Last weekend was a huge one for some of the top AFL draft prospects as they put up some video-game numbers in round 18 of the Coates Talent League.
There is just one round left in the season and while the focus shifts to the draft for some, there are a lot of players eyeing-off some success in the finals. There were plenty of standout performances from the weekend, whether it was big bags of goals or players racking up 40 plus disposals, there were eye-catching performances everywhere. These performances definitely didn’t make the Richmond recruiting manager’s job any easier as numerous players continue to push their case to be the No.1 selection in the 2024 draft.
Oakleigh Chargers captain Jagga Smith collected 42 disposals in his side’s 13-point loss to the GWV Rebels to go with his games of 40 and 50 in the two games prior. Smith also had seven marks and a goal in a bid to get his team over the line, but it wasn’t enough. A three-game average of 44 disposals has got to be some sort of record for the ball magnet who seems to reiterate every single week that he deserves the No.1 pick. It doesn’t matter whether he is playing against AFL listed players in the VFL or against kids in the Coates Talent League, he doesn’t have any trouble getting leather poisoning every week. Chargers’ teammate Tom Gross who is projected to be drafted around the end of the first round was good with 26 disposals and a goal while top 10 prospect from the Rebels Sam Lalor was solid with 22 disposals and eight marks. One of the most highly touted key forwards this year, Jonty Faull kicked 1.2 from his 12 disposals. But it was Rebels forward Ollie Hannaford who owned the game kicking five goals from his 14 disposals, the medium forward would’ve turned a few heads during this electric display.
Sandringham Dragons remain on top of the ladder after a comfortable 43-point win over Geelong Falcons. Levi Ashcroft would have to almost be a lock for No.1 if he wasn’t tied to Brisbane as a father-son prospect. The Dragons captain backed up last week’s impressive VFL debut with a season-best performance of 46 disposals, seven marks and seven inside 50s. However, he wasn’t the only Sandringham player to absolutely stuff the stat sheet, as Murphy Reid (39 disposals, six marks) and Luke Trainor (33 disposals, 10 marks) also had the ball on a string. Key forward Harry Armstrong is known for his impact and while he didn’t have his kicking boots on with 1.3 in front of goal, he still took five marks and showed good promise. It is no surprise that Sandy have been a formidable side this year when you look at how much top-end talent they have from this year’s draft. They have potential top-10 picks all over the ground. This includes the best defender in the draft Luke Trainor, the best key forward Harry Armstrong and two of the best midfielders in Levi Ashcroft and Murphy Reid. Other top-30 prospects Sam Marshall (21 disposals) and Harrison Oliver (19 disposals, one goal) were solid for Sandringham. Falcons’ midfielder Xavier Ivisic was a shining light for Geelong collecting 22 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in a very complete performance. Ivisic significantly boosted his draft stocks after a strong campaign at the U18 championships for Vic Country and continues to rise in projections.
Considered one of the better defenders in the draft crop, Calder Cannons big man Harry O’Farrell made a return from injury and was used effectively but in a different role. He was dynamic in the forward line but poor kicking cost him a big haul as the 196cm defender kicked 2.4 from his 10 touches. Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Elwood Peckett had 21 disposals and five inside 50s after he returned to the league after representing Sandringham Zebras in the VFL the week prior. The Stingrays were too good for the Cannons who are currently without forward livewire Isaac Kako due to injury.
Gippsland Power held off a last quarter resurgence from Northern Knights to take home the win by nine points. Max Stobie continued his consistent season for the winning side with a season-high 30 disposals, two goals and seven inside 50s, while Xavier Lindsay was solid with 17 disposals and five tackles. Alix Tauru is a genuine utility with the ability to play defence (his natural position), midfield or even creep forward, and that is exactly what he did with conviction. The 193cm youngster kicked three goals from his 13 disposals to ensure his team got over the line. On the other side of the ledger was Jesse Datoli who booted three majors from 17 disposals, the midfielder/forward has kicked eight goals in his four games this season and finds plenty of the ball. Zak Johnson (24 disposals, one goal) is another player for the Knights who has had a super consistent season averaging 27 disposals per game.
It was the Murray Bushrangers who took home the biggest win of the round as the Whitlock twins combined for nine goals and 11 marks to thump the Western Jets by 94 points. Jack (17 disposals, five goals) and Matt (14 disposals, four goals) are a two-headed beast down at the Bushrangers and cause nightmares for defenders. You can definitely sense the twins will be a huge addition to the AFL as the next brother combination accompanying the likes of Max and Ben King, as well as Harry and Ben McKay. Josh Murphy is another huge weapon in the Bushrangers’ forward line as he booted six majors, the 17-year-old has kicked an incredible 30.10 in the CTL this year including three hauls of six. While he hasn’t been talked about too much, he must be on the radar for a number of clubs with lower picks. Highly rated small forward Joe Berry (11 disposals, one goal) didn’t have his biggest game of the year but still managed to have an impact. Western Jets’ shining light for lots of the season has been 2025 father-son prospect Thomas McGuane, son of Mick. He was one of his side’s best players again as he collected 28 disposals and six marks.
Round 19 is approaching this week and will be the last of the home and away season with a number of sides fighting to jump a couple spots on the ladder before finals action kicks off. Sandringham Dragons will be looking to complete the three-peat as the other sides search for a way to stop the reigning premiers.
Around the Grounds - VFL, SANFL, WAFL
Dandenong Stingrays star midfielder Harvey Langford made his VFL debut with Richmond at the weekend helping the side to a crucial nine-point victory over Carlton to secure a spot in the finals. He had just the 12 disposals but made things happen and looked exciting when he got the ball. His exquisite ball use is a prominent feature of his game with his lethal left foot able to find a target on all occasions. Having eight inside 50s out of his 12 touches showed how damaging he was across half forward. Without setting the world on fire, he definitely showed some positive signs and glimpses that clubs will be impressed by.
Tobie Travaglia continues to shoot up the draft order and last weekend’s game where he represented Carlton would’ve only helped his first-round prospects. He had 22 disposals and managed to generate some great movement off half-back. His size makes him an exciting utility in any side and his ability to break the lines and run all day makes him a tough match-up. Having nine intercept possessions and seven score involvements shows you just how good he was, while using it at an elite percentage of 86.
There were a number of 2024 prospects in action for the Bombers as Noah Caracella (11 disposals) and Jayden Nguyen (16 disposals, one goal) both made their debuts. Calder Cannons livewire Isaac Kako missed the opportunity to debut with them after undergoing surgery for a syndesmosis ankle injury. Jobe Shanahan was the best of the performers for the Dons kicking five goals against Coburg, as well as taking four marks – he makes it 11.3 from his three matches at VFL level. This impressive output is sure to see his stocks rise and he now looms as a potential 10-15 pick after he was previously ranked in the 20s. There will definitely be plenty of people who fancy Shanahan over Armstrong as the best key forward in the draft.
Christian Moraes has been tearing it up Eastern Ranges this season and started the year looming as a potential No.1 pick. He has had a good season, but his outside run and uncontested nature have probably seen him drop in the rankings more than expected. In saying that he will be a massive steal if a side is to get him around the 15-25 mark. The youngster played his first game at VFL level with Box Hill Hawks collecting 10 disposals and two score involvements. Lucca Grego (Western Jets) played his second match for Williamstown putting up 10 disposals and a goal.
Leo Lombard is a player that the Suns will be excited about having in their academy, the mature-bodied midfielder has dominated at VFL level for a couple of years now and had another solid game as his side thumped Casey on the weekend. He finished with 14 disposals and three clearances. While undersized forward and father-son prospect for the Crows, Tyler Welsh had his best game of the season booting five goals against Port Adelaide in the SANFL. Sid Draper would be the first name called if an Adelaide team had the first pick and has shown that he is ready to make an instant impact at AFL level. He had 23 disposals and six clearances for South Adelaide last weekend. Bo Allan (10 disposals) and Malakai Champion (seven disposals) also played senior football again for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
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