
Scouting Notes: 2023 Coates Talent League Girls – Round 2
PLAYERS are hitting their stride in the Coates Talent League, and there were many impressive performances across Round 2. In the four games this past weekend, both Sydney-based academies notched wins, as did the GWV Rebels and Dandenong Stingrays for the first time this season. We highlight some of the top performers in our Scouting […]

2023 Coates Talent League R2 preview: GWV Rebels vs. Bendigo Pioneers
ONE round is in the books and the 2023 Coates Talent League country teams return for the second week of action, welcoming Gippsland Power into the competition. Tasmania joins the metropolitan teams in having a bye for Round 2, while the two NSW/ACT Northern Academies return for a second week with the other Victorian country […]

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 […]

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 […]

Broken but not beaten; Rentsch returns
FEW could blame AFL Women’s Academy member Jessica Rentsch for being a touch hesitant ahead of her return to competitive football for the first time in 286 days. The last time the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels wing took to the field, it was at GMHBA Stadium in the Under 17s Futures match on June […]

Over-age quartet set for Round 1
FOUR over-age players returning to the Coates Talent League in 2023 will be looking to impress across the opening few rounds ahead of the 2023 AFLW Over-age Draft, before setting their sights on a third chance at the year’s end all-in draft. At the recent Preseason Testing Day, we spoke to Dandenong Stingrays duo Felicity […]

2023 Preseason Testing Top 10s – Coates Talent League Girls
ALL 12 Victorian Talent League Girls regions convened at Narrandjeri Stadium on Sunday to partake in their annual preseason testing event, under the eye of Rookie Me. Up to 35 Under 18 athletes from each squad underwent a range of physical tests; from vertical jumps, to sprints and endurance running. >> SCROLL for all top 10 results […]

Coates Talent League officially launched
AUSTRALIA’s premier AFL talent pathway has undergone its third rebrand, with the official launch of the Coates Talent League today. Set to enter its 32nd year in 2023, the competition started out as the Victorian State Football League (VSFL) in 1992, before perhaps being most famously known as the TAC Cup, and most recently the […]

2023 NAB League coaching changes
NAB LEAGUE regions in Victoria and Tasmania have all but completed their coaching appointments for 2023, after it was announced that roles would again been split between girls and boys teams. The move comes as part of the AFL’s commitment to boosting resources in the girls’ talent pathway, with all regions now having dedicated full-time […]

Speakman hoping to be heard after promising season
IT is often tough playing junior footy in the country. From the expansive travel, to making up numbers week to week, and facing extremely stiff opposition, coming away atop the tree is no mean feat. Just ask Jamie-Lee Speakman. Although, sh I’s one who likely fit the bill of being tough opposition for most. “I […]