A FOUR-GAME schedule across Victoria takes place tomorrow, with the northern, western, and south eastern suburbs all featuring some Coates Talent League Girls action. A match between Dandenong Stingrays and Bendigo Pioneers also marks a double-header with the boys’ aligned sides.

Sunday, June 23
Windy Hill | @ 11:00am

FORM:

Geelong Falcons suffered a defeat at teh hands of Oakleigh Chargers back in Round 9, after a couple of important wins over country sides prior to that in GWV Rebels and Gippsland Power. With only losses to Dandenong Stingrays, Suns Academy and Chargers, the Falcons are at 4-3, having played the equal least amount of games from the full-time teams. Murray keeps getting close but not close enough, having had games on their terms against Murray Bushrangers and Northern Territory at times but not able to complete, while taking it up to Tasmania Devils last week.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Geelong Falcons:

The Falcons have got the big guns through the midfield in Sara Howley, skipper Mekah Morrissy and bottom-age duo Georgia Tyrrell and Stella Huxtable. Over-age ruck Hayley Peck and mobile forward Kiara Woods are key targets, while the tenacious Seisia White is just a team-first player. After suffering an injury in the Falcons’ loss to Dandenong Stingrays, Chloe Bryant has been named to play too.

Murray Bushrangers:

Athletic forward Majella Day returns for the Bushrangers for the clash in one of Murray’s strongest sides thus far. With Ellie Hall and Sophia Green racking it up in the midfield, Holly Egan and Tamika Rourke providing the run, and Rose Bell capable at either end, the side has its fair share of stars. Now the Bushrangers are just minus Madison Ibrahim.

PREDICTION

Murray will make sure it remains as competitive for as long as possible, and have been good at getting the jump on teams of late. It is finishing them off that has proved a problem for the Bushrangers, while the Falcons have the added experience and will make life difficult. Geelong should win, but Murray will turn a corner soon and start building the ins.

Sunday, June 23
Shepley Oval | @ 2:30pm

FORM:

Since consecutive losses to the Stingrays and Eastern Ranges, Tasmania has won three on the trot, albeit the last two have come against out-of-form sides Sandringham Dragons and Murray Bushrangers. The clash against Gippsland Power will be a great test for the Devils, as they currently sit third overall but with fellow country pool sides the Power and Stingrays right behind them. The Power earned a rest last week after a commanding victory over Bendigo Pioneers in Round 9, their second consecutive big win since a tight loss to the Falcons.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Tasmania Devils:

The girls from the Apple Isle are ticking along nicely, with bottom-ager Priya Bowering coming off a huge 32-disposal effort and our Player of the Week nomination. Bowering is part of a stacked midfield that also sees the return of Mischa Barwin, while Harriet Bingley and top-ager Mackenzie Williams provide power wherever they play. Forward Ava Read and forward/midfielder Lucy Thompson are among others to remember.

Gippsland Power:

A side with Ash Centra will always prove hard to stop and she will naturally draw a crowd. The Devils have the strength to match her in midfield, but her class shines through regardless of the opposition. Jasmine Sowden has done well as that second star for the Power, able to exit stoppages on both sides of her body, while skipper Zali Gallagher and fellow small Lilly Leighton both gained VFLW experience last week. Abby Hobson and Ella Stoddart are part of a stack bottom-age contingent as well.

PREDICTION

The match looms as an absolute ripper with both teams as close to full strength as one gets in a Talent League Girls match, which makes for some great one-on-ones. The Power seem to be in better form and 2024 has hands down been their best season, but rely on the midfield duo of Centra and Sowden, so will be fascinating to see if the Devils get the game on their terms with the depth through the on-ball group.