GEELONG Falcons forward Jack Pickett is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after booting a big bag of goals in Round 15. The bottom-ager slotted seven straight majors from 10 disposals and six marks, running at 100 per cent efficiency in the Falcons’ 70-point win over Western Jets on Saturday.

>> SNAPSHOT: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 15

Fresh off his Vic Country Under 18 debut, Pickett brought his tally up to 16 goals in four Coates Talent League games this season. He has kicked multiple majors in each outing, including three on debut against Dandenong Stingrays and four in the performance which saw him earn representative selection.

Last time out, he posted three of Geelong’s five unanswered goals in the first quarter to set the tone for another big win. This time, he middled the big sticks at least once in every term, including thrice in the third as the Falcons kicked away to a massive margin. He was simply unstoppable inside 50.

Pickett’s aerial ability is his main strength; boasting a clean set of hands, the mobility to create separation on the lead, and a spring-heeled leap which helps him attack the ball with vigour. At 193cm, he draws comparisons to Carlton’s Charlie Curnow credit to his athleticism and marking power.

He nabbed this week’s nod against Western, ironically breaking the streak of three consecutive Jets taking out the honour. The 2026 prospect becomes the first Falcon to be recognised this season, and the fifth under-ager. Jake Miller was the youngest of the lot after his debut at 16 years of age.

Pickett will hope to remain in the Vic Country squad for the final game of the National Championships, against Vic Metro on Sunday. Otherwise, he will run out the season with Geelong Grammar in the APS competition before reconvening with the Falcons, who sit 10th with a 5-7 record.

Around the grounds in Round 15, Gippsland’s Zachary O’Keefe (27 disposals) and Calder’s Sam Harris (26) enjoyed a terrific midfield battle as the Cannons caused a boilover. Plenty of Pioneers had days out in their 111-point win over Murray, including over-ager Tom Evans who filled his boots with 38 touches.

Key position utility Zaydyn Lockwood was also prominent in that game, amassing 29 disposals, 10 marks, 24 hitouts and a goal for Bendigo. Dandenong defender Jasper Russell proved similarly prolific in the Stingrays’ loss to Sandringham, racking up 32 touches and 12 marks fresh off his Vic Country debut.

Dragons bottom-ager Arki Butler continued his strong form with five goals in the win, while ruck Miles Tyrer took nine marks and booted two majors. Greater Western Victoria’s Charlie McKinnon was another to kick five goals as his Rebels downed Oakleigh, extending his lead atop the competition charts.

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)
Round 13: Jake Miller (Western Jets)
Round 14: Lachlan Hicks (Western Jets)
Round 15: Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons)