Colby McKercher wins Coates Talent League best and fairest

The AFL draft stocks of a Tasmanian player continue to rise following another big achievement on Wednesday night.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 09: Colby McKercher of the Allies in action during the 2023 AFL National Championships match between Vic Country and the Allies at RSEA Park on July 09, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL draft stocks of Tasmania Devils midfielder Colby McKercher continue to rise with the 18 year-old becoming the second Tasmanian in as many years to win the Morrish Medal.

Awarded to the best player in the national under 18 Coates Talent League, McKercher tied with Geelong Falcons midfielder Patrick Hughes on 18 votes with the medal shared between two players for the third consecutive year.

Tasmania Devils midfielder Colby McKercher won the Coates Talent League best and fairest award on Wednesday night. Picture: Chris Kidd

McKercher’s win follows that of former Tasmania Devils player Lachie Cowan who won the medal last year before being drafted by Carlton with pick 30 in the 2022 AFL National Draft.

Fellow Tasmanian Luke Shackleton also won the award back in 2002.

McKercher, who is widely tipped to go inside the top five at this year’s national draft, played just eight games in the Talent League due to Allies commitments and a late season foot injury, averaging 31 disposals and kicking 11 goals for the season.

The achievement all the more remarkable given he polled in all but one of his eight games.

Despite finishing the season as minor premiers, the Devils year ended last Sunday with a 40-point loss to the Eastern Rangers in the preliminary final.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 17: James Leake was named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year after a terrific season. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

It was the second straight year the Devils had gotten to the penultimate game of the season but failed to secure a win and a grand final appearance.

It was a highly successful night at the Talent League awards with both McKercher and fellow Launceston product James Leake named in the boys’ team of the year while Mackenzie Williams and Georgia Clark were selected in the girls’ team of the year.