A TOP of the table clash in the Coates Talent League Girls competition sees two metropolitan regions lock horns at Warrawee Park on Saturday. Second placed Oakleigh Chargers – with a percentage of 289.1 – take on ladder leaders Calder Cannons, who have accumulated 372.2 per cent across their three games. Only one team can still have the full points by round’s end, with Eastern Ranges also playing on the same day and ready to pounce.

A battle of the undefeated sides takes place in Round 6 with the Oakleigh Chargers coming off a hard-fought win over Dandenong Stingrays after taking care of Sandringham Dragons and Geelong Falcons previously. Calder Cannons will be dreaming of playing in some sun after three consecutive wet weather matches, though wins, against the Dragons, Murray Bushrangers and Western Jets.

TOP-AGE DRAFT WATCH:

#8 Lara Hausegger (Oakleigh Chargers)
03/08/2005 | 170cm | Medium Defender

The standout Oakleigh prospect has enjoyed a solid start to the season and had another 21 disposals against Dandenong last week. Hausegger is averaging that number for the season, as well as 2.3 marks, 3.7 tackles and 4.0 rebound 50s, providing plenty of drive and dash out of the Chargers’ defence.

#11 Zara Klein (Oakleigh Chargers)
14/07/2005 | 172cm | Medium Defender

Klein is coming off her best game of the season, collecting 15 disposals in the Chargers’ come from behind win over Dandenong Stingrays. She also picked up five rebound 50s bravely defending throughout the match and will be an important player once again for the side in its bid to remain undefeated.

#25 Kayley Kavanagh (Calder Cannons)
06/07/2005 | 169cm | Inside Midfielder

Boasting form deserving of recognition, Kavanagh has been one of the premier ball winners in this year’s Coates Talent League. Earning our Rookie Me Central Player of the Week for Round 5 off a 30-disposal, eight-mark, nine-tackle and five-inside 50 effort, Kavanagh thrived in the wet, and has been a strong extractor from the stoppages all season for the Cannons.

#18 Sarah Grunden (Calder Cannons)
25/02/2005 | 168cm | Medium Forward

The potential AFLW Draft bolter has been a massive player for Calder in this year’s competition, averaging 18.0 disposals, 2.3 marks, 4.0 inside 50s and booting four goals from the three games. She has that incredible class and clean hands even on a wet deck, creating opportunities for her teammates and also taking them herself. One to watch throughout 2023.

FUTURE STARS:

#25 Emma McDonald (Oakleigh Chargers)
18/04/2006 | 180cm | Key Forward/Ruck

Oakleigh has a stackload of bottom-age talents to pick from, but the one who has been the real bolter this year was key position forward, McDonald. She boasts unique athleticism that allows her to leap high be in the ruck or going for a mark, is capable to clunking big grabs – though that could improve further – and has great second efforts. Her ability to still impact the contest in general play if the ball hits the deck with nice speed, makes her an all-round threat.

#19 Kyla Forbes (Calder Cannons)
07/09/2006 | 168cm | Midfielder/Forward

The impressive bottom-ager is a clean player through the middle and can get forward and hit the scoreboard, as she showed during her 26-disposal, two-goal performance against the Jets. One to watch for next year as a high-impact player, Forbes is not afraid of getting her hands dirty, but she spreads well and likes to use her kicking skills to full advantage.

PREDICTION:

It is a difficult one to predict given Calder has played each game in dour conditions, but has already controlled the play for the most part. Oakleigh had its biggest challenge on the weekend, but has traditionally started slowly, which it cannot afford to do against Calder. The Cannons will be the tip given they have that bit more experience at the top-end age bracket, but it’s set to be a beauty.

AROUND THE GROUNDS:

Northern Knights vs. Western Jets
Saturday, April 22 @ Preston City Oval, 10:30am

Reigning premiers Western Jets will be hoping to cause an upset and get their season on track with their first win following an 0-2 start. The Jets have had a couple of tough games against Tasmania Devils down on the Apple Isle, and then Calder in the wet at Werribee, but will fancy themselves against the young Knights outfit.

The Jets have plenty of younger players themselves in the bottom-age bracket with Sierra Grieves and Lou-Lou Field two notable stars to remember for 2024. The Knights were competitive against Eastern Ranges and have ticked off wins in their other two games, with Ava Jordan and bottom-ager Zoe Hargreaves among the impressive players to start the season.

Eastern Ranges vs. Sandringham Dragons
Saturday, April 22 @ Kilsyth Recreation Reserve, 1pm

An undefeated Eastern Ranges outfit hosts a winless Sandringham Dragons side in a clash that seems heavily slanted to the former. The Ranges have not missed a beat with a high-powered forward line led by Alyssia Pisano and a band of bottom-age talents, while Laura Stone has been a driving force in the midfield for the start-stacked team.

Sandringham has been competitive across the board, but ultimately have an 0-3 record thus far, though the likes of Scout Howden and Georgia Foran have battled hard in defence. The match will be a tough ask, but also a great challenge for the developing team.