Charlie Hillier and Jemika Cooper have been selected in their respective under-18s squads, while Jerrah Caruso and Shaleah Cooper have been selected in the under-16s girls squad.
Australia’s premier AFL talent pathway has undergone its third rebrand launching the Coates Talent League.
Entering its 32nd year in 2023, the competition started as the Victorian State Football League (VSFL) in 1992, then most recognisably as the TAC cup, and most recent as the NAB League.
The competition expanded in 2017 to accommodate both boys and girls league’s.
It now hosts 12 Victorian regions and the Tasmania Devils as main clubs, five northern academies (GSW, Sydney Swans, Brisbane, Gold Coast and NT Thunder) will also participate for parts of the coming season.
Charlie has been under the watchful eye of scouts, especially after a break out season last year.
The under-17s futures game for NSW/ACT against Vic Country drew some focused and uplifting comments from prominent online draft site Central - Rookie Me.
“Hillier was one of the best watches on Sunday, with his run, carry and attacking instincts helping break the game open,” Central - Rookie Me published.
“From behind the ball and in midfield, he linked well by hand and backed in his speed to burn past opponents, producing some of Rams’ most exciting plays.
“His running third term major from the top of the centre square was a real highlight, proving Hillier’s eye for goal.”
As for his selection for season 2023, Charlie said he is “very happy to be selected after an interrupted pre-season.
“I was out for four months with a back injury and have only been at full training for the last three weeks,” he said.
“It will be a race to see if I’m fit for round one. It’s a long season so I am in no rush at the moment.
“The group we have is really good, everyone seems to be connected and I think we are going to be strong this year.
“It is a great achievement for the Cooper girls and Jerrah to be selected as well; I’m sure they will dominate this year.”
Jerrah and Shaleah will both be eligible to play under-18s for the Pioneers from round five this year.
“Both girls are excited and really love playing at Pioneer’s,” said Jerrah’s mum Kylee Caruso.
“They love their new coach Whitney Kennedy and are excited for the upcoming season that kicks off next weekend at Rumbalara against the Murray Bushrangers,” she said.
Jerrah went to Sydney on Friday to play for GWS against the Sydney Swans on Saturday morning.
“We played them last week as well in Canberra and we actually beat them which is a first I think,” Caruso continued.
“The Nationals are coming up in April and Jerrah is hoping to be selected.”
Jemika is no stranger to representative footy or playing for the Pioneers.
She made her debut in 2021 for the Pioneers and loves playing in such a high-quality competition.
“The girls are all excited to be continuing their football journey together and their futures look to be shining bright.”
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