Collingwood father-son prospect Tom McGuane has franked his status as a potential top 20 selection across the early part of the Coates Talent League season.
The Western Jets midfielder has averaged a league-high 34 disposals across his three games, to go with five marks and three tackles, with his stoppage dominance and hard running particularly standing out.
Touted by some as a potential top-10 selection in an open draft, the Pies will get priority access given his Dad, premiership Pie Mick, played more than 100 games for the club.
The Pies links have created a fanfare around McGuane, which first-year Jets coach Christian Stagliano says isn't reflected in his character.
“If you didn't know, you wouldn't know,” Stagliano told Zero Hanger's Craft of the Draft of how the teenager has handled the hype. “He's a really impressive young man.
“His demeanour and attitude stands out: he's a happy, happy man, he always brings great energy to the group.
“His work ethic and footy IQ is second to none and incredibly impressive.
“He works really hard and works on his craft and is easy to work with.
“Everyone is better for him being around the group. He rocks up and as soon as he sees you he has a grin from ear to ear.”
McGuane is well complemented in the midfield by AFL Academy member Tom Burton, whose 33 disposals is bettered only by McGuane and Gold Coast Academy's Beau Addinsall.
The skipper of the Jets, Burton has long been noted for his diligent preparation, and finished his studies at Caulfield Grammar last year, enabling him to fully focus on his footy in 2025.
Traditionally a half-back, Burton has thrived around the contest this season despite a slightly injury-interrupted summer.
“He's setting himself up for a great season and has improved every time he has stepped onto the park,” Stagliano said.
“We're lucky to have him all year effectively.
“He's our skipper and leadership is another area where his growth has been amazing since he's been back in full training.
“The support he's shown for his teammates has been outstanding in a young team.
“Watching vision with him, he's drawing other guys in and trying to teach them and help guys out with their positioning, I can't speak highly enough of him in that space.
“He's quick, super fit, strong, he runs with the ball.”
Western's other Vic Metro squad member is key defender Jacob Marron, whose status among draft watchers has risen quickly in 2025.
Marron kept AFL Academy forward Archie Ludowyke to six disposals and one goal in Round 1, with Ludowyke having gone onto kick multiple goals in every subsequent game.
He also locked down Dandenong Stingrays forward Tairon Ah-Mu in a recent school game between Wesley College and Haileybury, while he also showed he could play forward at stages during that game.
“He competes strongly, is a strong aerial presence, he's able to take marks and he gets it right when to mark, when to spoil," Stagliano said.
“He's got a really competitive underbelly and ball in hand, he's a good user and makes smart decisions.
“He's one of those guys you can't help but admire and respect, he just goes about his business and always has a smile on his face.”
Defender Finn Davis, meanwhile, is in the training squad, having played only one game in 2025 due to groin and hip injuries, after being part of the Metro summer hub.
“He'll play off half-back and we want him to run with the footy and carry and he'll provide some excitement,” Stagliano said.
Developing tall Ayden McCarroll, meanwhile, is on the radar of multiple clubs ahead of the Mid-Season Draft, with his size at 209cm, mobility and aerial presence all attractive attributes.
Turning 20 this year, the Jets were given an exemption for him to return given his rawness, and the AFL interest that came following a four-goal haul against Eastern Ranges last year.
“He worked hard over summer on his fitness and body strength,” Stagliano said.
“The big thing for Ayden is that he's spent a lot of time forward but we'll expose him in the ruck too.
“He kicks the ball beautifully well for a guy his size, he's an unbelievable field kick and he's shown he can definitely mark a ball.”
Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy and Hawthorn father-son prospect Kobe Williams is another who's started the season strongly after a strong summer.
Viewed as a halfback entering 2025, he took his opportunity to play midfield in a practice and has carried his irresistible form into the season proper.
“He's had a super summer, worked really hard and his leadership stood out with how he engaged others.
“His work around stoppage stood out which is real reward for effort with his mid stuff.
“The way he adapted and accepted the role really stood out and his demeanour is fantastic.”
Macauli Buck is another to keep an eye on as a “competitive” ruck option having earned a Vic Metro trial, while U16s 2024 Vic Metro MVP Lachie Hicks and small forward Khaled El Souki lead the way among bottom-agers.
Hicks will spend the middle part of the year representing Wesley College, but will be given midfield opportunities during his time at the Jets.
“He's a super runner, great endurance, great speed and really strong overhead so we're rapt we were able to get him in the midfield before he went to Wesley,” Stagliano said.
“He's a strong competitor and transitions really well.
“I think his marking ability for a mid is quite rare.”
El Souki, another Dogs NGA prospect, had a breakout 31-disposal game against Northern Territory, helping his team seal victory in a tight game in Darwin.
It came after he scored five goals in his first three games at Coates League level.
“He's super competitive, has great balance inside 50, provides high defensive pressure, is super strong overhead and he's shown he's clever around goal,” the coach said.
The Jets are next in action against GWV on Sunday, May 25 at Mars Stadium.
