frame to advantage at stoppages. The over-ager showed his strength in the first half before giving his foot skills more exposure thereafter, looking quite fundamentally sound for a bigman – even if he went at under 50 per cent kick efficiency for the game.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#3 Zac Harding
Ruck | 199cm | 01/01/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 26 hitouts, 1 goal

It was tough going at times for Harding, who won the hitout count but had his challenges against Penry. Despite being outdone physically at times, the over-ager stayed engaged at the contest and showcased some really neat skills by hand and foot. He improved as the game wore on and continued to use the ball well, including with a centring kick coming out of defensive 50. He ended up bagging a goal in the final quarter after taking the ball out of the ruck.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 8 clearances

You’re never left wanting in the way of intent and effort when it comes to Corrigan, who showcased plenty of power in midfield. He hunted the ball at contests and looked to bullock his way to the outside, not afraid to take on tacklers in the process. The Allies representative also went on a couple of running bounce ventures, tucking the ball under his arm to take ground through the corridor in an aggressive style. Perhaps the only thing lacking was a touch of polish on his disposal, with Corrigan coughing up four clangers with scrappy kicks.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Dean has looked supremely assured over the last few weeks, even on the representative stage, but was tested at times on Sunday. Taking on the Burmeister matchup, he was made to scrap but still managed to reel in a couple of early intercept marks. The Carlton father-son hopeful wasn’t as clean as usual and gave away a late free kick out of frustration, also copping a heavy hit after going back with the flight. Still, things would have been worse without the rising first round prospect.

Eastern Ranges 11.4 (70) def. Geelong Falcons 10.9 (69)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

#1 Blake Chambers
Wing | 182cm | 31/05/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 2 inside 50s

Operating off the wing as usual, Chambers’ ball use was outstanding. He tracked back and also got into dangerous positions in the front half, ending many of his possessions with slick inboard kicks – he hardly wasted a touch. Racking up highs of 18 uncontested possessions and 14 handball receives, it was clear Eastern sought to get the ball in his hands to ensure a sound decision maker could find the right option in a high-pressure game.

#8 Lachy Dovaston
Small Forward | 177cm | 29/05/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 goals

Dovaston was our choice for Player of the Week and has been consistently outstanding for the Ranges. He provided boundless energy up the field with his ground level craft and pressure, while also causing headaches closer to goal. The livewire small booted five majors and helped set up many more scoring chains with his burning runs over the back. Dovaston’s finishing in open play and over the mark was clinical, and he even ended up getting a run at the centre bounces.

#22 Xavier Taylor
Tall Defender | 191cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 11 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Taylor has such a terrific blend of traits and in a draft bereft of tall defensive talent, he’s just about the best. He used his pace to bring the game to Geelong, taking ground on the rebound and linking up with teammates. That kind of play would often follow an effort to win the ball back, most notably clean intercept marks in the defensive 50. While Taylor and his fellow Eastern backmen were sometimes exposed out the back, his ability to attack and defend is high level.

#31 Andrew Barker
Tall Defender | 191cm | 18/06/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 12 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Barker led the game for marks with 12 and combined with Taylor to snaffle up everything which came the pair’s way. A key distributor off the last line, Barker got involved in slow play but was able to win his own possessions with assured intercepts, rising to clunk the ball cleanly overhead. That kind of play proved his forte, especially when Geelong sought to pump the ball in long and fell shallow with their entries.

#37 Rod Ali
Defender | 186cm | 11/01/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 8 tackles

While technically medium-sized, Ali’s presence helped form a formidable tall defensive trio alongside Taylor and Barker. The over-age’s athleticism got him to plenty of contests in the back half, where he was able to spoil and follow up to relieve any danger. Ali’s tackling was a standout feature as he produced repeat pressure efforts and crucially shut down late chances to shoot on goal. He was also quite composed with ball in hand when looking to rebound.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#5 Jesse Mellor
Forward | 185cm | 04/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

Mellor seemed to absolutely pepper the goals on Sunday for a return of 2.2, with plenty of shots falling short or wide. A natural forward, he consistently found a way to gain separation on short leads and was duly found, rewarding kickers with a clean set of hands to mark. He was Geelong’s most dangerous asset inside 50 and several scoring opportunities went through him, though he was unlucky not to finish more. A near-speccy in the dying stages was indicative of his day.

#10 Hugo Mikunda
Midfielder | 180cm | 13/03/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 5 marks, 13 inside 50s

Mikunda showed out for his most prolific game of the season, leading all comers with 30 disposals. His quick and clean hands were terrific in the high pressure contest, but he also used them to defy his size with gutsy overhead marks. The top-ager seemed to be everywhere at times, working into dangerous launch zones where he racked up 13 forward 50 entries. Mikunda provided bursts of speed and while his entry kicks weren’t overly effective (32 per cent efficiency), he was certainly in the thick of the action.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 clearances

A scrapper who can open up the game with his speed, Aquilina suited the style of Sunday’s game. He found a knack for getting on the end of handball chains, timing his runs into space to drive forward and deliver. He turned provider to set up the game’s first goal with a lovely long handball, before going on to provide good intensity with a run on-ball in the second half.

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Having mostly cut his teeth as a key forward and ruck, Elek was swung to defence in perhaps a sighter for what to expect in Vic Country colours. The athletic tall attacked the ball like a forward, clunking some outstanding intercept marks inside defensive 50. He also looked to take the game on by stepping around opponents and linking up by hand – albeit if that got him into deep trouble on numerous occasions. He continually backed himself in despite any errors, which is commendable.

Gippsland Power 13.17 (95) def. Western Jets 5.11 (41)

By: Declan Reeve

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#4 Zachary O’Keefe
Midfielder | 177cm | 22/03/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

The Vic Country midfielder was clean around the contest all game, unfazed by pressure when going for the ball at ground level or when working his way out of congestion. O’Keefe was mostly clean across the game off his trusty left foot, even getting the opportunity to demonstrate his work on the opposite side at points. Whilst O’Keefe wasn’t a major clearance winner, his body work around stoppage meant his direct opponent rarely got near the ball off rucks’ hands or damaged on the spread. 

#7 Willem Duursma
Wing/Defender | 191cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

A game of two halves for Duursma as he was unusually quiet in the first stationed permanently on the wing, where he struggled to win the ball with enough space to get his usual run-and-carry game going. Duursma became much more involved with a second half switch behind the ball, acting as Gippsland’s biggest intercepting threat and getting involved in the attacking phase from the defensive half. There were moments where Duursma’s focus on distance effected his kicking heading forward, but he mostly chose good options and executed well

#10 Cody Templeton
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 01/01/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals

The bottom-ager was once again one of his side’s better players as he caused headaches for the opposition both as a forward and through the midfield, utilising his speed to burn off opponents around the ground. Templeton worked hard on the outside, often getting into space to hold uncontested marks that still gained his side territory. Whilst Templeton has some work to do on his disposal consistency, with a few kicks getting too much air time, he’s shaping as a promising player for the 2026 draft.

#16 Jobe Scapin
Forward | 187cm | 01/05/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

The leading goalkicker for the game, Scapin did as he usually does with his impressive agility and leap, taking a couple of marks at the highest point he could overhead and weaving around opposition defenders with ease. Scapin was clean at ground level and with his ball use, demonstrating some impressive handballing at speed and spotting up some good options by foot in the forward half. 

#17 Luke Cheffers
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/09/2007

Stats: 35 disposals, 8 marks, 9 tackles, 1 goal

Having quite the breakout game, Cheffers simply worked harder and was cleaner around the ground than anyone else afield, with his composure through traffic and unwavering pressure standing out around the contest. Cheffers’ cleanliness at ground level played a large part on the way to his game-high 35 disposals, making the most of his opportunities at stoppages and around marking contests. Cheffers went by hand more often than he went by foot when disposing the ball, showing excellent vision to spot teammates forward of the ball and release them heading to goal. 

#24 Brodie Atkins
Midfielder | 181cm | 25/01/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 tackles, 5 clearances

It was more of the same for Atkins, with the strong bodied midfielder leading the game for tackles and clearances. Not dissimilar to Cheffers, Atkins was just willing to work harder than most opposition players, utilising his frame at stoppages to hold favourable positions for himself and gain separation to attack the ball. Atkins once again linked up well in Gippsland’s handball chains, looking to kickstart many of them with his clean handballing from inside the contest. 

WESTERN JETS:

#7 Thomas McGuane
Midfielder | 178cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s

McGuane has set himself a ridiculously high standard, with his 23 disposals his smallest return for the season to date. After spending time in attack and on the wing with Vic Metro, McGuane was deployed as a forward most of the game, but pushed up the field to act as a loose midfielder. The role suited McGuane who was still able to get a bit of the footy, but more often found it in space where he could demonstrate some shrewd disposal and vision. 

#9 Lachlan Hicks
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 19/01/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles

In his first Coates Talent League appearance since Round 3, due to APS commitments, Hicks put in his best performance at the level to date, demonstrating some nice moments of power and his willingness to put his head over the footy. Hicks was only credited with two clearances for the game but got his hands on it first a few more times, only to be wrapped up by Power midfielders for repeat stoppages. When Hicks did get the ball in space he used it well, with some nice kicks inside 50 the highlight. As a forward, Hicks competed and proved dangerous when given the space to run and jump at the footy, and winning a couple of two-on-one contests at ground level.

#10 Thomas Burton
Midfielder | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances

Similar to McGuane, Burton had his lowest disposal tally for the season with 25, but was undoubtedly his side’s main threat around stoppages. There, he read the ball well off rucks’ hands and hit the drop zone of the ball at speed. Burton worked hard as he typically does to accumulate around the ground, getting a few handball receives to run the ball as far as he could. Burton’s ball use left a bit to be desired, often bombing the ball long when faced with pressure.

#26 Finnegan Davis
Defender | 187cm | 21/01/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 6 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Western’s leading ball winner, Davis showed real fight in the defensive 50 for his side, doing his best to advance the ball further afield with his 10 rebound 50s. Naturally, Davis was his side’s main distributor from the backline, taking kick-in duties and balancing his kicks between short safe options, and long kicks to clear packs that formed on the arcs.