COMPLETING Round 1 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition is a clash on the Apple Isle between Tasmania Devils and Oakleigh Chargers. While both sides are missing talent due to the AFLW Academy and Under 23 All-Stars it still promises to be an entertaining contest.
- Team
Tasmania Devils
Oakleigh Chargers
Sunday, April 7
UTAS Stadium @ 12pm
LAST SEASON:
Reigning premiers Oakleigh Chargers completed a fairytale season, coming from second on the ladder to knock off Eastern Ranges in the final and take home the flag. Tasmania Devils were brave throughout the season, reaching the finals before bowing out against Geelong Falcons in the elimination finals.
WHO’S MISSING?
Tasmania Devils will be minus a trio of talents with Mackenzie Williams representing the AFLW Academy, while Sophie Strong and Tunisha Kikoak will run out for the Under 23 All-Stars. For Oakleigh Chargers, Emma McDonald and Sienna Tallariti are both AFLW Academy members, while Sarah Poustie, Maggie Mahony and Sarah Poustie will represent the All-Stars.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tasmania Devils:
Co-skipper Lucy Thompson will lead from the front and be a strong target inside 50, with the forward capable of hitting the scoreboard consistently alongside Ava Read. Meg Harrison is a midfielder to keep an eye on from the Devils this season, while defender Ella Nast will provide some nice rebound.
From a bottom-age perspective, Priya Bowering looms as her state’s top pick in 2025, but she is well supported by the likes of Jorja Haberle and Harriet Bingley who enjoyed impressive years last season after playing in the Under 16 Championships.
Oakleigh Chargers:
Oakleigh has plenty of depth at its disposal, with midfielder Abbey Vicino having a great chance to step up in the absence of Poustie and Mahony. Defender Charlotte Brewer and forward Amelie Gladman are others in that next group of talents and will be closely watched this season.
Over-agers Amy Cariss-Brett and Maiya Stobie add much needed experience, while from the younger players, Zara Neuwirth and Chloe Thorn are shaping up as fantastic talents for next year, while
PREDICTION
Arguably Oakleigh is the team to beat this season, so it will be a fantastic measuring stick for Jess Wuetschner and her Devils to see how they match up. They are always a competitive team, though the Chargers were so impressive last season and expect that to continue in 2024.
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