WESTERN Jets top-ager Oskar Ainsworth is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after a breakout performance in Round 12. The powerful midfielder-forward bagged five goals from 21 disposals, 10 marks and five clearances in his side’s win over Calder Cannons on Sunday.

>> SNAPSHOT: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 12

It was only fitting that Ainsworth’s five majors made up the exact margin of victory – 30 points. The Cannons had no answer for his strength both up forward and around the ball, helping Western break through for its second win of the year. Despite that, two other Jets have earned Player of the Week nods.

Ainsworth trialled for Vic Metro but remains outside the squad. After impressing with 14 goals in 16 bottom-age games last year, he spent time with Williamstown during preseason and was highlighted by former Jets talent lead Luke Williams as one to watch. Williams is now a recruiter at the Bulldogs.

The 18-year-old’s output has lifted from an average of 9.6 disposals up to 21.6, including a high of 27 against Northern Knights in Round 5. Ainsworth broke new ground in his latest outing, notching personal-bests for marks and goals. Three of those grabs were contested, which was a game-high.

Western, still bottom of the full-time regions at 2-6, move on to face Oakleigh in Werribee on Saturday. The 4-5 Chargers are coming off a bye and will be only a fortnight removed from their confidence-boosting win over Dandenong. With Vic Metro not playing, there should be some quality afield.

Around the grounds in Round 12, Gippsland Power midfielder Brodie Atkins continues to bash down the door of Vic Country selection. He racked up a game-high 30 disposals in the Power’s three-point win over Eastern, where top pick contender Willem Duursma swung forward to kick two crucial late goals.

Another on the verge of representative action is Greater Western Victoria’s Talor Byrne. The livewire small booted three goals from 22 touches as a permanent forward, perhaps hinting at where he’ll impact with a Vic Country call-up. His Rebels saluted by 44 points against Northern Knights on Saturday.

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)
Round 11: Lachy Dovaston (Eastern Ranges)
Round 12: Oskar Ainsworth (Western Jets)