Coates Talent League 2025 live stream: Sandringham Dragons v Eastern Ranges

Sandringham Dragons and Eastern Ranges have experienced mixed emotions after the boys and girls took to the field for their respective Coates Talent League matches. Watch the REPLAYS.

AFL Draft fancy Archie Ludowyke has enhanced his prospects with a five-goal haul for the Sandringham Dragons, including the matchwinner, against Eastern Ranges in their thrilling Coates Talent League encounter.

Goalless in the first quarter, Ludowyke came to life for the Dragons with two goals each in the second and third quarters as a defiant Ranges traded blows with the reigning champions.

But it was the big man’s opportunist snap in the final two minutes which proved decisive as he uncharacteristically crumbed the ball to put his side six points ahead.

REPLAY

Sandringham Dragons v Eastern Ranges—AFL Coates League Round 2 (Boys)

Watch the full replay in the window above.

Sandringham Dragons v Eastern Ranges – AFL Coates League Round 1 (Girls)

Moments later, he wisely gathered ball again in the forward line, but instead of blazing away, he kicked backwards to ruckman Miles Tyrer, who took time out of the clock.

Defenders Thomas Swainston and Rod Ali both had stints on the big man, but Ludowyke’s presence was telling in the evenly matched, free-flowing encounter.

Played in tricky conditions with a swirling breeze, both the Dragons and Ranges enjoyed significant momentum swings.

Hard-running Jhett Haeata stood out with his accurate delivery into the forward line and found Ludowyke on at least a couple of occasions.

He also finished with two goals, including a fabulous snap from 40m out on the run in the second quarter.

Fellow Dragons Rory Wright and Kye Fincher were very solid as was captain Xavier Bamert.

Blackburn talent Lachy Dovaston was crucial in keeping Ranges in the seesawing contest, booting three goals to go with his three from the previous week.

Jamie Gilchrist also chimed in with three of his own after being rewarded for some fierce tackling and composure on the run.

Oliver Greeves and Mitchell Gillan also were significant contributors.

SCORES

Dragons 3.1 8.1 11.2 14.6 (90)

Ranges 3.0 6.3 9.5 13.6 (84)

GOALS

Dragons: Ludowyke 5, Butler 2, Haeata 2, Watt, Levine, Griffin, Janover, Wright.

Ranges: Dovaston 3, Gilchrist 3, Sizer 2, Hansen 2, Nash Chandler, Holdsworth-Rose, Hoffman.

BEST

Dragons: Wright, Ludowyke, Tyrer, Martin, Levine, Haeata.

Ranges: Greeves, Dovaston, Gilchrist, Gillan, Chambers, McKenzie

Eastern Ranges have thumped Sandringham Dragons in the season-opener of the under-18 girls’ competition.

Despite both squads being flush with talent, it was Eastern Ranges which held sway throughout the afternoon as they raced to 52-point victory.

The margin could have been much higher but for inaccurate kicking in front of goal due to the trying conditions with the blustery winds.

Yet despite kicking 8.18 (66) to 2.2 (14), Eastern Ranges were far too strong to take home the four points in their first outing.

PREVIEW

He’s the son of one of football’s biggest media personalities – but one game into the new Coates Talent League season and he’s already turned a few heads in his own right.

Sandringham Dragons rising star Freddy Brayshaw – son of former Footy Show host James – fired in his side’s 47-point victory over the Western Jets last weekend.

Dual Dragons premiership coach Rob Harding certainly wasn’t shy of praise for the cousin of current AFL Docker Andrew, former Demon Angus and ex-Eagle Hamish.

Freddy Brayshaw impressed during the Dragons’ round one win. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

“His game as a wingman was really good on the weekend,” Harding said of the 17-year-old.

“He’d round up lanes from a transition standpoint, but right from the start, I thought his speed and his pressure really stood out and set the tone for us early in the game.”

Brayshaw and Sandrigham will take on Eastern Ranges in a boys and girls double-header live and exclusive on Sunday from 11.30am.

The Old Haileybury product was among a band of contributors in the Dragons’ season opener – no less, small forward Ricky Theodoropoulos, who finished best afield.

After just missing out on Sandy’s grand final team last season, Theodoropoulos is no stranger to the level, first pulling on the under-18 jumper as a 16-year-old a couple of years ago.

“At 168cm, he plays low to the ground but he’s so clean … we talk to our small forwards about being able to impact the scoreboard, being clean at ground level and being able to put on defensive pressure, and I think we saw all of that from Ricky last week,” Harding said.

And there could be bigger things in store for the livewire according to the coach.

“The aim for him is to push towards a (Vic) Metro trial in the coming weeks.”

Newcomer Kayne Watt – described by Harding as a “man mountain” and lauded for his clean hands and kicking – bagged a leading three goals in his maiden showing.

He arrived at the Dragons after toiling away for Caulfield Grammar and Old Caulfield Grammarians.

“He’s only come into the program this year as a top-ager – he finished school at the end of last year so he’s an unusual one … he’s played footy for years but he’s a bit of a late developer,” Harding said.

“He came in this year off the back of a couple of recommendations from people that I really respect. His attitude, workrate and ethic have been first-class … I was really pleased for him to get the reward.”

Meanwhile, Rory Wright – lauded for his “beautiful” left-foot kick, attack and contested work – has made a seamless transition into the midfield this pre-season after previously plugging away on the wing and at half-back.

“For our guys, we obviously have pretty strong squads year on year, and for a number of our players as bottom-agers, we like to play guys we think could end up being midfielders more outside the square, to develop some outside contest craft and then go inside in their top-age year,” Harding said.

“Rory really fits that bill.”

Oliver Greeves will be key for the Eastern Ranges this weekend. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Eastern Ranges half-back Jordyn Allen. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

The Dragons’ boys this weekend face an Eastern Ranges outfit which edged the Northern Knights by three points in round one.

Blackburn talent Lachy Dovaston booted a crucial three goals in the Ranges’ narrow escape, while early draft fancy and midfielder Oliver Greeves – likened to Richmond draftee Josh Smillie – took the honours for best afield.

The Dragons and Ranges duke it out as the under-18 girls’ season kicks off – both squads flush with talent.

Dragons tall utility Sienna Sharp – appointed captain this season – is one to watch as a key forward this year, while vice-captain Macy Watkins is looking to follow a strong foundation set as a midfielder in 2024.

The dynamic duo will be pitted against Ranges’ captain Tayla McMillan, with the Wantirna South product touted for her elite contested-ball work.

A member of the National Academy, keep an eye on the gritty mid this season.

And expect a big campaign from line-breaking half-back Jordyn Allen – with the Ranges’ vice-captain set for more midfield time this year.