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 […]
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. […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
