He’s seen a plethora of great players across several leagues.

When it comes to professionalism, one player stands head and shoulders above the rest – Storm skipper Kallen Geary.

“I’ve never played with such a professional athlete in my whole career,’’ Coates said of the Storm’s captain.

“His running ability, not just his speed, but his aerobic capacity is something I’ve never seen in country footy.

“He’s a special player and it’s not until you play with the guy that you realise how good he is.”

Geary dominated the preliminary final against Sandhurst last Saturday.

His best on ground performance came on the back of missing the second semi-final because of injury.

“Kal could have played in the second semi-final, but he’s a very selfless guy… and he made the call not to play,’’ Coates said.

Kallen and his older brother Shannon are two players Eaglehawk will watch closely in the grand final.

Despite being in the veteran class these days, Shannon Geary is arguably having his best season with the Storm.

“We’ve found a new spot for Shannon down back this year and it’s given him a new lease on life,’’ Coates said.

“He’s trained really hard, done a lot of extra work away from the club and his body is probably in the best shape it’s been for a few years.

“He’d probably be in the top three or four in our best and fairest. He’s had a great year”