THE Coates Talent League Girls wrapped up on the weekend with six games taking place in Round 17 with a number of outstanding individual performers. Though teams were missing top-end bottom-age talent due to the Under 17 Futures match, others stepped up in their place. As always we took note of some of the top performers, focusing in on state representatives and bottom-age players at this point in the season.

WESTERN JETS:

#10 Tamara Henry

The dynamic forward/midfielder was able to hit the scoreboard with a couple of impressive majors including the first goal off a step 12 minutes into the match. She continued to present throughout the contest and had a second just a minute into the next quarter with a quick snap to create something out of nothing. Playing further afield in the second half, she had a number of quick handballs but was often under pressure which resulted in turnovers. However, Henry applied her own pressure, including winning a free kick for a great tackle on Kavanagh.

#13 Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner

After a quiet Round 16 match, Weston-Turner produced a solid game without being outstanding, kicking a brilliant goal five minutes into the third term after winning it off hands at the stoppage and snapping truly. She showed off her elite burst for a tall player and had a run from the defensive 50 down the ground, but did find herself in trouble via Reece Sutton. She showed some promising signs at different points and tried to impact best she could.

#14 Kiera Whiley

The Jets skipper tried hard all game, and got involved on both the inside and outside. Though at times she did turn the ball over in transition due to extra Jets numbers behind the ball, she was clean at ground level and able to dish off by hand well. Whiley kept cracking in and provided a clearance option in the middle.

#30 Alex McBride-Loane

The athletic double bottom-ager had some eye-catching moments in the match, kicking a nice set shot goal in the third term, and provided a presence both in the air and at ground level. McBride-Loane’s second efforts were notable and though missing a chance on goal in the fourth term on the run, contributed well throughout the match.

CALDER CANNONS:

#3 Chloe Baker-West

Getting back to her ball-winning ways, the double bottom-ager racked up a game-high 33 disposals in the win, finding it all over the ground. With time and space she was able to put plenty of pressure on the opposition defence. She often won the first touch out of a stoppage and also applied pressure on the defensive end. Baker-West got reward for effort in the second term, slotting a goal off one step from a tight angle out the back of a stoppage.

#15 Shauna McElligott

Another double bottom-ager who continued her good form, McElligott provided a target inside 50. She kicked a couple of goals – in the second and fourth terms – after strong one-on-one marks, playing in front on each occasion. Though she has the tendency to blaze away at times and kick a couple out on the full, she has some nice athleticism and high upside.

#18 Sarah Grunden

Piecing together a strong defensive performance, Grunden laid eight tackles to go with her 15 touches. Though she had a few chances on goal that went begging, she was able to impact in other ways. Grunden produced a great run-down tackle close to goal but unfortunately landed in her opponent’s back, while also setting up a scoring chance for Maddison Ford with a low bullet inside 50 in the second term.

#24 Amy Gaylor

Taking another step forward in her return from a knee injury, Gaylor produced a consistent game through the midfield with the left-footer working hard on the inside. Using her quick first few steps, Gaylor was able to extract the ball well, and delivered inside 50 on a number of occasions. She showed good energy and her fitness levels are continuing to build back, as a prime mover in the Cannons’ on-ball brigade.

#25 Kayley Kavanagh

It was another best on ground performance from the Cannons midfielder who was influential on both sides of midfield. She spread well and worked hard, with her most notable moments being her hands through traffic and vision to deliver to teammates. She occasionally was a touch slow to dispose of it, but brought her teammates into the game well and found the ball all over the ground.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#5 Sophie Butterworth

The key forward kicked 3.3 in the win to make it four consecutive rounds of three or more goals – and 16 in total – but fell one short of the overall leading goalkicker award. She provided a strong presence inside 50, and kicked her three majors in different ways. Her first came from a set shot at the top of the goalsquare, before soccering another off the deck later in the match and finishing with a quick snap off a couple of steps. Her work rate in the match and competitiveness at ground level was impressive.

#6 Jemma Ramsdale

The Dandenong Stingrays skipper did a perfect job on leading goalkicker Chantal Mason to keep her to eight touches and no goals – albeit with Mason spending some time up the field – to give Butterworth best chance at taking the leading goalkicker award. She was a standout in defence to keep her hot run of form going, positioning herself well one-on-one and competing well in each contest. Ramsdale mopped up for her team and kicked long down the ground to safety, and showed her footy smarts to get into the right spots.

#7 Mikayla Williamson

Though not as prolific as recent weeks, Williamson still contributed in a big way, getting her hands on the ball and competing hard on the inside and outside. She provided run and carry across the ground, and quite often mopped up in defence, gathering it well and looking to provide switch options for her team to take the ball forward.

#37 Stella Rogers

Playing her best game of the season, the bottom-aged Rogers was particularly influential in driving the ball inside 50. She has a nice technique with her kick and even if not pinpoint, puts the ball into the right areas. Rogers moves well through opponents and ended up with 11 inside 50s from 22 disposals and five marks. Though still a raw talent, Rogers has potential and just has to find that consistency.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#8 Mekah Morrissy

After being one of the unlucky players to miss out on the Under 17 Futures game, Morrissy tried hard off her wing but ultimately not much went the Falcons’ way. She still ran hard and has the traits and potential to take her game to another level next year, with her burst speed on show a couple of times. In one instant, she burst away inside 50 taking a couple of bounces but the third one went astray and was tackled forcing a clearance.

#25 Chloe Adams

The Falcons captain was superb throughout the match, racking up a whopping 38 disposals in a best on ground performance despite the heavy loss. She played between midfield and defence, constantly putting her body on the line and dishing off to set up her teammates in space. In the absence of Sara Howley, Adams became the prominent ball-winner, while laying 11 tackles and kicking a great running goal in the first term from 40m.

#41 Johanna Sunderland

Another Vic Country representative who worked hard all game out of the back 50, Sunderland finished with 16 disposals, six tackles and seven rebound 50s. There might be flashier players, but Sunderland is neat and controlled with her play, and is capable to intercepting in both the air and at ground level. She plays within her strengths and put up some resistance in the defensive 50.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#15 Jasmine Sowden

Showcasing her versatility in the match, Sowden spent plenty of time forward and finished with two important goals. She is capable of using her burst to win it on the lead, and also be strong at ground level, with one of her majors coming after she weaved around three Bushrangers defenders. When in the midfield she can also find the ball and recorded 23 disposals, seven marks and laid 13 tackles in another eye-catching effort.

#18 Siena Lane

Normally not a huge ball-winner, Lane held her own in the midfield and had some nice moments. She picked up 18 disposals, and was super clean at ground level. Her disposal by hand can be effective, particularly in congestion to find the open player, with tidying up her kicking the next step in her development.

#19 Ella Stoddart

Consistently rebounding from defence and pushing right up the ground, Stoddart recorded a game-high 28 disposals. Taking the kickouts and always looking for the one-twos to keep the ball moving in transition, the Vic Country Under 16s MVP essentially looked to gain as much distance as possible both via hand and foot.

#32 Abby Hobson

In an outstanding performance, Hobson was best on round after booting 4.3 from 18 disposals and 11 marks. She should have finished with at least six, but was still an outstanding talent inside 50, with her hands as reliable as anyone else’s going around. The double bottom-ager was able to find space to lead into or go one-on-one, and is a promising target for the future in the Power attack.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#5 Molly McLaren

McLaren plays a crucial role on the inside and despite being a smaller midfielder, cracks in and is not afraid to put her body on the line. A clearance dominant talent for the future, McLaren runs hard and covers the ground well, while reading the play off hands at stoppages and laying brilliant tackles. Still a double bottom-ager with plenty of potential for the future.

#24 Rose Bell

Incredibly a triple bottom-ager, Bell has enjoyed a full season with the Bushrangers and played her best game of the season against the Power. She kicked a goal from 18 disposals, six marks, six tackles and four rebound 50s, working all over the ground. The 168cm utility moves well through stoppages and reads the play well when given the freedom to roam as she was in the match, finishing off with a great goal in the final term from a tight angle, her side’s first of the match.

#26 Kaylea Kobzan

The Vic Country representative was another Bushranger who battled on bravely across the four quarters despite mounting inside 50s from the Power. Her kicking was hit and miss at times, but her raking left foot often cleared the danger for her side. Her aerial ability stood out as she clunked five marks, while having 11 rebound 50s from 22 disposals, often taking the kickouts.

#39 Alice Voss

The Bushrangers’ best in the loss, Voss was incredible aerially, plucking anything that came her way and rebounding with consistency. She took seven marks from 23 disposals and 12 rebound 50s, though her execution is still an area to be tidied up. Her athleticism and aerial ability for a player of her size is very impressive and is a key reason why she was picked to play with the Allies at the national championships.

GWV REBELS:

#5 Jess Rentsch

The skipper had a huge day out in her best game of the season, steering the Rebels to victory with a barn-storming final term. She kicked three goals from 27 disposals and laid seven tackles, with two of her goals coming from long-range. She almost had a fourth that was touched on the line, while her multiple bursting runs – often feating repeated bounces – broke down the Pioneers’ defence. It was a standout game from the talent AFLW Academy member.

#23 Maggie Johnstone

Though Johnstone was not a high ball-winner, what she does with and without the ball caught the eye. The 2007-born talent played at half-forward and then in defence, with good hands overhead a nice kicking technique.

#24 Lily Jordan

In her highest production game of the season, Jordan racked up 29 disposals – all kicks – playing forward and having stints in the midfield. She brought her usual tackling pressure, and her work rate in particular was noticeable all over the field. If she did not win it she was doing the team things and got to the right spots, totalling up 10 inside 50s as well while kicking a classy small forward’s goal.

#27 Tyla Crabtree

The Vic Country midfielder was a fierce competitor on the inside and rotated with Rentsch at times, providing clean hands around the coalface and also mopping up in defence. Her kicking can be a bit hit and miss, but her contested ball winning and strength around the stoppages was noticeable for the in-and-under midfielder.

#33 Ruby Thomas

Making her debut up forward, Thomas showed her class kicking two goals from 16 disposals and looking lively. She got into dangerous positions and was able to also add a defensive element to her game with seven tackle alongside her offensive contribution.

#35 Laila Lappin

Lappin worked hard around the ground to amass a season-high 28 disposals, making it back-to-back 20-plus disposal performances. She won a lot of her ball when at the ruck stoppages, often taking it out and dishing it off quickly. Her efficiency by foot is an area to improve going forward, but her ground level pressure is a standout trait.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#1 Lila Keck

The AFLW Academy member had a busy first half in particular as she accumulated the ball across the ground. She laid a number of fierce tackles to go with her 26 touches and was able to dispose of it off both sides. Keck even spent time in defence and worked up the ground, ending the day with a solid performance.

#2 Steph Demeo

Bendigo’s top player on the day, Demeo was a reliable user out of the back half, providing plenty of run and carry for the Pioneers. The small defender has neat skills and is exceptionally clean at ground level, and though she is only small, packs a punch and laid six tackles to go with 27 disposals, four marks and 10 rebound 50s, doing her draft hopes no harm with the performance.

#9 Olivia Lacy

Stepping up for her best game of the season, the double bottom-ager finished with a season-high 19 disposals and eight rebound 50s, finding her home in defence. Lacy’s composure and decision making coming out of the back 50 caught the eye, with the majority of her touches going to the right places and she aided her teammates in remaining accountable in the defensive zone.

#10 Keely Fullerton

Another top-ager in the draft mix, Fullerton has some great moments and is more about the consistency in her game. At her best, Fullerton can be a damaging winger with a great running capacity and a left foot that can hit the scoreboard multiple times. Picking up 14 disposals with her two majors, when within range and able to unleash on goal, she can produce a lovely long kick

#23 Ella Jeffery

Another double bottom-ager who caught the eye, Jeffrey played deep in defence and laid a ridiculous 16 tackles to go with her 17 disposals. Jeffrey saved a potential goal by rushing through. a behind then took the kickout and hit up Keck in the back pocket quickly to keep the ball moving. A highly competitive and fierce player.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#11 Hannah Scott

The reliable defender played another consistent game in defeat, working hard to mop up from her side. Though a number of forays outside the defensive 50 were chopped off by Dragons, she maintained her intensity, with 13 disposals, six tackles and eight rebound 50s.

#14 Ava Jordan

Though Jordan did not see a lot of it, she made the most of her rare chances, snapping two goals from two kicks off a couple of steps in the second and third term respectively. Though she missed an earlier snap which bounced out of bounds, she showed her forward craft at ground level.

#38 Marlo Graham

Northern’s top ball-winner in the match, Graham’s defensive pressure around the ground was a feature in her game. She was clean in close and able to get the ball to boot quickly, kicking a nice goal with a perfectly timed shot just before the three quarter time siren. Graham finished with 14 disposals and 13 tackles.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#9 Jasmine Shepherd

The Sandringham Dragons defender only had the 10 touches but again just caught the eye with her higher impact-per-possession play. Always boasting a tough attack on the contest, Shepherd moved well through the defensive stoppages and got forward of centre holding a high line, while being a vocal player in the defensive 50.

#16 Isabel Bacon

In a best on ground performance, Bacon played a near complete game from an offensive and defensive standpoint. While at times her kicking can be cleaned up, she gets to the right spots and wins the ball consistently now. Able to step inside or outside, Bacon laid 13 tackles in the win, while having nine inside 50s. She looked dangerous when forward, kicking a nice goal from a snap late in the match having set up a number of teammates earlier in the game.

#21 Daisy Flockart

Flockart was another player who produced a season-high disposal tally, racking up 27 disposals in the win. Though averaging only 14.7 disposals per game in her first nine matches, Flockhart flourished through the midfield, and showed some nice toe in transition. Blending a balance of strength – which included a strong fend-off – as well as class going inside 50, Flockart gave a further glimpse into her role for next year.

#24 Emily Gough

Another Vic Metro member who had an impressive performance, Gough covered the ground well and was strong in the air. She kicked two goals from 15 disposals and got into the right spots around the ground and won the ball in each third on the ground. Her two majors came in different fashions with one a long-range set shot and the other a clever snap from the boundary line.

EASTERN RANGES:

#6 Hayley McLaughlin

The top-age winger finished with an equal team-high 19 disposals and had some nice plays across the ground. In the third term, McLaughlin set up a goal to Knight with a pinpoint pass, and though her kicking in the game overall was a tough hit and miss, she still covered the ground well and got into ball-winning positions.

#10 Laura Stone

Returning from injury, Stone largely played off half-back and was eased into the game. Though only winning the 10 touches, Stone provided a spark on-ball when she moved into the middle at the centre stoppage late in. the third term and won the first clearance with a long kick to the hotspot to set up a goal to Grace Belloni. At the next stoppage she was held and won a free kick, showing the awareness her opponent had of her burst speed.

#11 Jess Vukic

Stepping up as the main ruck in the absence of Jacinta Hose, Vukic was too experienced for her opponents, dominating the hitouts with an impressive display of ruck craft. She was able to put the ball into various positions at the stoppages and control where the ball went, with the Oakleigh midfielders having to shark her taps. In arguably her best game for the year, Vukic had 11 disposals, 21 hitouts and laid five tackles, while showing great competitiveness at ground level and around the ground.

#12 Georgia Knight

Putting on a show, Knight slotted four goals in the win, with a major in each quarter to remain consistent. Her first was from a clever snap in the pocket after a clean gather, before converting another couple from set shots, including one from 55m where she ran onto her right and slammed it home. Her fourth major was a nice pick up and snap with strong hands and great forward craft inside 50.

#14 Alyssia Pisano

Getting back on the board with multiple goals, Pisano slotted three majors from nine touches, all of which came in the second half. After missing a couple of chances earlier in the game, Pisano kicked one from a set shot after strong mark on the lead. Her last two came from great forward craft plays, snapping around her body cleverly or wheeling onto her left side to put one straight through the middle.

#38 Georgia Stubs

The best on ground, Stubs was a fierce competitor throughout the four quarters, cracking in and essentially being a battering ram on the inside of the contest. She threw herself into everything and though at times she could polish up some aspects of her game, can still use a slick sidestep or have power to extract the ball from the contest. Late in the match, Stubs went forward, took a strong a mark on the lead and converted a set shot from 40m, before setting up Pisano for a major.

#54 Tayla McMillan

The double bottom-ager adds a point of difference to the midfield with her smooth-moving and classy kicking. She is clean at ground level, can evade opponents and also has a pressure element to her game. McMillan’s ability to almost burst laterally is difficult to do, but she finds a way and weaves through congestion well. The Eastern Ranges talent had an equal team-high 19 disposals in the victory.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#5 Abbey Vicino

Working hard all game, Vicino managed 18 disposals and cracked in largely on the inside with her strength in close and vision and execution by hand her best traits. She can often rush her kicks forward, but gets into ball-winning positions and also open the game up for her teammates with quick dish offs to running teammates around the stoppages.

#6 Maggie Mahony

Racking up a match-high 25 disposals and 12 tackles, Mahony did all she could in the absence of a number of teammates. She worked well all over the ground, and though she did turn the ball over. a little by foot, when having time and space picked the right options. She also looked for some one-twos and was clean at ground level.

#24 Jemma Rigoni

Starting on a wing, Rigoni had some eye-catching plays with her determination to take grass and drive the ball forward. She showed quick hands and has that natural two-way running where she will mop up in defence then charge forward to put pressure on the opposition’s defence. Though a left-dominant kick, Rigoni’s athletic traits make her one to keep an eye on, especially for Melbourne fans where she is father-daughter tied.

#37 Chloe Bown

Continuing her purple patch of form entering the Talent League, Bown again had her moments as a stronger forward-midfielder. She got a number of clean touches away by hand and can use penetration by foot. In the second term, she pushed forward to receive a handball and slot the goal on the run in the ninth minute.