FUTURE star Ava Usher put the Western Jets to the sword during the Gold Coast Suns Academy’s huge 110-point win over the reigning premiers in the Coates Talent League Girls competition on the weekend. While there were plenty of standout contributors, Usher’s ability to boot four goals from a midfield/forward role caught the eye and earned her the Rookie Me Central Coates Talent League Player of the Week nomination.

Usher booted four goals nad one behind from 20 disposals, and also had four marks, five tackles and a mammoth 11 inside 50s to be the prime mover for the Suns, alongside teammate Alannah Welsh who also booted 4.1 from 15 disposals. The pair were among five multiple and 11 total goalkickers en route to a deadly accurate performance of 21.4 (130) to 3.2 (20).

After a comparatively subdued first term of four goals to one, the Suns piled on eight goals in the second term, then nine in the second half to really dominate the game. Usher kicked the first two goals of the second term, and three for the quarter, after nailing her first major two minutes into the game.

Usher became the first Queenslander to be nominated for Player of the Week, and second from the Northern Academies after Swans’ skipper Olivia Morris earned a nomination in Round 2. While two bottom-agers have been previously nominated for the Player of the Week, Usher becomes the first double bottom-ager (2007-born) player to do so.

Looming as one of the top prospects for 2025, Usher has already starred at Under 16s level, winning All-Australian honours and is looking more than comfortable at Under 18s level for the upcoming national championships.

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)
Round 6 – Sierra Grieves (Western Jets)
Round 7 – Chantal Mason (Geelong Falcons)
Round 8 – Ava Usher (Gold Coast Suns Academy)