SANDRINGHAM Dragons midfielder Sofia Hurley is the Rookie Me Central NAB League Girls Player of the Week for Round 8. The top-ager was a standout for her side across four quarters, as the Dragons ran out five-goal victors against the Northern Knights on Monday evening. She collected a team-high 32 disposals, 10 tackles, and two goals – breaking the 30-touch barrier for the first time in her NAB League career.

Regarded as a top 10 Victorian prospect coming into 2022, Hurley has delivered on the promise and continues to produce excellent numbers each week. After her latest exploits, the 18-year-old now averages 24.6 disposals, 10.9 tackles and 4.1 inside 50s this season – dropping below 20 disposals just once (19 in Round 7) in what has been a consistent campaign thus far.

While she dominated at the contest, arguably the most pleasing aspect of Hurley’s game on Monday was her ability to impact forward of centre. It was a move she had planned on making this year, and with three goals in the last three weeks, it is fair to say Hurley’s ambition is paying off.

The Vic Metro representative becomes the sixth 2004-born talent to earn Player of the Week honours in 2022, but is the first to do so from Sandringham. She joins 2021 Metro Under 19 teammates Bridget Deed and Charlotte Baskaran on this year’s list, having broken through for a standout game after a string of consistent outings.

Hurley and her Dragons now sit fourth in the Metro standings at 4-3, having won their last two games. Sandringham will look to finish its year on a high but should face a tough test in Round 9 against Calder Cannons, while the Greater Western Victoria Rebels await in the final home-and-away round.

2022 ROOKIE ME CENTRAL NAB LEAGUE GIRLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1: Zarlie Goldsworthy (Murray Bushrangers)
Round 2: Charley Ryan (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 3: Charlotte Baskaran (Western Jets)
Round 4: Bridget Deed (Eastern Ranges)
Round 5: Georgia Clark (Tasmania Devils)
Round 6: Jasmine Fleming (Oakleigh Chargers)
Round 7: Alana Gee (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
Round 8: SOFIA HURLEY (Sandringham Dragons)