Eastern Ranges saluted in the 2025 Coates Talent League grand final.
It's the club's third boys premiership and first since 2013, with the Ranges completing the Talent League double after their girls had a comprehensive victory over Dandenong Stingrays earlier in the day.
The Ranges defeated back-to-back-to-back premiers Sandringham Dragons at Ikon Park on Saturday 13.5(83) to 10.8(68) in a high quality game of footy.
Trailing by seven points at three quarter time, the Ranges kicked the only four goals of the last quarter to overrun the Dragons.
Top-10 prospect Xavier Taylor was named best on ground, while fellow first round prospects Sullivan Robey, Lachy Dovaston, Ollie Greeves, Oskar Taylor and Kye Fincher were in action.
Below are notes on some of the game's strongest performers.
Eastern Ranges
Blake Chambers
29 disposals, seven marks
A surprise packet of the day, Taylor ran hard and was effective in transition, using the size of the ground to his advantage. Had the first shot on goal of the day thanks to a shrewd forward half intercept and continued to run effective patterns both ways.
Lachy Dovaston
24 disposals, two goals
Played the sixth role expertly throughout, getting high up the ground to provide cover, a bail out kick and extra number where needed. Won a holding the ball free kick and converted from 50 when his team needed a spark in the second quarter, and got another goal shortly thereafter. Has an innate way of getting his team up and about with his energy, and did so several times during the grand final. His effective kicking, power in traffic and repeat running efforts were other standouts of a complete afternoon.
Jos Landy
25 disposals, one goal
An oldschool, hard-nosed contested bull, Landy had an enormous impact, helping the Ranges win the midfield battle at crucial times with his clean hands and toughness helping to free up powerful, offensive running types. Arguably kicked the sealing goal which showcased the power he gets through his hips and execution in traffic. A little known member of the lineup, his top five polling in the Morrish Medal underlines his consistency in the midfield, using his strong frame to great effect.
Zac Antonellos
17 disposals, three goals
One of many great stories in the Eastern Ranges premiership side, Antonellos was initially viewed as unlikely to play Coates League in 2025 due to a syndesmosis injury, but ended up being an important but unheralded member of the flag-winning team. Clean at ground level, an effective forward 50 kick and hard running, Antonellos found another gear on the big stage and arguably kicked the sealer in the last quarter. Looks a promising winger/forward type for next year after being part of Vic Metro's U16s side last year.
Xavier Taylor
25 disposals, 15 marks
A game which represented a microcosm of everything Taylor has done in 2025. Took a jaw-dropping 15 marks, acting as a general across halfback, cutting off hack kicks forward and cutting angles to be the third man up to intercept. Also won multiple holding the ball free kicks, highlighting his aggression and, most impressively, was his aggression and dare with ball in hand. Looked corridor with his ball use all day and hit his targets time after time. Is a bona fide prospect.
Oskar Taylor
19 disposals, four marks
Had an enormous start to the game, registering seven disposals in the first five minutes, putting himself in dangerous positions to aggressively counterattack. While he did get a touch quieter as the match wore on, he continued to prove hard to beat one on one, closing down space well and cleverly preventing his opponents from getting away once nullifying one-on-one aerial contests.
Ollie Greeves
24 disposals, one goal
A dribbling goal late in the second quarter was a brilliant footnote to Greeves' junior career. Didn't rush or panic with ball in hand, using his strength to brush off opponents, assess his options and make the right decisions. Was a consistent member of Eastern's midfield all day.
Andy Barker
17 disposals, six marks
It was a game characterised by some enormous moments by the talismanic Eastern Ranges skipper. Barker took an important intercept mark early in the first quarter on the last line of defence, and then a triple effort on the goal line late in the last quarter single-handedly prevented Sandringham from closing to within a goal. Was typically sturdy and difficult to beat in one-on-ones in between that.
Sullivan Robey
13 disposals, four goals
His volume was lower than it has been in previous weeks but he still showed the same level of class when he had the ball in his hands. Won a big one-on-one contest and kicked Eastern Ranges' first goal via a tough set shot from distance, and followed it up shortly after by getting himself goalside on transition. Took strong marks, oozed class when given space and rotated between the midfield and attack throughout the day. The kicker? He's been playing through a cracked collarbone in the past fortnight – yet has continued to produce unbelievable footy. It highlights his hardness which complements his powerful skills.
Sandringham Dragons
Jack Dalton
23 disposals, nine tackles
Dalton has found another level late in 2025 and again hit that high benchmark on Saturday. Alongside his sensational running power, Dalton kicked the ball excellently and made smart decisions, knowing when to slow the game down and went to go quickly. His defensive application was also important, helping out in defence on multiple occasions and laying some important tackles at stoppage.
Rory Wright
22 disposals, seven marks
Capped off an excellent finals series with another great showing off halfback. His intercept marking was at its best, reading the game to position himself smartly and using his kicking to set the game up. Sandringham had two clear runs throughout the game and he was decisive to both.
Gus Teixeira
16 disposals, one goal
A set shot goal on the boundary from 50 metres out was the high point of an impressive day for the classy bottom-ager. Has earned midfield minutes in the last six weeks of the season, and he showcased his ability to accelerate through traffic and use his power and strength in marking contests throughout Saturday. Has composure with ball in hand and made the right decisions.
Willis Reidy
9 disposals, 4 goals
The third quarter on Saturday belonged to Willis Reidy. The dynamic livewire kicked three of Sandringham's goals to fire them to a three quarter time lead and showcase his exciting skillset on the big stage. A dribbling goal from the boundary was the highlight of the entire day, and exemplified Reidy's deep bag of tricks. Plays his role well, has athleticism and protects the drop zone nicely allowing him to be a deceptive aerial threat despite his small stature.
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