Preseason Q&A: Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons)
HAVING burst onto the scene as Vic Metro’s captain and MVP in the title-winning Under 16 side of 2023, Jack Dalton is perhaps flying under the radar heading into his top-age campaign. A syndesmosis injury at the start of last year couldn’t stop him from helping Sandringham take out a third straight flag, and now […]
Preseason Q&A: Kalani White (Suns Academy)
TWO CLUBS, one gun prospect. Kalani White faces a difficult choice in his draft year, tied to a pair of clubs via father-son (Melbourne) and academy (Gold Coast) eligibility. While he is keeping his cards close to his chest with no timeline on a decision, White has already garnered plenty of attention. The 17-year-old was […]
Star Turn: Patterson puts speed on show
REPRESENTATIVE football presents the chance not only for prospects to show their wares on the big stage, but also for states to showcase their talent pool. Queensland did so last year with a win over Vic Metro in the Under 17 Futures trials, unveiling a raft of stars to the wider footballing audience. One of […]
Scouting Notes: Giants cut down to size in Summer Series
THE GREATER Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy has been comfortably beaten in its opening Summer Series outing, going down to the AFL Sydney Under 22s by 61 points. After a goalless opening quarter, the victors kicked away with 10 majors to one across the second and third terms. Inaccuracy cost the Giants a kinder scoreline, […]
Star Turn: Hibbins-Hargreaves’ hurt factor highlighted
DANDENONG Stingrays utility Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves became synonymous with kicking crucial goals in 2024, doing so regularly across a strong bottom-age campaign. Mixing his time between the wing and forwardline, he booted 23 majors in 16 games at an extraordinarily efficient rate (82 per cent). Having represented Vic Country at Under 16 level and made his […]
Scouting Notes: Swans make winning start to Summer Series
SYDNEY Swans Academy kicked off the 2025 Summer Series in style, running out 38-point victors over the AFL Canberra Under 22s on Saturday. After posting five goals to one in the first half, the Swans were challenged but came home strongly with three unanswered majors in the final term to seal the result. Top prospects […]
Star Turn: Lindsay lights up Futures stage
THE ADAGE of saving your best for last was taken up by Geelong Falcons prospect Josh Lindsay, whose crowning moment came in the 2024 National Futures match. Taking to the MCG on AFL Grand Final day, he was named best afield for Team Heppell with 20 disposals in a thrilling seven-point victory. His performance capped […]
Preseason Q&A: Max Hudson (Suns Academy)
THE GOLD Coast Suns Academy will have its fingerprints all over the Allies squad and wider draft space this year, with Max Hudson among the booming prospects. A tall defender who prides himself on his aerial game and defensive craft, the 18-year-old has spent a block of preseason with the senior Suns. Modelling his game […]
Preseason Q&A: Lucas Wootton (Tasmania Devils)
ONE OF Tasmania’s most highly credentialed top-agers this year is Launceston product Lucas Wootton. The utility was an Under 16 All-Australian, turned out in the National Futures match last year, and has spent part of the preseason training with the Allies – all alongside Clarence tall Jasper Hay. In 2025, Wootton is expected to complete […]
Coates Talent League Boys: Must-watch fixtures in 2025
THE 2025 Coates Talent League fixtures were announced on Thursday, with a 19-round regular season set in stone. Three-time defending champions Sandringham Dragons are chasing their fourth crown at the end of a schedule littered with landmark occasions. We highlight some of the must-watch events. Stay tuned to Rookie Me Central, where we’ll also cast […]
