SEVEN matches played out in Round 3 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition, with the NSW/ACT Academies coming to the party. We cast our eye across each of the games and took note of some of the players with a focus on those in Victorian hubs or others that shone. As always, notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Northern Knights 6.4 (40) defeated GWV Rebels 4.2 (26)

By: Michael Alvaro

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#4 Holly Ridewood
Midfielder | 174cm | 27/12/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 tackles, 8 inside 50s

With claims on being best afield, Ridewood began to take hold of the game after half time. She brought her usual tackling pressure and intensity around the ball, also gaining good meterage with her long kicking. Her ability to carry and take ground were more prominent as the game opened up, making for more impactful possessions and connection between the arcs. A real competitor and all-rounder through midfield, but could do with some added finesse at times.

#5 Zoe Hargreaves
Midfielder | 172cm | 03/06/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 10 tackles, 8 inside 50s

Another Northern midfielder with good size who contributes going both ways, Hargreaves continued to show her class on Saturday. The Knights’ leading prospect won the first centre clearance and looked to drive her legs whenever possible, showcasing a typically explosive first few steps. Her overhead marking has become a real point of difference, and she was able to penetrate GWV’s defence with both speed and penetrating kicks over the back.

#12 Tahlia Plunkett
Forward | 166cm | 24/11/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 13 tackles, 1 goal

Plunkett could hardly be faulted for effort in Round 3, as is usually the case, laying a game-high 13 tackles. She was a mainstay up forward and helped Northern gain deeper entries from the top of the arc, doing so with great energy. The only thing lacking was a bit of polish on her end product, perhaps rushing a few kicks or skewing them as quickly she looked to hit the hot spots close to goal.

#23 Phoebe Hargreaves
Small Forward | 160cm | 15/07/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Hargreaves was certainly efficient on Saturday, booting three goals from just seven kicks in her first game for the season. The bottom-ager showed her smarts to nab two of them out the back, latching onto long kicks and converting into the open goalsquare. Her instincts and positional awareness were also evident as she found pockets of space to take uncontested marks, and with greater length on her kicks, could have had at least a couple more scores.

#25 Kiara Keenan
Defender | 168cm | 21/12/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles

Keenan parked herself in all the right spots behind the ball to prove a thorn in GWV’s attacks. She reacted well to the play in front of her and made intercepting look relatively easy, taking the ball cleanly and repelling off a high line to lock the play into Northern’s half. There were times were the ball would come straight back to her, but she continued to cut it off en route to 17 disposals and six marks.

GWV REBELS:

#1 Isabella Davies
Defender/Midfielder | 160cm | 29/10/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 11 tackles, 1 goal

A real competitor who enjoyed success in each third of the ground, Davies started her day in defence. She worked hard to sweep the ball up at ground level and generate some forward momentum, before translating her ball winning acumen to the midfield. Leading all comers with 30 touches, she stayed in the game and even sharked a goal in the fourth quarter with a slick stoppage rove.

#4 Elise Cook
Midfielder | 170cm | 28/01/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles

Cook was a mainstay in GWV’s midfield and did her best to drive the ball forward. She got her legs pumping and had possession in good areas to launch inside 50, but was often shut down by Northern’s incredible pressure. That led to 10 of Cook’s 15 disposals being handballs, many flicked out while being tackled, though she had a crack all game.

#7 Maggie Johnstone
Defender | 170cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s

A bottom-ager in the mix, Johnstone showcased terrific overhead marking capabilities down back as Northern piled on 45 inside 50s. Her extension to grab the ball at high points and judge it nicely in the air led to six grabs overall, proving a handy interceptor across defensive 50. Johnstone also held her own one-on-one, moved well and displayed solid skills on the rebound.

#15 Millie Lang
Midfielder/Defender | 177cm | 06/11/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 7 rebound 50s

Lang was part of GWV’s starting midfield group before shifting back to defence where she produced some of her better moments. With Northern having most of the territory, she had little trouble finding the ball down back and read the play well to get into good spots to intercept. A lack of time and space impacted her ball use, leading to a lot of rushed clearing kicks, but Lang was strong enough to stand up in tackles and repel frequent attacks.

#17 Claire Mahony
Key Forward | 181cm | 21/08/2006

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 hitouts

Opportunities were limited for Mahony as GWV’s attacking centrepiece, as the Rebels posted just 19 forward 50 entries. Nonetheless, she looked lively every time the ball entered her area and made her presence felt. The top-aged tall was forced to venture high up the ground and showed flashes of her athleticism with powerful bursts of speed. Mahony’s strength was evident in ruck duels, where she was quite effective, and her smarts were displayed as she hustled to shut down a hand-off at the top of Northern’s attacking 50. A tough day, but she’s a star.

Gippsland Power 2.7 (19) lost to Sydney Swans Academy 10.11 (71)

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#15 Jasmine Sowden
Midfielder | 164cm | 17/12/2006

Stats: 32 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s

Sowden was simply sensational for the Power throughout the match in what was a tough game for the the Vic Country hub member. When Ash Centra went off midway through the second term, the Swans Academy had done their homework and honed in on trying to quell Sowden’s influence. She still racked up some huge numbers all over the field and showed her work rate to get back and help the defence, while dishing off on both sides of her body.

#19 Ella Stoddart
Defender | 173cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

The left-footed defender always provides a contest, and she took some good marks as well as bringing the ball to ground. Though the 2023 Vic Country Under 16s MVP can work herself into trouble when corralled onto her right side, she was once again steadfast throughout the match and continually provided a contest.

#26 Ava Deszcz
Forward | 167cm | 21/04/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

The medium forward constantly looked dangerous in the front half, with her overhead marking a feature of her game. She found space, took grabs then looked to move it on, with a flying shot on goal in the second term missing to the right. Still, her hands were consistent, and she added pressure at ground level. As a double bottom-ager, the room for improvement is enormous.

#29 Rebecca Fitzpatrick
Midfielder | 170cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Lead by exampled on the day, and never stopped putting up the good fight. She played full-time midfield and was constantly throwing herself at any challenge. She worked to half-back to aid the defence, and was arguably best-on in the first term when Gippsland was up and about. Her delivery by foot with time and space is clean, and Fitzpatrick has no problems roosting the ball as well.

SWANS ACADEMY:

#5 Taylor Smith
Forward | 166cm | 27/09/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 4 behinds

Though wayward with her accuracy, the Swans forward showed her talent inside 50, with constant chances around goals. She did kick the couple of majors to go with four behinds, and if she can compose herself a touch more around goals, she could have been in for a huge day. Her overhead marking and leading inside 50 was a highlight, and she showed her forward craft in doing so.

#16 Lauren Bull
Forward | 173cm | 10/01/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Another forward who hit the scoreboard multiple times, Bull has a great seat of hands and provides a target in the front half of the ground. She nailed both her goals from set shots, and got involved in transition to put it deeper for her teammates, playing her role well inside 50.

#19 Amelia Martin
Forward/Midfielder | 173cm | 08/09/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 2 hitouts, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Martin presented consistently in the front half of the ground and showed off a booming kick. With her strong frame and an ability to dish off the ball to other teammates, she was a key reason why the Swans had forward half advantage. In the first term, she ran onto a loose ball inside 50 and slotted a major on the run.

#21 Ellie Veerhuis
Defender | 171cm | 18/01/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

You could not really fault Veerhuis who was a standout defender for the Swans Academy, coping well under pressure early and showing composure with ball-in-hand. She constantly provided drive and occasionally dropped into the hole to take an intercept mark, but her running game was what stood out.

#22 Emma Juneja
Wing | 170cm | 08/05/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

The AFLW Academy member was one of the best Swans in the match, and while some others had more touches, Juneja always looked to add to her metres gained tally. Strong overhead, she loved to take the game on, driving the ball forward through a slick sidestep or a running bounce. Luckily being strong overhead, she was able to take a fair few marks to assess her options, but her hard running earned her a reward with a set shot goal of her own.

#24 Imogen Brown
Midfielder | 169cm | 03/03/2005

Stats: 27 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals

A standout for the Swans Academy and arguably their best on. She took the game on going for runs through the middle, applied pressure when needed and hit the scoreboard with a couple of majors as well. Brown used her experience from playing in the VFLW to advantage returning to her own age group, and she was one who put her hand up as a readymade option for AFLW clubs. She has the potential to play just about anywhere on the ground.

Calder Cannons 4.3 (27) lost to Sandringham Dragons 12.9 (81)

CALDER CANNONS:

#5 Jade McLay
Utility | 177cm | 01/02/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

The bottom-ager was in the wars during the match, landing awkwardly in a marking contest and coming off, but did return later in the match to kick a goal in the third term and play out the rest of the match. Her efficiency was lower in the game as she was often under immense pressure and aimed to clear the ball long down the ground. Still, she was able to put pressure on the opposition defence with her booming kick.

#30 Kyla Forbes
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Once again Forbes was one of the better Cannons in what was a tough day out. She never stopped trying and was often seen clearing the ball from danger or kicking inside 50. She won the first clearance out of the middle to start the last quarter and had the odd nice run through the corridor or dishing off cleanly, but ultimately Forbes as up against it with such as strong opposition midfield.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#14 Mia Zielinski
Forward | 174cm | 21/07/2005

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 goals, 1 behind

After five goals the week before, Zielinski filled her boots once again with another four majors. Three of them were from close range including a couple from marks, with her other one coming from a 35m set shot. She spent most of her time deep forward outmuscling any opponents, but occasionally pushed up the ground including gathering well on the wing midway through the first term and early in the second quarter.

#15 Sophie McKay
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 27/04/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

McKay does not need a lot of touches to do damage, and while she has had bigger games, she always plays the team role at the Dragons. The Carlton father-daughter prospect is smart around the stoppages, holds her position well when on the outside and knows when to push forward. She turned the ball over a couple of times, but also nailed some outstanding passes to set up goals. Her turn came midway through the fourth quarter when she snapped a classy goal.

#21 Daisy Flockart
Midfielder | 179cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Enjoying a strong start to her top-age season, Flockart is covering the ground well and having an influence in the forward half. She outsizes most opponents given she is more key position height than midfielder, which adds a point of difference to the Sandringham midfield when on the inside. She kicked a goal from a set shot which was the first of the game, and showed some nice class and quick hands throughout the contest.

#30 Tiger Doultree
Forward | 175cm | 27/02/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Playing as a lead-out forward, Doultree caught the eye time and time again with her safe hands and bodywork one-on-one when she did engage. She slotted her goal after an easy chest mark and set shot 35m out, with another couple of chances as well. Doultree showed she can pair up with Zielinski well inside 50.

#33 Olive McLean
Forward/Midfielder | 165cm | 19/12/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 1 behind

McLean’s day unfortunately ended early in the fourth term when she landed awkwardly, after what had been an impressive game. Though naturally a forward – and she showed her craft with a quick turn and great goal off hands early in the third quarter – she spent time through the middle and won her fair share of the ball. At times she can spray the odd kick forward, but she moves well, knows how to get involved and is a late year birth which indicates further improvement to come.

#46 Scout Howden
Wing | 174cm | 17/02/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Once again Howden racked up the ball with ease playing off a wing, with the 174cm talent having a great offensive drive. She came from the outside to win the first clearance, and while she was often rushed in her disposal, continued to go contest-to-contest really well. Her aerial ability is strong, but she also provided good ground level play, and got it inside 50 to be involved in a number of scoring thrusts.

Dandenong Stingrays 7.14 (56) defeated Geelong Falcons 6.11 (47)

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#2 Jemaya Bressan
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 11/09/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

It was another productive display from Bressan who took a number of good marks – including intercept ones at both ends of the ground. She provides a target to kick to in space as well, and works hard into defence, but can get forward to influence scoring chains. One who competes well one-on-one and will continue to improve.

#3 Jemma Reynolds
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 29/04/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

Another rock solid display from the composed midfielder whose stats do not jump off the page, but her influence far exceeds those numbers. She rarely wastes a chance to impact the game, with her ability to move seamlessly around and find teammates, as well as dish off well by hand or foot. Her clean hands at ground level are outstanding, and she has such a high footy IQ that can bring others into the game.

#6 Zoe Besanko
Forward/Ruck | 178cm | 25/05/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 10 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 4 behinds

After a quieter outing against Oakleigh last week, Besanko stepped up in Round 3 playing the forward/ruck role once again. She found more of the ball and got involved in the air and in general play, particularly when rolling through the ruck and acting as that “fourth midfielder”. When forward, she provided a target took some nice marks, and while her goalkicking is still an area of development, she kicked a couple of close range majors including one off a step from a handball receive in the first term.

#11 Kayla Dalgleish
Midfielder/Forward | 161cm | 15/07/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

After a best-on display for her team last week, Dalgleish still played a contributing role through the midfield and in attack, with her contested work a shining light once again. Her quick and clean hands stood out, and she delivered some well-weighted passes around the ground as well, though her work in congestion is a great point of difference.

#49 Kate Terri
Midfielder | 165cm | 25/11/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The top-ager had another high production game, racking up 20-plus touches, laying nine tackles and kicking a ridiculous goal from a tight angle in the third term. She was good one-on-one, played through the middle and showed off a nice burst from the stoppage. One who will continue to get better with more experience through the year.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#1 Lucy Marescuk
Wing | 163cm | 31/03/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

One of her most consistent four-quarter games to-date, Marescuk really impressed on a wing, which was an area the Falcons looked good in all day long. She worked in tandem with Morrissy on the other side, and her passing – while often short and sharp – was effective. She ran hard all game and her ability to cover ground in all thirds was impressive. There is not much of her but she was not afraid to put her body on the line.

#7 Sara Howley
Midfielder | 173cm | 29/01/2006

Stats: 34 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Howley had the ball on a string everywhere and covered the ground with ease. She provided the spark with a clever goal off the non-preferred from a stoppage set play inside 50 and she continued to pump the ball long throughout the game. She showed clean hands at the stoppage, and racked up the numbers as always, and while under pressure she tended to rush, when able to maximise her explosiveness, she was able to provide run and carry down the ground.

#8 Mekah Morrissy
Wing | 159cm | 16/01/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

The Falcons skipper’s output well exceeded her statistics as she was one of the best for her side. Coming back from an impressive game with Geelong’s VFLW side, Morrissy ran hard, covered the ground and competed continually both in the air and at ground level. She has a great sidestep and makes good decisions with ball-in-hand, with her fourth term goal featuring a play that included shrugging off a would-be tackler and then composing herself to kick it on the run.

#27 Seisia White
Forward | 163cm | 07/10/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Another player who might not have stats that leap off the page, but when she wins it, you sit up and take notice. Strong at ground level and just throws herself at everything, she is a natural first possession winner who provides pressure as a high half-forward. White also started in the middle in the second term and spent time through there, though her best play came in the dying minutes of the final term where she burst through opponents to run just inside 50 and launch a booming kick that with a favourable bounce, went through the goals for a consolation major.

#28 Hayley Peck
Ruck/Forward | 180cm | 31/01/2005

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 6 tackles, 15 hitouts, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

The over-age ruck is doing what is expected of her thus far this season, with her strength and competitive nature both at the stoppage and around the ground noticeable. While the likes of Besanko have the athletic upper hand, Peck is a terrifically strong mark and can get involved at ground level too. She only kicked the one behind – from a set shot 30m out in the first term – but she spreads well around the ground and provides a target to kick to consistently.

GWS Giants Academy 6.6 (42) lost to Tasmania Devils 13.9 (87)

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#11 Megan Mifsud
Midfielder | 164cm | 05/07/2005

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

The co-captain was rock solid consistent throughout the match, able to win it at the source, then get forward and impact play up there. Her snap six minutes into the second term gave the Giants Academy a nine-point lead, while also showing off a powerful burst out of stoppages and strong defensive pressure even when not tackling.

#22 Ellie Hall
Defender | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

After missing last year with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, it would have been easy to see a quiet return from Hall, but instead the Murray Bushrangers top-ager was influential off half-back, taking eight marks from 17 disposals. Nearly all of her disposals were outstanding and well weighted, with her vision and decision making impressive. Considering her lack of footy the last 12 months, the Giants Academy’s Under 16s MVP from two seasons ago has picked up where she left off.

#23 Amelie Prosser-Shaw
Midfielder | 175cm | 14/11/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Her development from rebounding defender to inside midfielder continued in the match, with Prosser-Shaw spending a lot of time around the stoppages. Incredibly for a player in that role, Prosser-Shaw was able to get to the outside as well and provide a marking target, usually from the kick outs. A good size with plenty of upside for the future, the Giants Academy tall is one to watch this year.

#32 Isla Wiencke
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 3 behinds

Wiencke is a bull at the footy with a strong frame and great pressure around the carrier, but can also slip forward and take a good clunk as well. She kicked a major late in the third term off a snap, and realistically should have had at least one more – that was marked on the line by Day – with a few other misses from shots also going into the book. Still was one of the Giants best for her work in the forward half of the ground.

#38 Majella Day
Forward | 175cm | 11/03/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

Though traditionally a defender with the Bushrangers, Day has been known to go forward, and coming out of the AFLW Under 16 Championships, the double bottom-ager did just that. She booted three goals and looked a presence in attack, also pushing up to the win and even half-back at times. She stayed alert inside 50, which is how she was able to capitalise off the Wiencke set shot that fell short.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#1 Mischa Barwin
Midfielder | 164cm | 04/12/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s

The hard-running midfielder continues to find her place on the inside, while also being able to spread to the outside. She has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits, and good vision to-boot. Her second and third efforts stand out such as when late in the match two attempted clearances were smothered before Barwin laid a tackle of her own to lock it up. She is very right side dominated which is an area to work on, but is quick to dispose of the ball out of congestion.

#4 Ava Read
Forward | 176cm | 21/06/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals

Keeps kicking goals and finding a way to pop up and impact with one of the simplest yet effective routines. The tall forward knows when to lead, has safe hands and never looks like missing her set shots, with three majors that could have been four but was just touched on the line from long range.

#10 Meg Harrison
Wing | 166cm | 03/11/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Worked tirelessly throughout the match off a wing to impact the contest with her run, and she laid a fantastic run-down tackle midway through the third term. Not the highest accumulator going around, Harrison still got forward to be on the end of a scoring chain to slot a goal with some composure late in the match,. Her width as a winger really stood out on the day as well.

#29 Mackenzie Williams
Defender/Midfielder | 171cm | 26/06/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Williams has been a rebounding defender for the last couple of seasons, and though that continued in this match, she also spent time on the inside. It gave her an extra string to her bow, and she was able to power through the corridor at times and put it into dangerous positions forward of centre. Midway through the fourth term, Williams intercepted a ball in the middle and received a 50m penalty to slot a rare goal from 30m out.

#37 Tunisha Kikoak
Ruck/Forward | 180cm | 12/05/2005

Stats: 24 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 15 hitouts, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

The over-age ruck acts as a “fourth midfielder” at times with her mobility around the ground a feature of her game. Though not as impactful in the air in this game, Kikoak got involved in scoring chains, playing the majority of her time in the ruck before booting two final term goals in the space of two minutes to put the icing on the cake for the Devils.

#43 Josie Rose
Forward | 169cm | 13/03/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 4 goals, 3 behinds

It was an eye-catching debut from the bottom-ager who had a massive seven scoring shots from 11 disposals. She kicked one of the easiest ones she will ever kick in the final minute of the first term strolling into goal for the first of the match, with a soccer off the deck, set shot and in-play goal making it a well-rounded performance from her avenues to goal. Good one-on-one with strong bodywork, she will get better with more experience too.

Oakleigh Chargers 13.7 (85) defeated Eastern Ranges 4.2 (26)

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#2 Sarah Poustie
Midfielder | 170cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Poustie just does a lot right and she was again among the more prolific players on the day. Capable of playing inside or outside, she spent time opposed to Georgie Brisbane on the wing and often outmarked the tall forward which showed just how good she is in the air. An elite runner, Poustie covered the ground with ease, applied defensive pressure and got involved in scoring chains consistently.

#3 Sienna Tallariti
Defender | 168cm | 10/07/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

The Oakleigh skipper marshalled the defence really well in the match, both in the air and at ground level. She was composed with ball-in-hand, peeled off when required to help teammates, and also got back to compete in the air too. Sometimes opposed to taller opponents, she is strong one-on-one and backs herself in to clunk the mark. Laying six tackles too, Tallariti was good at locking the ball up and forcing stoppages.

#6 Maggie Mahony
Midfielder | 161cm | 19/10/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Enjoying a nice start to the 2024 season, Mahony keeps cracking in and finding a way to impact not just at the coalface, but on the scoreboard as well. She produced a nice snap to set up a McDonald goal in the first term, then kicked one herself as well with a classy kick. Showing good composure throughout the contest, she brought her usual heat but impacted both directly and indirectly on the scoreboard.

#9 Chloe Bown
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 20/12/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 1 goal

While Bown has done her best work inside 50 – kicking three goals last week against the Stingrays – the bottom-ager spent considerable time inside 50 and used her power and strength to advantage. Only 12 days off being a double bottom-ager, Bown is developing nicely as that versatile talent, and she brings the heat around the ball while having a nice kick going forward. She still hit the scoreboard and put enormous pressure on the opposition defence.

#10 Amy Cariss-Brett
Wing | 167cm | 20/03/2005

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Cariss-Brett plays the wing role so well and she did that again on the weekend, holding her line consistently even if her opponent wandered into the stoppage. Able to understand where to be when play switched and often rotating with Emma Stark so she could be the receiver of a dump kick from the opposition, she created run and carry and found space to take some good marks.

#19 Charlotte Brewer
Defender | 165cm | 11/09/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s

Like Cariss-Brett but in defence, Brewer was one player who held a really consistent line. Even if her opponents wandered up the field, she stayed back and even played goalkeeper at some stages, making sure someone was always on the last line to save the day. Though she did not have a heap of it, considering the lack of time the ball spent in the Chargers’ defensive 50, she made the most of her chances and was composed, running the ball out and clearing the danger.

#21 Amelie Gladman
Forward | 166cm | 16/06/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

The long-sleeved Gladman again caused a few headaches with her second highest scoring game on record, booting three goals. The Chargers forward has clever smarts and her first goal under pressure was outstanding, and she continued to worry the opposition defence whenever the ball came into her area. She led out to be a marking target inside 50, but was just as comfortable at ground level as well.

#25 Emma McDonald
Forward | 179cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 hitouts, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds

The key forward had another outstanding game and was arguably best on ground because of her impact inside 50 and higher up. She clunks her marks and is a safe set shot for goal, finishing with three majors on the day. Not afraid to crash a pack, McDonald also provides sound ground level pressure and is clean below her knees to dish off to others or kick it to a dangerous spot deeper in the forward 50.

EASTERN RANGES:

#6 Tayla McMillan
Midfielder | 161cm | 25/05/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 16 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

A tackling machine on the day, McMillan was outstanding in the win and is so classy when she has it. While the bottom-ager is the type of player you expect to receive the ball and distribute well, her high-level defensive attributes add another point of difference to her game. She gets her hands dirty, can win first or second possessions from the coalface, and punches above her height in marking contests as well.

#10 Jordyn Allen
Midfielder | 166cm | 12/11/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 10 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another of the bottom-age brigade for the Ranges, Allen had a similar game to McMillan in the way that she brought copious amounts of defensive pressure – 10 tackles – while also winning her own ball on the inside and outside. She spreads well, can play off a flank or on the outside, and makes good decisions with ball-in-hand.

#11 Grace Belloni
Midfielder | 174cm | 09/09/2006

Stats: 31 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

An enormous game from the forward-turned-midfielder who spent full-time minutes on-ball and her stats reflect that. What has been a real impressive element of her game this year is her contest-to-contest running, and she had a stack of handball receives in the match with teammates looking for her to use her booming kick to bomb it long inside 50. Had the ball on a string and played a four-quarter game.

#17 Grace Baba
Defender | 176cm | 17/09/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s

The athletic defender had her moments and she pushed up the ground quite often, usually competing in the air. While not having a stack of touches, she provided the occasional highlight and showed off her elite vertical jump and eye-catching runs. It was a tough day out for defenders, but she will have the freedom to do more damage throughout the season.

#24 Evie Parker
Wing | 179cm | 06/07/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

The Eastern wing had her moments throughout the match as well, providing nice run and carry on the outside. She is tall, moves well and backs herself, though ran into trouble with a bounce that went astray at one point. She had a free teammate at centre half-forward she could have switched to on the overlap, but it was still great to see her back her pace to break the lines and put pressure on the Chargers’ defence.

Bendigo Pioneers 9.7 (61) lost to Western Jets 8.6 (54)

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#2 Olivia Lacy
Defender | 167cm | 15/06/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 5 rebound 50s

Lacy has impressed the first couple of weeks with her work in defence, often putting her body on the line in marking contests and showing great courage. When it comes to ball user she is strong by foot and is not afraid to bite off those 45-degree kicks into the corridor. Lacy moves well and can play deep or high in the defensive 50, with her back with the flight mark midway through the third term a highlight in her performance.

#5 Lucia Painter
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 6 marks, 13 tackles, 11 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

A simply dominant game from Painter who racked up the ball with ease, won it in the middle and up forward, and brought enormous defensive pressure to lead by example. She had a fantastic battle with Grieves throughout the game as the two AFLW Academy stars went head-to-head at centre stoppages more often than not. Painter’s aerial strength provides a point of different to many others, and while she did miss a couple of chances, she kicked a set shot goal and produced some elite kicks inside 50 to set up scoring chains for teammates.

#7 Gabrielle Drage
Forward/Midfield | 173cm | 21/05/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

The classy forward was the main source of majors in the first half, kicking all three goals then including one just before half time. She has great goal sense and is capable of launching them from long range, with her versatility also getting tested in the match when she moved into the midfield in the second half. There, she was able to win a number of clean touches and worked hard, with her midfield craft something that she will build with more minutes on the inside.

#13 Jemmika Douglas
Defender | 166cm | 20/02/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Class with a capital ‘C’, Douglas has a number of traits that really standout when she plays. Not only is she a clean user of the ball and has the smarts to get into the right spots, but she is deceptively strong one-on-one overhead and knows when to push up the ground to add another number to the contest. Providing drive throughout the match, Douglas is one who was again a standout and she does not need many disposals to do maximum damage.

#23 Ella Jeffrey
Midfielder | 166cm | 09/09/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s

The bottom-age midfielder was strong on the inside and while being that powerful first possession winner, is not afraid to brace for contact and dish off by hand with a few quick steps. She has a powerful kick and is strong overhead, taking a number of good marks. At one stage early in the second term, Jeffrey had a clean pickup on the move, saw an opponent and spun to absorb the body contact and deliver the ball shortly after.

WESTERN JETS:

#9 Sierra Grieves
Midfielder | 163cm | 18/05/2006

Stats: 34 disposals, 1 mark, 10 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Grieves hardly ever plays a bad game and that continued on the weekend despite her side going down. She brought her own ball to the game and not only won it at the coalface, but found it on the outside and backed herself to run with it. Midway through the third term, Grieves had a four-bounce run along the wing, and though she looked good last year, has taken her game to another level in 2024 and is incredibly dangerous when she is near it.

#30 Alex McBride-Loane
Defender/Ruck | 173cm | 03/04/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 9 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

Rotating between defence and ruck once again, McBride-Loane showed her athleticism despite being undersized in the latter, with a nice vertical leap to get first hands to it. She laid a good tackle just as an opponent was running into goal forcing a dribble kick early in the second term, and continued to work hard one-on-one in the back 50.