THE LAST NAB League Girls home-and-away round saw a bumper seven fixtures take place and the final standings locked in. Dandenong Stingrays, Geelong Falcons, Western Jets, and Eastern Ranges will now enter the post-season after an enthralling 10-round regular season. We recap the weekend’s action.

By: Declan Reeve

The Calder Cannons have finished off their NAB League Girls campaign with a win against Oakleigh Chargers, overcoming a quarter time deficit to lead at every other break, finishing 5.5 (35) to 5.4 (34). The Cannons end their year in fourth on the overall ladder, boasting an impressive 7-2 record, while the Chargers didn’t quite have the year they would’ve hoped for after winning the 2021 premiership, finishing ninth with a 3-6 record.

The Cannons were led well by Reese Sutton (19 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) through the midfield, with Heidi Woodley (22 disposals, six tackles) and 2023-eligible prospect Amy Gaylor (17 disposals, six tackles, one goal) also making life hard for the Chargers in the guts. Abbey McDonald (16 disposals) was again influential in the back half, and Tahlia Read (16 disposals, one goal) was involved in a lot of play too.

A switch into the backline didn’t alter the performance of Jasmine Fleming (27 disposals, five rebound 50s) as she lead all comers, with 2006-born talent Maggie Mahony (20 disposals, one goal) stepping up through the midfield in her absence. Vic Metro representatives Caitlin Matthews (19 disposals) and Charlotte Taylor (17 disposals, one goal) also made an impact on the contest.

CALDER CANNONS 0.1 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 5.5 (35)
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS 2.2 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 5.4 (34)

GOALS:

Calder: R. Sutton, T. Read, A. Gaylor, K. Lennox, O. Manfre
Oakleigh: M. Mahony, C. Taylor, S. Tallariti, A. Smith, A. McCulloch

RMC BEST:

Calder: R. Sutton, H. Woodley, A. Gaylor, A. McDonald, M. McLeod
Oakleigh: J. Fleming, M. Mahony, C. Taylor, C. Matthews, J. Jackson

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Jasmine Fleming (Oakleigh Chargers)
4 – Reese Sutton (Calder Cannons)
3 – Heidi Woodley (Calder Cannons)
2 – Maggie Mahony (Oakleigh Chargers)
1 – Amy Gaylor (Calder Cannons)

By: Peter Williams

Geelong Falcons booked their NAB League Girls finals spot with a comprehensive 31-point win over Bendigo Pioneers in the last round of the regular season. Playing at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds, the Falcons needed to win to secure second place, or wait for other results to go their way. Needing to take destiny into their own hands, the Falcons scored the only three goals of the first term to race out to a 17-point lead. The Pioneers hit back with the only two goals of the second term, but were wasting chances with two extra scoring shots, and a three-point deficit.

When Drew Ryan kicked the first goal of the third term three minutes in, the Pioneers lead by two points and were in a good position. From that point on though, the Falcons kicked six of the next seven goals to race away with the win, 9.11 (65) to 4.10 (34). The sole Pioneers major – to Scarlett Orritt five minutes into the last quarter – cut the deficit back to 18 points to give the visitors the faintest of sniffs, before Geelong slotted two more majors to celebrate a second placed finish in the Country pool.

Elizabeth Dowling slotted 2.2 from 28 disposals, two marks, two tackles, four inside 50s and two rebound 50s, pairing well with fellow over-ager Analea McKee (16 disposals, five marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and 2.1). Providing plenty of run on the outside, Sara Howley amassed 28 disposals, three marks, seven inside 50s and three rebound 50s. Then there was the tough duo of Charlotte Simpson and Ashleigh Van Loon who combined well for the Falcons.

For the Pios, it was the pairing of Lila Keck (23 disposals, three tackles, four inside 50s and two rebound 50s) and Octavia Di Donato (19 disposals, five marks and five rebound 50s) who stood up in the absence of the red-hot Lucia Painter. Steph Demeo (23 disposals, two marks, three tackles, and four rebound 50s) found plenty of the ball, with the likes of Orritt, Keely Fullerton and Jayda Richardson all amongst the best for the losers.

Geelong Falcons take on Dandenong Stingrays for a spot in the 2022 NAB League Girls Grand Final next week, whilst Round 10 marked the end of the road for the Bendigo Pioneers after a season filled with highs and lows, but plenty of excitement for the future.

GEELONG FALCONS 3.3 | 3.4 | 7.8 | 9.11 (65)
BENDIGO PIONEERS 0.4 | 2.7 | 3.10 | 4.10 (34)

GOALS:

Geelong: E. Dowling 2, A. McKee 2, B. Gilham 2, C. Simpson, S. White, S. Mallon
Bendigo: S. Orritt, K. Fullerton, D. Ryan, M. Elliott

RMC BEST:

Geelong: E. Dowling, S. Howley, A. McKee, C. Simpson, A. Van Loon
Bendigo: L. Keck, O. Di Donato, S. Demeo, S. Orritt, K. Fullerton

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Elizabeth Dowling (Geelong Falcons)
4 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
3 – Analea McKee (Geelong Falcons)
2 – Lila Keck (Bendigo Pioneers)
1 – Octavia Di Donato (Bendigo Pioneers)

By: Michael Alvaro

The Northern Knights won out in Saturday’s battle of the bottom sides, defeating Gippsland Power by nine points in Churchill. Made to earn just their second victory for the season, the Knights fought back from deficits at the first three breaks to double their goal tally in term four. In the end, an entertaining 8.3 (51) to 5.12 (42) result saw the hosts remain winless in 2022.

Result aside, much of the positive aspect out of the game for either side was the promise of their future prospects. For Northern, midfielder Suwindi Buckley topped the disposals with 19, while fellow 2006-born sensation Ash Centra booted 3.3 from as many touches – including the first two of the game, and one to put Gippsland back in front in the final term.

Elsewhere, Tarrah Delgado, Knights skipper Jessica Nursey, and Michaela Molenberg all capped off their NAB League careers on positive notes, while Rylie Wilcox proved lively with two goals in her first game since Round 4. Gippsland’s Alisha Molesworth lead all comers with 21 touches, with AFL Academy member Yasmin Duursma playing an important hand and bottom-age ruck Ahlee Penry getting her hands on the ball plenty.

GIPPSLAND POWER 2.6 | 2.7 | 3.10 | 5.12 (42)
NORTHERN KNIGHTS 0.1 | 2.2 | 4.3 | 8.3 (51)

GOALS:

Gippsland: A. Centra 3, C. Sutton, Y. Duursma
Northern: R. Wilcox 2, C. Papadimitriou 2, I. Caminiti, B. Plummer, I. Parnell, M. Molenberg

RMC BEST:

Gippsland: A. Centra, Y. Duursma, A. Molesworth, I. Makai, E. Stoddart
Northern: R. Wilcox, T. Delgado, S. Buckley, M. Molenberg, C. Papadimitriou

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)
4 – Rylie Wilcox (Northern Knights)
3 – Yasmin Duursma (Gippsland Power)
2 – Suwindi Buckley (Northern Knights)
1 – Michaela Molenberg (Northern Knights)

By: Peter Williams

In a tale as old as the 2022 NAB League Girls season, Dandenong Stingrays have cruised to another victory, courtesy of a strong second half. Their latest victims were Tasmania Devils, who in fairness could have put some real scoreboard pressure on the ladder leaders, but instead found themselves seven points down at the main break despite three extra scoring shots. From there, the Stingrays did as they have each and every week, slotting five goals to one, and running away with the contest to secure the 10.8 (68) to 4.10 (34) victory.

There was a lot to like about the Devils’ performance, with a midfield short of Claire Ransom and Priya Bowering, whilst Dandenong was minus Charley Ryan, having gone down with injury in her Vic Country campaign last weekend. The Stingrays’ depth is better than any side though, and instead, it was the likes of Olivia Robinson (16 disposals, two marks, three tackles, two inside 50s and 1.2) and Amber Clarke (18 disposals, five marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and 1.3) who had shots on goal for fun. Someone else who had plenty of fun was Emily Shepherd, playing as a full-time forward and slotting five goals from 15 touches and four marks in the win.

Best-on was arguably co-captain Mackenzie Eardley though, whose second quarter efforts – when the Devils were dominating forward half possession – saw her intercept everything that came her way and ensured her team weathered the storm. For the Devils, fellow AFLW Academy member Brooke Barwick was an eye-catcher with a team-high 17 disposals and a clever goal, whilst Mackenzie Williams, Tunisha Kikoak, Georgia Clark and Candice Belbin were all amongst the best.

Next week Dandenong Stingrays take on Geelong Falcons in a knockout final to try and advance to the 2022 NAB League Girls Grand Final, whilst for Tasmania Devils, it is curtains on their season, having finished the Country Pool in third and just missing out on that top two spot.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS 4.1 | 5.2 | 7.6 | 10.8 (68)
TASMANIA DEVILS 2.2 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.10 (34)

GOALS:

Dandenong: E. Shepherd 5, A. Clarke, O. Robinson, H. Monk, T. Gatt, J. Reynolds
Tasmania: A. Prokopiec, B. Parker, R. Pacey, B. Barwick

RMC BEST:

Dandenong: M. Eardley, A. Clarke, O. Robinson, E. Shepherd, E. McCrae
Tasmania: B. Barwick, G. Clark, T. Kikoak, M. Williams, C. Belbin

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Mackenzie Eardley (Dandenong Stingrays)
4 – Amber Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays)
3 – Olivia Robinson (Dandenong Stingrays)
2 – Emily Shepherd (Dandenong Stingrays)
1 – Brooke Barwick (Tasmania Devils)

By: Peter Williams

Northern Territory Thunder have come down and stolen the show – and the four points – defeating Murray Bushrangers by two points in a thrilling contest at Highgate Recreation Reserve. As a dead rubber – the Bushrangers could not make NAB League Girls finals, and the match an exhibition for the Thunder to prepare for the National AFLW Under 18 Championships – there was not much tangibly on the line, but it was clear from early on that the Thunder meant business. They piled on the first four goals of the game and maintained a strong lead of just under three goals right up until the final break. The Bushrangers stormed home in the last, but fell two points short, 9.3 (57) to 8.7 (55).

In game that the Thunder thoroughly deserved to win – and the Bushrangers only played their best footy for just over a half – the “home” team almost stole the points, when Zara Hamilton lined up for her third goal in the last few minutes. The shot from 25m out on a tight angle just missed, and though it did cut the deficit to one point at the time, the Thunder managed to run it down the other end and scramble through a behind. When the siren sounded, it was in the Bushrangers’ half, but they could not put one through the big sticks, and had to settle for the narrow loss.

Murray went into the game without the services of Cassidy Mailer, but did regain Tayissa Gray, Keeley Skepper and Grace Hay, all of whom with Hamilton ended up being the clear standouts on the ground. Hay was ridiculous at half-back, intercepting everything and taking six marks to go with 28 disposals. Skepper had a team-high 30 disposals to go with a balanced five inside 50s, five rebound 50s and two goals, winning the ball in each third of the ground. Hamilton also kicked two goals from 28 touches and four marks, whilst Gray stepped up in the second half to be the most influential player, and finished with 21 disposals and six inside 50s.

Unfortunately the match was soured by Zarlie Goldsworthy being stretchered off just before half-time having had a sickening collision with the goal post as she soccered through a major. To that point in time, Goldsworthy was one of the most influential on the ground, and continuing her ripping NAB League Girls form.

The Northern Territory did not have a standout player, instead boasting an even spread, with Cassie McWilliams winning the most disposals (18) and having 10 hitouts, four marks and three tackles working hard out of the ruck, whilst Grace Whittaker looked lively in attack alongside Kyanne Campbell, as the pair and Kierra Zerafa all slotted two majors. Tatyana Perry, Ciaralii Parnell and J’Noemi Anderson also had their moments throughout the match that caught the eye.

Neither of these sides have a scheduled NAB League Girls game remaining, but the Bushrangers will split up into either Vic Country or NSW-ACT representation, whilst the Thunder will prepare as part of the Allies to take on NSW-ACT first-up before joining forces to create the larger Allies group.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS 0.1 | 3.5 | 6.5 | 8.7 (55)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 3.1 | 6.1 | 9.2 | 9.3 (57)

GOALS:

Murray: Z. Hamilton 2, M. Quade 2, K. Skepper 2, Z. Goldsworthy, P. Johnston
NT: G. Whittaker 2, K. Zerafa 2, K. Campbell 2, E. Stark. K. Gikas, J. Anderson

RMC BEST:

Murray: G. Hay, K. Skepper, Z. Hamilton, T. Gray, I. Lehman
NT: C. McWilliams, G. Whittaker, C. Parnell. T. Perry, J. Anderson

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Grace Hay (Murray Bushrangers)
4 – Keeley Skepper (Murray Bushrangers)
3 – Zara Hamilton (Murray Bushrangers)
2 – Tayissa Gray (Murray Bushrangers)
1 – Cassie McWilliams (Northern Territory Thunder)

By: Michael Alvaro

Western Jets claimed early bragging rights over the Eastern Ranges, overcoming a quarter time deficit to win by 27 points and snatch top spot in the Metro standings. Both sides registered a handful of scoring shots to half time, but the Jets had their kicking boots on with five majors and slotted another five after half time to power away to the 10.2 (62) to 5.5 (35) triumph. The two teams will face off once more in the first week of finals.

Fresh off Vic Metro representation, star Jets midfielders Charlotte Baskaran and Montana Ham were the only two players afield to tick over 20 touches, while forward Caitlin Sargent bagged a game-high three goals. 2006-born talent Sierra Grieves also hit the scoreboard with two majors, while the likes of Kiera Whiley and Stephanie Asciak played their part in the win.

Up against it in midfield, Eastern’s leading ball winners were Isabelle Khoury and Hayley McLaughlin with 18 disposals, while Mia Busch was productive for her 17 touches. Down back, bottom-ager Ava Campbell stood tall to take five marks, but the Ranges could not quite break through after a promising first term. Perhaps holding cards close to their chest, an opportunity to hit back awaits come finals time.

EASTERN RANGES 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 5.5 (35)
WESTERN JETS 2.0 | 5.0 | 8.2 | 10.2 (62)

GOALS:

Eastern: G. Wilson, C. Granville, S. Potter, G. Knight, G. Brisbane
Western: C. Sargent 3, S. Grieves 2, K. Weston-Turner, C. Baskaran, M. Smart, K. Leare, S. Asciak

RMC BEST:

Eastern: M. Busch, A. Campbell, I. Khoury, H. McLaughlin, A. Zappia
Western: C. Baskaran, M. Ham, C. Sargent, K. Whiley, S. Grieves

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Charlotte Baskaran (Western Jets)
4 – Montana Ham (Western Jets)
3 – Caitlin Sargent (Western Jets)
2 – Mia Busch (Eastern Ranges)
1 – Ava Campbell (Eastern Ranges)

By: Declan Reeve

GWV Rebels have ended their season on a high, beating Sandringham Dragons by 18 points in a thrilling second half fightback that saw them kick six goals to two in a 4.3 (27) to 7.3 (45) victory. The Rebels’ win sees them finish their campaign in 11th place with a 2-7 record, whilst the Dragons’ efforts pit them in 7th with a 4-5 tally for the year.

It was AFL Academy forward Paige Scott who impressed most in the Rebels’ win, recording a season high 21 disposals and three second half goals. Scott was well supported by midfielders Lilli Condon (21 disposals, one goal) and Molly Walton (24 disposals, seven marks, one goal), with Olivia Leonard (19 disposals), Olivia Brilliant (17) and Jessica Rentsch (13) also strong contributors in the impressive victory.

Unsurprisingly, Sandringham midfielders Sofia Hurley (29 disposals, one goal) and Keely Coyne (20 disposals) tried consistently hard through the game, with Georgia Foran (16 disposals, eight marks) and Charlie Anderson (15 disposals) strong in the backline, and bottom-ager Fern O’Brien (15 disposals) providing plenty on the wing.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 1.1 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 4.3 (27)
GWV REBELS 1.1 | 1.1 | 4.2 | 7.2 (45)

GOALS:

Sandringham: L. Mitchell, P. Staltari, T. Jones, S. Hurley
GWV: P. Scott 3, L. Jordan 2, M. Walton, L. Condon

RMC BEST:

Sandringham: S. Hurley, K. Coyne, G. Foran, F. O’Brien, C. Anderson
GWV: P. Scott, M. Walton, L. Condon, O. Brilliant, J. Rentsch

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Paige Scott (GWV Rebels)
4 – Sofia Hurley (Sandringham Dragons)
3 – Molly Walton (GWV Rebels)
2 – Keely Coyne (Sandringham Dragons)
1 – Lilli Condon (GWV Rebels)