Coates Talent League 2025 live stream: Sandringham Dragons v Northern Knights, Round 8

Northern Knights continued their surge up the Coates Talent League ladder, but it almost wasn’t to be against a courageous Dragons. RELIVE the epic thriller.

The Northern Knights are back in the Coates Talent League winner’s circle after surviving an almighty scare in one of the games of the season so far.

The Knights had put the cue in the rack at three-quarter time following a six-goal-to-two third term.

But the Dragons - who have been a perennial heavyweight of the Coates Talent League - refused to give up the fight, almost coming back from a 49-point deficit in the final term.

In the end it was the Knights who were left to hold on with their fingernails, escaping with a 13.11 (89) to 12.14 (86) victory.

WATCH THE FULL MATCH REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Vic Metro representative Tyson Gresham led the way for the Knights, booting four majors including a circus act mid-air soccer through the sticks midway through the third term.

He was a key contributor through the middle and up front for the free-flowing Knights as they put on 41 points in a dominant third quarter display.

But his departure from the field with five minutes left before the final break proved a turning point for the Dragons.

A goal to Ricky Theodoropoulos, one of only two players remaining from last year’s grand final side, kick-started an epic comeback for Sandringham.

Northern Knights young gun Ryan Commandeur kicked two goals in the win over Sandringham Dragons.

Kane Watt produced two stunning final quarter marks, and finished with a late hat trick of goals as the Dragons sent the Preston City Oval crowd into a frenzy.

Charlie Rozenes also finished with three goals for the Dragons, while Nicholas Driscoll booted three for the Knights.

Parade College’s two-time Herald Sun Shield champion Matthew Kayrooz made his Coates Talent League debut one to remember with an impressive sliding mark in the forward 50, before piping it straight down the middle for what would be the Knights final goal of the game.

The Dragons will be left to rue their slow start to the contest as the young outfit is left to pick up the pieces following three-straight losses.

The win marks the Knights fourth in five games as they enjoy a resurgence up the Coates Talent League ladder midway through the season.

PREVIEW

Two brothers of AFL-listed players will be among four debutants for the Sandringham Dragons in their Coates League clash with Northern Knights on Sunday.

Rowan Mackenzie, who’s the younger brother of Hawthorn’s Cam Mackenzie, and Quentin Hofmann, who’s brother Lenny was drafted by Geelong last year, will get their first taste of elite U18 footy.

Sunny King, a developing key forward, and Tom Washington, a hit-up half forward from Salesian, are also set to step out.

All four boys are bottom-agers and will be on show when KommunityTV brings you all the action live and exclusive on Sunday from 11am.

“We’ve been pumping out the debutants in recent weeks, so it’s been great to expose these guys to Coates League footy,” Dragons coach Rob Harding said.

The match will also serve as a crucial opportunity for three 19-year-olds to impress AFL scouts before the mid-season draft.

Charlie Rozenes, described by Harding as “the prototype modern high half forward”, has already garnered interest from AFL clubs following his recent form.

Jhett Haeata, who was leading the Dragons’ best and fairest last year before a broken arm sidelined him, has made a strong return, showcasing his skills with Richmond VFL.

Jhett Haeata will be one to watch for the Dragons. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

Sam Buck, a key player in the Dragons’ premiership last year, will feature as a key forward and part-time ruckman.

Further bolstering the Dragons’ line-up are seven players from Brighton Grammar, who will have the opportunity to test their mettle against Coates League opposition.

The Dragons, who started the season strongly with three consecutive wins, are looking to bounce back after losses to GWS Giants and Gippsland Power in their last two outings.

Two Dragons have suffered long-term injuries, namely James Georgiou, who broke his leg in school footy at Mentone Grammar, and premiership player Jack Surkitt (broken wrist in school footy).

Originally published as Coates Talent League 2025 live stream: Sandringham Dragons v Northern Knights, Round 8