AFTER the New South Wales Academies played today, the Queensland Academies are set for tomorrow, with both playing away matches for the first time this season. The Suns take on the Dandenong Stingrays as the Lions face the Eastern Ranges, while two other contests take place in Werribee and Ballarat.

Sunday, May 5
Belvedere Reserve @ 10:30am

FORM:

Since going down to Oakleigh Chargers in Round 2, Dandenong has strung back-to-back wins over Geelong Falcons and Gippsland Power to moved up to sixth on the table. The Suns Academy are the only side to knock off the Chargers this season, and will be looking to make it two on the trot here.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Dandenong Stingrays:

The Stingrays are minus their captain in Zoe Besanko, but have the likes of in-form midfield-forward duo Kayla Dalgleish – coming off five goals – and Jemma Reynolds running around. Nikita Harris stepped up in the midfield last week, while Under 16s talent Ruby Geurts and bottom-ager Mizuki Brothwell did well from defence.

Suns Academy:

The ruck combination of Havana Harris and Georja Davies had a field day last week and their athleticism against the Stingrays missing Besanko will pose a huge issue. Midfielder Tara Harrington is one who can find plenty of the ball, with bottom-agers Dekota Baron, Sunny Lappin and Alannah Welsh others with high upside for the future often inside 50.

PREDICTION

The match looms as a ripping contest, but given the Suns Academy got the better of the Chargers and the Stingrays are minus Besanko, it should go the way of the visitors. The homeground advantage will help Dandenong, though.

Sunday, May 5
Avalon Airport Oval @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Geelong Falcons had a week off in Round 4 after going down to Dandenong Stingrays in Round 3, but are only playing their second match of the season. Calder Cannons are yet to win in three attempts ths far and will be aiming to break that drought against a quality outfit.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Geelong Falcons:

Geelong midfield balance of inside and outside talents stands out, as Sara Howley is doing her thing on the inside racking up the ball with ease, while wingers Mekah Morrissy and Lucy Marescuk are providing dash on the outside. Kiara Woods and Seisia White both impressed for Geelong’s VFLW side last week, while ruck Hayley Peck is having a strong over-age campaign.

Calder Cannons:

Still minus Chloe Baker-West, the Cannons will look to Jade McLay for strength in the midfield, but do regain Maddison Albrecht for her first game of the year. She will join Kyla Forbes and Stephanie Mitchell as prime movers in the team to try and get the ball going fast inside 50.

PREDICTION

Geelong should be too strong, having been in far better form to-date. The Cannons are quite young and will get better as the season goes on, but the Falcons are a potential top four side and should have too much depth.

Sunday, May 5
Mars Stadium @ 12:20pm

FORM:

Bendigo Pioneers became the only undefeated side remaining of the full-time teams last week with their third consecutive win. They travel for the first time this season down to Ballarat to face rivals GWV Rebels who are still looking for a breakthrough victory this season.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

GWV Rebels:

The Rebels have a couple of key talls in Claire Mahony and Millie Lang who always prove hard to matchup on, while the midfield workers of Isabella Davies and Elise Cook work hard throughout matches. Bottom-agers Jovie Skewes-Clinton and Elsie Conroy are other names to remember with no Maggie Johnstone.

Bendigo Pioneers:

Bendigo has found itself some depth this year, with star midfielder/forward Lucia Painter but she will miss the game against the Rebels. It means the likes of Alexis Gregor up forward and Jemmika Douglas down back will be key players. Olivia Lacy and Sienna Hobbs are others who have stood up this year, while the Pioneers will also be minus Gabrielle Drage.

PREDICTION

While on paper the Pioneers have far better results, they are missing Painter and Drage who are dangerous players in the front half of the ground. It evens it out a little, and with the Rebels having the homeground advantage, do not be surprised by an upset. In saying that, it is hard to knock the Pios’ form and they deserve to be favourites.

Sunday, May 5
Belvedere Reserve @ 10:30am

FORM:

Aside from a loss to the Chargers, the Eastern Ranges have been able to tick the wins over, albeit with plenty of challenges along the way. They come up against a Lions Academy side that was well beaten by Northern Knights last week, but will be more gelled and galvanised for this road trip.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Eastern Ranges:

Eastern has plenty of depth in its side with bottom-age midfielders Tayla McMillan and Jordyn Allen providing class alongside Grace Belloni. Evie Parker has provided nice run on the wing and the likes of Molly Paterson and Georgia Knight have been finding their fair share of the ball. The Ranges will be minus their captain Georgie Brisbane for the clash though.

Lions Academy:

After the big loss last week, the Lions will be keen to bounce back. Skipper Isabella McDonough put in a big effort in defeat, while Zimra Hussain and Laura Roy tried hard. Under 16s talents Molly Ferguson, Mia Geere and Harlee McIlwain are stars of the future to keep an eye on.

PREDICTION

Eastern Ranges have the depth to cover the Lions, especially on their homeground. Expect the Ranges to stretch the Lions across the ground, but they have been vulnerable at times in quarters, which might see Brisbane take advantage and have a few run-ons with goals. Expect the visitors to be better than their first-up effort too.