HALF a dozen Coates Talent League Girls games took place across the weekend, with plenty of impressive individual performances ahead of the national carnival kicking off the following weekend. As always we took note of some of the players who caught the eye, with all notes the opinion of the individual author.

Western Jets 2.4 (16) lost to Eastern Ranges 14.7 (91)

Western Jets:

#9 Sierra Grieves
Midfielder | 163cm | 18/05/2006

Stats: 35 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

After a rare down day on the stats sheet last week, programming returned to normal for Grieves who racked up more touches than anyone else in the competition once again. She just keeps finding it both on the inside and outside, thumping it forward and clearing the congestion wherever possible. Wearing the bumps and bruises of having a tough day out, Grieves does earn her disposals, and she gives as good as she gets with some fantastic tackles and is one of the better defensive runners for a player who can also get forward.

#11 Lou-Lou Field
Defender | 167cm | 18/10/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 6 rebound 50s

Back in the side, Field provided another intercepting force and had a pretty solid overall game. She cleaned up a few forward forays, but was predominantly utilised in clearing from danger and looking to make the switch play. She saved a goal late in the third term with an important mark in the goalsquare, and as captain led by exampled with team plays such as blocks or vocal direction.

#30 Alex McBride-Loane
Defender/Ruck | 173cm | 03/04/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 12 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

The next highest ball-winner after Grieves, McBride-Loane had a busy day out in defence with the ball camped there quite often. She competed hard in marking contests and showed off her high vertical jump when moved into the ruck. She tended to rush under pressure by putting ball to boot quickly, but also provided some rebound in transition from the back half to the front half.

Eastern Ranges:

#2 Zoe Vozzo
Forward | 06/02/2007 | 164cm

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Having shown signs for a number of weeks, the elements in Vozzo’s game all game together during the win over Western, and kicked two goals while having an influence in the front half. She showed great forward craft at ground level, kicking her two majors off different avenues to goal – a kick off a step and then a set shot – while also setting up multiple teammates for majors as well. She looked dangerous, and with further progression to come, could be one to watch for next year.

#6 Tayla McMillan
Midfielder/Forward | 161cm | 25/05/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 9 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

A dominant display yet again from the talented bottom-ager, who despite the numbers also spent significant time inside 50 in the middle quarters. Her elite clean hands and decision making separate her from many others, possessing a brilliant first few steps that allow her to not only extract the ball but have the time to compose herself and quickly dispose of it efficiently. From start to finish she looked so classy and will be among the best for next year without a doubt.

#7 Stasia Stevenson
Midfielder/Forward | 164cm | 02/10/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 7 marks, 11 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Stevenson has enjoyed a wonderfully consistent season in 2024, and she was again right up there with McMillan as the best players on the ground. She is strong overhead for her size, can compete at ground level, and is quick to dispose of the ball. She has a deadly little sidestep that catches the eye, and though Stevenson did not end up kicking a goal in this game, also worked up the ground to be an outlet option at half-back, while taking some intercept marks and possessions through the middle.

#11 Grace Belloni
Midfielder | 174cm | 09/09/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

A huge game from Belloni who started with a low bullet inside 50 that hit Georgia Knight lace-out. Her kicking has improved this season, and it was largely efficient through the game, providing a strong body around the contest and also impressive two-way running. She always cracks in and is a clearance jet, able to provide blocks to do the team thing, or go in and win it herself. The fact she can be a first or second possession winner is a point of difference for the tall midfielder.

#13 Georgie Brisbane
Forward | 175cm | 13/12/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 1 hitout, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals

It has been an exciting few weeks for the Eastern skipper who has recaptured her bottom-age form that saw her really stamp her authority on the competition. Boasting enormous potential, her confidence seems to be back, and her marking is fantastic, with a nice fast few steps on the lead which make her hard to spoil. Brisbane pulled out he party tricks at one stage in a marking contest, bringing it to ground, cleanly taking it then spinning both ways before slotting the goal.

#44 Lara Williams
Forward | 29/08/2008 | 168cm

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 goals

On debut, the Rookie Me Academy athlete and Vic Metro Under 16s representative really slotted into a dangerous Eastern forwardline. Her hands were good on the lead and her kicking was impressive, though her two goals took the cake. Her first came late in the third term with a quick step in congestion where Williams was still able to get boot to ball and slotted a memorable major. Her second was just as impressive, with a long-range 45m shot that sailed home on the run at the notoriously tricky to navigate Williamstown ground.

Northern Knights 12.12 (84) defeated Sandringham Dragons 3.2 (20)

By: Michael Alvaro

Northern Knights:

#3 Marlo Graham
Midfielder | 163cm | 15/11/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles

While less prolific than most weeks – dropping below 23 disposals for just the second time in six games this season – Graham made an impact with each touch. She was effective when either hitting up leading targets inside 50, or getting on the end of entry kicks herself. Graham’s speed and instincts in the attacking half threatened to inflict scoreboard damage either by her own boot or that of a teammate, and Northern’s goalkickers thrived off her ball use.

#4 Holly Ridewood
Wing | 174cm | 27/12/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Ridewood has made a habit of running out games strongly and did so on Saturday with two second half goals. The prolific winger constantly charged out of congestion before unleashing long kicks, and that’s exactly how she scored her first major. The second came on the end of a 50m penalty, but Ridewood did well initially to clunk a strong overhead mark at centre half-forward. While effective in front of goal, some of her kicking on the run could have been more precise.

#5 Zoe Hargreaves
Midfielder | 172cm | 03/06/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 tackles, 8 inside 50s

Hargreaves was the standout player afield in patches on Saturday, and often matched up on Sophie McKay at centre bounces. Her power and breakaway speed were eye-catching to say the least as the midfielder burst through stoppages, collected the ball in one take, and exited out the front untouched. Hargreaves’ ability to find uncontested ball on the spread also hurt Sandringham, especially when hitting targets going inside 50. A prolific and potent performance.

Sandringham Dragons:

#15 Sophie McKay
Midfielder | 168cm | 27/04/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 tackles, 2 goals

McKay produced one of the most dominant performances of the round, leading all comers with 30 disposals and accounting for over half of her side’s score. The Carlton father-daughter candidate showed she could do it all; bringing teammates into the play with clean stoppage craft and handball chains in transition, hunting the opposition with gritty tackles, rising for a speccy in term two, and booting a pair of outstanding goals in the first half. She blended the latter moments of speed and flair with one-touch handling and strong contested work in a well-rounded outing.

#46 Scout Howden
Wing | 174cm | 17/02/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

No stranger to racking up plenty of possessions, Howden continued her ultra consistent season with 27 touches out on the wing – her best disposal haul since Round 1. The Vic Metro squad member was perhaps not as expansive on the outside as usual, but swept back to support the defence and help Sandringham’s ball movement. She made quick decisions in possession, and while tested under pressure, was often relied upon to get her side out of tight spots.

Calder Cannons 2.2 (14) lost to Oakleigh Chargers 14.13 (97)

Calder Cannons:

#1 Maddison Albrecht
Forward | 160cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

As competitive as anyone else going around, Albrecht was a ray of consistency throughout the four quarters. Her polish and execution is the main question mark on her game, but one can certainly not question her attack and sheer determination. Despite being smaller than most of her opponents, she tackles with fierce vigour, while covering the ground well to try and impact every contest and do anything she can to win the ball back for her side.

#19 Kyla Forbes
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Forbes had her moments, but was ultimately up against it taking on such a strong Oakleigh side. She used her strength to win some one-on-ones on the inside and tried to thump the ball forward off her raking left boot best she could. Her pressure was there at least and she did take a good intercept mark midway through the final term.

#47 Lara Churchill
Forward | 161cm | 24/08/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Lively in attack, Churchill looked the most likely to do damage on the scoreboard, and she was the one who got her side on the board in the last germ. She took a good mark going backwards with the flight and converted the set shot from the top of the goalsquare, while earlier in the game had put through her team’s first score – a behind from a set shot as well. Churchill did push up to the middle at times and presented, so worked hard to win the ball and get it inside 50.

Oakleigh Chargers:

#2 Sarah Poustie
Midfielder | 170cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 10 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Another brilliant balance of offensive and defensive traits from the top-age talent who seemed to be everywhere on the ground. The only player to amass more than 20 disposals – and have six more than anyone else on the ground – Poustie stepped up in the absence of Maggie Mahony to lay double-digit tackles and provide a target on the outside, while going full bore on the inside. Her ability to understand the game and wait a kick behind play when necessary to intercept, was important in the win.

#9 Chloe Bown
Forward/Midfielder | 174cm | 20/12/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 1 behind

Getting her chance for more midfield minutes in the game, Bown did well playing her hybrid role in the front half. She started on-ball and did see plenty of game time there, but worked hard in transition and after a second effort midway through the second term, got on the end of her first goal. She kicked another great major on the run with a clever finish six minutes into the fourth quarter, almost kicking another in the third term midway through but was run down. A dangerous tall option who will get her chance at Vic Metro likely as a forward.

#18 Bailee Martin
Forward | 174cm | 03/09/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 4 goals, 3 behinds

Feasted on the overwhelming number of inside 50s, with two goals in the first term and then two in the last. She could have finished with quite a few more considering the amount of shots she had, but showed off her fantastic forward craft and leading patterns in the game. She can win it in the air or at ground level and is a good size with handy athletic traits making her a nightmare for opposition defenders.

#19 Charlotte Brewer
Defender | 165cm | 11/09/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Was the pick of the defenders in a game where there was not a lot for them to do at times. She took a couple of fantastic intercept marks in the second half that caught the eye, and looked to break the lines when given the chance. She pushed up to half-forward at times, and though when kicking long she did turn it over a few times, when coming out of defence and having time and space, she was able to pick out teammates down the field.

#25 Emma McDonald
Forward | 179cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 8 marks, 4 tackles, 3 hitouts, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

McDonald has been hard to stop all year and that was the case again for the key forward who kicked a couple of goals from 17 touches and eight marks. Her hands are as strong as anyone’s in the draft crop, and she kicked goals at either end of the game with clever smarts inside 50. She could have had a third had it not been saved on the line, and her work rate to get outside forward 50 and then look for targets on the lead is another valuable element of her game.

#33 Storm Johnson
Forward | 165cm | 29/11/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 goals, 3 behinds

It was a breakout performance from the bottom-ager who slotted three goals, and like Martin, left a few out there with some rushed shots. Her first major came just a few minutes into the match which saw her teammates flock to her – being her first Talent League goal – and then she kickd another one late in the quarter and then early in the third with clever forward craft.

Dandenong Stingrays 10.15 (75) defeated Bendigo Pioneers 2.6 (18)

Dandenong Stingrays:

#3 Jemma Reynolds
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 29/04/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Reynolds’ impressive top-age season rolled on against the Pioneers, being a crucial player in transitioning the ball from inside to outside. She did well in close with her clean hands and nice timing coming to the fore, but it is her ability to be one-take at ground level that really stands out. She went head-to-head with Painter at times and did well to corral and pressure her, while also winning it herself and pumping the ball inside 50 on numerous occasions.

#6 Zoe Besanko
Forward/Ruck | 178cm | 25/05/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 22 hitouts, 4 inside 50s, 1 behind

One of the AFLW Academy member’s better games of the season, Besanko rolled through the ruck and forward, roaming the ground well and finding her fair share of the ball. Her athleticism, in particular her vertical jump caused quite a few headaches for the Pioneers, and she was often seen winning it from the stoppage and following up with a second touch and playing like a “fourth midfielder”. Her sole mark came in the middle of the ground during the third term and delivered a great kick to half-forward, and while some of her execution is a work in progress, as a whole she was quite impressive.

#8 Makhaela Bluhm
Forward/Midfielder | 172cm | 10/02/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

Had a really standout game playing at half-forward and pushing up to midfield. She provided a target and an extra number around the forward stoppages, applying some great pressure. When she had ball-in-hand, her vision going inside 50 was very good, often hitting targets on the lead or looking to put the ball into dangerous spots. She might not have kicked a goal herself, but her traits did catch the eye.

#17 Evelyn Connolly
Defender/Forward | 169cm | 26/05/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 rebound 50, 4 goals, 2 behinds

Given Connolly started in defence, the fact she ended with four goals – after being moved into attack for the second half – is very impressive. Of course all four majors came after half-time as she proved too strong and clever inside 50 for her opponents. She had a couple of misses as well including her first attempt she should have kicked, but still, she finished as the most damaging forward on the ground despite playing half a game there.

#54 Ruby Geurts
Defender | 169cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s

Boasting nice skills and some great run, the Vic Country Under 16s representative played her role and was important in driving the ball out of defence. She took some of the kickouts, and her sole mark came in the second term where she intercepted a forward foray and was able to deliver an efficient kick down the ground.

Bendigo Pioneers:

#5 Lucia Painter
Utility | 174cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 26 disposals, 6 marks, 9 tackles, 1 inside 50, 14 rebound 50s

The star utility essentially just played wherever the team needed her, and though predominantly that was through the middle, she did spend a lot of time in defence saving the day, which lended itself to her tallying up 14 rebound 50s. She was strong in the air and at ground level, and often looked to release by hand in one-two plays. She did everything she could to try and get her side over the line, and though that ultimately fell well short, she did not die wondering. Her kicking was a little more hit or miss than usual, but her burst and determination to break the lines was still there.

#11 Lavinia Cox
Midfielder | 172cm | 31/01/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

It was a productive day out for the developing midfielder who got her hands on the ball consistently She has to sharpen up the efficiency of her work, but her balance of overall athleticism – particularly her speed and endurance mix – with her defensive pressure and work rate really stood out. She found the ball in all areas of the ground and impacted the game with her gut-running.

#13 Jemmika Douglas
Defender/Forward | 166cm | 20/02/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

Douglas did some nice things in defence early, and though she was under more pressure and not quite as clean or composed as usual, she still did well one-on-one in marking contests even if she did not pull it down. Threw herself at everything with some fierce tackles, and set up a goal by bombing it long from the wing inside 50, before moving forward in the final term.

#45 Lexi Gregor
Key Forward | 180cm | 07/04/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 1 hitout, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Presented as a target up forward and had a few chances on goal though just finished with the one behind. Her aerial presence was outstanding, competing strongly one-on-one and her kicking for a tall was very good. She rolled into the ruck in the third term, but her best work was done around the ground and providing a target to kick to.

Geelong Falcons 7.9 (51) defeated Murray Bushrangers 4.2 (26)

Geelong Falcons:

#1 Lucy Marescuk
Wing | 163cm | 31/03/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The hard-running winger put in a mountain of work on the outside and was very prolific on the stats sheet. She found space and was able to pressure opponents consistently, while being an outlet option for both a handball or kick into space. She used her speed and evasion to open up angles, and even produced a great run-down tackle in the opening couple of minutes of the final term. One of the better Falcons on the day.

#6 Chloe Bryant
Midfielder/Forward | 165cm | 12/09/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Returning from injury after missing the bulk of the season, Bryant picked up where she left off and was thrown straight into the starting midfield. She worked hard around the ground, read it well off hands at ruck stoppages and marking contests, and put the ball into dangerous spots inside 50. Rolling between midfield and attack, she was very lively and complemented the Falcons midfield well.

#7 Sara Howley
Midfielder | 173cm | 29/01/2006

Stats: 33 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

It was another massive day out for Howley who brought her own ball to the game, accumulating 33 disposals, three marks, six tackles, four inside 50s and two rebound 50s. She had some chances on goal too that just went astray, but she will be the subject of our Coates Talent League Girls Round 11 Player Focus this week, which will go into greater detail on her performance.

#27 Seisia White
Forward/Midfielder | 164cm | 07/10/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

White just does so much right and does not need a lot of the ball to impact a game. Her defensive pressure is so good, with her tackling as fierce as it gets. With ball-in-hand, she is effective and can hit targets well over multiple distances, and converted a great goal on the run from 40m with a classy finish. Her balance of hardness and class separates her from many other prospects running around. A promising talent.

#28 Hayley Peck
Ruck | 180cm | 31/01/2005

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 43 hitouts, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

The over-age ruck continues to just take control of games both at the stoppage and around the ground. She is not only racking up ridiculous amounts of hitouts – though she did do that – but she is presenting and providing a marking target. Then when the ball is at ground level, she is bringing the pressure as well. Has a lot of traits, and greater improved consistency that clubs look for in over-age players.

#32 Rebecca Clottey
Forward | 166cm | 05/05/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 10 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

It is hard to know whether she loves a goal celebration or a run-down tackle more, as Clottey seems to do both with much vigour. Her sole major came with some clever footwork in the goalsquare getting boot to ball one metre out between two opponents. Her consistent defensive pressure aided in locking the ball in the Falcons’ half, and when she pushed up to a forward stoppage, looked dangerous with her pace and evasive skills.

#38 Stella Huxtable
Utility | 170cm | 22/12/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Huxtable seemed to play on all three lines, and while predominantly a midfielder who can rest forward, the inclusion of McKeegan meant she also found herself behind the ball at times. Holding a high line and pushing up to be an extra number at the contest when not naturally there Huxtable found plenty of the ball and was able to win it both on the inside and outside. The left-footer had a couple of chances inside 50 too, but one was intercepted in the goalsquare, and another just fell short to the left.

#51 Greea McKeegan
Forward | 15/12/2008 | 175cm

Stats: 16 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

It was an eye-catching debut from the tall forward who showed great hands and footy smarts leading out from half-forward and becoming a target as high up as the wing. A December-born 15-year-old, McKeegan looms as a massive upside prospect, as she is still relatively light, but can clunk some big grabs. Given it was her first game, it would have been fair to only show up in patches, but she was very good throughout the game and kicked the first goal of the game on the quarter time siren.

Murray Bushrangers:

#3 Rain Dodd
Wing | 165cm | 13/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

Starting on a wing and playing a defensive role within that, Dodd was able to be a relieving figure in the back half of the ground. Her tackling pressure as fantastic and she won a free by being able to quell Howley at an early stoppage at half-back. Dodd still found her fair share of the ball and provided an outlet or switch option for the Bushrangers defenders.

#9 Holly Egan
Defender | 176cm | 01/07/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 10 rebound 50s

Egan provided a few highlights in the game, taking some big grabs and showing off her vertical leap. Her strong hands were a feature of her game, while she was generally clean at ground level and able to dispose of the ball with goo decision making capabilities. At one stage she cleverly showed off her quick sidestep by getting around Kiara Woods at half-back, and took a goal-saving mark in the defensive goalsquare with a few minutes to play.

#10 Sophia Green
Midfielder/Defender | 171cm | 22/11/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 2 marks, 11 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Green has no trouble finding the ball and once again racked it up with 25 touches. Able to use both sides of her body, Green was perhaps a little down on her usual efficiency, but still finished as one of the better Bushrangers in the match. She used her body well at stoppages when opposed to Howley in the third term, and competed hard in the air even if she did not mark it. Her defensive pressure – which resulted in double-digit tackles – was also superb.

#14 Ellie Hall
Midfielder/Defender | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 11 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Like Green, had another big day out, and though she had a few more turnovers than the elite kick is normally accustomed to, the pressure around the ball carrier made it a lot more difficult. She still had some outstanding disposals, hitting targets between opponents on a couple of occasions, and her vision was very good. One element that is often underrated is tackling technique, and Hall showed hers off by pinning the one arm to guarantee a holding the ball or incorrect disposal call.

#24 Rose Bell
Defender/Forward | 170cm | 18/03/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Starting in defence and then being thrown forward in a swap with fellow 2008-born Majella Day, Bell has a far greater impact on-field than her stats suggest. She stands tall in tackles, is able to take some big marks, and consistently clears the ball from danger. When forward, she presented high up, kicking a goal after marking on the lead late in teh second term where she was able to put her side up. She also set up the last goal of the day after marking in the middle of the ground and thumping it inside 50.

Tasmania Devils 7.4 (46) defeated Gippsland Power 3.10 (28)

Tasmania Devils:

#1 Mischa Barwin
Forward/Midfielder | 164cm | 04/12/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Spent the majority of her time as a high half-forward and rolling between pushing up to win the ball and then getting deeper to be a target. She had an early snap that missed and another set shot following a free that went to the right, before a 50m encroachment penalty sent her to the goalline for a easy major. Her vision is outstanding, and she makes good decisions with ball-in-hand, while having a low centre of gravity allowing her to draw frees too.

#10 Meg Harrison
Wing | 166cm | 03/11/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Worked hard all game and often mopped up in defence, assisting the Devils backline, before pushing up the ground to be involved in transition. She found space at times to win it on her natural wing position and then hit up targets forward, with neat ball use with time and space. Finished as one of the more prolific Devils on the stats sheet.

#15 Priya Bowering
Midfielder | 167cm | 02/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Another huge game from the bottom-age inside midfielder who keeps cracking in and getting the rewards. Time and time again she would win the ball in close and thump it forward, while also kicking a nice goal on the move with no one in the goalsquare. Her booming kick helps put pressure on the opposition defence, and she loomed large as a gamebreaker for the Devils, consistent across the found quarters.

#29 Mackenzie Williams
Defender/Midfielder | 171cm | 26/06/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Williams was an important cog in the Devils’ side, playing on all three lines at times. She showed off outstanding versatility with important intercept marks, great power and thumping kicks down the ground. Her best spot is off half-back, though she can pinch hit through the middle and ended up in attack, winning a 50m penalty in the third term and delivering from the set shot, before being a target in attack through the last quarter even though the ball was up the other end. Her aerial presence was a point of difference compared to others in the match.

Gippsland Power:

#10 Grace Dillow
Forward/Midfielder | 165cm | 03/06/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The Under 16s talent has a genuine crack and does not take a backwards step. Though she has a nice hardness at the ball, Dillow also has some clean finishing skills, slotting a great goal on the run off a handball receive. She tried to break through multiple tackles at times, and throw herself into everything, but finished as Gippsland’s arguable best player on the day.

#19 Ella Stoddart
Utility | 173cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s, 2 goals

The versatile tall was able to play on all three lines, rotating between midfield and attack, kicking two goals in the second term, before moving back into defence later in the match. She kicked her goals in different fashions with one being a soccer off the deck from close range, and another one from much further out, in a bid to spark her side.

#25 Lilly Leighton
Midfielder | 08/10/2006 | 161cm

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s

The hard-running midfielder accumulated the ball without fuss and returned from a VFLW stint to show she had learnt a few things. Her ability to get into ball-winning positions was good, with most of her best work coming in close where she applied some great pressure on the opposition ball carriers.