ROUND 15 victors Gippsland Power and GWV Rebels have contributed four players apiece to our Coates Talent League Team of the Week. Four other regions are represented thrice each in the 24-man squad, after another five-game weekend of action. See who made the cut!

>> Coates Talent League Round 15: Snapshot | POTW | Scouting Notes

DEFENCE

B: Tyson Sruk (ER) – Christian Mardini (NK) – Ryan Brodie (CC)
HB: Ollie Hannaford (GWV) – Connor O’Sullivan (MB) – Tew Jiath (GP)

This week’s defence is a relatively well balanced one; boasting height, rebounding power, and intercept quality. At the key position posts are a couple of mobile talls in Christian Mardini and Connor O’Sullivan, the latter of whom was tested by another member of the Round 15 squad.

Surprise state combine invitee Tew Jiath continued his promising form to earn a spot at half-back alongside bottom-aged Rebel Oliver Hannaford, while top-age accumulators Tyson Sruk and Ryan Brodie both posted big numbers and slot in on the last line.

MIDFIELD

FOL: Archer Reid (GP) – Christian Moraes (ER) – Jagga Smith (OC)
C: Darcy Wilson (MB) – George Stevens (GWV) – Caleb Windsor (ER)

There’s an even Country-Metro split in midfield, including a pair of Eastern Ranges prospects. Bottom-ager Christian Moraes is in at the centre bounces while Caleb Windsor features on the outside, and Jagga Smith joins Moraes having been a standout in the same game.

Rucking to them is Gippsland’s Archer Reid, who also hit the scoreboard up forward in Gippsland’s win over Bendigo. His Vic Country teammates Darcy Wilson and George Stevens were once again locks having both pieced together over 30 touches in respective victories.

FORWARD

HF: Isaac Kako (CC) – Michael Rudd (GF) – Tom Gross (OC)
F: Zane Duursma (GP) – Jordan Croft (CC) – Rhys Unwin (GWV)

As always, there’s some serious scoring power up forward this week. The front six is headlined by Player of the Week Zane Duursma, who booted a round-high six goals as a mainstay inside 50. Bottom-agers Isaac Kako and Rhys Unwin were the next best with four apiece.

Middling Duursma and Unwin at full forward is Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Jordan Croft, who had seven scoring shots in an enthralling battle with O’Sullivan. Geelong spearhead Michael Rudd is the other tall target, while Oakleigh mid-forward Tom Gross comes in on a flank.

INTERCHANGE

INT: Kynan Brown (OC), Nate Caddy (NK), Patrick Hughes (GF)
Zak Johnson (NK), Xavier Lindsay (GP), Luamon Lual (GWV)

EMG: Kristian Ferronato (NK), Oliver Poole (BP), Mahmoud Taha (CC)

There were plenty of midfielders who didn’t quite make the starting side, but were too good to overlook for a spot on the bench. Among them, Melbourne father-son Kynan Brown racked up an equal team-high 30 touches as he continues his strong top-age form.

A pair of 2024 prospects in Zak Johnson and Xavier Lindsay were also prolific, while usual defender Luamon Lual continued his midfield venture to good effect and lands a spot. Meanwhile, Geelong’s Patrick Hughes shifted forward for three goals and Nate Caddy bagged four in Northern’s loss.