THE NAB League Girls competition returned in a big way on the weekend, with six games throwing up a mixed bag of results and plenty of memorable moments. In a new weekly series as part of Draft Central’s ever-expanding pathways coverage, we take a look at the top moments from each match – whether they be game-defining feats, big marks, glorious goals, or otherwise. There was plenty of eye-catching action in Round 1, as the best Victorian girls hit the ground running after 11 months away from competitive football.

Eastern Ranges vs. Western Jets

Baskaran kicks off the season in style

Perhaps not a single moment, but a collection of them to start off. While her Western Jets may not have achieved the desired result, Charlotte Baskaran was in fine form in the season’s opening fixture. The 16-year-old accumulated a round-high 28 disposals, but the more remarkable feat was that 23 of them were kicks. A typically classy user of the ball on both sides, Baskaran penetrated the forward 50 eight times and rebounded thrice. Given the damage she can do with more modest numbers, it made for an impactful outing in a team which was held goalless for three quarters and went down by 21 points.

Murray Bushrangers vs. Bendigo Pioneers

Damaging duo snags four majors in 12 minutes

It only took 12 minutes either side of half-time for Bendigo Pioneers to secure their first win of the season, defeating Murray Bushrangers by 26 points. The just-over-four-goal margin was helped by six consecutive Pioneers goals after Murray kicked the opening major of the game. Leading by six points midway through the second term, Elizabeth Snell kicked back-to-back goals to give the visiting team separation at half-time, and in a 152-second blitz, Jayda Richardson booted back-to-back goals early in the third term. The 13-7 quarter time difference had blown out to 38-10 just two and a half minutes into the third term, and it was always going to be difficult for the Bushrangers to play catchup after that.

Tasmania Devils vs. Gippsland Power

Prokopiec’s first quarter

Having only kicked one goal in their two games last year, it was vital that Tasmania got off to a perfect start against Gippsland Power in Round 1 of the NAB League Girls season. By quarter time, Amy Prokopiec had stood up booting two goals – and would finish with four for the match – which set the tone for the rest of the match. If it was not the entire first term for Prokopiec, then it was her remarkable final term goal, taking a step from tight on the boundary to snap around her body and put the final nail in the coffin during Tasmania’s win.

Geelong Falcons vs. GWV Rebels

Schaap’s match-winner

It was a tough decision to not pick Renee Tierney‘s back-to-back third quarter goals for the Falcons to turn the tide back in her team’s favour which was deserving of the spot, but Poppy Schaap‘s match-winning goal gets the nod. With the pressure sky-high and less than a kick between the teams, it felt like a next-goal-wins scenario. Both teams had their chances, with a number of misses for the Falcons, before Schapp managed to grab a loose ball off the deck and snap it quickly under pressure. A favourable bounce later and she had sealed the win for her team.

Calder Cannons vs. Sandringham Dragons

Prespakis shimmy helps get Calder on the board

Reigning league best and fairest, Georgie Prespakis put on a sparkling performance in Round 1, featuring just about everywhere with 21 disposals and 11 tackles as Calder stormed to a 16-point victory. One particular highlight came in the second term after Sandringham had scored the first goal of the game. The Cannons managed to get the ball inside 50, but Sandringham had done well to get it to a pocket near the boundary, almost putting it out of play. Cue Prespakis, who came in, picked it up and managed to evade two Sandringham defenders before centring the ball to teammate Mali McLeod, who kicked Calder’s first goal for the game. It was just the spark her side needed.

Northern Knights vs. Oakleigh Chargers

Reid’s stellar shrug and finish

There was a bunch memorable moments as Oakleigh snapped Northern’s long-standing undefeated run on Sunday, many of which were produced by player of the week candidate, Charlie Rowbottom. But Stella Reid gets the nod here for one of her two final term goals, which put the cherry on top of a stellar performance. The classy winger/half-back was a menace on the rebound and had broken forward once again, latching onto the ball out the back with opponents on her hammer. Having initially been caught, Reid shrugged off a would-be tackler and did not break stride before finishing with aplomb on her left side. One for the highlight reel, and her teammates adored it.