A FULL four-game fixture takes place tomorrow to complete a massive seven-game weekend in the Coates Talent League Girls competition, We preview the four games, which include the Brisbane Lions Academy entering for the first time.

Sunday, April 28
Brighton Homes Arena @ 10:30am

FORM:

Brisbane Lions Academy enters the Coates Talent League Girls for the first time tomorrow, though the Lions are coming off an impressive win over Gold Coast Suns Academy as a trial match. Northern Knights moved to 2-1 for the season last round with a win over GWV Rebels, and could easily have been 3-0 had they held on against Eastern Ranges in Round 2.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Lions Academy:

It is all about the future with the Lions, as a number of 2008-born talents make an appearance in the side. Under 16s stars Molly Ferguson, Mia Geere and Harlee McIlwain are among those names who will be prominent over the next few seasons, while from a top-age perspective, the likes of Isabella McDonough, Ashleigh Moyle and Zimra Hussain are a few to remember.

Northern Knights:

The Knights are headlined by AFLW Academy member Zoe Hargreaves who will lead the midfield, while skipper Holly Ridewood has been in strong form. From a bottom-age contingent, Phoebe Hargreaves booted three goals last week, while Marlo Graham and Scarlett Johnson are dangerous forward half players.

PREDICTION

On their home deck, the Lions Academy should have the upper hand in this one, with Northern providing a fierce challenge, but expect the Queensland side to benefit from the homeground advantage and their young guns to shine.

Sunday, April 28
Trevor Barker Oval @ 10:30am

FORM:

Sandringham Dragons have bounced to two straight wins in the Coates Talent League season and take on a Giants Academy side that went down to Tasmania Devils last week. The Dragons accounted for the Jets and Cannons over the past fortnight after a Round 1 loss to the Ranges.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Sandringham Dragons:

The Dragons have a versatile midfield led by AFLW Academy member and Carlton father-daughter prospect Sophie McKay. She teams up with the likes of Daisy Flockart on the inside and Scout Howden on the outside. Over-age forward Mia Zielinski has booted nine goals in the past fortnight and will be one the Giants need to contain, while Tiger Doultree showed promising signs last week alongside her inside 50.

Giants Academy:

The Giants’ top-end talent is quite impressive with dangerous forward Ashley Patton one who can hit the scoreboard and get up the ground, while Majella Day booted three goals in last week’s loss. The orange team regains Tamika Rourke for this week to compliment the likes of Amelie Prosser-Shaw, Isla Wiencke and Ellie Hall who were all impressive in Round 3.

PREDICTION

This looms as a nail-bit that will come down to the midfields. While on paper Sandringham’s is strong, do not be surprised if the Giants cause a boilover given their intercepting ability at one end, and their athletic forwards at the other.

Sunday, April 28
Queen Elizabeth Oval @ 12:00pm

FORM:

After a bye last week, Murray Bushrangers will be keen to get on the board against the Bendigo Pioneers who play their third straight game at Queen Elizabeth Oval. The Pioneers are 2-0 to start the season, and will be hungry to go the hat-trick with Murray coming off an 87-0 loss to Gippsland Power in Round 1, the Bushrangers’ only match thus far.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Bendigo Pioneers:

Asserting herself on the competition already, Lucia Painter is a match-winner and she along with Ella Jeffrey have combined well on-ball. Down back the likes of Jemmika Douglas and Olivia Lacy provide run and carry, while inside 50, Gabrielle Drage, Alexis Gregor and Sienna Hobbs are among the marking targets.

Murray Bushrangers:

Bottom-ager Molly McLaren is a workhorse who puts out four-quarter performances each week, but she will be relieved to have the speed and dare of Holly Egan back in the side. The Bushrangers also regain Rose Bell after her Under 16s stint with the Giants Academy, while Hayley Whitsed is rated highly internally.

PREDICTION

Bendigo Pioneers look to be too strong here. They have been in great form with a nice balance across the field, and keep getting the job done in front of home fans.

Sunday, April 28
La Trobe University @ 1:00pm

FORM:

Tasmania Devils have really shown they can be a contender this season, pushing Oakleigh Chargers all the way in Round 1, and have since knocked off the Giants Academy on the road convincingly. GWV Rebels are yet to get on the board in the 2024 season, losing to Geelong Falcons in Round 1, and then going down to Northern Knights last week

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Tasmania Devils:

Led by defender Mackenzie Williams who has also spent time in midfield, the Devils have some great strength across the board. Sophie Strong returns to the mix for this game with Priya Bowering and Mischa Barwin stepping up in the meantime. Up forward, Josie Rose and Ava Read combined for seven goals last week and will be looking fo a similar output against the Rebels.

GWV Rebels:

Twin towers Millie Lang and Claire Mahony provide aerial presence at both ends of the field and aer ones to watch, while hard-running midfielders, Elise Cook and Isabella Davies will be prime ball movers beteen the arcs. Jovie Skewes-Clinton and Elsie Conroy are names to remember for next year.

PREDICTION

Tasmania Devils have looked formidable this season, and while this is at a neutral venue, it should hold no fears for the Devils. The Rebels have the top-end talent to do some damage, but Tasmania’s depth looks too much in this one.