Coates Talent League Top 50: Exclusive ranking points from Round 1 as potential No.1 pick dominates

A highly-rated draft prospect made a huge statement in the opening round of the Coates League – but an eye-catching big man wasn’t far behind. See the exclusive stats, full rankings.

Potential No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma has made an eye-catching start to his top-age season with a huge game for Gippsland Power.

Duursma was the top-ranked player from round 1 of the Coates Talent League, playing a starring role in his side’s 48-point triumph over the Murray Bushrangers on Sunday.

Playing onball throughout the game, Duursma gathered 36 disposals, 10 marks, five clearances and kicked one goal for a total of 217 SuperCoach ranking points.

Duursma’s goal came from a tight angle in the pocket during the first quarter, while he missed three other shots on goal – one of which hit the post.

His run and speed stood out, along with his contest work at ground level and in the air.

Of Durrsma’s 10 marks, three were contested.

His defensive game was also strong, including a nice smother which caused a turnover and five tackles for the day.

The youngest sibling of Xavier (Essendon AFL), Yasmin (Carlton AFLW) and Zane (North Melbourne AFL), Willem measured 191.4 cm at the competition’s pre-season testing day in March.

He looks up to AFL midfielders including Hawthorn young gun Will Day and Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli.

MORE: THE POTENIAL DRAFT BOLTER AT EVERY COATES LEAGUE CLUB

Calder Cannons tall Cooper Duff-Tytler – another top-five draft prospect – also started his season with a bang on Sunday as he helped steer his side to a five-point win over Oakleigh Chargers.

Duff-Tytler logged 26 disposals, 14 hitouts, eight clearances and kicked two goals playing in the ruck against fellow AFL Academy member Louie Emmett.

The 200cm Duff-Tytler impressed with his run and mobility, becoming an extra midfielder after stoppages.

He also read the play incredibly well when dropping back to support his defence, taking three intercept marks.

Calder Cannons midfielder forward Adam Sweid (25 disposals, two goals), Bendigo Pioneers overage midfielder Tom Evans (33 disposals, four clearances) and Geelong Falcons onballer Josh Lindsay (27 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles) were among other round 1 stars.

TOP 5 RANKINGS FOR EACH ROUND 1 GAME

BENDIGO PIONEERS 9.7 (61) d TASMANIA DEVILS 7.9 (51)

Tom Evans (BP) – 164 points

Hunter Wright (BP) – 158 points

Max Roney (TAS) – 148 points

Connor Evans (BP) – 135 points

Riley Dillon (BP) – 130 points

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 12.11 (83) d WESTERN JETS 6.6 (42)

Daniel Gilham (WJ) – 161 points

Thomas Burton (WJ) – 129 points

Rory Wright (SAN) – 122 points

Tyrer Miles (SAN) – 112 points

Charlie Rozenes (SAN) – 109 points

DANDENONG STINGRAYS 15.12 (102) d GEELONG FALCONS 7.11 (53)

Josh Lindsay (GF) – 163 points

Sam Lewis (DS) – 134 points

Henry Hayes (DS) – 124 points

Marcus Prasad (DS) – 112 points

Gus Kennedy (DS) – 107 points

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS 6.6 (42) def. by GIPPSLAND POWER 13.12 (90)

Willem Duursma (GP) – 217 points

Zachary O’Keefe (GP) – 159 points

Brodie Atkins (GP) – 149 points

Marlon Neocleous (GP) – 146 points

Luke Cheffers (GP) – 128 points

Calder star Cooper Duff-Tytler. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS 11.10 (76) def. by CALDER CANNONS 12.9 (81)

Cooper Duff-Tytler (CC) – 196 points

Adam Sweid (CC) – 179 points

Hunter Holmes (OC) – 132 points

Samuel Grlj (OC) – 129 points

Hamish Bird (CC) – 121 points

NORTHERN KNIGHTS 7.12 (54) def. by EASTERN RANGES 8.9 (57)

Oliver Greeves (ER) – 137 points

Lachy Dovaston (ER) – 130 points

Roman Moxon (NK) – 125 points

Harvie Cooke (NK) – 123 points

Lewis Houndsome (NK) – 121 points