Michael Alvaro
Standouts setting the standard for Gippsland
A PAIR of highly touted AFL Draft prospects are setting the standard for the Gippsland Power in 2023, as the regional program prepares for another Coates Talent League campaign. National Academy members Zane Duursma and Archer Reid have not missed a session throughout preseason, and are primed to built off strong bottom-age years according to […]
Final Siren Podcast: Episode 151 – Coates Talent League preview
WITH the dawn of a new Coates Talent League season comes the return of the Final Siren Podcast. In episode 151, and the first instalment for 2023, the team reconvenes to break down how each full-time region may fare this year, and all the players to watch. Host Peter Williams is joined by Rookie Me […]
Fundamentals set to drive Knights north
AT the core of the Northern Knights’ individual and team development is one thing all Coates Talent League regions strive to strengthen – fundamentals. New boys head coach Anthony Rocca, a graduate of the program himself, is adamant that along with a team-first approach, the basics are exactly what will yield success for the his […]
Jets starting to jell ahead of season 2023
IT may not have been all smooth sailing throughout preseason, but the Western Jets are beginning to jell just in time for their latest Coates Talent League campaign. Assistant coaches started out in charge of training, but there is now a new mentor at the helm. Incoming boys head coach Trent Dennis-Lane has now taken […]
Ranges “itching” to rip into season proper
A FULL bill of health is what all coaches and players alike hope for on the eve of any season, and it Is exactly what the Eastern Ranges have in 2023. Head coach Lauren Morecroft, the first woman to take on said title for a Coates Talent League boys squad, says summer has been smooth […]
Stingrays set high standards in search of next step
HIGH standards are what the Dandenong Stingrays are hoping will help them go one better in 2023, after last year’s run to the Coates Talent League grand final. Amid the hurt of a loss in the last game of the season, there are plenty of silver linings for the program’s promising top-age crop to take. […]
Pioneers identify the need for speed
A SHIFT in focus is what earned the Bendigo Pioneers a historic finals appearance last season, and another is in store for 2023. Head coach Danny O’Bree says the regional talent program has identified a need for speed as it looks to cater towards having another slew of graduates drafted to the AFL. With the […]
Top-agers taking charge at the Falcons
TIES between Geelong’s footballing pathways and the elite level have arguably never been stronger, especially after four of the Cats’ six total draftees in 2022 were taken out of the local Falcons program. In 2023, the next generation of Falcons are looking to take a path well traveled by en route to the AFL. Coach […]
Gippsland to provide a power of competitiveness
THE HALLMARKS of Gippsland Power’s program have long been laden with competitive spirit, and that will be no different for the girls team in 2023. Under new head coach Nathan Boyd, the Power are poised to showcase their contested acumen, but also have some “slick movers” to exploit on the outside. “We’re really competitive. We’ve […]
Podcast | Game Sense – Episode 21
EPISODE 21 of Game Sense has dropped, with the team reconvening to discuss all the latest news and fallout in the women’s footballing world. Host Michael Alvaro and Rookie Me Central Chief Editor Peter Williams run through the SANFL and WAFL Women’s results, before taking a look towards the next round of action. They also preview a […]
Stingrays focussed on individual development in 2023
DANDENONG Stingrays girls coach Josh Moore has his sights set on heavy individual development in 2023, as he transitions from assistant to head mentor. The ‘Rays are coming off an unbeaten home-and-away campaign last year and while amending their upset Grand Final loss would be “great”, Moore maintains that is not the region’s core objective. […]
Knights break down the puzzle pieces in search of small wins
THE NORTHERN Knights are breaking down their game into “little puzzle pieces” in 2023, as new girls head coach Allana Dickie puts her “flavour” on the program. Fresh off a strong preseason which yielded league-leading team averages across multiple testing events, the Northern region is raring to go. Having allotted time to focus on what […]