WITH the Coates Talent League season quickly drawing to a close, time is running out for players to stake their claims as bonafide draft prospects. After the weekend’s lot of quarter finals, we highlight a handful of the league’s talents who are climbing the ranks – some into first round contention.

>> TOP 30: August 2025 Power Rankings

Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/04/2007

CTL averages [7 games]: 29.0 disposals, 5.9 tackles, 5.3 inside 50s, 1.0 goals

Dalton has been cruelled by injuries over the last two years having been captain of Vic Metro’s title-winning Under 16 side. Since returning from a pair of broken wrists midway through the year, he has hardly put a foot wrong. Look up the word ‘accumulator’ and this midfield running machine is likely to feature with his ability to rack up possessions around the ground. He has averaged 29 disposals in seven Coates Talent League games this season, including several best on ground performances. Dalton also gets it done on the defensive end, averaging 5.9 tackles to balance out his ball winning output.

Draft Range: 30-40

Jack Ison (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Forward | 190cm | 26/02/2007

CTL averages [6 games]: 20.5 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s, 0.8 goals

Ison always had the potential and an enviable blend of traits, but had to work into the year off an injury-interrupted start. The versatile Carlton Next Generation Academy member is a smooth mover at 190cm, capable of playing on each line and standing out with immaculate left-foot kicking. He’s clean at the contest and can provide a physical presence, but looks most dangerous when unleashed to deliver the ball inside 50. Ison was part of Vic Metro’s side at the National Championships – albeit dropped for one game – and completed his APS campaign with Scotch College before shifting back into the Chargers’ side with strong returns. He’s a player with genuine weapons and upside.

Draft Range: 25-40

Felix Kneipp (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Defender | 179cm | 01/01/2007

CTL averages [6 games]: 24.8 disposals, 4.5 marks, 3.2 inside 50s, 3.0 rebound 50s

A stress response in his back saw Kneipp miss around four months of the season, but he snuck in six appearances in the bookends of Calder’s campaign. Despite not getting to represent Vic Metro at the Under 18 National Championships, the running machine showed enough to earn a state combine invite and followed through late in the season to repay that faith. He returned for Calder in Round 19, picking up 20 disposals on managed minutes. What followed were hauls of 31 and 30 disposals, increasing his midfield exposure to good effect. Kneipp plays in perpetual motion, transitioning the ball with several possessions in single passages and impacting games in a high-volume style. Keep him in mind.

Draft Range: 40-60

Sullivan Robey (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Forward/Midfielder | 192cm | 04/10/2007

CTL averages [7 games]: 19.9 disposals, 6.7 marks, 5.1 inside 50s, 1.9 goals

Robey shot onto the draft radar in quick time after starting out the year at local level. Originally cut from the Dandenong Stingrays program, he worked his way into Rowville’s senior side and was snapped up by Eastern. Clubs have been impressed with his sheer size and power, mostly as a tall forward who hits hard and presents up the ground with genuine presence. More recently, Robey has thrived with a move to midfield and broke out with three goals from 40 disposals in the Ranges’ Wildcard Round win. He built on that performance with another 27 touches and two goals on the weekend to have recruiters rocketing his name up the draft board and into first round range. A national combine upgrade may be in the offing.

Draft Range: 10-20

Oskar Taylor (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Defender | 182cm | 01/08/2007

CTL averages [15 games]: 20.9 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.3 tackles, 3.3 rebound 50s

A bolter in every sense of the word, Taylor missed out on Vic Metro selection but impressed recruiters enough to earn a state combine invite. The dashing half-back catches the eye with his daring runs and speed on the rebound, along with incisive left-foot kicking. The variety of his ball use is superb, able to drive it long or improvise short passes on unique angles. He can help move the play from end-to-end in a flash, but is also quite competitive defensively and has been consistent all season for Eastern Ranges. He has averaged 20.9 disposals across 15 Coates Talent League outings to become a genuine top 25 chance.

Draft Range: 15-20