EASTERN Ranges forward Sullivan Robey was a surprise member of the state draft combine list, but continues to make waves in the Coates Talent League. Since debuting in Round 12, the 192cm prospect has booted two goals in four of his five appearances, averaging 14.4 disposals and 6.6 marks per outing.

He made the jump after starting the year in Rowville’s Under 19.5 side, before eventually earning a senior berth and playing five top flight games in the EFNL. His size, physicality and power have put him on the radar of AFL clubs, so we put his latest performance under the Player Focus microscope.

Eastern RangesTall Forward

Sullivan Robey

Height: 192cm

Weight: -

DOB: 04-10-2007

STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Leading patterns
+ Power
+ Size
+ Scoreboard impact

SEASON AVERAGES:

2025 Coates Talent League (5 games)
14.4 disposals, 6.6 marks, 2.8 tackles, 5.0 inside 50s, 1.6 goals

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 Coates Talent League Round 19
Western Jets 10.6 (66) def. by Eastern Ranges 13.12 (90)

#55 Sullivan Robey (Eastern Ranges)
Stats: 16 disposals (14 kicks), 10 marks, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

FIRST QUARTER:

Robey got on the board early with Eastern’s first major of the match, slotting his set shot after taking a nice mark running back to goal. He showcased great closing speed and physicality with a couple of pressure acts before that as Western’s defenders mucked around with the ball.

On the flipside, Robey was caught in possession after scooping up a terrific ground ball on the move, looking to fend and accelerate but being run down from behind. It was a steady start overall, with the tall and powerful forward warming up to the speed of the game after his early impact.

SECOND QUARTER:

The second term saw Robey start out with a terrific lead to half-forward off the opening centre break, gaining separation from Finn Davis to mark cleanly out in front. As would become customary, he wheeled around to deliver long inside 50 but unfortunately saw his kick turned over.

Robey’s best contributions came in the closing stages of the quarter. He hit up on another lead to mark and put a 50m set shot wide, before intercepting in the corridor and re-launching inside 50 which led to a Myles Reynders goal. It gave him some momentum heading into half time.

THIRD QUARTER:

The third was Robey’s most productive quarter, adding six disposals and four marks to his tally. Again, nearly all of his best passages came in the latter part of the term, presenting on the lead or dropping in to either protect the corridor, or help Eastern move through it.

His hands were safe each time he was kicked to, although his own disposal often went to space or contests down the line, rather than isolated teammates. Robey did hit a target wide after intercepting in the corridor, but otherwise tended to dump the ball long down the line.

Earlier in the term, he got to showcase some of his power and athleticism in open play. He came in hard off the line at centre bounces and looked to impact the contest. Robey also got into good spots to support teammates without much reward, faring best as a marking avenue.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Having slotted Eastern’s first goal of the day, Robey ended up with his side’s last. Star teammate Xavier Taylor intercepted an errant inboard kick, handing off to Robey who ventured inside 50 with a bounce, steadied, and slammed the ball home. It was the cherry on top a promising performance.

Robey continued to operate up and down the wing, marking the ball with one grab and turning to keep the play moving. He was a vital connection piece for the Ranges moving out of defence or attacking past the wing, even collecting cleanly below his knees to match his assured aerial work.

CLOSING THOUGHTS…

AFL recruiters don’t miss much these days and there are obvious top level traits at Robey’s disposal. His size and speed make him a difficult matchup, playing the connective high forward role to provide an option up the line. He also helped make that final kick heading inside 50, albeit wayward at times.

Robey gains separation on the lead and hardly fumbles out in front, making it difficult for both small and tall defenders to combat him. In addition to all that, he has proven capable of finding the goals at a good rate to compound his impact. He can help create, while also being there to apply a finishing touch.

There is clear interest in the 192cm forward given his state draft combine invite, though a relatively small sample size means recruiters will have to put plenty of faith into his upside. A couple more big performances to end the year will further cement his credentials as a potential bolter.