GEELONG Falcons forward Will McLachlan is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week for Round 3 after booting another bag of goals on Sunday. The over-ager snared six in the Falcons’ 51-point win over Murray in Ballarat, doing so from 12 disposals and six marks.

McLachlan’s latest exploits take his season tally to 13 majors and top of the Coates Talent League goalkicking charts. His performance came off the back of five goals in another 50-plus point win over Greater Western Victoria last week, after managing two in Round 1.

Back for his third season with the Falcons, McLachlan has always been renowned for his athleticism and contested marking ability. Consistency has evaded him but having kicked nine goals in Geelong’s three postseason games at the end of last year, he has now carried on.

McLachlan and the Falcons are now perched atop the Coates Talent League ladder at 3-0 heading into the state trials. They will next be in action on Sunday May 5 against the Calder Cannons – their first Metro opposition of the year – at Avalon Airport Oval.

Around the grounds, Christian Moraes continued to prove his credentials as a top five prospect. He booted three goals from 21 touches as Eastern went down to Sandringham in Saturday’s Grand Final rematch. Cody Anderson also filled his boots with 28 disposals, nine tackles and two goals.

In the same game, stars Josh Smillie (28 disposals) and Levi Ashcroft (31) also had little trouble finding the ball. Over in Craigieburn, Damon Hollow, who paid Ashcroft plenty of attention in Round 1, was outstanding with seven marks and 14 inside 50s from his 27 disposals.

Isaac Kako was also lively in the Cannons’ runaway victory over Northern with 24 disposals and two goals. Heading up the opposition in a loss were Zak Johnson (33 disposals, seven marks, seven inside 50s) and Jesse Dattoli (27 disposals, six marks, one goal).

Oakleigh picked up its first win of the season in the second game of Craigieburn’s double-header. Jagga Smith was again prolific with 28 touches, while Tom Gross returned with 25 disposals and a goal. Tasmania’s Lenny Douglas also went big with 22 possessions and three goals.

Another consideration from Sunday’s triple-header was the performance of Dandenong Stingrays co-captain Cooper Hynes. He had the ball 32 times in his side’s 35-point win over GWV, also posting eight marks, seven tackles, seven inside 50s and a goal.

2024 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges)
Round 2: Taj Hotton (Sandringham Dragons)
Round 3: Will McLachlan (Geelong Falcons)