Live stream: Eastern Ranges take on Sandringham Dragons in Coates Talent League double header

It’s three out of three for Sandringham now to kick off the new Coates League boys season ... but the day wasn’t a complete loss for the Ranges, who won the girls game. Relive all the action.

Sandringham Dragons rode a huge second quarter to a 19-point victory over the highly-rated Eastern Ranges to maintain their unbeaten start to the Coates Talent League boys season.

Scores were locked a 19-19 after a gripping opening quarter but the Dragons, who knocked off the Cannons and Chargers in their opening two games, burst out of the blocks in the second quarter and took a handy 26-point lead into halftime.

The Ranges were forced into playing catch-up for the entire second half. They closed to within 12 points towards the end, but a late goal reasserted the Dragons’ superiority.

Meanwhile, the Ranges opened their girls campaign wih a convincing 51-16 victory over the Dragons after leading 27-0 at halftime.

Sandringham Dragons v Eastern Ranges (girls) - AFL Coates Talent League Round 3

PREVIEW

Eastern Ranges talent manager Danny Ryan can’t help but pump up the importance of Saturday’s clash against the Sandringham Dragons.

“It’s an opportunity for some of the kids to elevate themselves in the thoughts of AFL clubs and recruiters,” he said.

The boys will go head-to-head from 11am before the girls take to the field at 1.30pm at RSEA Park.

The Ranges and Dragons boys clash is expected to draw plenty of attention from recruiters, with some of this year’s top AFL Draft prospects in action.

Eastern midfielders Christian Moraes and Josh Smillie are expected to go within the first several selections this year.

And they’ll go head-to-head with the likes of Levi Ashcroft, a Brisbane Lions father-son prospect, and Taj Hotton, who is coming off a four-goal performance.

Eastern Ranges midfielder Christian Moraes. Pic: Getty.

“It’s going to be a really high quality game of footy,” Ryan said.

“Christian and Josh are both dynamic midfielders who can go forward and kick a goal which is really important for us.

“Sandy obviously has some really talented players in the middle of the ground themselves, so it’s going to be a really exciting.

“I’m sure a few AFL clubs are going to be watching this weekend.”

Both sides will enter the clash with two wins to their names after a perfect opening fortnight.

The Ranges accounted for the Northern Knights by 56 points last weekend while the Dragons ran out 52-point winners against Oakleigh Chargers.

Josh Smillie is expected to be selected early in this year’s AFL Draft. Pic: Getty.

Rising star Grace Belloni.

“It’s usually a high quality contest between both sides,” Ryan said.

“With no school footy on yet, both teams will be close to full strength which is pretty exciting.”

In the girls game, Eastern and Sandringham will both be looking to get their seasons off to a perfect start, although both sides will be missing key personnel due to the AFL Academy and Under-23 All Stars contest at Ikon Park.

Grace Baba, Grace Belloni and Georgie Brisbane have been selected out of the Ranges program.

Sophie McKay and Kera Galaminda-Gellar will represent the Dragons.

“It’s a great opportunity for those who have been picked,” Ryan said.

“We think our girls side can be right towards the top of the ladder again this season, we’ve put together a really exciting group.”