IT is not often players who stand out in a losing side are awarded our Draft Central Rising Star of the Week award, but that was the case for the NAB League Girls in Round 8. Murray Bushrangers’ Abby Favell was everywhere on Saturday at Shepley Oval, having a massive first term to get her side up and about, and kicked the last goal for her side as they approached Dandenong Stingrays’ narrow lead.

While the Bushrangers were unable to get over the line, Favell had 26 disposals, four marks, five tackles, three inside 50s and four rebounds, as well as booting the late goal.

Scouting notes for Round 8 vs. Dandenong Stingrays:

#8 Abby Favell

Had the ball on a string throughout the game, particularly in the first quarter. Just ran and ran all day long. Not only was her accumulation on point, but her defensive pressure was superb as well. She laid a great goal-saving tackle in the first term and while some of her kicks were intercepted, she followed up with strong second efforts and just kept running, bringing her teammates into the game through handballs. She forced a number of turnovers through her tackling, and also showed off a clean set of heels by sidestepping an opponent at half-back and taking off. Kicked a late goal in the final term after sneaking 20m out from goal, wasting no time slotting the set shot and bring the Bushrangers back within six points. Best afield despite being in a losing side.

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)
Round 7 – Grace McRae (Gippsland Power)
Round 8 – ABBY FAVELL (MURRAY BUSHRANGERS)