ROTATED Vic Metro representatives looked to make statements, while Vic Country hopefuls put in solid shifts in Round 15 of the Coates Talent League. It was a weekend of lopsided results, and we had eyes on some of the top performers and prospects across all five fixtures.

>> CTL Round 15: Snapshot | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Gippsland Power 10.10 (70) def. by Calder Cannons 15.11 (101)

By: Michael Alvaro

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s

Leading all comers with 27 touches, O’Keefe took on the mantle of Gippsland’s A1 midfielder in the wake of some key absences. His poise and agility were outstanding on the way forward, with the crafty top-ager carving through traffic with great awareness and vision. O’Keefe also spread hard from the contest to be the player to deliver inside 50, although was a little hit-and-miss with that final kick. Nonetheless, the Vic Country representative put together a highly productive day.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s

Normally a player who takes ground with run-and-carry and long kicks, Templeton did much of his work by hand on Saturday. He chained together possessions by combining with teammates and hunted the ball typically hard at ground level. The bottom-ager looked to manufacture shots on goal with various snaps but couldn’t find the desired result despite his lively attempts.

#33 Wil Malady
Tall Forward/Wing | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

A real impact player who can kick goals in bunches, Malady’s purple patch came during the third term with a move up to the wing. He had slotted a set shot in the opening quarter and went on to have a few ‘almost’ moments after that, before turning it on out of the main break. Malady proved a deadeye with his back-to-back majors, tracking nicely inside 50 to utilise his marking and finishing abilities. It was only the bottom-age Vic Country representative’s third CTL game this season.

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Tasked with matchups on a couple of athletic Gippsland bottom-agers, Papal ended up showcasing his own traits down back. The over-ager did just enough defensively to support his ability to peel off and intercept, reading the play superbly both deep and up the ground. He moves well for a taller player and extends at the ball nicely overhead, also proving a confident distributor by foot. While prone to an error here or there, his best form is good to watch.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 9 marks, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

North Melbourne F/S

It was a best afield performance from Harris, who popped up with some clutch moments late in the piece to help seal Calder’s upset victory. Among his big plays was a terrific set shot goal on the angle, having previously found the gap between three defenders when passing inside 50. He was also the man to level the scores at the end of term three and accumulated possessions all around the ground. The 2026 North Melbourne father-son prospect marked cleanly on the outside and found ways to exit stoppages effectively, despite not boasting out-and-out pace. He was a well-rounded asset for Calder and looks a solid prospect for the Roos to consider next year.

#19 Levi West
Midfielder | 177cm | 13/08/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles

Western Bulldogs F/S

If Harris is a chip off the old block, West certainly fits the criteria. The son of Scott and brother of Rhylee is a crafty and agile small who attacks the ball hard, able to bring it from the inside to the outside. He did so on Saturday with season-high numbers for the Cannons, showcasing his father’s toughness and reliability around packs. Able to swoop on loose balls and slip into space, West repaid the faith shown to him by Calder’s coaches as a full-time midfielder.

#20 Jackson Watkins
Forward | 184cm | 04/10/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

Another exciting bottom-ager in Calder’s ranks, Watkins brought great energy to the contest with his three goals. The 2024 Vic Metro Under 16 representative took the game on with pace and vigour, starting out with a lively snap goal in term one. His intensity and speed helped generate scores, able to hit up on the lead, draw free kicks, or wheel around to shoot. Watkins’ best moment came in term three where was called to play on while lining up a set shot, improvised to baulk the man on the mark, and slammed home his third goal.

Geelong Falcons 19.9 (123) def. Western Jets 8.5 (53)

By: Michael Alvaro

GEELONG FALCONS:

#3 Kobe George
Defender | 188cm | 22/04/2006

Stats: 31 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

George was utterly relentless with his transitional run on Saturday, topping the disposal charts and running at 87 per cent efficiency. Stationed in defence, he was Geelong’s key distributor from the restarts but also ventured high up the field with aggressive overlaps to connect the lines. The over-ager hit targets on the move and would have been through the roof in terms of metres gained, even sneaking forward for a set shot goal in term four. He had a go through midfield after half time but showed how potent he can be down back, also as a clean interceptor.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 4 goals

Ford has often ventured up to the wing and centre bounces this season but made his mark as a forward in this game. He ran hard to get free over the back, timing his moves well to become a scoring threat close to goal, and ending up with four majors. The diminutive top-ager was scrappy at times but made it work, having just enough agility to manufacture the space to shoot out of packs.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Elek continues to push for a Vic Country recall having been recast as a defender, leaning on his rare athleticism at 201cm. He displayed great agility with ball in hand, chaining up possessions on the rebound and supporting transitional moves like a much smaller player. Elek also used his aerial range to pluck three intercept marks and wasn’t afraid to bite off risking inboard kicks, again showing great skill for a player his size. He could perhaps play to his limits more often, but doesn’t have many if his recent form is anything to go by.

#39 Jack Pickett
Tall Forward | 193cm | 06/03/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 7 goals

Pickett was out pick for Player of the Week after an outstanding performance in front of goal. The bottom-age spearhead kicked seven straight majors, nearly all from set shots. He proved difficult to contain on the lead as he presented hard at Geelong’s kickers, often taking the ball cleanly out in front, or having enough separation to safely take it on his chest. Pickett’s best patch came in the third quarter where he kicked three goals in under eight minutes to accentuate Geelong’s big lead. He can continue to improve his timing and consistency, but is such a threat inside forward 50.

WESTERN JETS:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles

Fresh off an all-star performance last week, Hicks’ return was steadier but he remained a solid member of the midfield mix. The bottom-ager showcased a clean set of hands and was Western’s main distributor out of the middle, having only six kicks among his 22 disposals. On the outside, Hicks rose to take a terrific pack mark in the second quarter and was freed up to create more run out of the stoppage after half time, having previously been highly effective on the inside. He has some tools to work with heading into next year with good spring and balance to his play.

#17 Billy Wigmore
Defender | 187cm | 29/03/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 9 marks, 4 rebound 50s

In the absence of Finn Davis, Wigmore stepped up to be Western’s best interceptor and distributor out of the backline. He was often there to mop up around defensive 50 before driving the ball out, but stood out most with his strong aerial feats. The bottom-ager rose for several big grabs and while the Jets’ defence is prone to costly errors now and again, he stayed composed with ball in hand.

#34 Angus Tippett
Midfielder | 192cm | 12/02/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s

An absolute unit of a midfielder at 192cm, Tippett was Western’s leading ball winner. He benefitted from the work of Hicks to clear the stoppages, but also proved capable of winning his own ball on the inside. The bottom-ager used both feet to hack the ball forward, making up for a lack of genuine leg speed to launch it inside 50 on six occasions. He used his strength and wingspan to wrap up opponents in tackles and further impose himself on the contest in a busy outing.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 8 clearances, 30 hitouts

Buck continues to add elements to his game as a developing ruckman, and again built on what was one of his best performances just last week. The rangy 198cm top-ager used his leap and reach to dominate the hitouts, driving a plus-13 clearance advantage for his side. Outside of the ruck realm, Buck followed up for eight clearances of his own and drifted forward and back to take three marks. Continuing to have a presence outside the contest will further round out his skillset.

Bendigo Pioneers 21.14 (140) def. Murray Bushrangers 4.5 (29)

By: Michael Alvaro

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#2 Tom Evans
Defender | 180cm | 22/02/2006

Stats: 38 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Racking up 38 disposals for the second game running, Evans has been nothing short of prolific this season. He continued that trend with relentless, aggressive overlap run to support teammates and be the main man to drive Bendigo into attack. The over-ager had an utterly ridiculous 26 handball receives and 33 uncontested possessions, highlighting his clear modus operandi. He was always lurking when a hand-off was available, or when possession changed hands. In having the license to accumulate as he pleased, Evans showcased his smarts and massive running tank.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 7 inside 50s, 2 goals

A bottom-ager with some weapons in his arsenal, Beasy used them to advantage on Saturday. His left-foot kicking is particularly potent and helped hit some darting passes in transition, or to connect Bendigo inside attacking 50. Beasy’s best patch came in the second quarter where he racked up 10 disposals and booted two goals, including one wheeling around from long-range on the run. His ability to cleanly rove at stoppages was also on show during that period.

#10 Jaidi Jackson-Leahy
Wing | 183cm | 31/01/2007

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

Jackson-Leahy reverted back to his customary wing role to a good degree of success, showcasing his best traits. He utilised his punchy left-foot kicking to hit flat passes around the ground, while also proving a clean distributor by hand. The Vic Country representative tracked up and down the line to not only aid the Pioneers’ ball movement, but to also sneak inside 50 for a final quarter chance on goal. While Jackson-Leahy missed the chance, his kicking was generally reliable and he proved strong when marking overhead.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Having shown flashes throughout the day, Blake finished with a flurry to be among his side’s best. His moments of flair included several powerful set and jumps at the ball overhead, while also completing blind turns and finding a way to dish out to teammates under tackling pressure. Blake also got stuck in with eight tackles and was rewarded with his snapshot goal in term two.

#15 Jonty Davis
Forward/Midfielder | 181cm | 15/01/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 8 marks, 1 goal

Another player who exhibited plenty of flair on Saturday, Davis’ turn of speed was particularly effective in cutting up the Bushrangers. He brought great energy to the contest, whether bursting out of stoppages or finding space as a high forward up the ground. Having snapped a forward 50 stoppage goal in term two, Davis was afforded more time on-ball but looked most dangerous as a connection piece in attack. His production levels were terrific.

#44 Zaydyn Lockwood
Ruck | 198cm | 25/01/2006

Stats: 29 disposals, 10 marks, 8 tackles, 24 hitouts

Lockwood returned an absolute monster performance in Round 15, stuffing the stats sheet all-round. Starting in the ruck, he adjusted to utilise his athletic leap and get first hand to the ball, while also following up to not only win eight clearances, but lay as many tackles. The over-ager’s attack and intent were felt aerially as he rose for four contested marks, often taking the ball at full extension overhead. Lockwood also showed the confidence to grab the ball out of the ruck and was an asset when either dropping into the defensive hole, or rotating forward. Best on ground.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

The going was tough for Ainsworth and the Bushrangers for much of the day, although he still managed to produce some nice moments. His third quarter was particularly positive, with the over-ager striking a set shot goal from long-range, and showcasing his agility to step back before finding Izack Daley inside 50. He made a few errors by foot under Bendigo’s pressure, but still looked to use his speed and carry the ball forward where possible.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Yet another day atop Murray’s disposal charts for Gardiner, who once again gave his all in a tough loss. The diminutive midfielder used his agility in the face of Bendigo’s tackling pressure, also screwing kicks around his body to help find ways out of trouble. He produced his own defensive acts with heavy lock-up tackles and showed core strength to stand up and absorb contact.

#27 Tanner Armstrong
Small Defender | 176cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Richmond NGA

Armstrong was utilised in defence on Saturday and was Murray’s main distributor, but also had his hands full as a pressure machine – despite only being credited with two tackles. He battled hard for position and took a couple of handy intercept marks, defying his size with gutsy contested efforts. Armstrong’s kicking was a little less assured at times but he helped Murray move the play forward.

Dandenong Stingrays 9.9 (63) def. by Sandringham Dragons 12.11 (83)

By: Declan Reeve

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#4 Marcus Prasad
Small Forward | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 goals

The bottom-ager kicked more behinds than goals for just the second time this season, but was as lively as ever in the Stingrays attacking half. He looked to use his speed and agility to get out of congestion and release teammates into space by hand. Prasad’s cleanliness at speed meant he was always a danger when the ball hit the deck, able to grab the ball with one touch and exit traffic without much trouble. 

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Melbourne NGA

The Vic Country talent looked shaky early on as he didn’t quite have the space he’s used to with ball in hand, but quickly adjusted to show some glimpses as a half-back distributor. Sinnema was able to do damage heading forward as he looked to get involved in play by hand, before delivering typically damaging kicks. He was also an intercepting threat when the ball was cleared from Dandenong’s forward 50, helping lock it in his side’s attacking half.

#31 Jasper Russell
Wing | 176cm | 10/01/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 12 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Russell proved an important piece of his side’s ball movement through the contest, working hard to get into space and be used as a switch option in the defensive half. From there, he looked to move the ball forward with some speed behind him. Russell’s ball use was typically efficient throughout the contest, happy to take safe territory-gaining options rather than blaze away heading towards goal.

#35 Gus Kennedy
Defender/Midfielder | 185cm | 21/02/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 7 rebound 50s

A player who has played a variety of roles for the Stingrays this season, the bottom-ager found himself stationed in defence against the Dragons where he was able to demonstrate his fierce competitiveness and ability to drive the ball forward. Kennedy took a large chunk of the Stingrays’ kick-ins, getting good purchase and launching the ball to the boundary outside of the defensive 50 arc. Kennedy pushed up the ground with his side in possession, demonstrating his ability to burst free of congestion on numerous occasions. 

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#6 Arki Butler
Forward | 180cm | 23/04/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 5 goals

A bottom-ager who has been on the radar for some time now, Butler continued his goalkicking ways with his highest tally of the season. Butler’s power and strength in the air were obvious throughout, holding multiple contested marks in situations where he was outnumbered, and looking unmatchable when bursting free from congestion or on the lead. Five majors is an impressive enough feat as is, but Butler also showed some shrewd ball use and cleanliness at ground level under pressure, setting up a few scoring shots for Sandringham when not slotting them himself. 

#10 Gus Teixeira
Wing | 179cm | 29/03/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 marks, 8 inside 50s

Another bottom-ager in Sandringham’s top few, Teixeira covered the ground well to accumulate an equal team-high 24 disposals, acting as a key connector on the outside for the Dragons. Teixeria positioned well around the ground to be a switch option as his side headed towards goal, also covering off the exits well to intercept a few Stingrays scrap kicks before sending it back inside. Whilst his ball use wasn’t always clean, Teixeira kept trying to pull off dangerous kicks throughout the game, showing he’s comfortable off both feet.

#41 Bennett Martin
Defender | 179cm | 26/01/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 11 rebound 50s

The main distributor for his side, Martin was trusted with the majority of Sandringham’s kick-in duties. He gathered a game-high 11 rebound 50s, with the Dragons often looking to kick start their transitions through him. Martin was also reliable defensively, making every contest he could a scrap, and doing everything in his power to get a hand in or mark in front of opposition himself. 

GWV Rebels 17.11 (113) def. Oakleigh Chargers 11.10 (76)

By: Michael Alvaro

GWV REBELS:

#3 Archie Taylor
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 25/05/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Taylor reprised his role as GWV’s main distributor off the last line, among a host of industrious small-medium defenders. Arguably his best acts were defensive, using his speed to run down opponents and force turnovers. He was a little shaky with a couple of errors from the kick-ins, but helped his side kick away in term four with a move into midfield. There, Taylor again used his speed in more expansive ways and slotted a set shot goal to lift his production and energy.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Holloway sometimes flies under the radar among his defensive contemporaries, but has proven to be integral to GWV’s setup. He proved capable of playing taller than his 183cm standing with clean intercept marking – particularly overhead – but also fulfilled his duty as a rebounder with composed ball use by foot. Holloway took metres when possible and compounded that fact by kicking with 17 of his 19 disposals, helping the Rebels move up the field fluently.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Niklaus was another of the Rebels’ productive defenders, providing impetus to his side’s ball movement up the ground. He not only created his own run and drive, but helped facilitate others’ attacking forays with his ability to link up in transition. Niklaus had a few clangers but his positive intent did more good than harm, and he put in a few gutsy efforts to win the ball back – like his intercept mark in term four. Niklaus also spent time in midfield and prised four clearances.

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

Stats: 7 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals

McKinnon continued his prolific goalkicking ways, taking his season tally up to 36 in nine games – 14 majors more than the next best player. The strongly-built forward was again largely a stay-at-home asset, dragging his direct opponent deep to either beat him one-on-one, or lose him on the lead. McKinnon twice kicked consecutive goals – in the second and fourth quarters – and was generally reliable with his set shots despite the windy conditions.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 32 hitouts

Penry was nothing short of dominant in the ruck realm, winning hitouts for fun. The over-ager played with authority, grabbing clearances out of the ruck and looking to brush off opponents before dishing the ball out. His poise and decision making were terrific for a player his size, with Penry directly assisting goals by hand and foot to compliment his impact at the contest. He also only took a couple of marks but attacked the ball well in the air, looking confident in his big moments.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#3 Jai Saxena
Small Forward | 180cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 goals

Collingwood NGA

It was a lively performance in front of goal from Saxena, who ended up with three majors and four behinds. The Collingwood NGA prospect poked a few pot shots towards the big sticks but was far more steady with set shots, converting two free kicks and one forward 50 mark. Saxena tended to operate fairly close to goal, rather than further up the field as he has done for Vic Metro, even utilised on the wing at representative level. He will hope for a recall in game four.

#9 Aaron Sharkie
Defender | 184cm | 20/01/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

Having been Vic Metro’s leading disposal winner against Western Australia, Sharkie found himself rotated out of the side but looked to continue his prolific form. He was involved in plenty of Oakleigh’s transitional play, providing constant run and driving his legs at every opportunity. His long kicking was brought undone by the strong breeze, but Sharkie adjusted to hit up a few shorter targets and link up by hand. His accumulating style was balanced out by daring dashes to help move the ball from end-to-end, and some strong moments to win his own ball.

#56 Will Darcy
Key Defender | 198cm | 14/03/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle

Western Bulldogs F/S

Another Darcy coming through the ranks, Will is slightly less developed than his elder brother Sam was at the same age, but still has plenty of upside. The rangy defender made fantastic reads to peel off opponents and move to the ball, intercepting cleanly. He was a little rushed and still lacks a touch of physicality, but moves so well for his size and generally has efficient skills by hand and foot. He took one mark for the day, a nice intercept in the final quarter to compliment his link-up play.