THE NEXT two Coates Talent League rounds will determine who takes out this year’s Rookie Me Central Medal, with just four players left with a mathematical chance of taking out the honour. Leading the race is Tasmanian midfielder Colby McKercher, and we outline every contender’s path to the medal.

>> 2022 Winner: Cadman takes out inaugural RMC Medal

THE CONTENDERS

Colby McKercher (Tasmania Devils)
1st | 35 votes (7 games, 7x BOG)

FIXTURE:
vs. Calder Cannons @ KGV Oval
vs. Dandenong Stingrays @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

This year’s frontrunner from the get-go, McKercher has compiled an unbelievably consistent season for the Devils. He remains top of the tree despite playing the least games of any top five vote-getter, earning best afield honours each time he has turned out to date. Averaging 33 disposals, he is yet to dip below 31 and achieved a personal best of 41 last time out. Both of Tasmania’s remaining games present a challenge, but McKercher is truly in the box seat to take out the award.

Zane Duursma (Gippsland Power)
2nd | 31 votes (8 games, 3x BOG)

FIXTURE:
vs. Oakleigh Chargers @ Morwell Recreation Reserve
vs. Sandringham Dragons @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

The closest challenger McKercher, Duursma needs just one more best afield game should his Tasmanian rival fail to poll over the final two rounds. He has been in a hot run of form lately and recaptured his absolute best last time out with six goals as a permanent forward. That may be the key to Duursma’s potential success, and the upcoming home game against Oakleigh may well see him take this year’s count down to the wire. The gap has closed over the last fortnight.

George Stevens (GWV Rebels)
4th | 27 votes (9 games, 3x BOG)

FIXTURE:
vs. Bendigo Pioneers @ Queen Elizabeth Oval
vs. Western Jets @ Mars Stadium

Stevens needs a stroke of luck and at least one best on ground performances to have any chance of becoming the second GWV Rebels player in as many years to take out the RMC Medal. The midfielder’s trio of five-vote games have come in his last three outings, where he has averaged 38 disposals. He should be full of confidence coming off a strong VFL return and will fancy his chances to go big against both Bendigo (ninth) and Western (11th) as GWV pushes for the minor premiership.

Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)
5th | 26 votes (8 games, 3x BOG)

The most outside chance of snatching this year’s RMC Medal, Smillie needs two best afield performances to remain in the hunt but is up against it in relying on none of the above to poll more votes. He is the leading bottom-aged vote-getter this season and will likely continue his dominance as a leading prospect in 2024. An injury cloud surrounds him though, having not been sighted after quarter time in Eastern’s Round 15 win over Oakleigh.

>> Last Update: Coates Talent League Round 15 votes

LEADERBOARD

1. Colby McKercher (Tasmania Devils) – 35 votes
2. Zane Duursma (Gippsland Power) – 31
3. Darcy Wilson (Murray Bushrangers) – 28
4. George Stevens (GWV Rebels) – 27
5. Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges) – 26

Note: Darcy Wilson has a bye in Round 17, so cannot poll enough votes to win.

BEST BY CLUB

Lions Academy: Sam Marshall (5)
Bendigo Pioneers: Harley Reid (16)
Calder Cannons: Ryan Eyre (16)
Dandenong Stingrays: Harvey Langford (17)
Eastern Ranges: Josh Smillie (26)
Suns Academy: Jed Walter (11)
Geelong Falcons: Angus Hastie (18)
Gippsland Power: Zane Duursma (31)
Giants Academy: Harvey Thomas (5)
GWV Rebels: George Stevens (27)
Murray Bushrangers: Darcy Wilson (28)
Northern Knights: Charlie Naish (14)
Northern Territory: Orlando Turner (2)
Oakleigh Chargers: Jagga Smith (24)
Sandringham Dragons: Will Brown (18)
Swans Academy: Indhi Kirk (13)
Tasmania Devils: Colby McKercher (35)
Western Jets: Logan Morris (23)

VOTES BY CLUB

Lions Academy – 12
Bendigo Pioneers – 70
Calder Cannons – 90
Dandenong Stingrays – 81
Eastern Ranges – 94
Suns Academy – 45
Geelong Falcons – 89
Gippsland Power – 90
Giants Academy – 12
GWV Rebels – 99
Murray Bushrangers – 75
Northern Knights – 73
Northern Territory – 3
Oakleigh Chargers – 68
Sandringham Dragons – 79
Swans Academy – 37
Tasmania Devils – 105
Western Jets – 61