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The top draft hopefuls at the Eastern Ranges in 2025
Andrew Slevison & James Pitcher • April 6th, 2025 11:00 am
The Eastern Ranges have a handful of players likely to be in draft contention in 2025.
After having three players drafted in 2024 - Josh Smillie, Christian Moraes and Cody Anderson - there are several names to consider for draft watchers in the early stages of the Coates Talent League season.
Ranges coach Lauren Morecroft is liking what she is seeing from Charlie Sizer who stepped up late last season after impressing for Warrandyte seniors in the EFNL.
“We’ve got a guy, Charlie Sizer, that we picked up late last year,” Morecroft said on SEN’s Future Stars.
“We hadn’t seen him before, he was kicking bags of goals at Warrandyte seniors as a 16-year-old.
“We’ve got him into the program and he’s a hybrid type forward, a left-footer. He kicked four the week before in the practice game.
“He’s definitely one to watch. I think he’ll trial for (Vic) Metro. He’s got some exciting traits.”
Blake Chambers is another Ranges player who Morecroft expects to push himself into draft calculations.
He had 21 disposals, nine marks, five rebound 50s and three inside 50s in last weekend’s Round 1 win over the Northern Knights.
“Another one is Blake Chambers on the wing,” he added.
“A silky kick who is a half-back/wing type. He’s a really nice mover with the footy who makes good decisions.
“There’s a couple in each line. It’s always an interesting time of year, one game in you never know.
“But I think those two are good to watch.”
The Ranges take on the powerful Sandringham Dragons at RSEA Park in Round 2 this Sunday.
For a snapshot of the key Eastern Ranges kids in 2025, read below.
Oliver Greeves
AFL Academy & Vic Metro hub member – A big inside mid who has been one of the more dominant juniors to come through the pathways. Named as captain of Eastern Ranges this year, he will split his time between Eastern and Caulfield Grammar. Extremely strong in the contest, Oli will look to win some more ball on the outside this season to show another side to his game
AFL Academy & Vic Metro hub member – A big inside mid who has been one of the more dominant juniors to come through the pathways. Named as captain of Eastern Ranges this year, he will split his time between Eastern and Caulfield Grammar. Extremely strong in the contest, Oli will look to win some more ball on the outside this season to show another side to his game
Lachy DovastonVic Metro hub member – Lachy could potentially be the next Nick Watson. Damaging around goal with great forward nous, Lachy was used in a variety of positions last season including off the half-back line in his 15 appearances for Eastern last season, further developing his game. However, Round 1 against Northern Knights in a close win he played much of the game as a deep forward, finishing with three goals.
Andrew BarkerVic Metro hub member – Andrew has looked to come back in 2025 bigger and stronger after a massive pre-season. An in-between size at 191cm, he was regularly matched up on bigger opponents last year as a bottom age in his 16 appearances. Calm under pressure, he could be a defender to follow this season.
Xavier TaylorVic Metro hub member – A versatile defender who can play on smalls and talls, he has worked hard in the pre-season on his kicking and decision making. Xavier was another player who got great exposure as a bottom ager last season, playing 15 games for Eastern.
Charlie SizerA player to watch this season after a dominant season for Warrandyte, regularly kicking bags for their senior team as a 16-year-old. Only a handful of games last year for Eastern, but his pre-season form has been good and he will push his claims for a Vic Metro spot..
Blake Chambers
A silky wing/half-back with enormous work rate. Blake isn’t in any of the hubs at this stage but will be pressing for Vic Metro selection.
A silky wing/half-back with enormous work rate. Blake isn’t in any of the hubs at this stage but will be pressing for Vic Metro selection.
Bottom age players to follow:• Jordan Knapp• Beau Garrett• Will Waller
