WESTERN Australia and South Australia join the inaugural AFL Women’s Under 16 Championships, with the states taking part in some Pool A action on the weekend. While their Victorian opponents have already played one game – with Vic Country getting the win over Vic Metro – the two non-Victorian teams will face off against the home state at Arden Street, before heading to Perth on Sunday week to oppose each others.

STORY SO FAR

Vic Country came from behind in an entertaining last quarter to run over the top of an inaccurate Vic Metro side, 6.5 (41) to 4.13 (37). Trailing at each of the breaks, and as much as 12 points nine minutes into the third term, Country hit back with 4.4 to 1.6 as Metro rued missing some chances.

Ella Stoddart was unstoppable in defence, collecting 31 disposals, six marks, three clearances, eight inside 50s and 13 rebound 50s, while reigning Vic Metro MVP Chloe Baker-West helped herself to 28 disposals, four marks, four clearances, two inside 50s and five rebound 50s starting in the midfield and then rolling back into defence.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Black Ducks have some serious top-end talent at their disposal, particularly in the back half of the ground. Peel Thunder’s Evie Cowcher has been sensational at WAFL Women’s level this season and she is the tip to earn MVP for the series. She will play a similar role to Stoddart, with a little extra height in the West Australian backline.

Cowcher’s partner-in-crime will be Subiaco talent Olivia Crane whose left boot is as good as anyone’s going around, and like Cowcher, can pull down some big marks. She will likely be supported by the smooth-moving Juliet Kelly, who has been playing half-back for Claremont but is likely to be a midfielder long-term.

Up the other end of the ground, another Subiaco tall by the name of Olivia Wolmarans will be one to watch. She is strong overhead and against her peers will have less body contact than facing senior opposition, with her athleticism matching her aerial ability, drawing similarities to West Coast recruit Amy Franklin. She is also the reigning Under 16s MVP for Western Australia across the state’s two internal games last year.

Through midfield, two more names to remember are Carys D’Addario and Mia Russo. The former has been plying her trade as a winger for Swan Districts though is injured for the first game, while Russo has been dominating at Rogers Cup level, averaging 35 disposals a game through the midfield in her two full matches, and should have the ball on a string. She has been recovering from a hamstring injury but is right to go for the first match.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA PLAYERS TO WATCH

The depth of the South Australian side is evident in its Under 16s squad, with a number of players who would be competitive at Under 18s level in their age group. It was tough to tip an MVP from the group, but in the end settled on Central District’s Sophie Eaton. She has that class and skill about her that will only ooze more confidence against players her age, with her opponents less able to work her under the ball. She could play half-forward or through the midfield, and is one with enormous upside for the future.

Similarly, Sturt’s Monique Bessen is a player who should find the ball with ease, able to to do it consistently against senior opponents. She is strong overhead, can play midfield or forward, and has a fierce attack on the ball. She along with Glenelg’s Matilda Wilmore will bring the heat.

South Adelaide’s Lily Baxter is another who has enjoyed a permanent spot in the ladder-leading Panthers’ outfit, while West Adelaide’s Steph Tredwell and North Adelaide’s Jayde Visser have been regular features at League level, causing plenty of damage in the front half of the ground.

VIC COUNTRY vs WESTERN AUSTRALIA PREVIEW

Arden Street, 10:45am Victoria, 8:45am Western Australia

Both sides have strong rebounding defences who read the play well and get into the right spots, so expect the game to be a tight, low-scoring affair and down to the team that can capitalise on its chances. Western Australia duo of Cowcher and Crane are some of the best in their draft crop, so any high balls inside attacking 50 for Country will be picked off with ease.

The midfield battle that will include the likes of Russo up against Stella Huxtable will be an area to watch. Up the other end. Stoddart and Evelyn Connolly will have their work cut out for them with the high-flying Wolmarans sure to cause a few headaches. The extra match might favour Vic Country, but Western Australia are not without a chance and if their midfield can get on top, the Sandgropers could well win on the road.

VIC METRO vs SOUTH AUSTRALIA PREVIEW

Arden Street, 12:45pm Victoria, 12:15pm South Australia

It feels like the game could well be a mix of styles, with both teams having a balance of pressure players, as well as outside runners. Expect it to be a higher scoring match than the earlier game, with both having firepower, and fast runners who will take the game on. It could come down to the defence that holds up the best and midfield that can get on top.

Baker-West is the standout for Vic Metro, but she will come up against the likes of Eaton and Bessen who battle against AFLW players already and have that extra training advantage. The class of Phoebe Hargreaves and Marlo Graham could come to the fore, while the silk of Visser and Baxter on the outside will provide plenty of run.