ROUND 6 of the 2021 NAB League Girls season saw the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney (GWS) academies enter the fray, though fans will have to wait a little longer to see the Brisbane and Gold Coast squads in action. The postponement of their arrival made for a particularly memorable makeshift fixture though, as Northern Knights completed a remarkable comeback against Eastern Ranges on Sunday. That, and more in our weekend wrap.

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SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 1.1 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 4.2 (26)
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS 3.0 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.2 (32)

By: Declan Reeve

Oakleigh Chargers continued their undefeated start to 2021 with a thrilling six-point win over local rivals, Sandringham Dragons at RSEA Park for Thursday night football. The Chargers led from the first goal and looked to have had the game wrapped up heading into the final quarter, but Sandringham were not going down without a fight, locking the ball in their forward half for the majority of the last quarter. Ultimately, the Dragons were unable to break through Oakleigh’s strong defence to get the final goal needed to split the points. 

Oakleigh has a lot to owe to its defence as a whole for the victory, with the ever consistent duo of Brooke Vickers and Alexandra McCulloch providing reliable options as rebounders and interceptors, and bottom-ager Lily Hart stepping up for a big performance. Midfielders Stella Reid, Eliza James and Amanda Ling were good throughout the game as well, with work-rate a common theme between the three of them. 

Sandringham bottom-ager and previous winner of the Draft Central Player of the Week, Sofia Hurley was once again a high level ball winner and driver from the Sandringham midfield, assisted well by Bridie Hipwell, who was playing her first game since suffering an ankle injury in Round 1, as well as Tayla Jones and captain Kiana Lynch. 2023 eligible Mia Zielinski was an aerial threat in the forward half and Abby Thompson was a similar presence in the Dragons’ defence

The next match for each club sees Oakleigh head to Ballarat’s MARS Stadium to play GWV Rebels on Sunday March 21, while Sandringham will play Dandenong Stingrays at a venue yet to be confirmed on Wednesday night, in the reshuffled Round 2 fixture.

GOALS:

Sandringham: M. Zielenski 2, C. Murphy, E. Angelopoulos.
Oakleigh: E. James, A. Smith, H. Kenealy, C. Rowbottom, J. Rigoni.

DC BEST:

Sandringham: S. Hurley, T. Jones, B. Hipwell, M. Zielenski, K. Lynch, A. Thompson
Oakleigh: S. Reid, B. Vickers, E. James, A. Ling, A. McCulloch, L. Hart

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Stella Reid (Oakleigh Chargers)
4 – Sofia Hurley (Sandringham Dragons)
3 – Brooke Vickers (Oakleigh Chargers)
2 – Eliza James (Oakleigh Chargers)
1 – Amanda Ling (Oakleigh Chargers)

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MURRAY BUSHRANGERS 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 2.4 (16)
GWS GIANTS ACADEMY 0.4 | 1.8 | 4.9 | 7.13 (55)

By: Peter Williams

GWS GIANTS Academy stormed to a 39-point win over Murray Bushrangers in New South Wales, booting six goals to two in the second half to run away with the contest at Lavington. The GIANTS had 20 scoring shots to six, but the staunch Murray defence restricted them for as long as they could, before the game opened up after half-time. Cynthia Hamilton had a day out for the GIANTS, booting two goals and being a standout, while Hayley McDonald also impressed up forward with a couple of majors herself. Through the ruck, Ally Morphett caused headaches for her NAB League teammates, one of a number of Bushrangers donning the orange and charcoal on the day.

After making her debut with North Melbourne in the VFL Women’s last week, Jayde Hamilton had a busy day out, and Jessica Whelan was also lively. The Bushrangers had strong performances from Aurora Smith, Keeley Skepper and Zara Hamilton in the midfield, while Grace Hay, Kristy Whitehead and Mindy Quade were steadfast in the back 50. The results leaves the Bushrangers without a win thus far, but they take on fellow winless side Gippsland Power next weekend, while the GIANTS head back home to prepare for next months’s AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships.

GOALS:

Murray: N. Wilson, O. Cicolini.
GIANTS: H, Macdonald 2, C. Hamilton 2, A. Martin, J. Whelan, L. Anderson.

DC BEST:

Murray: A. Smith, G. Hay, Z. Hamilton, M. Quade, K. Whitehead
GIANTS: C. Hamilton, H. Macdonald, J. Whelan, A. Morphett, J. Hamilton

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Cynthia Hamilton (GIANTS Academy)
4 – Aurora Smith (Murray Bushrangers)
3 – Hayley McDonald (GIANTS Academy)
2 – Jessica Whelan (GIANTS Academy)
1 – Grace Hay (Murray Bushrangers)

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GEELONG FALCONS 1.1 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 2.2 (14)
SYDNEY ACADEMY 1.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.3 (27)

In what could be a fantastic argument for upset of the season, Sydney Swans Academy travelled to Geelong to face the unbeaten Falcons and came away with the 13-point win in an inspirational four-quarter effort. The Swans Academy had talent on their list, but having only begun to play competitive matches this season, and being the first NAB League Girls match in their history, were not expected to halt the run of the Falcons who had seen off some strong efforts from more experienced Victorian sides. No one told the red and white side that though, as the Swans stuck with the Falcons throughout four quarters, and ran out the stronger side, 4.3 (27) to 2.2 (14).

After Keeley Hardingham booted the first major for the Falcons and Geelong had all the play in its forward half, it was seemingly a matter of time before the dam wall burst. Instead, the Swans defence held firm, then grabbed a goal against the flow to AFL Womens’ Academy member Jessica Doyle – who would finish with two majors for the game – and with help from her teammates would boot four of the next five goals. Only a Tess Craven special would interrupt the Swans’ parade, but as the rain fell down, it was no surprise that the Swans flourished in the wet and recorded the most memorable of victories.

It was a strange old game with the Falcons missing bookends, Annie Lee and Renee Tierney who played in the VFL Women’s match straight after, but the usual suspects in Craven, Poppy Schaap and Charlotte Simpson all dominated possession in the middle of the ground. Eloise Morgan and April Devine both controlled the ruck taps, but it was the trio of Falcons who shared in 68 disposals between them. Taiya Morrow and Elizabeth Dowling were industrious as ever in the back half, while Hardingham stepped up as a target inside 50. The Swans had a real even contribution across the board, with Ella Heads and Maddy Hendrie catching the eye, and then the work of Ruby Sargent-Wilson and Doyle moving the ball in transition. Kahli Gilchrist and Danika Spamer were among the other Swans to fly in the win.

GOALS:

Geelong: K. Hardingham, T. Craven.
Swans: J. Doyle 2, A. Devine, R. Beuzeville.

DC BEST:

Geelong: T. Craven, P. Schaap, T. Morrow, K. Hardingham, C. Simpson
Swans: E. Heads, J. Doyle, R. Sargent-Wilson, D. Spamer, M. Hendrie

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Tess Craven (Geelong Falcons)
4 – Poppy Schaap (Geelong Falcons)
3 – Ella Heads (Swans Academy)
2 – Jessica Doyle (Swans Academy)
1 – Ruby Sargent-Wilson (Swans Academy)

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TASMANIA DEVILS 2.1 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.3 (39)
DANDENONG STINGRAYS 0.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 3.4 (22)

By: Michael Alvaro

Tasmania continued its sparkling season with a 17-point victory over the highly-fancied Dandenong Stingrays, marking two-straight losses for the Victorian region. Dial Park in Penguin set the scene for Tasmania’s terrific outing, with the win all but sewn up at three quarter time on the back of five goals to Dandenong’s one. Debutant Emilie Saward, who hails from the north-west, sealed the deal in the final term with a major to put the Devils 29 points ahead – a lead which proved unassailable.

Tassie pair Jemma Webster and Meghan Gaffney led all comers with 20 disposals apiece, impacting greatly in the win alongside Ella Maurer who managed 18 touches and two goals. Perri King was another standout, while Charlotte Vandenberg proved ominous in the ruck with 17 of the game’s 30 total hitouts.

It was no surprise to see Amber Clarke put her hand up for Dandenong as she topped the Stingrays’ disposal count and snared 1.2. Felicity Crank was again solid in the loss, while Zoe Hill was again a presence and Charley Ryan played a key role with six tackles and six inside 50s among her nine disposals.

The Stingrays’ next assignment comes on Wednesday as they complete a quick turnaround against Sandringham, while Tasmania will enjoy a Round 7 bye and return to action against Northern in another home outing the following week.

GOALS:

Tasmania: E. Maurerm 2, A. Auton, A. Prokopiec, E. Saward, J. Webster.
Dandenong: A. Clarke, G. Malkoun, C. Blair.

DC BEST:

Tasmania: M. Gaffney, E. Maurer, J. Webster, P. King, C. Vandenberg, A. Crooks
Dandenong: A. Clarke, F. Crank, Z. Hill, A. Richards, A. Jordan, C. Ryan

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Meghan Gaffney (Tasmania Devils)
4 – Ella Maurer (Tasmania Devils)
3 – Amber Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays)
2 – Jemma Webster (Tasmania Devils)
1 – Perri King (Tasmania Devils)

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GWV REBELS 2.0 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 4.2 (26)
WESTERN JETS 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 2.5 (17)

By: Declan Reeve

It was a highly contested game at MARS Stadium, with the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels coming out on top of the Western Jets by nine points. The first half was largely controlled by the Rebels, doing well to keep the ball in their forward half and constantly pressure the Jets’ backline. However, the second half saw the Jets come out with a newfound fury, having the ball in their forward half for most of the time but just unable to properly capitalise on the opportunities they created.

The home side had a lot of contributors, with Chloe Leonard and Lilli Condon the major ball winners in the midfield. AFLW Academy duo Ella Friend and Nyakoat Dojiok topping the marks for the game with five each, bottom-aged star Paige Scott leading the game for goals with two, and the likes of Molly Walton and Stephanie Glover being solid in the backline, especially when under siege later in the piece.

The Jets were brave in defeat, with bottom-ager Charlotte Baskaran getting her usual high disposal numbers and being damaging with it heading forward. Montana Ham battled hard in the midfield all day to make the most of the ruck work from Krystal Russell. They were aided by Jemima Woods, Paige Ryan and Stephanie Asciak around the ground.

Round 7 will see the Jets hitting the road again, facing off against fellow Metro side Sandringham Dragons at RSEA Park on Sunday morning, with the Rebels welcoming undefeated powerhouse Oakleigh Chargers to MARS Stadium on the same day.

GOALS:

GWV: P. Scott 2, N. Dojiok, S. Bridgewater.
Western: C. Sargent, E. Tyson.

DC BEST:

GWV: C. Leonard, P. Scott, N. Dojiok, E. Friend, L. Condon, S. Bridgewater
Western: C. Baskaran, M. Ham, K. Russell, J. Woods, P. Ryan, S. Asciak

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Chloe Leonard (GWV Rebels)
4 – Paige Scott (GWV Rebels)
3 – Charlotte Baskaran (Western Jets)
2 – Nyakoat Dojiok (GWV Rebels)
1 – Ella Friend (GWV Rebels)

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GIPPSLAND POWER 0.2 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 (14)
CALDER CANNONS 2.0 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 7.13 (55)

By: Declan Reeve

A dominant Calder Cannons put away Gippsland Power by 41 points on Sunday, in a game where inaccuracy from the Cannons saw them almost double their goals kicked in behinds. Despite the scoreline, the Power battled hard and were unfortunate not get on the scoreboard more with the Cannons’ defence switched on all day despite it not being down there too often.

It is no surprise that superstar Georgie Prespakis was a big contributor for the day, leading all comers for disposals, and being assisted well by the likes of Olivia Manfre, Reese Sutton and Emelia Yassir, with Neve Crowley being moved forward and leading the game for goals with three. Gippsland had its contributors as well, with Lily-Rose Williamson in particular impressing with her work in the midfield and backline, assisted by the likes of Sunday Brisbane and Courtney Fletcher in the midfield, with ruck Grace Matser often giving them first use.

Both these teams have good match-ups coming up, with Calder preparing to face Eastern Ranges on Thursday night at Highgate Reserve in a game that could have huge finals implications. Gippsland will be playing at the same venue on Saturday afternoon, coming up against fellow winless side Murray Bushrangers in what should be a tight match.

GOALS:

Gippsland: A. Molesworth, I. Makai.
Calder: N. Crowley 3, A. Magri, O. Manfre, S. Ibrahim, T. Gillard.

DC BEST:

Gippsland: L. Williamson, S. Brisbane, G. Matser, Y. Duursma, M. Van Berkel, G. McRae
Calder: G. Prespakis, O. Manfre, N. Crowley, R. Sutton, T. Gillard, E. Yassir

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons)
4 – Lily-Rose Williamson (Gippsland Power)
3 – Olivia Manfre (Calder Cannons)
2 – Neve Crowley (Calder Cannons)
1 – Reese Sutton (Calder Cannons)

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NORTHERN KNIGHTS 1.0 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 6.5 (41)
EASTERN RANGES 4.1 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.3 (33)

By: Michael Alvaro

In a contender for game of the season so far, the Northern Knights claimed a stunning come-from-behind victory over Eastern Ranges on Sunday afternoon. The conditions at La Trobe University were conducive to clean and fast footy, and the Ranges took toll with five goals to one in the first half. A third term stalemate was broken by Ava Jordan late in the piece, who gave Northern a sniff heading into the last. It was all the Knights needed, as they stormed home with four goals to nil to claim a stirring win.

Jordan won plaudits from a raft of high profile onlookers for her 24 disposals and two goals, which proved enormous in helping Northern edge back into the contest and eventually, ahead. Tarrah Delgado was strong in defence before a game-changing move to midfield, while Ella Smallacombe worked hard to urge her side into attacking positions and Monique Ramsay was combative in the ruck.

Keeley Sherar was Eastern’s standout player from midfield, spurring her side on with 16 touches and a goal. 15-year-old Alyssia Pisano was also dangerous forward of centre and booted two majors, while Georgia Campbell showed rare athleticism in bursts through the ruck and Ruby O’Dwyer was kept busy further afield.

The Ranges’ next task promises to be another ripping match-up as they face Calder on Thursday night in an all-Metro battle. Meanwhile, the Knights travel down the highway to take on Geelong at Deakin University on Sunday.

GOALS:

Northern: T. Mills 2, A. Jordan, T. Delgado, M. Ramsay.
Eastern: A. Pisano 2, S. Potter 2, K. Sherar.

DC BEST:

Northern: A. Jordan, T. Delgado, E. Smallacombe, T. Smart, M. Ramsay, L. Beatty
Eastern: K. Sherar, A. Pisano, G. Campbell, R. O’Dwyer, B. Deed, I. Khoury

DC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Ava Jordan (Northern Knights)
4 – Keeley Sherar (Eastern Ranges)
3 – Tarrah Delgado (Northern Knights)
2 – Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges)
1 – Ella Smallacombe (Northern Knights)