GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels forward Charlie McKinnon is our Coates Talent League Player of the Week after bagging a big haul of goals in Round 8. The top-ager booted a season-high eight majors from 19 disposals and eight marks in his side’s 31-point win over Western Jets at Mars Stadium.

>> Snapshot: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 8

McKinnon has been in terrific scoring form since returning to action in Round 6, doubling his goal count with each passing game. He went from two, to four, and now eight majors to string together some ominous performances on the eve of the Under 18 National Championships.

Western simply couldn’t find a matchup for the 190cm spearhead, who clunked four contested grabs and was too big and strong in one-on-one battles. He owned the forward 50, converting well over the mark and pouncing on the Jets’ skill errors to generate opportunities for others.

After kicking the Rebels’ opening two goals, McKinnon went on to boot three more in the second quarter, and would hit the scoreboard at least once in each term. His season tally of 14 in just three appearances puts him top of the goalkicking charts ahead of players who have made up to seven outings.

In the same game, Western Jets duo Thomas Burton and Thomas McGuane ran riot as usual and had little trouble racking up possessions. The latter had 30 disposals tracking back from midfield, while the latter managed 29 working forward as both players also bagged a goal each.

Around the grounds in Round 8, Northern Knights co-captains Tyson Gresham (27 disposals, seven clearances, four goals) and Sebastian Murphy (30 disposals, six clearances, one goal) were integral to their side’s three-point upset win over Sandringham Dragons.

Gippsland Power dynamo Brodie Atkins dominated the coalface in Gippsland Power’s 66-point win over Oakleigh, accumulating 35 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. Tasmanian skipper Rylee McHenry was also strong with 36 touches and nine clearances in a nine-point loss to Murray.

Bushrangers ruck Zac Harding could hardly have done more on the eve of the Mid-Season Draft after winning a monster 55 hitouts in his side’s victory. Fellow over-ager Gus Papal was also prominent with 29 disposals and 11 marks as Calder went down to Geelong down in Torquay.

2025 CTL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Round 1: Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Round 2: Cody Templeton (Gippsland Power)
Round 3: Thomas McGuane (Western Jets)
Round 4: Max Hudson (Suns Academy)
Round 5: Daniel Annable (Lions Academy)
Round 6: Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy)
Round 7: Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers)
Round 8: Charlie McKinnon (GWV Rebels)