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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
2025 Coates Talent League: Northern Knights season preview
NORTHERN Knights coach Anthony Rocca says his side is champing at the bit to get into competitive action, boasting “a good blend of team attributes” and prospects across each age group. He’s confident that Northern’s contested work will surprise a few teams, and helped us preview the region’s season. PRESEASON “The boys were training really […]
2025 Summer Series recap: Sydney Swans Academy
THE SYDNEY Swans Academy went undefeated in this year’s Summer Series, accounting for all comers by an average winning margin of 37 points. Boasting two National Academy members and three potential first round prospects, there is plenty to be excited about for fans of the red and white. RESULTS RECORD: 3-0 | WWW | 205.3% […]
2025 Coates Talent League: Murray Bushrangers season preview
THE MURRAY Bushrangers head into season 2025 with eyes on being fresh throughout the year, having altered the region’s preseason program. A total of six players are part of the Vic Country and Allies hubs, while several over-agers have completed VFL preseasons. Coach Mark Brown helps preview the year ahead. PRESEASON “It’s a little bit […]
2025 Summer Series recap: GWS Giants Academy
THE GREATER Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy went winless throughout this year’s Summer Series, but was not without some promising moments and prospects. A three-point thriller against AFL Canberra U22 was the highlight of a tough campaign. We recap the Giants’ three-game series. RESULTS RECORD: 0-3 | LLL | 53.1% def. by AFL Sydney U22 […]
Preseason Q&A: Harry Dean (Murray Bushrangers)
CARLTON father-son hopeful Harry Dean enters his top-age campaign with plenty of promise having had his 2024 season scuppered by injury. The high-leaping 193cm defender broke his arm in his one and only Coates Talent League appearance to date, but is back fit and firing in 2025. Harry is the son of two-time premiership Blue […]
2025 Coates Talent League: GWV Rebels season preview
THE GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels will be flooded by fresh faces in 2025 after last year’s breakthrough grand final appearance. With plenty of unknowns ahead, head coach David Loader is buoyed by a “faultless” preseason and the opportunity to develop untapped talent. PRESEASON “It’s been really good. Last year we restructured our program, We […]
