AFTER producing Round 7’s most comfortable victory, Dandenong Stingrays boast an equal-high of three representatives in our Coates Talent League Team of the Week. GWV Rebels also contributed three players to our 24-man squad despite being stunningly overrun by Bendigo – see who made the cut!

>> CTL Round 7: Snapshot | Player of the Week

DEFENCE

B: Andrew Barker (ER) – Gabriel Stumpf (NK) – Lachlan Carmichael (SS)
HB: Harrison Bridge (BL) – Jackson Barber (CC) – Aaron Sharkie (OC)

In one of the most balanced backlines yet, the tall pillars shone aerially and their smaller counterparts provided plenty of impetus on the rebound. Key position pair Gabriel Stumpf (Northern) and Jackson Barber (Calder) clunked a collective 17 marks to be shining lights in respective losses.

Barber recently earned a call-up to the Vic Metro squad, which the over-age Stumpf was part of last year. The latter has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance upon shifting to defence this season. Adding some tall depth is resolute Eastern backman Andrew Barker, who booted his maiden CTL goal this week.

Likely Allies teammates Lachlan Carmichael and Harrison Bridge both feature along with Oakleigh accumulator Aaron Sharkie. Bridge was among the best afield in the Lions Academy’s loss to Sharkie’s Chargers, with both players advancing further afield and hitting the scoreboard from over 20 touches.

MIDFIELD

FOL: Flynn Penry (GWV) – Daniel Annable (BL) – Seb Murphy (NK)
C: Blake Chambers (ER) – Cody Walker (BP) – Toby Sinnema (DS)

Player of the Week Cody Walker headlines an exciting midfield mix after his spectacular performance in Bendigo’s come-from-behind win over GWV. The Carlton father-son prospect (son of Andrew) booted three goals from 31 touches, including two in a row to take the lead during term four.

Lions Academy star Daniel Annable is arguably the top prospect to earn a starting spot having led all-comers with 30 disposals against Oakleigh. Northern Knights captain Seb Murphy was also outstanding in a loss, collecting a round-high 36 disposals against stiff Gold Coast Suns competition.

Rucking to the trio is over-ager Flynn Penry, who imposed himself with 31 hitouts and 10 clearances against Walker’s Pioneers. A pair of genuine wingmen also earned their spots on the outside, with Blake Chambers (Eastern) and Toby Sinnema (Dandenong) balancing out the middle line nicely.

FORWARD

HF: Jesse Mellor (GF) – Cooper Collins (GC) – Jobe Scapin (GP)
F: Jack Miller (TD) – Charlie McKinnon (GWV) – Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (DS)

It was goals galore for this week’s forward six, headlined by five from Geelong Falcons standout Jesse Mellor. The Cats Next Generation Academy prospect continued his good form in front of the big sticks and very nearly dragged his side home against Jack Miller‘s Tasmania Devils after a slow start.

Miller was among the five remaining forwards to boot four majors in Round 7. He spread his across each quarter, while Suns Academy prospect Cooper Collins saved his best for last with three goals in the final term against Northern. Such exploits helped break open an otherwise dour affair in Preston.

GWV’s Charlie McKinnon built on his return to action last week to spearhead the Rebels while Dandenong captain Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves served a reminder of his talent after missing the National Academy matches with a shoulder injury. Similarly, Gippsland’s Jobe Scapin found form ahead of Vic Country’s final squad announcement, helping the Power overcome Sandringham.

INTERCHANGE

INT: Beau Addinsall (GC), Talor Byrne (GWV), Willem Duursma (GP), Joe Harrison (SS), Charlie Rozenes (SD), Callum Smith (DS)

There is talent to burn on the bench, starting with potentially the best junior in the country – Willem Duursma. Rotating forward from midfield, the Gippsland Power star collected a game-high 31 disposals and booted a goal in Round 7. Also in first round contention is rising Sun Beau Addinsall, who was typically industrious with 28 touches and did plenty of work by hand as others struggled by foot.

GWV speedster Talor Byrne continues his push for representative selection after posting 26 disposals and two goals. Fellow small Charlie Rozenes (Sandringham) was similarly productive in a loss, while Joe Harrison (Swans Academy) and Callum Smith (Dandenong) were the top ball winners from midfield in victorious team efforts.