FOLLOWING on from a consistent 2023 Coates Talent League season to date, Calder Cannons midfielder Kayley Kavanagh has earned our Rookie Me Central Player of the Week for Round 5. The natural ball winner thrived in the wet conditions at Avalon Airport Oval as the Cannons overcame the Western Jets by 17 points, 4.8 (32) to 2.3 (15).

Kavanagh collected 30 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s, two rebound 50s and laid a massive nine tackles, working her way through the tough conditions of inconsistent pouring rain. Working hard alongside the likes of Kyla Forbes and Bridie Collings, the Cannons had seven more inside 50s (40-33) and seven more marks (33-26), taking advantage of a ruck dominance (47-7 hitouts).

Kavanagh’s 30 touches eclipses her Round 1 effort, where the 169cm talent picked up 28 disposals. Despite the wet conditions, the Cannons midfielder’s eight marks far surpasses just the two total from her first two matches, finding space around the ground easier than in her first two games. For the season, Kavanagh is averaging 26.7 disposals, 3.3 marks, 6.7 tackles and 4.7 inside 50s, with the one goal – against the Murray Bushrangers last week – for 2023.

Kavanagh becomes the third straight metropolitan player to be nominated, following in the footsteps of Eastern Ranges duo, Laura Stone and Alyssia Pisano, and the fourth straight top-age player to win it.

>> 2023 TALENT LEAGUE GIRLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: ROUND 4

Calder Cannons take on Oakleigh Chargers this weekend in a battle of the undefeated sides at Warrawee Park on Sunday from 1pm, with the Talent League on a league break until May 20. The Cannons also have a bye that week, with the metropolitan teams recommencing the following week against Gippsland Power at Morwell.

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)
Round 4 – Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges)
Round 5 – Kayley Kavanagh (Calder Cannons)