{"id":203559,"date":"2025-09-20T15:53:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T05:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=203559"},"modified":"2025-09-20T20:38:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T10:38:22","slug":"eastern-ranges-ascend-to-coates-talent-league-peak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2025\/09\/20\/eastern-ranges-ascend-to-coates-talent-league-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"Eastern Ranges ascend to Coates Talent League peak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EASTERN Ranges have foiled the Sandringham Dragons’ attempt at a fourth Coates Talent League premiership in a row, winning a pulsating and seesawing Grand Final by 15 points at IKON Park today. It was a celebratory afternoon as their Girls’ side claimed their first premiership earlier in the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ranges were arguably the form team of the Talent League coming in, and played like it for periods of the game. They leaned on their ample draft prospects to deliver the win. Draft bolter Sullivan Robey<\/a> hit the scoreboard early, kicking Eastern\u2019s only two goals of the first quarter before adding another two in the second half. Powerful midfielder Oliver Greeves<\/a> was typically imposing and hit the scoreboard on one occasion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After an early tug of war, the reigning champions asserted themselves on the match, kicking the last two goals of the quarter and threatening to take momentum into the second term. Eastern steadied, though, kicking the first four goals to open up a small lead. Exciting small forward Lachy Dovaston<\/a> was crucial, kicking two goals in the quarter and igniting his side. The Ranges kicked six goals to the Dragons’ one and headed into the break with a three-goal lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expectantly, the Dragons bounced back in the third term, nailing the opening two goals and threatening on a number of other occasions. Dragons forward Willis Reidy<\/a> bobbed up for three goals in the quarter, helping his side to a five-goal to one quarter and another burst of momentum.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assisted by a slight breeze, Eastern took over in the final term, scoring four goals straight while keeping the Dragons goalless. Despite the loss, Sandringham\u2019s midfield was particularly influential. Saints NGA prospect Kye Fincher<\/a>, who spent time forward, was a threat inside 50 and a strong presence at the coalface. While Jack Dalton<\/a> was a consistent contributor, providing a link between the arcs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a strong performance in the prelim, defender Rory Wright<\/a> followed up with a similarly impressive outing. His piercing left boot and bravery in the air had been a feature of his season, and he was able to apply those same devastating tools to great effect throughout the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Ranges, the Taylors, Xavier<\/strong> and Oskar <\/strong>were outstanding as they stalled opposition forward entries and rebounded out of defence all afternoon. Xavier Taylor<\/a> was at his dogged best, blanketing rival forwards. He was brilliant throughout and was rightfully awarded Player of the Match. In contrast, Oskar Taylor<\/a>‘s poise and speed were essential across the four quarters. Light-bodied midfielder Blake Chambers<\/a> <\/strong>was a surprise packet. The ball seemed to follow him as he racked up 29 disposals \u2013 the most on the ground. It was the perfect time to pull out his season-best performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EASTERN RANGES:  2.1 I 8.3 I 9.5. I 13.5 (83)
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:  4.1 I 5.3 I 10.6 I 10.8 (68)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GOALS:<\/strong>
EASTERN RANGES:<\/strong> S. Robey 4, Z. Antonellos 3, L. Dovaston 2, J. Knapp, O. Greeves, C. Nash, J. Landy
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS: <\/strong>W. Reidy 4, A. Butler, K. Fincher, G. Texeira, O. Griffin, G. Dimer, J. Galbally<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BEST:<\/strong>
EASTERN RANGES:<\/strong> L. Dovaston, X. Taylor, O. Taylor, B. Chambers, J. Landy, O. Greeves
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:<\/strong> R. Wright, J. Dalton, K. Fincher, W. Reidy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLAYER OF THE MATCH:<\/strong> Xavier Taylor (Eastern Ranges)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xavier Taylor won best on ground in the grand final. Image credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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