FOUR games of Coates Talent League Girls action took place in Round 15, as top four sides Eastern Ranges and Dandenong Stingrays both won, as did Western Jets who leapfrogged Bendigo Pioneers. We recap who shone and handed out our Rookie Me Central Medal votes.

Eastern Ranges continued their good season by shaking off a determined GWV Rebels outfit in the final term to win by 22 points. The Ranges only lead by two points at three quarter time before kicking the last three goals of the game to run away wit ha 5.7 (37) to 2.3 (15).

STANDOUT: Hayley McLaughlin (Eastern Ranges)

The top-age winger was strong yet again across the course of the game picking up an equal gane-high 23 disposals in the win. She worked hard up and down the ground and was involved in getting the ball forward, also collecting six inside 50s and three rebound 50s.

OTHERS:

Eastern Ranges had an even contribution across the board with bottom-ager Grace Belloni (two goals) and double bottom-ager Tayla McMillan both catching the eye. In defence, Grace Baba looked good, while Georgia Stubs battled hard in midfield. For the Rebels, Jessica Rentsch was again eye-catching, while Millie Lang and Tyla Crabtree both found plenty of the ball. Up forward, Claire Mahony showed promising signs.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Hayley McLaughlin (Eastern Ranges)
4 – Jess Rentsch (GWV Rebels)
3 – Millie Lang (GWV Rebels)
2 – Grace Belloni (Eastern Ranges)
1 – Tayla McMillan (Eastern Ranges)

Dandenong Stingrays proved too strong for a gallant Northern Knights, running away with a 41-point win and their sixth consecutive 30-plus point victory. Trailing by 13 points at quarter time, the Stingrays piled on 10 of the next 13 goals to storm to a 10.14 (74) to 5.3 (33) victory at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

STANDOUT: Jemma Reynolds (Dandenong Stingrays)

It was difficult to pick a standout in a game where the entire Stingrays team chipped in with their fair share of contributions. In the end, Reynolds’ 24-disposal game got the nod, constantly looking dangerous in the front half of the ground and have three inside 50s and a goal for her troubles as well.

OTHERS:

Meg Robertson (23 disposals, five marks and five inside 50s) was also busy, as was AFLW Academy member Mikayla Williamson who continued her great form. Ruck Elli Symonds was influential in the middle, and the pairing of Sophie Butterworth and Zoe Besanko combined for 6.5. Northern Knights were ably lead by Zoe Hargreaves and Tahlia Plunkett in the midfield, while Hannah Scott was reliable in defence and Ava Jordan booted two goals in attack.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Jemma Reynolds (Dandenong Stingrays)
4 – Zoe Hargreaves (Northern Knights)
3 – Meg Robertson (Dandenong Stingrays)
2 – Elli Symonds (Dandenong Stingrays)
1 – Mikayla Williamson (Dandenong Stingrays)

Tasmania Devils were able to shake off a pesky Calder Cannons outfit that continued to bite at their heels, holding them off in a tough contest at Twins Ovals. The Devils lead throughout the contest, but both defences were up to the task, with the Devils eventually winning by seven points, 4.5 (29) to 3.4 (22).

STANDOUT: Georgia Clark (Tasmania Devils)

Clark earned our Player of the Week honours, booting three goals from 21 disposals. Looking imposing inside 50, she worked up the ground well to present, then doubled back and provided a target, bringing the ball to ground if she did not mark it, and making the most of her opportunities.

OTHERS:

In a game that was filled with impressive statlines, the Devils had some even contributors across the board, with Priya Bowering next best to Clark playing through the midfield. She teamed up well with the likes of Candice Belbin, Mackenzie Ford and Meg Harrison who all caught the eye, while Mackenzie Williams was strong behind the ball. For the Cannons, Maddison Albrecht and Kayley Kavanagh were ultra-consistent throughout the game, as double bottom-ager Chloe Baker-West had another enormous game of 38 disposals.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Georgia Clark (Tasmania Devils)
4 – Maddison Albrecht (Calder Cannons)
3 – Priya Bowering (Tasmania Devils)
2 – Kayley Kavanagh (Calder Cannons)
1 – Chloe Baker-West (Calder Cannons)

After an even first term, Western Jets put the foot down to kick away from Murray Bushrangers to produce their second win of the season. After defeating the Bushrangers earlier in the year, the Jets backed it up with a five-goal win, 5.8 (38) to 1.2 (8).

STANDOUT: Tamara Henry (Western Jets)

The smooth-moving midfielder/forward was particularly influential in the forward half of the ground, showcasing her strong and safe hands and delivering the ball neatly around the ground. She provided some nice defensive pressure on the overlap from the Bushrangers, but her offensive impact – which included 16 disposals, seven marks and six inside 50s is what stood out.

OTHERS:

Western Jets welcomed back AFLW Academy member Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner from a wrist injury, as the forward kicked two goals from 19 disposals and looked dangerous every time she went near it. Fellow Academy member, Kiera Whiley had 19 disposals and laid seven tackles, while Kiera Leare through the midfield and Sierra Grieves (two goals) up forward, were also busy. For the Bushrangers, Kaylea Kobzan (18 disposals, five marks and five rebound 50s) was her side’s best, while midfielders Tamika Rourke and Molly McLaren also provided nice run.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Tamara Henry (Western Jets)
4 – Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner (Western Jets)
3 – Kaylea Kobzan (Murray Bushrangers)
2 – Kiera Leare (Western Jets)
1 – Tamika Rourke (Murray Bushrangers)