GOLD Coast Suns Academy enter the Coates Talent League Girls competition this weekend with a massive clash against reigning premiers Oakleigh Chargers, while the Swans Academy take on grand finalists Eastern Ranges, and it is an all-country clash out at Shepley Oval tomorrow.

Saturday, April 27
Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre @ 10:30am

FORM:

The Suns play their first game of the 2024 Coates Talent League season, but are coming off a narrow defeat at the hands of the Lions Academy last weekend. It gave them some strong match practice for the clash with the unbeaten Oakleigh Chargers who have got better each week and are easily the benchmark in the competition.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Suns Academy:

It is hard to look past potential pick one talent Havana Harris who will be difficult to stop regardless of her opponent. Fellow AFLW Academy member Tara Harrington will look to lead the midfield, while the likes of Mia Salisbury down back and Heidi Talbot and Nyalli Milne up forward are other names to remember for this year’s AFLW Draft. For Blues and Saints fans, bottom-ager Sunny Lappin is an eligible father-daughter who has ties to the three clubs, while the likes of Dekota Baron, Georja Davies and Alannah Welsh are top names for 2025.

Oakleigh Chargers:

Oakleigh is littered with stars, led by skipper Sienna Tallariti who organises the defence so well alongside vice-captain Charlotte Brewer. Key forward Emma McDonald has been in ripping form this season, while the Chargers unveil some more Under 16s players in Bailee Martin and Collingwood father-daughter prospect Leni Lockyer. Midfielders Maggie Mahony and Sarah Poustie, and forward Amelie Gladman among the other top-agers to keep in mind.

PREDICTION

Gold Coast won this fixture last year, beating the then-unbeaten Chargers outfit, but this year seems a little different. Oakleigh should get a real challenge, and being up on the Gold Coast makes it all the more difficult, but the Chargers have stars on every line and more match fitness under the belt which will help, and should win.

Saturday, April 27
Highgate Recreation Reserve @ 1:00pm

FORM:

Eastern Ranges will be keen to bounce back after a heavy loss at the hands of Oakleigh in the grand final rematch last week, but are still 2-1 for the season, while the Swans Academy had a good victory over Gippsland Power, but will look for another level here against last year’s grand finalists.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Eastern Ranges:

The Eastern midfield is capable of anything, and with bottom-agers Tayla McMillan and Jordyn Allen rolling through there and the likes of Molly Paterson and Grace Belloni finding plenty of the ball, they will look to get on the front foot against the Swans. Grace Baba has been named on a wing and Evie Parker at centre half-back which could be an interesting switch, while skipper Georgie Brisbane is always a dangerous player.

Swans Academy:

Winger Emma Juneja provided great run and carry for the Swans during the win over the Power last week, while skipper Taylor Smith and forward Lauren Bull are targets inside 50. Watch for experienced pair Amelia Martin and Imogen Brown to continue their form, while Ella Parker provides some dare out of defence. Father-daughter prospect Tallulah Kirk has been named in the forward pocket for the Swans.

PREDICTION

Eastern Ranges should be too strong here given they are a title contender, but the setup and style of the Swans was mighty impressive in their victory last week. Given the Ranges will be determined to get back on the winners’ list the home team is favoured, but it should be a great match.

Saturday, April 27
Shepley Oval @ 1:00pm

FORM:

Dandenong Stingrays got their first win on the board after a hard-fought battle against Geelong Falcons, while Gippsland Power went down to the Swans Academy after knocking off Murray Bushrangers the week before in a dominant performance.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Dandenong Stingrays:

Captain Zoe Besanko looked dangerous against the Falcons last week rotating between forward and the ruck. Expect her to get some midfield minutes at some stage too, with the likes of Jemma Reynolds, Kayla Dalgleish and Kate Terri all getting involve through the middle. Debutant Ruby Geurts is one to watch for the future with the defender coming off All-Australian honours at the AFLW Under 16 Championships.

Gippsland Power:

After playing less than a half last week due to illness, potential pick one contender Ash Centra has been named in the middle. She will be alongside Jasmine Sowden and bottom-ager Rebecca Fitzpatrick, while captain Zali Gallagher returns to the side to provide some dash. Forwards Abby Hobson and Addison Howe were strong marking targets last week.

PREDICTION

On their home deck and coming off a great win over Geelong, the Stingrays have the depth to get the job done here. A fully fit and well Centra naturally poses a problem for any opposition side, and the Power have the marking targets inside 50 to generate scoring chances. If Dandenong can win the midfield, the Stingrays will get up, but they also have to be wary of what the Power can do on the fast turnover.