AFTER a four-game fixture yesterday and one postponed match due to flight cancellations, just the single Coates Talent League Girls game takes place today. Geelong Falcons are the next side to test themselves against reigning premiers Oakleigh Chargers, playing host to them at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee.

Sunday, July 21
Avalon Airport Oval | @ 1:30pm

FORM:

Oakleigh Chargers remain unbeaten against full-time Coates Talent League Girls sides, with the reigning premiers’ only loss coming to Gold Coast Suns Academy up north. Though at times they have been challenged by some quality sides, the Chargers boast a 9-1 record and are four points clear of Eastern with this game to come. For Geelong, the Falcons sit seventh, but are eight points clear of the next closest rival. Since losing to Oakleigh by five goals in Round 9, the Falcons have had had back-to-back wins over Murray Bushrangers and an understrength Ranges’ outfit, as well as winning four of their past five.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Geelong Falcons:

Coming off a pair of huge performances for Vic Country, Sara Howley will be a prime mover in midfield against a stacked opposition on-ball group. She has a couple of bottom-agers who have stepped up in Stella Huxtable and Georgia Tyrrell, while skipper Mekah Morrissy and ruck Hayley Peck have also been in good form. Up forward, Seisia White and Rebecca Clottey are also AFLW Draft prospects who provide plenty of defensive pressure, while Chloe Bryant has made every post a winner since returning from injury as a balanced midfielder.

Oakleigh Chargers:

Oakleigh’s strongest midfield is back together with the return of Maggie Mahony joining Sarah Poustie and Abbey Vicino, with Chloe Bown and Chloe Thorn a couple of bottom-age prospects who roll through there. Sienna Tallariti headlines the defence, while another playing returning after a week off Talent League is key forward Emma McDonald. She and Amelie Gladman will form a potent combination up one end, while Charlotte Brewer and Zara Neuwirth are among the other Metro members up the other end.

PREDICTION

One does not simply tip against Oakleigh Chargers easily, so the reigning premiers and 9-1 Chargers are the go here. They are pretty much at full strength and are capable of putting up a big score, while the Falcons can provide some resistance through their tackling pressure. The five goal margin from a few weeks back seems about right, though Geelong does have enough talent to edge a little closer.