With the AFLW Academy games done and dusted, the TAC Cup Girls sides have plenty of players available for selection going into round six, making way for several changes to their line-ups. The Western Jets claimed a big scalp, knocking off the undefeated Eastern Ranges and will be hoping to bring that form into the current round. Meanwhile, the Dandenong Stingrays are still on the hunt for their first win of the 2018 season. Up the other end of the ladder, the Geelong Falcons and Northern Knights remain unbeaten sitting first and second and will be bolstered by the return of some of their key players.

GEELONG FALCONS v. EASTERN RANGES

Round 6 – Saturday 21 April, 12.45pm
McDonald Reserve, Belmont

This match up could prove to be one of the biggest games of the round with the Falcons sitting pretty at the top of the ladder and the Ranges in third. The two teams are littered with classy players across the field who ooze footy smarts and good ball use.

The Eastern Ranges defence will be bolstered with the return of defenders Abbey Tognazzini and Ashleigh Allsopp who were sorely missed in the previous round. They both offer great composure and strength down back for the Ranges and work well together to shut down their opponents. Co-captain Emerson Woods will also be set to return as well as midfielder/forward Olivia Meagher who wins plenty of footy across the ground. However the loss of Georgia Macpherson is a tough one.

With the Geelong Falcons still boasting an unbeaten record, they have only made a few changes to their line-up to take on the Eastern Ranges. Geelong will see the return of Olivia Purcell and Nina Morrison who are contested ball winners and are clean in and around the stoppages. The Falcons will also recall Lucy McEvoy to the midfield, but Tarryn Love will miss the game after an injury late in their last match.

Geelong Falcons

B: 38. S. Dinneen, 37. A. Chapman, 22. K. Haustorfer
HB: 33. M. Sheppard, 35. S. Hungerford, 28. D. Taylor
C: 18. N.  Morrison, 11. L.  Lesosky-Hay, 36. S.  Walmsley
HF: 10. S. Atkins, 42. S. DeGiacomi, 27. M. Skinner
F: 6. P. Sheppard, 39. R. Tierney, 2. E. Vella
R: 34. Z. Inei, 24. L. McEvoy, 7. O. Purcell
Int: 15. J. Devarakonda, 16. L. Gardiner, 21. D. Smith, 4. B. Thompson
Emg: 5. J. Dover, 29. L. Ryan, 40. E. Shannon

In: N. Morrison, L. McEvoy, D. Taylor, J. Dover, O. Purcell, E. Shannon
Out: E. Lawson,  E. Allan,  T. Love,  S. Milsome

Eastern Ranges

B: 11. M. Edwards, 43. A. Tognazzini, 50. S. Zappia
HB: 18. A. Allsopp, 49. C. Wilson, 48. L. Szigeti
C: 8. C.  Delbridge, 21. M.  Cann, 41. J.  Richardson
HF: 38. L. McClelland, 40. T. Merrett, 3. E. Woods
F: 22. C. Chamberlain, 28. L. Kelly, 47. J. Provan
R: 46. S. Kendall, 39. O. Meagher, 10. N. Cormack
Int: 35. B. Cubitt, 6. G. De Angelis, 51. J. McCormick, 15. J. Torney
Emg: 34. S. Bowden, 17. M. Kendall, 23. C. Smith, 42. M. Taverna

In: A. Allsopp, C. Chamberlain, S. Bowden, J. Provan, M. Edwards, T. Merrett, A. Tognazzini, O. Meagher, E. Woods
Out: G. Macpherson, E. Horne, I. Ball, M. Wandin, J. Grace, P. Buruma

GIPPSLAND POWER v. NORTHERN KNIGHTS 

Round 6 – Saturday 21 April, 3.15pm
Morwell Football Ground, Morwell

The Northern Knights dominated once again last week even with the absence of key players keeping their undefeated run in-tact. The Power will be full of confidence after a good win over Bendigo last week making for an intriguing contest.

The Knights will be pleased to see the likes of midfield star Gabby Newton back out on the field while key forward Gulia Ceravolo is set to play against the Power after they both missed round five. However the in-form Ellie McKenzie and talented Neve O’Connor and Ciara Fitzgerald will all miss the match.

The midfield battle will be one to keep an eye on with the likes of Tyla Hanks returning for the Power up against the midfield trio of Newton, Maddy Brancatisano and Alyssa Bennett who are important onballers for the Knights. Gippsland will also the return of Leila Raymond and Caitlyn Beale who are vital to the Power’s line-up as they offer a good contest around the footy.

Gippsland Power

B: 47. E. Cornish , 45. L. Van Berkel, 17. S. Trewin
HB: 8. C. Abrahams, 65. J. Redmond, 6. E. Haeusler
C: 1. E.  Jones, 57. J.  Ferguson, 30. A.  Rippon
HF: 13. H. Andrews, 32. C. Bird, 12. M. Fitzsimon
F: 29. C. Bray, 27. N. Webber, 10. T. Dower
R: 58. A. Dunn, 28. T. Hanks, 49. M. Shaw
Int: 59. C. Beale, 7. L. Raymond , 4. J. Ross, 9. T. Whitehead
Emg: 2. S. Beaton, 11. S. Walker, 60. E. Williams

In: C. Bird, S. Walker, C. Beale, T. Hanks, L. Raymond
Out: H. Balmer,  M. Van Berkel

Northern Knights 

B: 27. P. Kearney, 32. A. Snow, 20. J. McCarthy
HB: 10. P. Chisholm, 18. S. Sansonetti, 12. O. Dikranis
C: 9. M.  Chaplin, 5. M.  Brancatisano, 2. M.  Jarvis
HF: 6. A. Bannan, 31. T. Shell, 8. G. Ceravolo
F: 1. M. Antypas, 24. A. Pronesti, 3. N. Morris-Dalton
R: 26. E. Clayton, 22. B. Gutknecht, 23. G. Newton
Int: 7. A. Bennett, 33. T. Curavic, 16. T. Manson, 13. M. Suzuki
Emg: 25. T. Mills, 30. M. Rodezno     

In: G. Ceravolo, E. Clayton, T. Curavic, G. Newton, T. Manson
Out: E. McKenzie, N. O’Connor, C. Fitzgerald

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS v. SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 

Round 6 – Saturday 21 April, 3.30pm
Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta

The Dragons will be hoping to continue their impressive form again this week against the Murray Bushrangers who will be boosted with the return of key players across the ground. Suffering a loss to the Falcons last week the Bushrangers will be searching to keep their finals hope alive with a big win against the Dragons. Sandringham and Murray have both recorded the same number of wins making for a highly contested match with both teams evenly poised across the ground.

The inclusion of gun midfielder Rebecca Webster will provide the Bushrangers with some composure with ball in hand. Webster has a great ability to read the play and is vital throughout the middle of the ground for Murray. The return of Millie Brown for Murray will provide a target up forward with her strong hands and accuracy in front of goal. The Bushrangers will be without Eloise Ashley-Cooper and Chelsea Knight who both provide good run and carry for the team.  

Sandringham have gone in with a relatively unchanged line-up but have the likes of Taylah Grasso and Grace Bridges as emergencies. Both players have strong hands and provide composure down back for the Dragons. The strong form of Sandringham lately means the Dragons will go in confident, but will need to be at their best to topple the Bushrangers.

Murray Bushrangers

B: 21. C. Boschetti, 39. H. Doohan, 32. N. Watts
HB: 8. O. Hall, 42. G. Egan, 26. E. Nicholson
C: 31. S.  Locke, 17. R.  Webster, 33. M.  Trethowan
HF: 19. M. Brown, 6. K. Adams, 1. J. Harvey
F: 37. S. Damon, 34. E. McPherson, 5. C. Hargreaves
R: 43. T. Verhoeven, 22. T. Smith, 36. C. Mckimmie
Int: 11. A. Chessor, 3. P. Crelley, 10. G. Kelly, 20. R. Winiata

In: R. Winiata, G. Kelly, R. Webster, T. Verhoeven, C. Hargreaves, P. Crelley, C. Boschetti, M. Brown
Out: Z. Spencer,  C. Knight,  E. Freeman,  E. Balaburov,  M. Cook,  M. Jones,  M. Eze,  E. Hibble

Sandringham Dragons

B: 31. B. Arnold, 60. G. Strangio, 13. D. Walker
HB: 23. C. Bowen, 32. S. Hartwig, 65. C. Saultry
C: 30. E.  Brown, 43. A.  McKay, 5. J.  Tait
HF: 50. H. Bate, 56. G. Emberton, 25. I. Eddey
F: 49. L. Amelung, 3. S. Rothfield, 1. M. Wilson
R: 20. A. Dalley, 36. J. Owen, 64. E. McNamara
Int: 46. A. Burke, 33. M. Denahy Maloney, 2. W. Laing, 39. M. Purcell
Emg: 58. G. Bridges, 24. T. Grasso, 42. R. Woods

In: T. Grasso, R. Woods, G. Bridges

GREATER WESTERN VICTORIA REBELS v. CALDER CANNONS

Round 6 – Sunday 22 April, 11.30am
MARS Stadium, Ballarat

After a disappointing game against the Dragons in round five, the Calder Cannons will be looking to get back into the winners books with the return of some key players. The Rebels have also rung in the changes, making seven changes to their line-up.

The Cannons will be pleased to see the return of star midfield duo Madison Prespakis and Georgia Patrikios who win plenty of the footy and are smooth operators. Their ability to win the ball at ground level helps to propel their team forward. Molly Warbuton has also been named for the Cannons after playing in the AFLW Academy game and will be a good addition both in the centre of the ground and down back in defence. The likes of Emily Vukovic and Lethea Phillipou are also expected to take the field for Calder.

The Rebels did not shy away from the changes bringing in the likes of half-forward Lucy Moloney to help provide a target up forward. GWV will be pleased to see the return of key midfielder and play maker Sophie Van De Heuvel, along with Rene Caris and key defender Georgia Clarke. On the other hand, the likes of Georgette Douhadji and Stephanie Glover are among the outs for the Rebels.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels 

B: 15. T. Jasper, 26. G. Pidgeon, 14. L. Sykes
HB: 19. K. McAloon, 25. G. Clarke, 4. A. Nicholson
C: 27. N.  Dojiok, 8. E.  Wood, 10. H.  Simpson
HF: 3. L. Moloney , 21. D. Henson, 18. S. Van De Heuvel
F: 7. A. McAuliffe, 13. C. Leonard, 22. I. Rustman
R: 35. R. Caris, 16. L. Butler, 23. S. Molan
Int: 6. N. Butler, 20. T. Heath, 11. T. Marra, 1. A. Trigg
Emg: 42. B. Gregory, 41. K. Harris

In: L. Moloney , K. Harris, G. Clarke, A. Nicholson, R. Caris, S. Van De Heuvel, E. Wood
Out: R. Saulitis,  A. Humphries,  S. Glover,  G. Douhadji,  J. McAuliffe ,  I. Simmons

Calder Cannons

B: 42. K. Sutton, 48. C. Brown, 8. E. Vale
HB: 11. A. Barba, 15. G. Marsland, 2. F. Theodore
C: 29. S.  Elias, 21. G.  Patrikios, 9. M.  Warburton
HF: 32. T. Fry , 17. E. Cornish, 34. Z. Hardiman
F: 37. F. Holloway, 46. G. Elarmaly, 25. A. Magri
R: 18. C. Rendelmann, 3. M. Prespakis, 23. G. Dicker
Int: 10. M. Hemburrow, 31. K. Petrevski, 36. L. Philippou, 12. E. Vukovic
Emg: 16. C. Hodgson, 44. I. McNeill-Wren, 50. B. Tolson

In: M. Warburton, E. Vukovic, G. Patrikios, L. Philippou, C. Hodgson, I. McNeill-Wren, M. Prespakis
Out: T. Crook, L. Cocomello, I. Young, M. Muller, A. Driscoll

BENDIGO PIONEERS v. OAKLEIGH CHARGERS

Round 6 – Sunday 22 April, 2.00pm
Golden Square, Bendigo

They Bendigo Pioneers will be hoping to assert their dominance in their home game against the Chargers on Sunday. With both teams evenly poised it will make for a highly contested match with good match ups across the ground.

The Pioneers have made minimal changes to their side with the likes of Gemmi Murrell and Grace Sladden making way for Elizabeth Snell and Eloise Gretgrix. Bendigo will be looking to the likes of Kodi Jacques who showed great endurance and composure with ball in hand as well as their captain Megan Williamson who offers consistency and an attack on the footy.

Similarly, the Oakleigh Chargers have only named one out for the match with Tiana Johnson out of the team. The likes of versatile full-forward Hannah McLaren is set to take on the Pioneers while important midfielder Gemma Lagioia will also return after injury. McLaren’s presence up forward will provide a great target for the Chargers and Lagioia’s work in the middle will help to propel her team forward.

Bendigo Pioneers

B: 24. E. Gretgrix, 32. S. Reilly, 9. D. Kelly-Guthrie
HB: 27. B. Hards, 20. K. Douglass, 3. C. Isaac
C: 11. J.  Finning, 28. M.  Williamson, 15. T.  Goodrem
HF: 30. B. Heiden, 8. S. Knoll, 31. H. Stewart
F: 21. H. Spencer, 7. G. Barton, 1. M. Tupper
R: 25. T. Stewart, 2. M. Baldwin, 19. K. Jacques
Int: 10. A. Bodilly, 12. T. Coad, 26. L. Newton, 29. E. Snell, 14. O. Taverna, 5. E. Turnbull

In: A. Bodilly, E. Snell, E. Gretgrix, E. Turnbull
Out: G. Murrell,  G. Sladden

Oakleigh Chargers

B: 5. A. van Oosterwijck, 45. T. Cowan, 17. N. Xenos
HB: 2. M. Hill, 39. T. Nichols, 14. H. McLaren
C: 31. K.  Hunter-Scott, 50. C.  Nancarrow, 30. G.  Lagioia
HF: 3. J. D’Amato, 43. E. Hastie, 19. E. Harley
F: 29. M. Bertuna, 38. D. Bateman, 18. I. Gietzmann
R: 11. B. Winbanks, 32. C. O’Malley, 41. K. Lynch
Int: 33. G. Byrne, 70. P. Fennell, 15. A. Ling, 22. Z. Makris, 69. L. Mayne, 26. A. Micallef, 21. C. Moon, 16. A. Porter

In: L. Mayne, C. O’Malley, J. D’Amato, G. Lagioia, H. McLaren
Out: T. Johnson

DANDENONG STINGRAYS v. WESTERN JETS

Round 6 – Sunday 22 April, 3.00pm
Shepley Oval, Dandenong

The Stingrays have made multiple changes going into round six in hope to secure their first win for the season. Meanwhile the Western Jets have retained a relatively unchanged line-up after notching up their first win of the season. The Jets showed moments of brilliance last week to topple their undefeated opponents.

For the Stingrays, they will welcome back the likes of Jordyn Allen and versatile player Courtney Jones who offers great composure with ball-in-hand.  Key defender Rose Clancy-Dillon will also return after missing round five. Clancy-Dillon provides great strength down back and might be asked to curb influential Jets forward Caitlin Greiser.

Greiser will be out to dominant for the Western Jets sitting fifth on the goal scoring tally. Greiser offers a great target up forward for the Jets and is accurate in front of goal, but has been named in the ruck once again this week. The Jets will also see the likes of Isabella Grant return who offers a good presence across the ground while Lauren Basto and Katarina Rebuffo have also been named to take on the Stingrays. 

Dandenong Stingrays

B: 5. E. Allen-Burns, 51. Z. Hill, 18. S. Bayne
HB: 15. J. Allen, 40. R. Clancy-Dillon, 1. S. Heath
C: 12. M.  McDonald, 35. L.  Cripps, 31. B.  Vernon
HF: 44. S. Ryan, 26. I. Shannon, 28. T. Smith
F: 46. J. George, 29. B. Struylaart,
R: 45. M. Graham, 3. C. Jones, 20. E. Wilson-Macdonald
Int: 48. A. Carroll, 42. A. O’Sullivan, 2. S. Stratton, 16. A. West

In: A. West, J. Allen, S. Ryan, J. George, C. Jones, R. Clancy – Dillon, B. Struylaart
Out: L. O’Connell-Webb,  J. Lilley,  H. Thomas,  A. Jordan,  B. Borchard,  M. Layfield,  G. Hodder,  J. Guy-Toogood

Western Jets

B: 22. A. Chivell, 31. K. Rebuffo, 8. E. Gardner
HB: 21. M. Fenech, 30. I. Pritchard, 44. C. Myors-Moore
C: 14. I.  Grant, 13. C.  Jansen, 27. P.  Ozols
HF: 2. C. Gashi, 26. I. Negri, 36. J. Goodman
F: 19. O. Forsythe, 40. S. Whiting, 12. K. O’Keefe
R: 43. C. Greiser, 39. C. Saxon-Jones, 16. E. Georgostathis
Int: 33. L. Basto, 41. S. Forbes, 28. E. Hannett, 3. A. Lowe
Emg: 29. E. Cassar

In: I. Grant, L. Basto, K. Rebuffo
Out: L. Spargo, H. Bult