OAKLEIGH Chargers lead the way with a high of four representatives in our Coates Talent League Team of the Week. The Metro region won big against Tasmania in Round 18, while Eastern Ranges contributed the next most players (three) after scraping over the line against Geelong, thanks to a late winner.
>> CTL Round 18: Snapshot | Player of the Week
DEFENCE
B: Max Roney (TD) – Khalen Matthews (TD) – Aaron Sharkie (OC)
HB: Jack Dalton (SD) – Xavier Taylor (ER) – Josh Lindsay (GF)
A pair of Tasmanian over-agers feature on the full back line this week. Running man Max Roney racked up a team-high 27 disposals, seven marks and nine rebound 50s in the loss to Oakleigh, while Khalen Matthews showed his aerial prowess with eight marks and 20 hitouts switching out from the ruck.
They’re joined by Chargers accumulator Aaron Sharkie, who led all comers with 29 touches in the same game. Vic Metro teammate Jack Dalton was also prolific for Sandringham Dragons, picking up 30 possessions and a goal. He swapped with Rory Wright to try his hand across half-back from midfield.
A pair of first round prospects round out the defence having featured on opposite sides in the Eastern-Geelong clash. Ranges tall Xavier Taylor (18 disposals, six marks) was again resolute as his side had the last laugh, while elite Falcons ball user Josh Lindsay (20 disposals) returned in strong form.
MIDFIELD
FOL: Floyd Burmeister (GWV) – Cody Walker (BP) – Sam Grlj (OC)
C: Archie Dollman (OC) – Tom Burton (WJ) – Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (DS)
It was a difficult weekend to decide midfield slots, though not for starting wingman and Player of the Week Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves. The Dandenong Stingrays co-captain returned from injury with a remarkable stat line of 29 disposals, eight marks and five goals in his side’s win over GWV Rebels.
On the opposite wing is Oakleigh Chargers bolter Archie Dollman, who gathered 23 touches and seven marks against Tasmania. He was a surprise addition to the state draft combine list and played arguably his best game yet after the fact, showcasing his ability to step through traffic and take overhead marks.
Fellow Charger Sam Grlj is also back in the Team of the Week fold after running riot with 23 disposals and a goal. He lines up on-ball next to Vic Metro teammate Tom Burton, who put up a rare triple-double in Western Jets’ loss to Northern, amassing 31 disposals, 11 clearances, and 11 inside 50s.
Bendigo bottom-ager Cody Walker continued his remarkable form 29 disposals and two goals in a best on ground performance against Gippsland. GWV Rebels over-ager Floyd Burmeister (19 disposals, six marks, 20 hitouts, one goal) was also outstanding in a losing effort to earn his spot in the ruck.
FORWARD
HF: Tyson Gresham (NK) – Jack Pickett (GF) – Jack Ison (OC)
F: Arki Butler (SD) – Tairon Ah-Mu (DS) – Keenan Boi (GP)
Sandringham bottom-ager Arki Butler exhibited his freakish abilities with 13 disposals, five marks and five goals to be a lock for our forwardline. He and Geelong Falcons tall Jack Pickett (four goals) shape as high-end prospects for next year’s draft, and have already donned the ‘Big V’ at Under 18 level.
A pair of Carlton Next Generation Academy (NGA) members made the cut across half-forward. Northern Knights co-captain Tyson Gresham was lively with two goals from 20 touches, while Oakleigh utility Jack Ison displayed his dynamism as a rotating midfielder with 22 disposals and two goals of his own.
Up at full forward, Dandenong Stingrays tall Tairon Ah-Mu imposed himself in a big win over GWV with 20 disposals, 10 marks and two goals. Gippsland Power livewire Keenan Boi also showed plenty with his 19 touches and 3.2 in a 33-point victory over Bendigo Pioneers. He’s draft eligible next year.
INTERCHANGE
INT: Xavier Bamert (SD), Willem Duursma (GP), Jamie Gilchrist (ER), Oliver Greeves (ER), Adam Sweid (CC), Zaydyn Lockwood (BP)
The quality on this week’s interchange is only boosted by the presence of Willem Duursma and Oliver Greeves. The latter returned to CTL action this week with 28 disposals and a goal, joined by teammate Jamie Gilchrist who booted three majors from 17 disposals and four marks.
In the same game as Duursma, Bendigo ruck Zaydyn Lockwood notched seven marks, seven tackles and 13 hitouts in a well-rounded performance. Meanwhile, Sandringham’s Xavier Bamert and Calder’s Adam Sweid both impressed as their sides locked horns, with the Dragons prevailing.