A MATCH-WINNING goal and best on ground performance from Tess Flintoff has earned the Eastern Ranges midfielder our Rising Star of the Week for Round 6. Flintoff was instrumental in Eastern’s narrow four-point win over Calder Cannons, picking up 22 disposals – 21 kicks – as well as taking nine marks, laying four tackles and recording three inside 50s. Her biggest moment came with a minute to play as Tayah Kelly found Flintoff inside 50 with a short kick. With her 22nd disposal, Flintoff split the middle from a tight angle to win the game for Eastern and ensure their finals hopes remain well and truly alive.

Flintoff has been on of the more consistent players this season, averaging 19.3 disposals, 6.0 marks, 2.7 tackles, 4.7 inside 50s and 2.5 rebounds from her six games. Remarkably, Flintoff only turned 16 last month and still has another two years in the NAB League system, showing plenty of promise for the future. The Eastern Ranges ball winner becomes the fourth metropolitan player to earn the weekly nomination.

Rising Star of the Week:

Round 1 – Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons)
Round 2 – Elisabeth Georgostathis (Western Jets)
Round 3 – Gabby Newton (Northern Knights)
Round 4 – Luka Lesosky-Hay (Geelong Falcons)
Round 5 – Elizabeth Snell (Bendigo Pioneers)
Round 6 – TESS FLINTOFF (EASTERN RANGES)