Coates Talent League: Harley Reid fires, forwards put on a show

Likely number one AFL draft pick Harley Reid fired while several forwards emerged as must watch talents in the Coates Talent League. Here are the key talking points.

The Easter long weekend delivered a series of special performances in the Coates Talent League.

From the best prospects in this year’s AFL and AFLW drafts, to those you’ll have to wait a little longer for there were some big displays.

Here are the biggest talking points from the weekend’s action.

REID’S BEST DISPLAY OF THE SEASON

Already touted as the number one pick in this year’s AFL Draft, Bendigo Pioneers gun Harley Reid is showing why.

Against the Tasmania Devils on Saturday, Reid registered 25 disposals, 20 contested possessions, seven clearances, six marks, 11 score involvements and two goals.

Archer Day-Wicks also put together a strong performance for the Pioneers.

Colby McKercher was one of the Devils best.

Harley Reid fired against the Devils. Photo: Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

PISANO A LEADING FORWARD

Eastern Ranges dynamo Alyssia Pisano is making waves with her impressive forward craft.

The young gun booted six goals from 15 disposals in her side’s 26-point win against the Northern Knights on Good Friday.

Laura Stone was also impressive for Eastern with 21 disposals and eight tackles in tough conditions.

DAY OUT FOR CALDER CANNONS GUN

There was simply not stopping Mahmoud Taha during the Calder Cannons 23-point win over the Western Jets on Friday.

He registered 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 12 clearances, seven score involvements, six tackles and two goals in a monster display.

Nash King also found plenty of the footy for the Cannons with 28 disposals as Jake Smith led the way for the Jets with 27.

WATSON UNDERLINES DRAFT POTENTIAL

Nick Watson is being touted as a top-five selection and it’s easy to see why so early in the season.

Watson, who stands at 170cm, has defied his smaller size in the opening weeks with three straight big displays.

At the weekend, he had 34 disposals and kicked two goals in his side’s win over Northern.

Ryley Sanders of the Dragons. Photo: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

MORE BIG NUMBERS FROM DRAGONS MIDFIELDER

Ryley Sanders is showing why he’s the example of the modern day midfielder.

In his side’s win over the Oakleigh Chargers on Saturday, the 18-year-old had 33 disposals and kicked a goal.

He’s now kicked a goal in every game for the Sandringham Dragons and is averaging 31 touches per game inside the first three rounds.

HOWLEY WILL BE WORTH THE WAIT

She’s still a bottom age player but Geelong Falcons midfielder Sara Howley is putting together quite the season.

She racked up 26 disposals in her side’s win over the GWV Rebels on Thursday night to continue a sensational start to the season.

Howley is already looming as one of the top prospects in the 2024 AFLW Draft.

Chloe Adams found plenty of footy for the Falcons too while Millie Lang battled hard in a losing effort.

WILSON CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE START

Darcy Wilson has continued his impressive start to the season for the Murray Bushrangers with another three goal performance in his side’s win over the GWS Giants Academy.

Wilson booted three goals, to take his season tally to seven, and had 23 disposals.

Oscar Ryan was the leading ball winner on the ground with 35 disposals while Joshua Murphy also booted three goals.

Sarah Grunden of the Cannons. Photo: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

GRUNDEN’S GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL

Sarah Grunden looked like she was playing with a different ball to everyone else during the Calder Cannons big win over the Murray Bushrangers on Friday.

In wet conditions, Gruden’s cleanliness stood out as she finished with three goals and 18 disposals in a hard fought contest.

Others to stand out for the Cannons included Amy Gaylor and Kayley Kavanagh.

STINGRAYS’ FORWARD HAS A DAY OUT

Ziggy Toledo Glasman could almost do no wrong for the Dandenong Stingrays against the Gippsland Power on Saturday.

The emerging forward, who stands at 192cm, booted six goals in his side’s win at Morwell.

Billy Wilson and Samuel Frangalas also impressed for the Stingrays.

Sebastiano Amoroso was named best for Gippsland.

ARE TASSIE THE TEAM TO BEAT?

The Tasmania Devils are flying in the girls competition, sitting top of the ladder after an impressive win over the Bendigo Pioneers.

Candice Belbin enjoyed the wet conditions with 21 disposals and 13 tackles in a best on ground display as Georgia Clark again put together a strong performance.

Lila Keck stood tall for the Pioneers in the clash at Arden St.