Scouting Notes: 2023 Coates Talent League Girls: Round 1
IT WAS a staggered start to the 2023 Coates Talent League season with just the four matches on opening weekend, all from the girls’ competition. Kicking off on the Apple Isle, Tasmania Devils got a Round 1 win against GIANTS Academy, before Geelong Falcons defeated GWV Rebels out west, Swans Academy upset Dandenong Stingrays down […]
2023 Coates Talent League POTW: Round 1
GEELONG Falcons bottom-ager Sara Howley is the 2023 Rookie Me Central Coates Talent League Player of the Week for Round 1. The former defender played a much more attacking role in the front half of the ground, flourishing under new coach Mel Hickey with a dominant three-goal performance to inspire her Falcons side to a […]
2023 Coates Talent League Girls: Round 1 wrap
A SUNDAY thriller in the country capped off a tight first round of the newly named Coates Talent League Girls action, with all games decided by under four goals. Bendigo Pioneers’ nail-biting one-point win over Murray Bushrangers was the pick of the matches from the weekend, while on Saturday, three teams from three different states […]
“Fitter” Butterworth keen to make impact
WHILE many people might have been digging in around the dining table over the Christmas break, Dandenong Stingrays forward Sophie Butterworth was digging in out on the track. The top-age forward came back to preseason training by her own admission “struggling”, so she set herself a goal of changing that over the Summer break and […]
2023 Coates Talent League R1 preview: Tasmania Devils vs. GIANTS Academy
A NEW name, and a new era of elite female footballing pathways begins tomorrow on the eastern seaboard, with Round 1 of the Coates Talent League kicking off for season 2023. Previously NAB League, the Coates Talent League begins with a four-game round, and welcomes the NSW-ACT academies into the fold. Each week we will […]
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 […]
On and off-field growth the key for GWV
GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels coach Sally Riley is all about not worrying. Like anyone who is in competitive sport, winning is enjoyable, but understanding that mistakes are okay is what will help build the growth at the Ballarat-based Coates Talent League club. There is plenty to like about a young Rebels outfit who play […]
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 […]
Laila Lappin’ up the “awesome” experiences
AFTER an extended preseason and a later start date, Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels key position player Laila Lappin is excited about finally stepping out on the field when the Rebels take on Geelong Falcons tomorrow. The niece of Carlton and St Kilda goalsneak Matthew, Lappin is a member of the Vic Country hub and […]
Duffy in it “100 per cent” ahead of Bushies return
AFTER only taking up football ahead of the 2022 season, Murray Bushrangers defender Paige Duffy is ready for a massive 2023. Averaging around seven disposals per game playing as a tall defender last season, the athletic 172cm top-ager earned a place in the Vic Country hub off the back of eight outings. Returning for the […]
