All the key talking points from Coates Talent League action
Several father-son AFL prospects shined in Coates Talent League action as some of the best AFLW prospects in the country again put their names up in lights. Here are all the key talking points.
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The start of the Coates Talent League season has seen plenty of surprises thrown up across the first two rounds.
At the weekend, the boys kickstarted their seasons with some familiar names among the impressive performers including Harley Reid, who many are predicting to go with pick one in the AFL Draft later this year.
Here are the biggest talking points from the weekend’s action.
A RAY OF HOPE FOR HAWTHORN?
In the boys game at Moorabbin on Saturday, a couple of sons of Hawks guns played starring roles in Sandringham Dragons’ win over Eastern Ranges.
Calsher Dear, son of the late Paul Dear, who was a Norm Smith medallist in 1991, kicked the sealer late in the game.
And Ned Maginness, Scott’s boy, showed his elite running ability to be named one of the best players on the ground.
Ned has sprouted 27cm in the past 18 months, and now stands at 187cm. He’s a bit like his brother and current Hawk, Finn – he’s a late developer.
“I’m sure Hawthorn will be interested in him,” Dragons coach Rob Harding said of Ned.
Both lads are top-age players and have spent time training with the Hawks.
REID IMPRESSES BUT REBELS EMERGE VICTORIOUS
There was plenty of focus on Harley Reid to start the season and he delivered with 21 disposals and two goals — but his efforts weren’t enough to haul the Pioneers across the line.
In the end it was the strong impressions of Alex Molan and Ethan McKercher who helped the GWV Rebels take the four points in the opening round.
Molan, who is also a talented basketballer, had 27 disposals and a goal while McKercher impressed across the field with 16 touches and three majors.
Khy Jess also showed off his ball winning ability with 22 touches.
DAVIES ON FIRE TO START THE SEASON
If you’re an AFLW fan, make sure you remember the name Isabella Davies.
The GWV Rebels youngster is making waves to start the season as she produced a best on ground display in her side’s victory over the Bendigo Pioneers.
At just 160cm, Davies is playing well beyond her stature and looms as an exciting talent to watch develop across the rest of the season.
Defender Millie Lang was also impressive for the Rebels and appears to be going from strength-to-strength.
YES, THERE’S ANOTHER ASHCROFT
Levi Ashcroft was outstanding for the Sandy Dragons.
He kicked two clutch goals, one late in the second quarter and the other early in the last term to help the Dragons grab the ascendancy.
The son of Marcus Ashcroft and brother of Will, Levi is a potential Lions father-son selection.
He’s a strongly built and hard running midfielder and half forward. A bottom-age player, he’s a standout talent for his age.
ADAMS A CONSISTENT PERFORMER
Geelong Falcons young gun Chloe Adams is enjoying a strong start to the season.
Despite going down to the Dandenong Stingrays at the weekend, Adams put together another impressive performance with 25 disposals and a goal.
For the Stingrays, Meg Robertson put was among her side’s better performers headlined by 19 disposals.
Meanwhile, the Falcons boys recorded a 30-point victory over Dandenong to kick start their season.
Michael Rudd and Tom Anastasopoulos finished with three goals apiece in impressive displays.
KIRK NAME SHINES IN SWANS COLOURS
Overlooked in last year’s AFL Draft, Indhi Kirk produced an impressive performance for the Swans in the season opener against the Western Jets.
The son of Swans champion, Brett, the midfielder recorded 28 disposals and seven tackles in his side’s victory.
Meanwhile in the girls game, AFLW Academy member Olivia Morris was again at the forefront for the Swans with a massive 34 disposals in her side’s victory over the Murray Bushrangers.
Asha Turner Funk and Kendra Blattman were also impressive for the Swans.
IMPORTANT CHARGERS TRIO EMERGES
Billy Hicks (26 disposals, two goals), Jagga Smith (28 disposals, one goal) and Tom Gross (27 disposals) all look set to be exciting prospects this year.
The trio found plenty of the footy in their side’s win over the Brisbane Lions Academy, setting a strong platform to build off this season.
ANOTHER GWS ACADEMY SUCCESS STORY?
GWS looks set to gain another gun through its academy later in the year.
Harvey Thomas, who is touted as one of the best AFL Draft prospects this year, made a monster start to the season with 30 disposals and 17 tackles in his side’s loss to the Northern Knights to start the season.
DUURSMA IMPRESSES FIRST UP
Keen to follow in the footsteps of his siblings, Xavier and Yasmin who are both at Port Adelaide, Zane Duursma made an impressive start to the season with the Gippsland Power.
He recorded 24 disposals and a goal in his side’s big win over the Murray Bushrangers.
Archer Reid and Ryan Maric also impressed for the Power.
For the Bushrangers, Darcy Wilson fought bravely with 29 disposals and three goals.
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