A RAMPAGING Oakleigh Chargers take on a Western Jets side still searching for its first win in a standalone Saturday match in the Coates Talent League Girls competition. For the second consecutive week just one game is played tomorrow, with the remaining five spread across Sunday.

Saturday, May 18
ETU Stadium @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Oakleigh Chargers have produced a dominant season thus far, only slipping up late against Gold Coast Suns Academy. Since then, the Chargers blew Murray off the park by 20 goals, and prior to that had taken care of three of the biggest challengers in Tasmania Devils, Dandenong Stingrays and Eastern Ranges. Western Jets on the other hand have lost to Sandringham Dragons (twice), Bendigo Pioneers and Gippsland Power, with the five-goal loss to the Dragons last weekend the largest deficit.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Oakleigh Chargers:

Where to even begin with the star-studded Oakleigh outfit. Last week it was Maggie Mahony‘ turn to take centre stage, racking up 37 disposals and kicking four goals against the Bushrangers, while midfield partner-in-crime Sarah Poustie also starred with 31 touches. Chloe Bown kicked four goals up forward, while double bottom-ager Bailee Martin was inaccurate but dangerous around the big sticks. Emma McDonald and skipper Sienna Tallariti showed terrific versatility switching roles midway through the third term last week.

Western Jets:

A lot of Western’s ball movement centres around star midfielder Sierra Grieves who only had her first sub-30 disposal game last week with 20. She is a phenomenal tackler (averaging nine per match) and a dominant clearance player, and the one that the Chargers will be most worried about. Down back, Lou-Lou Field is a key talent and leads by example as skipper, while joining her is athletic tall Alex McBride-Loane. Others enjoing impressive seasons are Olivia Castello and Indi Stanley.

PREDICTION

Oakleigh is unlikely to lose many games this season, and perhaps its only loss has already come. The Jets can get on top around the clearances through Grieves, but the depth of Oakleigh and ability to rebound consistently will have the Chargers too strong in this one.