EASTERN Ranges midfielder Laura Stone kick-started her 2023 Coates Talent League season with a bang, named best on ground during Eastern Ranges’ win over Dandenong Stingrays. The talented AFLW Academy member with the eye-catching pink headband continued on her form from last season playing between defence and midfield, to earn our Rookie Me Central Talent League Girls Player of the Week.

Stone picked up 25 disposals, two marks, six tackles and five inside 50s in the win, and while others across the round might have had more on the statsheet, Stone had a complete performance for the Ranges. Both offensively and defensively, the Eastern top-ager was able to influence the game, and really keep her side moving in transition.

Stone is the second AFLW Academy member to earn a Player of the Week nomination following on from Sydney Swans Academy’s Olivia Morris last week. The first metropolitan player to win a nomination – due to the six clubs having byes in the opening two weeks – Stone is looking to be a consistent player throughout the year as she builds towards the AFLW Under 18 Championships later in the season.

>> 2023 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: ROUND 2

2023 RM CENTRAL TALENT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
Round 2 – Olivia Morris (Sydney Swans Academy)
Round 3 – Laura Stone (Eastern Ranges)