Versatility, run, energy key to Templeton breakout
GIPPSLAND Power snapped their 21-year premiership drought in Saturday’s Talent League decider, led by a breakout game from co-captain Cody Templeton. Such a performance has been a long time coming for the tough and powerful midfielder-forward, who finally gained “reward for effort”. Post-game at Whitten Oval, the five-goal hero reflected on how he has improved […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Talent League Grand Final
GIPPSLAND Power broke through to secure their first premiership since 2005 on Saturday, kicking away to a 35-point over Dandenong Stingrays in the Talent League Grand Final. Victorious co-captain Cody Templeton was named best on ground having bagged five goals alongside star teammate Wil Malady. In what was an entertaining all-Country clash at Whitten Oval, […]
Power surge helps Gippsland break 21-year drought
LAST time they met in Round 2, Dandenong Stingrays ran home 50-point victors over Gippsland Power, but a pristine afternoon at Whitten Oval proved the perfect conditions for the latter’s second Talent League Premiership, with the Power running out 35-point victors. It took until the 10th minute of the game for the first goal to […]
Confident Stingrays crop ready for a shot at glory
DANDENONG Stingrays are preparing for a crack at the region’s second Talent League premiership on Saturday, when they meet neighbours Gippsland Power in the 2026 decider at Whitten Oval. From a long way out, head coach Nick Cox says the playing group and their coaches have been confident of success. “It’s easy to say it […]
Scouting Notes: Gutsy Gippsland ends Dragons’ dynasty
GIPPSLAND Power have advanced to their first Talent League decider since 2012 after defeating Sandringham Dragons by two points in a thrilling preliminary final on Sunday. Bottom-ager Leo Stephenson stepped up to slot the winning goal with two minutes left to play at Mars Stadium. The result sets up an all-Country clash for premiership glory […]
Scouting Notes: Gippsland powers into finals
GIPPSLAND Power has stormed into the Talent League finals series after a thumping 76-point win over Murray in Wildcard Round on Saturday. The victors lifted their pressure and intensity after a slow start at La Trobe University, surging into the lead with six goals to one in term two and never looking back. It was […]
Scouting Notes: Knights cut the Power to secure top spot
NORTHERN Knights secured the Talent League minor premiership with a hard-fought 26-point win over Gippsland Power in Morwell on Sunday. The visitors were surpassed heading into three-quarter time but rallied with five unanswered goals in the final term to lock in top spot on the ladder with win number 13. We took note of the […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL U18s – Vic Country vs. Western Australia
WESTERN Australia has produced a remarkable turnaround to defeat Vic Country by 16 points at Marvel Stadium on Friday evening. The Sandgropers were restricted to just one goal in the first half and trailed by 33 points early in term three, before piling on nine of the next 11 majors to bag their second win […]
Top of the crop: State-by-state breakdown
WITH one round of National Championships action in the books, the picture of this year’s AFL Draft class is becoming clearer. What’s also relatively clear is which prospects are cementing themselves at the top of each state’s crop, and given AFL clubs aren’t strangers to picking local, we outline how the talent stacks up around […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL U18s – Allies vs. Vic Country
POTENTIAL title favourite Vic Country has kicked off its Under 18 National Championships campaign in style, notching a 13-point win over the Allies on Sunday. The win came at a cost though, with co-captains Cody Walker (shoulder) and Noah Williams (hamstring) having their days ended by injury. The Vics led at every break but were […]