SYDNEY Swans Academy standout Indhi Kirk is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week for Round 1, after a polished performance in his side’s 28-point win over the Western Jets on Saturday. The 18-year-old was overlooked for the draft last year, but looked much improved in his first over-age outing.

The son of 241-game Swans premiership champion, Brett, Indhi is cut from the same cloth when it comes to toughness. At 179cm, he’s gutsy overhead, sharp at ground level, and made his kicking a weapon on the weekend to set himself apart in a rampaging win.

Kirk cut his teeth as a winger/forward last year, but was shifted onto the inside this time out and consistently found ways to break to the outer. His evasion and poise in possession were notable, and with 28 disposals (22 kicks) to his name, the budding prospect made his touches count.

Some time in the forward half yielded several shots at goal for Kirk and a single major, as his Swans kicked away with the last seven goals of the game. National Academy members Caiden Cleary (28 disposals) and Lachlan Cabor (21) were other Swans to get their hands dirty, while Tye Gander kicked three goals.

Next up, the Sydney-based academy travels to face the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Ballarat. They are set to play a total of five games in the Coates Talent League this year, with NSW-ACT and Allies representative opportunities up for grabs.

2023 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Indhi Kirk (Swans Academy)

>> SNAPSHOT: Coates Talent League – Round 1