Jonty Ralphsmith
Sports Journalist at Star News Group (Australia)
Sports Journo @ Star News | Craft of the Draft | Peninsula Grammar 2021 alumni | Former Frankston Dolphins and Sandy Dragons media
Articles
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1 week ago |
zerohanger.com | Jonty Ralphsmith
Oakleigh midfielder Sam Grlj has emerged as a top 10 prospect early in the Coates Talent League season. The smooth-mover has taken his opportunity in the engine room this season after biding his time off half-back last year given the strength of Oakleigh's midfield. A high-impact player, he has averaged 21 disposals and four tackles across the first three rounds. “He's always had elite habits so he doesn't have to invent anything new,” Chargers coach Ash Close told Craft of the Draft.
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1 week ago |
zerohanger.com | Jonty Ralphsmith
Collingwood Next Generation Academy prospects Zac McCarthy and Jai Saxena have put themselves on the map following a strong start to the Coates Talent League season. McCarthy, a 197cm forward, shapes as a first-round selection, having shown his athleticism, mobility and marking capabilities early in the season. He was one of Oakleigh's most noted players across pre-season and after missing Round 1 with hamstring awareness, and has since shown his potential.
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1 week ago |
zerohanger.com | Jonty Ralphsmith
It was a massive weekend of talent pathways footy, with Mid-Season prospects making their draft case, Northern Academy players building into strong form and a Geelong Next Generation Academy prospect playing a breakout game. There was also a full round of Coates Talent League footy, with all the talking points below.
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1 week ago |
zerohanger.com | Jonty Ralphsmith
The Bendigo Pioneers have unearthed an exciting utility early in 2025, while two 19-year-olds have shown marked improvement as they seek draft selection as mature-aged players. The talent pathway region, which spans the vast northwest of the state, had four players drafted last year, with Hunter Wright looking likely to follow in their footsteps. Wright's form, which has him averaging 20 disposals and almost two goals per game, is reward for a monstrous pre-season.
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1 week ago |
zerohanger.com | Jonty Ralphsmith
Sandringham Dragons key forward Archie Ludowyke has started his season in red-hot form, backing up a five-goal season opener with a five-goal AFL Academy series. A member of Vic Metro's U18s squad in 2024, Ludowyke is viewed as one of the leading key forwards in the 2025 draft crop. Dragons coach Rob Harding praised the mobile 197cm tall's consistency so far in 2025, ahead of the APS season where he will suit up for Brighton Grammar.
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RT @JeffWhite34: A few highlights of Kalani from the weekend — no clue where that leap comes from! 🤔 https://t.co/DjZSHEqsCa
Anyone need a 198cm 20yo forward? Subiaco’s Archie May shapes as a roughie to watch at the Mid-Season Draft, with clubs closely monitoring him last week before a four goal haul yesterday. Has received mild interest in recent years during his time at Sandy Dragons + Richmond VFL.
“He's always had elite habits so he doesn't have to invent anything new.” There’s a little bit of Finn O’Sullivan about the way Oakleigh midfielder Sam Grlj plays. An overview of all the impressive players from U18s powerhouse Oakleigh ⬇️ https://t.co/aebfkm1xho
