{"id":126962,"date":"2023-03-24T17:25:12","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T07:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=126962"},"modified":"2023-03-25T09:13:49","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T23:13:49","slug":"season-guide-2023-coates-talent-league","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2023\/03\/24\/season-guide-2023-coates-talent-league\/","title":{"rendered":"SEASON GUIDE | 2023 Coates Talent League"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE 2023 Coates Talent League season is set to get underway tomorrow, with eight games filling out a bumper opening round. Along with the 13 full-time regions, five northern academies will take part throughout the year, meaning plenty of fresh and familiar faces are set to take centre stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We run you through all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s opening bounce; from the star players from each region, new coaches, and ones to watch across the age groups. Of course, it wouldn’t be a comprehensive preview without our predictions too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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TEAM-BY-TEAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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BENDIGO PIONEERS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Danny O’Bree
Captain:<\/strong> Harley Reid
AFL Academy\/Vic Country hub members: <\/strong>Harley Reid<\/a> \/ Malik Gordon<\/a>
The star: <\/strong>Harley Reid
One to watch: <\/strong>Mitch Doddos
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Tobie Travaglia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Bendigo Pioneers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Malik Gordan (right) | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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CALDER CANNONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Andrew Sturgess
Captain:<\/strong> Kade Mueller<\/a>
AFL Academy \/ Vic Metro hub members:<\/strong> Nil \/ Jordan Croft<\/a>, Mahmoud Taha<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Mahmoud Taha
One to watch:<\/strong> Rye Penny<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Isaac Kako<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Isaac Kako | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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DANDENONG STINGRAYS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Nick Cox
Captain:<\/strong> Cooper Simpson & Harry De Mattia
AFL Academy \/ Vic Country hub members:<\/strong> Cooper Simpson<\/a> \/ Kade De La Rue<\/a>, Sam Frangalas<\/a>, Kobe Shipp<\/a>, Harry De Mattia<\/a>, Riak Andrew<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Cooper Simpson
One to watch:<\/strong> Joziah Nannup, Billy Wilson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Dandenong Stingrays<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sam Frangalas | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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EASTERN RANGES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Lauren Morecroft
Captain:<\/strong> Brayden LaPlanche & Josh Tovey<\/a>
AFL Academy \/ Vic Metro hub members:<\/strong> Nick Watson<\/a> \/ Brayden LaPlanche<\/a>, Cam Nyko<\/a>, Josh Smillie<\/a>, Illiro Smit<\/a>, Riley Weatherill<\/a>, Caleb Windsor<\/a>
The star: <\/strong>Nick Watson
One to watch:<\/strong> Riley Weatherill
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Josh Smillie<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Eastern Ranges<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nick Watson | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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GEELONG FALCONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Paul Corrigan
Captain:<\/strong> Hamish Pierson<\/a> & Michael Rudd<\/a>
AFL Academy \/ Vic Country hub members:<\/strong> Nil \/ Michael Rudd, Patrick Hughes<\/a>, Joe Pike<\/a>, Brady Hall<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Michael Rudd
One to watch:<\/strong> Hamish Pierson
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Xavier Ivisic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Geelong Falcons<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Patrick Hughes | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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GIPPSLAND POWER<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Rhett McLennan
Captain:<\/strong> TBC
AFL Academy \/ Vic Country hub members:<\/strong> Zane Duursma<\/a>, Archer Reid<\/a> \/ Lachlan Smith<\/a>, Xavier Lindsay<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Zane Duursma
One to watch:<\/strong> Tom Stern<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Xavier Lindsay<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Gippsland Power<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Zane Duursma | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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GWV REBELS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> David Loader
Captain:<\/strong> TBC
AFL Academy \/ Vic Country hub members:<\/strong> George Stevens<\/a> \/ Joel Freijah<\/a>, Luamon Lual<\/a>, Sam Lalor<\/a>, Flynn Penry<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> George Stevens
One to watch:<\/strong> Luamon Lual
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Sam Lalor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Luamon Lual | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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MURRAY BUSHRANGERS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Mark Brown
Captain:<\/strong> TBC
AFL Academy \/ Vic Country hub members:<\/strong> Darcy Wilson<\/a>, Connor O’Sullivan<\/a> \/ Coby James<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Darcy Wilson
One to watch: <\/strong>Joeve Cooper<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Oliver Warburton<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Connor O’Sullivan | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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NORTHERN KNIGHTS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Anthony Rocca
Captain: <\/strong>Christian Mardini<\/a>, Will Green
AFL Academy \/ Vic Metro hub members:<\/strong> Nate Caddy<\/a>, Will Green<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Nate Caddy
One to watch:<\/strong> Charlie Naish<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Zak Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Northern Knights<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nate Caddy (right) | Image Credit: Martin Keep\/AFL Photos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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OAKLEIGH CHARGERS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> TBC
Captain:<\/strong> Nathan Philactides & Kynan Brown
AFL Academy \/ Vic Metro hub members:<\/strong> Will Lorenz<\/a>, Nathan Philactides<\/a> \/ Kynan Brown<\/a>, Jagga Smith<\/a>, Finn O’Sullivan<\/a>, Tadhg McCarthy, Boston Dowling<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Nathan Philactides
One to watch:<\/strong> Harvey Thomas<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Finn O’Sullivan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nathan Philactides | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Rob Harding
Captain:<\/strong> Will Brown
AFL Academy \/ Vic Metro hub members:<\/strong> Archie Roberts<\/a>, Ryley Sanders<\/a> \/ Will Brown<\/a>, Levi Ashcroft<\/a>, Vigo Visentini<\/a>, Luke Trainor<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Archie Roberts
One to watch:<\/strong> Will Nish<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Levi Ashcroft<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Sandringham Dragons<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sandringham Dragons | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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TASMANIA DEVILS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Jeromey Webberley
Captain: <\/strong>Tom Beaumont<\/a>
AFL Academy members:<\/strong> Colby McKercher<\/a>, Jack Callinan<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Colby McKercher
One to watch:<\/strong> Arie Schoenmaker<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Oliver Depaoli-Kubank<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Colby McKercher | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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WESTERN JETS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Trent Dennis-Lane
Captain:<\/strong> Diesel Moloney<\/a>
AFL Academy \/ Vic Metro hub members:<\/strong> Logan Morris<\/a>
The star:<\/strong> Logan Morris
One to watch:<\/strong> Alex Tsia<\/a>
Bottom-age riser:<\/strong> Lucca Grego<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Season Preview: Western Jets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Logan Morris (centre) | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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NORTHERN ACADEMIES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gold Coast is primed to be the leading northern academy this year, boasting a high of three National Academy members – Jed Walter<\/a>, Ethan Read<\/a>, and Jake Rogers<\/a>. The former two are talls with high-end potential, while Rogers’ ground level game is exciting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch for bottom-ager Leonardo Lombard<\/a> through midfield and forward, as well as Under 16 talent Zeke Uwland<\/strong>. The likes of Harry Sullivan<\/a> (Sandringham) and Caleb Nancarrow<\/a> (Oakleigh) are others to have come through the Suns’ pathway, but board at school in Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jed Walter | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Their Queensland counterparts, the Lions Academy, may be a touch more stretched for top-end talent. Top-agers like key position swingman Billy Richardson<\/a> and Bradley McDonald<\/a> will lead the way, while Maverick Garaicoa <\/strong>and bottom-ager Alex Pope <\/strong>showed promise in last year’s Under 16 championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Down in New South Wales, Sydney lays claim to two AFL Academy members in Lachlan Cabor<\/a> and Caiden Cleary<\/a>. Both are explosive athletes, with Cabor a running type off half-back, while Cleary is an inside bull who can accumulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elsewhere, Bililign Robertson<\/a> was a standout at preseason testing and is sure to impress alongside fellow over-agers Christian Webster<\/a> and Tye Gander<\/a>, who are plenty taller at above 190cm. Swans father-son candidate Indhi Kirk<\/a> returns in the same age category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Giants Academy | Image Credit: Rookie Me<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

GWS has some talent too. The aforementioned Harvey Thomas<\/strong> will link with Oakleigh, and Matthew Brown<\/strong> is in South Australia with Norwood. Watch for Malual Aleer<\/strong>, the 200cm cousin of Giants draftee Leek, to come on strongly, along with key forward<\/spo>\/ruck Charlie McCormack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latter was super in combination with 2022 Under 16 MVP Cooper Bell<\/strong>, while helmeted midfielder Harvey Odgers<\/strong> is another to watch. Up the age levels, Luke Lawrence<\/a> is set to give the draft one more crack as an over-ager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ROUND 1 FIXTURE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saturday March 25<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Northern Knights vs. Giants Academy | 9:45am @ Highgate Recreation Reserve
Sandringham Dragons vs. Eastern Ranges | 11:30am @ RSEA Park
Western Jets vs. Swans Academy | 2:00pm @ Highgate Recreation Reserve
GWV Rebels vs. Bendigo Pioneers | 3:30pm @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday March 26<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geelong Falcons vs. Dandenong Stingrays | 11:00am @ Central Reserve, Colac
Oakleigh Chargers vs. Lions Academy | 12:00pm @ Highgate Recreation Reserve
Gippsland Power vs. Murray Bushrangers | 12:00pm @ Morwell Recreation Reserve
Calder Cannons vs. Suns Academy | 2:30pm @ Highgate Recreation Reserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> FULL FIXTURE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PREDICTIONS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Premier:<\/strong> Dandenong Stingrays
Runner-up:<\/strong> Sandringham Dragons
Morrish Medal:<\/strong> Nathan Philactides (Oakleigh Chargers) & Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers)
Leading Goalkicker: <\/strong>Logan Morris (Western Jets)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> PODCAST: Coates Talent League season preview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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KEY DATES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wildcard Round: September 2-3
Elimination Finals: September 9-10
Preliminary Finals: September 16-17
Grand Final: September 23<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mentions<\/span><\/span><\/div>