QUEENSLAND’S two Northern Academies enter the fray this week in the Coates Talent League Girls competition, as does the Northern Territory, while the Swans Academy returns after playing the first couple of weeks. We preview the massive clash between the Gold Coast Suns Academy and Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels at Ikon Park, as the league comes back after a month-long break.

GWV Rebels sit eighth on the table with two wins from four games, but a very healthy percentage of 151.8. They will no doubt be rusty having not played since Thursday, April 6, when they went down to Geelong Falcons by 13 points. In a fixture quirk, the Rebels only two losses have come against the Falcons in the space of four games, while producing big wins over Bendigo Pioneers and Gippsland Power. The Gold Coast Suns Academy is yet to play in this year’s competition, but did upstage Oakleigh Chargers 12 months ago.

TOP-AGE DRAFT WATCH:

#5 Jessica Rentsch (GWV Rebels)
10/11/2005 | 172cm | Medium Defender/Wing

The explosive defender/wing is a player who can break the lines and create plenty of chaos turning defence into offence. Having successfully come back from a long-term leg injury, Rentsch showed promising signs in the first four rounds, and while she can be a little more polished, has the upside to go far when it all clicks. She will be utilised to provide plenty of run and carry in this match.

#24 Lily Jordan (GWV Rebels)
29/06/2005 | 164cm | Medium Forward

One of the biggest improvers in 2023, Jordan has enjoyed an outstanding season, booting 11 goals in four games, including a five-goal haul against Gippsland Power. Upping her production rate, Jordan was tightly guarded by the Falcons in Round 4, restricting her to six touches and a goal, but she got busy on the defensive end, laying 11 tackles. An incredibly clean player.

#23 Josie McCabe (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
18/04/2005 | 173cm | Inside Midfielder/Forward

The sole top-ager named in the Suns’ starting midfield, McCabe will lead a young midfield group into battle, being a year or two older than her other teammates named in the starting centre square. After injury curtailed her year last season, McCabe returned for the Suns in some trial matches against the Northern Academy and showed her high defensive pressure and contested ball-winning ability. She can also go forward and hit the scoreboard.

#28 Ella Calleja (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
20/11/2004 | 171cm | Medium Forward

Another over-ager in a team filled with bottom or double bottom-agers, Calleja has the traits that can impact at the next level, it is all about consistency for the 18-year-old. Standing at 171cm, Calleja has great athleticism and can take a towering mark, having booted two goals in three games at least year’s Under 18 Championships and will be keen to make a strong start here against the Rebels.

FUTURE STARS:

#15 Tara Harrington (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
24/03/2006 | 166cm | Midfielder/Defender

The bottom-age star is one of a half dozen high-potential players on the Suns’ list, but is one of the most promising players next year. Able to win the ball in close or out in space, Harrington provides run, and boasts an elite kick. She is smaller compared to other midfielders, but packs a punch and is a player who makes good decisions with ball-in-hand and reads the ball off hands well.

#15 Millie Lang (GWV Rebels)
06/11/2006 | 177cm | Key Defender

The bottom-age key defender has been a star this season and looms as a top prospect for next year’s draft. Strong in the air and a potent, powerful left boot, Lang is a player who will look to intercept a lot of Gold Coast Suns forward forays. One of a number of Rebels with high potential for next year and is a key to the side limiting the Suns’ scoring.

PREDICTION:

A tight contest that will be one to watch. Experience up against potential, with the Rebels a good unit that is capable of causing plenty of damage to the opposition, while the Suns Academy are the strongest of the Northern Academies over the next few years and will provide stiff opposition.

AROUND THE GROUNDS:

Sydney Swans Academy vs. Tasmania Devils
Saturday, May 20 @ Blacktown International Sportspark, 2:45pm

After going 2-0 to start the season, the Swans Academy returns to Coates Talent League action to face a Tasmania Devils outfit that won its first three games before going down to Eastern Ranges. The match sees the return of Devils skipper Georgia Clark, as well as debuts such as Jorja Haberle, while the Swans Academy will be led by AFLW Academy member Olivia Morris, while running winger Ella Parker is a high-upside talent.

Murray Bushrangers vs. Brisbane Lions Academy
Saturday, May 20 @ Highgate Recreation Reserve, 3:30pm

Brisbane Lions Academy enter the competition for the first time in Round 7 to take on the winless Murray Bushrangers at Highgate Recreation Reserve tomorrow afternoon. The Lions Academy will be skippered by Laura Roy, with Sophie Peters and Ebony Milne other names keeps an eye on in the match. Double bottom-ager Molly McLaren has been a shining light this season, with Holly Egan another standout for the Bushrangers.

Gippsland Power vs. Northern Territory Academy
Sunday, May 21 @ Trevor Barker Oval, 11am

Gippsland Power will be out to pick up their first win of the season against a Northern Territory side that will play its first match of the season. These teams boast a couple of top-end talents for next year in Gippsland Power’s Ash Centra and Northern Territory’s Tatyana Perry who will have no shortage of highlights. Wingers Maria Rioli and Emma Stark have eye-catching moves, while Ella Stoddart and Addison Howe return after a terrific Under 16s carnival.

Bendigo Pioneers vs. Geelong Falcons
Sunday, May 21 @ Queen Elizabeth Oval, 1:30pm

In the final match of the weekend, Bendigo Pioneers host Geelong Falcons, with the former winning one game in the first four – a thriller against Murray Bushrangers in Round 1 – while the latter has split their results 2-2, with both wins coming against GWV Rebels. Lila Keck and Lucia Painter have been the standouts for the Pioneers as expected, while Chloe Adams and Sara Howley are consistent ball-winners in the midfield.