A PAIR of Vic Metro omissions were among those to impress in Round 14 of the Coates Talent League, as prospects looked to make a name for themselves in the absence of many other representative stars. We had eyes on all five fixtures, making note of some of the top performers and prospects from each side.

>> CTL ROUND 14: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Sandringham Dragons 7.17 (59) def. by GWV Rebels 12.12 (84)

By: Michael Alvaro

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#6 Arki Butler
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 23/04/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 3 goals

One of two rotations out of the Vic Metro side, Butler put his talent on show to be arguably Sandringham’s best player in defeat. He started among the midfield mix and used a few tricks to buy time in possession. His darting steps and ability to shift gears made him difficult to contain in the attacking phase, like when he charged through the corridor before slamming home his first goal in term two. Butler went on to boot two more majors in the fourth quarter, displaying a clean set of hands to mark deep inside 50 and convert his chances. He possesses genuine star factor.

#32 Miles Tyrer
Ruck/Key Forward | 200cm | 18/08/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 18 hitouts

A handy inclusion during the APS break, Tyrer created an arm-wrestle in the ruck alongside over-ager Julian Galbally, and against the in-form Flynn Penry. Of the three 200cm giants, he followed up for the most tackles (seven) and matched Penry’s five marks. Despite starting up forward he did well to neutralise battles around the ground, winning one less hitout than his primary adversary. Tyrer also looked strong when presenting at the kicker inside 50, helping bring the ball to ground and even posting the first two scores of the game (both behinds) with set shots.

GWV REBELS:

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50s

While there was no reward on the scoreboard, Burmeister again showcased his high-upside attributes as a primary key forward. He was difficult to contain on the lead inside 50, credit to good speed off the mark, altough could only convert two minor scores from his set shots. Burmeister also put one wide on the run, but supplied Cooper Glenwright-McGuane with two of his three goals. The over-ager’s athleticism in open play made him a dynamic threat in the front half and when rucking, though he can again continue to improve his ability to clunk contested marks overhead.

#12 Sam Niklaus
Defender | 184cm | 05/03/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Niklaus had a case for being best afield in an industrious outing, leading all-comers out of defence. He displayed a great ability to both start the transitional phase deep in defence, and add to it down the line with hard running. The top-ager consistently followed up his initial possession to rack up another, providing support for teammates and chaining up on the counterattack. He was quite effective by hand and foot, running at 83 per cent disposal efficiency.

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

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

McKinnon continues to enhance his enviable goalkicking record, booting three more majors on Saturday to make it 31 in eight appearances this season – averaging nearly four per game. He was simply unbeatable one-out inside 50, doing the damage with strong contested craft and a couple of clever short leads. He converted the first goal of the day with a long set shot, going on to register 3.3 from just eight touches. While effective, McKinnon can still look to add elements to his game.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 19 hitouts

Penry was well and truly up against it as Sandringham fielded a pair of 200cm rucks to match his mettle, but he held up relatively well. Putting up big numbers this season, the over-ager was strong in physical jostles throughout the day and compounded his work around the contest with some uncontested marks on the outside. Being able to follow up and become a greater threat around the ground will help Penry extend his impact in games outside of his obvious strengths.

Murray Bushrangers 7.10 (52) def. by Calder Cannons 14.11 (95)

By: Michael Alvaro

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#6 Coen Ainsworth
Midfielder | 180cm | 19/12/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 8 marks, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

While others gathered more possessions, Ainsworth was arguably Murray’s best and most impactful player on Saturday. The over-ager was particularly dangerous in the attacking phase, spreading hard from the contest to be an option heading inside 50. In closer proximities, he refused to be tackled and broke into space with slick steps or pure core strength. Ainsworth’s smarts saw him provide score assists and he hit the scoreboard himself during the opening quarter, slotting a classy finish on the run after intercepting a misplaced Calder pass.

#23 Cody Gardiner
Midfielder | 176cm | 12/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Gardiner led his side for disposals for the fifth time in 11 games this season, helping Murray move the ball to the outside. Like Ainsworth, he spread forward from the contest effectively and drove the Bushrangers into attack in short spurts. While he connected with 14 handball receives, Gardiner was also up for the scrap and accumulated possessions relatively easily, though can perhaps work on becoming a little sharper with his end product – especially when heading inside 50.

#27 Tanner Armstrong
Midfielder | 176cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

The Bushrangers’ leading bottom-ager has been a handy addition during the APS break and was again among his side’s best players in defeat. Armstrong drove low and hard at the ball, proving clean below his knees and capable of breaking out of congestion with ball in hand. He also leant on his work rate to get involved in slow play around the ground, showcasing his sharp short kicking game. He’s one on the radar for Richmond next year as a Next Generation Academy member.

#29 Oscar Roberts
Defender | 185cm | 08/03/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 4 inside 50s

A daring rebounder, Roberts breached Murray’s attacking arc more frequently than its defensive zone, such was his ability to connect the ground. He was dangerous on the overlap and took quick metres through the corridor with regularity, indulging in a few running bounces with touches of audacity. Roberts’ high-impact style also translated to a couple of important intercept marks, and he generally drove the ball into dangerous areas.

CALDER CANNONS:

#4 Oliver Watt
Midfielder | 179cm | 06/02/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles

Calder’s leading possession winner, Watt prised a game-high seven clearances with four coming at the centre bounces. He was clean and compact in the clinches, able to swoop on ground balls and use quick steps to get to the outside. His kicking wasn’t always effective, running at 50 per cent efficiency, but the top-ager was in important figure in the early stages. He also got stuck in with eight tackles and showed great technique to bring opponents down.

#12 Taj Robinson
Tall Forward | 190cm | 10/01/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 7 hitouts, 2 goals

Robinson’s impact exceeded his stats as he consistently provided a contest in the forward half. The dynamic tall would often compete aerially and follow up at ground level, even doing so as a makeshift ruck inside 50. He dribbled home his first goal crumbing his own contest, going on to slot another via his second term set shot. Robinson’s intensity and attack on the ball were standout features throughout the day, with his physicality opening up the play and creating opportunities.

#15 Gus Papal
Tall Defender | 193cm | 22/09/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 8 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Working alongside skipper Jackson Barber in defence, Papal produced moments of genuine ability – including his soaring speccy in the final quarter. That was the cherry on top some promising moments, with the over-ager typically impactful in the air. Papal made good reads to cut off Murray kicks up the field, helping Calder lock the ball in its attacking half. Few could match him overhead.

#18 Sam Harris
Midfielder | 179cm | 17/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

A chip off the old block in some ways, Harris was again solid through midfield. The bottom-age North Melbourne father-son prospect (Daniel) utilised neat fundamental skills to extract the ball and help keep it moving in open play. His running patterns made him an option when Calder chipped a way forward, and also when he tracked the play from a wing stoppage to be put through on goal, slotting the chance in term three. He was otherwise no-frills and showed a clean set of hands.

Northern Knights 12.12 (84) def. Geelong Falcons 10.6 (66)

By: Adrian Dixon

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#3 Tyson Gresham
Small Forward | 169cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 goals, 4 behinds

Gresham was typically dangerous at the fall of the ball kickstarted his day with the Knights’ opening goal. He read the ball well to position smartly and protect himself against bigger bodies, while also showcasing his skills – like when he speared a pass inside 50 to James Allison, which saw the Knights regain the lead in term two. Gresham etched the Knights further in front when he won a free kick straight in front of goal and utilised the wind well to convert his third major. He continued to pepper the goals, however couldn’t add to his tally. Despite that, he showed good closing speed to provide support for his teammates with some extra tackle pressure.

#5 Harvie Cooke
Midfielder | 176cm | 12/04/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Cooke was a tireless worker in the Knights’ midfield all day. With his long strides he was quick from the stoppages when it came to being an option to get the footy out, spreading from the contest and providing run on the overlap. His quick hands and vision helped come up with several critical plays to continually drive the Knights forward. Fighting hard for the footy, he would always be there to provide support with his defensive pressure to ensure his teammates weren’t outnumbered, and he was rewarded for his efforts in the third quarter with a goal while resting up forward.

#11 James Allison
Midfielder | 185cm | 23/02/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals

Allison moved very well around the ground and started to make his presence felt in the second quarter, where he took a strong mark and converted the set shot goal to see the Knights regain the lead. Allison would provide a physical presence throughout the game, with his tackle pressure a key feature, while also providing connection with his work rate up the ground. To cap off his day, Allison converted a long goal from outside 50 to effectively seal the result and showcase his kicking range.

#20 Harry Van Hattum
Ruck | 202cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 31 hitouts, 7 inside 50s

In his second Knights game for the season, Van Hattum proved why he will be an exciting prospect come draft time in 2026. He displayed his strong overhead marking and good delivery of the footy while gaining plenty of metres with his hitouts. He positioned smartly, especially when in front, and knew when to use his body to win contests. Van Hattum took a strong intercept mark in the second quarter that resulted in a goal later down the track. He was dominant all over the ground and wherever the ball went he was able to locate it with his marking. The bottom-ager was dominant every time the ball was kicked into a contest, especially from a kick-out towards his opposition’s half-back line – he would always be there to intercept with strong aerial efforts.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#8 Angus Ford
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 17/12/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 1 goal

Ford was busy in the Falcons’ midfield, providing quick hands out of the packs while looking to keep the play moving at all costs. The top-ager would show great evasiveness and used it to his advantage when it came to taking the game on. After some follow-up work from a forward 50 entry, he would eventually be rewarded for a goal in the third quarter which gave the Falcons some hope. A classy ball user who used his vision well throughout the day, Ford still has room for improvement but was one of Geelong’s most productive prospects afield.

#32 Archer Chamberlain
Midfielder | 171cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 11 tackles, 1 goal

Chamberlain was strong defensively in the midfield, immersing himself in the contest with an early tackle within the defensive 50. Shortly after, a quick kick for the first goal of the game got his side on the board. His defensive pressure was immense around the contest, and throughout the day he showed great vision with the use of handballs to cut the opposition open. Chamberlain used his pace to show that he is a hard runner with and without the footy, and was also quite clean when it came to his disposal – especially when driving the Falcons forward.

#35 Mason Williams
Midfielder | 182cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 tackles, 7 inside 50s

Showing great endeavour throughout the game, a strong tackle from Williams set the tone for the Falcons at the opening stoppage. While his kicks inside 50 weren’t always effective, their chaotic nature caused considerable pressure for the opposition defenders. With that in mind, Williams can still improve his decision making, especially when going forward – there was one moment where you couldn’t tell if he was having a shot on goal or trying to pass it off to a teammate, which resulted in a direct kick to the opposition deep inside 50. Otherwise, he was a threat in the attacking phase when things unfolded as intended.

Eastern Ranges 12.8 (80) def. Oakleigh Chargers 11.11 (77)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 3 inside 50s

Continuing his venture through midfield, Chambers’ skills and smarts were on show. With spins to ride the bumps, flick handballs over his shoulder and typically sharp kicks around the corner, the Vic Metro train-on had some superb moments throughout the day. He used the ball quickly and effectively, improvising on the run and weighting his passes nicely. While made to scrap at times, Chambers was all class when afforded space and provided fluency to the Ranges’ ball movement.

#11 Mitchell Gillan
Defender | 180cm | 27/05/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 11 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Arguably best afield across half-back with a game-high 28 touches, Gillan hardly wasted them. There was balance to his game, racking up 22 uncontested possessions but positioning well to win his own ball via intercepts. Gillan’s clean hands and composed ball use – particularly with 13 effective short kicks – helped facilitate the running game of others like Oskar Taylor. He seemed to venture further afield as the game wore on and made a few rebound runs of his own, giving Eastern plenty of repeat looks in the front half.

#12 Max Bartlett
Forward | 182cm | 14/09/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals

Working in tandem with emerging tall Sullivan Robey, Bartlett acted as a key connection piece for Eastern with his work up the ground. The bottom-ager ran productive patterns to present for seven marks, showcasing strong hands out in front and playing a little taller than his 182cm standing. He also snuck into handy positions inside 50 and bagged consecutive goals from three chances in the third quarter as a nice bonus. He’s had some impactful performances already this season.

#25 Oskar Taylor
Defender | 182cm | 01/08/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 8 rebound 50s

If there was one player in Eastern’s lineup which screamed ‘hurt factor’ on Sunday, it was Taylor. The dashing defender got to work immediately with two goal assists in the opening quarter, using his speed and darting left-foot kicks to break the lines. He flicked the switch into attack quicker than anyone, operating in one very high gear to consistently take the game on. His ability to take ground was compounded by several hit targets – and a few missed – in dangerous positions.

#55 Sullivan Robey
Tall Forward | 192cm | 04/10/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Slotting two goals for the third time in as many appearances since his Round 12 debut, Robey broke new ground with 20 disposals and six inside 50s. He moved well for a player his size, presenting up the ground to provide an aerial contest but also hitting hard on the follow-up. Robey applied great physicality with hints of explosiveness, proving an effective connector alongside Bartlett. His two goals came in open play, steadying on the run for one and snapping the other.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#17 Kai Stewart
Small Forward | 177cm | 21/12/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s

A high-impact kind of player – in more ways than one – Stewart packed a punch with his play on Sunday. His powerful left-foot kicking proved to be a weapon in the early stages, including with a piercing forward 50 pass to assist Flynn Woolhouse‘s first goal. He also soccered the ball for Lachlan Bell to convert in term two, although couldn’t quite find reward in the form of his own major score. Stewart had his opportunities too, including a late set shot after winning a holding-the-ball free kick. That was one moment where his intensity helped open up opportunities.

#29 Charlie Whitehead
Midfielder | 191cm | 29/03/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

Whitehead has been putting up strong numbers of late, and for the third consecutive week, had at least 26 disposals and a goal. He led his side for both contested and uncontested possessions in a balanced outing, handling the ball cleanly and kicking it off both feet. The rangy top-ager lifted his output at the start of terms three and four, with his biggest quarter coinciding with Oakleigh’s late fightback. Earlier, Whitehead hit the scoreboard with a well struck set shot in the opening term and while not overly quick, covered plenty of ground.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 9 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Shepherd further showcased his ability to impact at both ends of the ground, starting down back before nearly becoming a match-winner up forward. The over-ager proved a keen interceptor during the first half, attacking the aerial ball hard, but was also there to mop up at ground level and initiate slow play. Upon swinging to attack, Shepherd maintained his aerial impact but couldn’t convert a tough late chance from the boundary which would have snatched the win.

Bendigo Pioneers 7.8 (50) def. by Western Jets 19.10 (124)

By: Michael Alvaro

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#5 Riley Dillon
Midfielder/Forward | 190cm | 30/04/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 1 goal

As he often does, Dillon injected his customary physicality to the game with plenty of tough acts around the contest. He also turned his pressure and effort into scoring opportunities, albeit for a return of 1.4, waiting until the final quarter for his goal. The Pioneers skipper absorbed contact and was also able to break free of it, lacking pace and polish but boasting plenty of strength to surge forward. While Dillon’s six clearances and eight tackles were solid contributions in midfield, his ability to impact on his forward rotation made him just as valuable in a losing effort.

#8 Sonny Beasy
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 18/03/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s

Beasy matched his captain for an equal game-high haul of 12 contested possessions, getting the job done both inside and outside. His crafty left-foot kicks helped shift the angles, especially when searching up the ground as a forward. The bottom-ager managed to hit a couple of sharp passes heading inside 50 for goal assists, both finding Patrick Blake. Beasy’s strong hands and willingness to apply pressure were also key attributes shown throughout the day.

#13 Patrick Blake
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 27/12/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 tackles, 2 goals

Blake showed arguably the most of any Pioneer, continuing his promising recent form. He rose for a couple of ripping high marks, with his speccy in the third quarter proving particularly memorable. The top-ager also showed some spring with his burst away from stoppages and applied that same speed to his defensive work. Blake’s rundown tackle ability and attacking threat meant he made an all-round impact, even hitting the scoreboard with goals in the first and final quarters.

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s, 3 goals

Hicks turned in a performance befitting of Player of the Week honours, dominating across each facet of play. In his best outing at the level, the bottom-ager racked up 23 uncontested possessions throughout a relentless assault on Bendigo’s defence. He ran hard in transition to get on the end of possession chains and hit the scoreboard, while also proving strong overhead when resting inside 50. Hicks finished with 3.4 but generally finished with class in open play and was just as clean at the contest. He truly shone in the absence of Western’s Vic Metro mainstays, so hopefully can springboard into a strong back-end of the season. He can certainly run and accumulate.

#25 Oskar Ainsworth
Forward/Midfielder | 186cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 5 goals

After posting his second five-goal haul in three weeks, Ainsworth is banging down the door of Vic Metro selection. Seemingly a natural forward, the top-ager again impressed with his overhead marking ability and clever leading patterns inside 50. He proved a difficult matchup on the back of those attributes and his sheer power, which was also observed in reliable set shot conversions. The left-footer sustained his impact with goals in every quarter – Bendigo had no answer.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal

Davis was again prolific in the back half for Western, racking up intercept marks and driving the ball forward with ambition. He played above his 187cm standing with fluent leaps and clean grabs, cutting off several Bendigo attacks before creating his own. Davis took the game on with bursts of speed and while he was held up more often in the latter stages, certainly made an impression in the first half. His best moment was a goal in term two, on the end of a one-two and running bounce.

#38 Macauli Buck
Ruck | 198cm | 12/10/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 33 hitouts

Buck has been a steady improver this year, and still has plenty left in him, but showed marked signs of development on Sunday. The rangy ruck had his most prolific outing numbers-wise, credit to staying engaged with the play after his initial effort and tracking forward dangerously. One of Buck’s five inside 50s was a long kick over the back to assist Ainsworth in term two, and he did well to comfortably win the hitout count against Bendigo’s three-pronged ruck rotation.