TASMANIA Devils star Colby McKercher is the new breakaway leader of this year’s Rookie Me Central Medal, after six rounds of Coates Talent League action.

Though McKercher’s Devils have played more games than any full-time region (five), the midfielder has been judged best afield in all four of his own appearances to lead the count on 20 votes.

The National Academy prospect takes over from former leaders Will Brown and Jagga Smith, who now sit equal-second on 15 votes apiece.

They are among a very exclusive group of players to have polled in every possible game, but fall behind after Tasmania played two matches amid the month-long break for Victorian regions.

Top pick fancy Harley Reid, who also topped the leaderboard at one stage, remains in the mix with 14 votes, while Swans Academy midfielder Indhi Kirk (son of Brett) rounds out a strong top five.

Tasmanian goal sneak Jack Callinan and Western Jets spearhead Logan Morris trail on eleven votes apiece, in front of five players to have amassed 10 to date.

There has not been much movement to speak of in terms of the leaders for each region, though Tasmania has broken clear of all other clubs with a total haul of 55 votes.

Sandringham (46 votes), Geelong and Bendigo (both 40) have been the next most prolific teams, with only four overall breaking the 40-vote mark with 11 regular season rounds left to play.

The competition returns on May 19, with Round 7 marking the final appearances of three northern academies – Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sydney.

In the meantime, the AFL Academy takes on Carlton VFL this Saturday, before Vic Country battles the Young Guns on Sunday. Many other prospects have also returned to their school and community teams.

RMC MEDAL LEADERBOARDS (POST ROUND 6)

TOP 5 PLAYERS

1. Colby McKercher (Tasmania Devils) – 20 votes
=2. Will Brown (Sandringham Dragons) – 15
=2. Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers) – 15
4. Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers) – 14
5. Indhi Kirk (Swans Academy) – 13

BEST BY CLUB

Lions Academy: Sam Marshall (5)
Bendigo Pioneers: Harley Reid (14)
Calder Cannons: Nash King (10)
Dandenong Stingrays: Billy Wilson (7)
Eastern Ranges: Josh Smillie & Nick Watson (9)
Suns Academy: Will Graham (10)
Geelong Falcons: Angus Hastie (10)
Gippsland Power: Tom Hanily (6)
Giants Academy: Harvey Thomas (5)
GWV Rebels: Lachlan Charleson (8)
Murray Bushrangers: Darcy Wilson (7)
Northern Knights: Charlie Naish (8)
Northern Territory: Orlando Turner (2)
Oakleigh Chargers: Jagga Smith (15)
Sandringham Dragons: Will Brown (15)
Swans Academy: Indhi Kirk (13)
Tasmania Devils: Colby McKercher (20)
Western Jets: Logan Morris (11)

VOTES BY CLUB

Lions Academy – 11
Bendigo Pioneers – 40
Calder Cannons – 38
Dandenong Stingrays – 36
Eastern Ranges – 35
Suns Academy – 31
Geelong Falcons – 40
Gippsland Power – 22
Giants Academy – 12
GWV Rebels – 33
Murray Bushrangers – 21
Northern Knights – 29
Northern Territory – 3
Oakleigh Chargers – 36
Sandringham Dragons – 46
Swans Academy – 32
Tasmania Devils – 55
Western Jets – 21