A NUMBER of Vic Metro players were absent from their Coates Talent League teams on the weekend due to national carnival commitments, but there were others who stepped up in their place. In this week’s edition of scouting notes, we cast our eye across the five games and look a few players from each game who impressed that were either a part of the Victorian trials or are non draft-eligible players. As always, notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Sandringham Dragons:

#8 Judie Goldman

The Dragons midfielder played her role as she usually does, often winning the ball in close and quickly dishing off by hand. There was an instant midway through the third term where she burst out of a stoppage at the back and went by foot but unfortunately turned over. Still, it looked good and was the right move. She backed herself a bit more this game, and though the Dragons went down, still tried hard all game.

#21 Daisy Flockart

Flockart had some up and down moments, but her best is roaming from a stoppage and hitting up a target inside 50. Strong one-on-one she did well to mark in defence, placing multiple roles across the course of the game. Her reading of the ball off ruck taps is impressive, though she is still a developing talent and will further improve over the next 18 months.

#33 Olive McLean

Providing a marking target, McLean might not have been the marking target she has been in past games, but still found her fair share of the ball with 14 disposals and a goal. That goal was her side’s first 11 minutes into the third term from a clever snap. Provides a forwardline option for the Dragons midfielders.

Calder Cannons:

#1 Maddison Albrecht

One of the better Cannons on the day, Albrecht battled hard across four quarters and really cracked in across the ground. She could improve her composure with ball-in-hand, but her determination and defensive pressure is top notch. Often going up against bigger opponents, the 160cm winger is not afraid to take them down in a fierce tackle. Her 19 disposals were the second highest for her this season, while her eight tackles provided a new personal best.

#3 Chloe Baker-West

Simply everywhere across the ground and won the ball with ease. She started off the day on a perfect note by marking and converting the set shot late in the first term, and then continually intercepting and pumping it forward both at half-forward and in defence when required. When up and about she can hit sizzling passes that look outstanding, but then as the game tends to go on, she starts to kick them off a step, even kicking a couple out of the full when she had more time. Remaining consistent across four quarters will be keen as she is a phenomenal talent and she showed that again late in the third term with a bullet pass inside 50.

#5 Jade McLay

Another double bottom-ager who always has more impact that her disposal numbers suggest, McLay provided that bigger body around the stoppages and ability to extract from congestion. She kicked the first goal of the day soccering it home from a metre out, Her first half through the midfield was particularly influential and generally is a good decision maker who looks to run the ball in transition.

Murray Bushrangers:

#2 Tamika Rourke

The talented bottom-ager has some eye-catching traits and is developing nicely, with her best shown off in her running goal midway through the second term. She sidestepped one player then stepped back onto her preferred side to get around another, composed herself, straightened up and slotted the goal. She has the athletic traits to look incredibly exciting out of stoppages, and while she can sell herself into trouble, Rourke has plenty of upside for the future.

#5 Molly McLaren

Often going head-to-head with Painter on the inside and not willing to budge, the 2007-born McLaren held her own and was particularly strong with her body positioning and defensive pressure. She might have only had the 13 touches, but laid seven tackles and always put the team first. She hit Kobzan lace out late in the second term and most of her touches were offensively minded to drive it forward.

#9 Holly Egan

Stationed behind the ball again, Egan found the going a little easier than usual and had more freedom. She played a higher line against the Pioneers due to the Bushrangers having more forward half time and even took a mark at half-forward. She put her body on the line as she always did and looked to keep the ball moving whenever she won it.

#26 Kaylea Kobzan

Spending more time in attack as she had the week before, the former defender played her most influential game of the season. Though she became known as the booming left-footer who took kickouts, she did a lot more damage as a forward. She clunked strong marks and converted a couple of goals, and could have had another one or two. To finish with 2.2 from 17 disposals and five marks – while also knowing when to push up the ground and help in defence – pushed her claim for Vic Country even further.

#49 Nikhita Spiteri

It was a breakout game for the crafty forward, booting three goals after just one in her first four matches. She looked lively roaming around inside 50, kicking a great snap for her maiden goal of the day, then laid a great tackle seven minutes into the fourth term and converted the set shot to ice the game. Her best was her third, picking it off the deck and slotting it on the run. Overall and impressive 13-disposal, four-mark, six-tackle and three-goal performance.

Bendigo Pioneers:

#5 Lucia Painter

Finding plenty of the ball as has been accustomed for Painter, she was one of the better Pioneers across the course of the game. The Bushrangers were aware of her influence around stoppages and looked to quell her through McLaren or others, but Painter still worked hard to find the pill around the ground. Her first term in particularly was a huge one, and her talent was evident in the fourth term where she wheeled around on the wing to hit up a target inside 50. She did go down sore six minutes into the match, but was at least able to get herself up.

#10 Keely Fullerton

Provided some scoreboard pressure in the win, kicking a couple of goals in the match and being the only multiple goalscorer for the Pioneers. Her first was an eye-catching sidestep and running goal from 40m, while her second came with the last kick of the game. Though it was a touch at times, the winger/forward still managed the 16 touches and laid six tackles.

#14 Bryde O’Rourke

Another lively performance from O’Rourke who had less of the ball but did plenty of nice things. She has to work on her composure, but those deadly athletic traits such as a neat sidestep and explosive speed helped her set up plenty of scoring options inside 50. She finished with the six inside 50s from 15 touches, second only to Painter and Fullerton (seven each).

Western Jets:

#9 Sierra Grieves

Again stationed in attack which suggests a role she will play for Vic Metro, Grieves was able to have an impact with just about each of her 16 touches even if her role meant she had less of them. She found the going tough in the first term as the Charges took control, but as soon as she rolled into the midfield late in the term, won the first clearance and thumped it inside 50, and a minute later, roved the ball off hands and snapped a brilliant goal. It was the Jets’ only major of the contest, though Grieves was at the forefront of attacking best she could, and showed her class all game long.

#17 Hannah Brodie

Rotating between defence and midfield, Brodie worked hard all game for Jets and put her body on the line. She looked handy as a midfielder, and the over-ager could provide that service in her top-age year next season. Building some consistency the past month, Brodie can be a bit hit and miss with her kicking – such as missing a chance on goal spraying it wide – but was clean by hand and had a number of good touches. Her tackling in particular – six of them – stood out.

Oakleigh Chargers:

#1 Jacinta Baxter

In the absence of a number of key Chargers, Baxter really stepped up and made the game her own. She racked up 33 disposals, easily eclipsing her previous best of 25, and running all day off a wing. What stands out with Baxter is her elite clean hands, which time and time again she was a one-touch player at ground level and able to give it off. Still quite a light player who can get bumped off it, she has the smarts and the quick decision making to be able to progress her game in other ways, just needs that consistency.

#5 Abbey Vicino

Another bottom-ager who feasted on opportunity, Vicino picked up 29 disposals in the win. In the ying to Baxter’s yang, Vicino is the sheer inside midfielder who wins the majority at the coalface, but has that nice burst to help her get it to space. Her execution at times can be a little hit and miss, but her metres gained make her a valuable player. Vicino had a running shot on goal late in the third term but just missed.

#10 Amy Cariss-Brett

Playing on the other wing to Baxter, Cariss-Brett certainly kept her name in Metro selectors minds after being a handy player for the Chargers. She won 17 disposals, but it was her positioning as a winger and work rate to cover the ground to turn defence into attack that stood out. Cariss-Brett put the ball into dangerous positions when going inside 50, and at her best she has the talent to hit targets on the run. She can use both sides of her body which is important and applies scoreboard pressure through setting others up.

#17 Lucy Cronin

Holding down a role in defence, Cronin did well in her one-on-one contests and looked to create some run and carry from the back half of the ground. She looked to dish off to teammates also on the move, and her decision making was generally sound. She had the 17 disposals, two marks and four rebound 50s, and when she did not mark it she often brought it to ground, making life difficult for the Jets forwards.

#23 Maiya Stobie

Though the small forward has often been best associated with high scoreboard pressure, she had a well-rounded performance against the Jets. In what was clearly her best performance of the season, Stobie not only managed to hit the scoreboard – via a goal in the final minute of the match – but she provided a target at half-forward and then brought the pressure to ground level. Her kicking at times can be hit and miss and a little rushed, but she provides energy and looks to put the ball into dangerous spots for her teammates inside 50. Finished with 16 disposals, five marks and five tackles to go with her 1.2.

#37 Chloe Bown

Another developing young gun who has enjoyed a promising start to her Coates Talent League career with 19, 24 and now 23 disposals in her three games. A late 2007-born talent, Bown is a good size at 172cm and is clean by hand or foot. She knows where to go to find the ball and looks to hit those risky passes for the payoffs even if she can turn it over occasionally. Bown has the air of class about her, and considering it it only her first month, she could be something special in a few years.

Eastern Ranges:

#17 Grace Baba

Her defensive efforts in a stacked Geelong forwardline was admirable to say the least, with Baba saving a number of forward forays by clearing the danger zone. Though she can be an effective kick when having time and space, the wet conditions meant just bombing it outside 50 was the way to go. She did just that and even saved a goal early in the game with a brilliant tackle on Howley. She mopped up quite a lot and put the ball into open territory for her teammates to run onto.

#22 Grace Belloni

Having some nice moments across the course of the game, the conditions were not suited to clean play, but Belloni was able to adapt and crack in. She laid eight tackles and often opted for the handball instead, showing a good work rate to get to second contests. She marked at the top of 50 midway through the second term, kicked to the goalsquare then backed up to win a second touch after that. Her fierce tackling and defensive mindset was very impressive and her intent to lead her team to victory was evident.

#54 Tayla McMillan

A standout in the win, it is hard to believe McMillan has another couple of years in the system having just turned 16 in May. She continued her upward trajectory from her first two matches to win 25 disposals and have six rebounds, covering the ground well. The Vic Metro Under 16s talent was everywhere for the Ranges, and looms as a crucial midfielder over the next few years, who gained more inside time as a result of key absences. A light body compared to many of her opponents, she was not afraid to engage with the likes of Howley and Adams and then used her smarts to win the ball off the ruck tap.

Geelong Falcons:

#7 Sara Howley

Often bringing her own ball to the game, Howley once again was simply remarkable for her accumulation, racking up 39 disposals, 14 more than any other player. Her efficiency was well down on her usual output in the game though, making some rare fumbles and quite a few turnovers for a player that is highly skilled. Still, Howley was among the best Falcons, taking the game on, winning repeat possessions and working up and down the ground. She kicked Geelong’s first goal off a clever snap and tried to lift her team in that way. Overall she was still one of the standouts, and will be better suited to dry conditions to fully execute that skill.

#8 Mekah Morrissy

Worked more into the game as it went on and finished with 18 disposals and eight inside 50s. She played the wet weather brand well, looking to thump it long, but was still generally effective with her disposals. At one point in the second term, she marked on the wing, kicked to half-forward then followed up to win it and deliver it to a teammate in the pocket. She even pushed into the stoppages at times and provide that nice burst.

#25 Chloe Adams

The skipper stood up in the game despite the loss, with the conditions not fazing her one bit. She cracked in, won it off the deck or in transition and really stamped her authority on the game. Best known for her defensive pressure and clean skills, Adams showed just that en route to 25 disposals and 12 tackles. Able to kick off both sides of her body, she just looked to get as much territory as possible for her side.

Northern Knights:

#7 Isabella Parnell

The developing tall might be a top-ager but is starting to find some nice form. Coming off a pretty handy performance at the Vic Metro trials, Parnell stepped up to kick four goals from 12 disposals and five marks, providing a target in there. She has the goal sense and athleticism to go with her scoreboard impact and can hurt opposition teams in a number of ways. She kicked the Knights’ first major of the contest in the eighth minute of the second term, and kicked another later in the term from a set shot to spark them. Her next two came in the third and fourth quarters respectively, both from different ways but using her smarts and athleticism, to end the day as the best-on for her side.

#9 Kira Lemire

A nine-disposal game does not always gain much attention, but Lemire caught the eye through her incredible hands inside 50. The bottom-ager clunked five marks and looked difficult to beat, able to bring the ball to ground when she did not mark. The best of her marks was a contested one on the goalline close to the behind post, where she then went back and slotted the goal. At 167cm she is so strong overhead for her side and is one to remember if she can sustain the form.

#11 Hannah Scott

Won the ball with ease playing out of defence and pushing up the ground when possible, Scott finished with 33 disposals. She looked to gather and go from half-back and was often tasked with the kick outs as well. Usually a neat kick over any distance, Scott is just a handy player who does what she can for her team. Though she can be outbodied by bigger forwards, she influences in her own way with her run and can. A talent softball player, Scott is also heading to Canada to compete in the International Canada Cup for the Australian Under 19s softball team.

#46 Phoebe Hargreaves

Another lighter bodied midfielder who still cracks in and punches above her weight, Hargreaves was one of the best Knights through the midfield stepping up into the role with more minutes there. She often looked to tap it to space from the centre rather than take possession outright, but worked hard with second and third efforts. She found possessions out on the wing and then around the ground, and while she could not always show her clean skills, Hargreaves was still a classy talent around the ground.

Gippsland Power:

#3 Zali Gallagher

The bottom-age small has some likeable traits to her game, with her offensive and defensive abilities making her an all-round threat. She is only 162cm, but she roams from half-back to the wing and looks to take grass with her possessions. She can mop up in defence, compete well one-on-one or bring down bigger opponents in bone-crunching tackles. A handy player who is finding form over the past month, averaging 11 disposals per game.

#15 Jasmine Sowden

Sowden had her moments again, particularly early in the game, winning a number of disposals spreading to the outside and driving the ball down the ground. She brought the heat as well to lay six tackles to go with her 17 touches, and though clean possessions were not always easy, she provided assistance around the stoppages and looked to burst away to get the ball down the ground. One of the better Power players again.

#16 Ash Centra

The star of the show, even if the Power could not get the win, Centra had 29 disposals, eight marks, three tackles, three hitouts, four inside 50s and six rebound 50s in a brilliant effort. The Knights could not find an answer for her aerial ability and she was the subject of our Player Focus for the week, which details her performance.

>> ASH CENTRA PLAYER FOCUS

#32 Abby Hobson

Hobson is a competitive marking forward and she is looming as one of the more impressive 2007-born players in the Talent League. Coming into a team that had previously struggled to score, Hobson has booted 11 goals in five games, and kicked another two on the weekend. Her second efforts standout with her second goal coming after just dropping a mark then competing, winning it back and slamming home a goal from a flying shot from 40m. Generally her hands are rock solid, taking seven marks and like Centra up the other end, few Knights could match her in the air. Is averaging 11.2 disposals and 5.0 marks to go with her accurate 11.4 for the season.