GIPPSLAND Power captain Xavier Lindsay is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after another top performance in Round 7. The classy midfielder led all-comers with 32 disposals, seven marks and nine inside 50s as his side was defeated by GWV Rebels on Sunday.

While slightly disrupted by injury and representative duties, Lindsay’s season has been exceptional with averages of 26 disposals and seven inside 50s per his five games with Gippsland. His Round 7 tally was a season-high despite the Power suffering their second loss of the year.

The 183cm prospect has a knack for piercing opposition defences with his left-foot kicking and sound decision making, while also being the ultimate professional and leader. He has transitioned from more outside roles on the wing and half-back to playing full-time midfield as a top-ager.

He and the Power now sit 8th at 3-2 with a percentage of 97. They will put their feet up for a bye this weekend, but return in Round 9 to take on ladder leader and reigning premier Sandringham Dragons in Morwell on Sunday May 26.

Lindsay beat Oakleigh Chargers standout Jagga Smith in this week’s poll, winning over 75 per cent of the votes. The midfielder had 33 disposals, five inside 50s and five rebound 50s in a loss to bring his season averages up to 31 disposals and five inside 50s in a handful of games.

Around the grounds, Tasmanian trio Oscar Van Dam (30 disposals), Geordie Payne (29), and Oliver Depaoli-Kubank (28) were prolific in the Devils’ win over Dandenong. The Lions Academy also won at home, with bottom-ager Daniel Annable and ruck Tom Gillett both stuffing the stats sheet.

Round 1 Player of the Week and top prospect Josh Smillie dominated with 33 touches and two goals as Eastern pipped Western at the death. Returning midfielder Christian Moraes matched his disposal tally in a timely reminder of his top five potential.

The final game of the round also yielded a couple of top performances, with Northern Knights top-ager Riley Ormerod booting six goals in his side’s victory. Meanwhile Bendigo’s Tobie Travaglia posted 31 disposals and two goals in one of his best games for the year.

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)
Round 4: N/A
Round 5: Bailey McKenzie (Sandringham Dragons)
Round 6: Cooper Hynes (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 7: Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland Power)