Michael Alvaro

TOP 10s | 2025 Nationwide preseason testing
RECORDS tumbled around the nation as Under 18 footballers were put through their paces in preseason testing events across six states and territories from February to March. Athletes participated in the standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20m sprint, AFL agility test and Yo-Yo test. >> SCROLL for all the top 10s Sydney Swans Academy […]

Preseason Q&A: Tom Ryan (Swans Academy)
THE COUSIN of a Richmond player native to Queensland, plying his trade in the Sydney Swans Academy via Port Macquarie. Tom Ryan is one of the more intriguing over-age prospects in this year’s pool and will don the red and white after noted interest from St Kilda before last year’s AFL Draft. We chatted to […]

2025 Coates Talent League: Western Jets season preview
WESTERN Jets head into season 2025 on the back of key staff turnover, but boast a pair of leading prospects which will allow their footy to do the talking. We preview the region’s upcoming campaign with help from outgoing talent operations lead, Luke Williams. PRESEASON “It’s been a bit of a different pre-season. Trent Dennis-Lane, […]

Scouting Notes: Centrals hold off Sturt surge
CENTRAL District notched its first win of the new SANFL Under 18s season, holding off Sturt by the barest of margins at X Convenience Oval on Sunday. The Bulldogs made a hot start with five goals to one in the opening term, but were soon reigned back and held their nerve during the tense closing […]

2025 Coates Talent League: Tasmania Devils season preview
SEASON 2025 will look slightly different for the Tasmania Devils, who face an altered fixture and less travel throughout the year. With two prospects among the Allies’ preseason squad and some former representatives returning, we preview the Devils’ year with help from head coach Jeromey Webberley. PRESEASON “It’s been really good. We’ve been in since […]

Preseason Q&A: Sam Grlj (Oakleigh Chargers)
OAKLEIGH Chargers speedster Sam Grlj is looking forward to a new challenge in 2025, set to take up increased midfield minutes. The top-ager has cut his teeth across half-back and aims to bring his “brand” to each level this season. We chatted to him at the Coates Talent League preseason testing day. >> Q&As: Jack […]

SANFL U18s Player Focus: Taj Murray (North Adelaide)
NORTHERN Territory prospect Taj Murray has been plying his trade in South Australia, most recently turning out for North Adelaide in the SANFL Under 18s. The athletic 201cm talent is part of the AFL Academy and was included in SA’s summer training squad, but will be tied to the Allies in 2025. Making just his […]

2025 Coates Talent League: Sandringham Dragons season preview
SANDRINGHAM Dragons are chasing a record-equaling fourth straight Coates Talent League premiership in 2025, boasting an even and deep squad of players. Among them are five members of the Vic Metro hub and plenty of club-tied prospects. We highlight them with help from coach Rob Harding. PRESEASON “I’ve been really pleased with the Dragons’ preseason. […]

Preseason Q&A: Mitchell Stevens (Gippsland Power)
ADELAIDE’S depth of father-son selections has been relatively thin over the years, but after Max Michalanney and Tyler Welsh landed at West Lakes recently, one more club-tied talent is in the offing in 2025. Mitchell Stevens is the name, the son of 101-game Crow and 1998 premiership player Mark. Stevens impressed as a versatile defender […]

SANFL U18s | Unbeaten Redlegs stand alone atop ladder
NORWOOD is the only undefeated team left in the SANFL Under 18s competition after moving to 2-0 with a nine-point win over West Adelaide on Saturday. The Redlegs broke to a 28-point lead at three-quarter time and held on as Westies kicked home to the scoring end at Hisense Stadium. >> SCROLL for the results, […]

VFL Player Focus: Riley Mason (Collingwood)
COLLINGWOOD recruit Riley Mason has garnered attention after booting four goals on his VFL debut, as the Magpies beat Sydney by 25 points at Victoria Park on Saturday. The 23-year-old earned a state league berth after posting 72 goals in 18 games for Goulburn Valley League side Seymour last year. Mason is a product of […]

2025 Coates Talent League: Oakleigh Chargers season preview
OAKLEIGH Chargers produced the second and third picks of last year’s AFL Draft, but come into 2025 boasting a good deal of depth and club-tied prospects across each age group. We preview their upcoming Coates Talent League campaign with outgoing talent operations lead, Alex Davey. PRESEASON “I think for us preseason is one of the […]