TRICKY conditions swept across Round 13 of the Coates Talent League Girls season, but there were still some impressive individual displays. As always, we took note of some of the players who caught the eye – with a focus on Victorian representatives – and all notes the opinion of the individual author.

Calder Cannons 0.1 (1) lost to Eastern Ranges 10.9 (69)

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

It was a very ‘Albrecht-like’ performance from the tenacious small who was the Cannons’ best afield across four quarters. Her defensive pressure, smarts and ability to get into the right spots is very good, and her ground level work in the wet really shone. If she can tidy up the final execution, she just about has everything else in her game, and the match was arguably her most consistent of the season since returning mid-season.

#5 Jade McLay
Midfielder/Defender | 177cm | 01/02/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 rebound 50s

Battled on bravely throughout the match and used her raking boot to try and clear the ball from danger. Whether she was lining up in the middle or helping out in defence, McLay is a great extractor by hand, and possesses critical vision that allows her to dispose of it cleanly and effectively. While her strength is a very evident advantage in her game, McLay can compete at ground level just as well in the air.

#19 Kyla Forbes
Defender | 168cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 5 rebound 50s

The top-ager continued her development in defence from her two Metro games, either taking the kickouts or being the next option in the chain. She looked to thump the ball clear from danger, and though in the conditions it often got sent back shortly after, she was strong in the air and kept working hard to mop up in the back 50.

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 9 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

While not as prolific as some of her other games, McMillan’s class still rose to the top and she was able to impact consistently through the four quarters. Her elite vision and release by hand was evident, while her defensive pressure and evasive work was also outstanding. In all, it was just another game from the talented bottom-ager, one of a number of contributors throughout the contest.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 11 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Her stats only tell a small story of how impressive she was both offensively and defensively, starting on-ball and rotating forward. She was very clean at ground level given the conditions and moved well through traffic, while applying great defensive pressure. While a couple of chances inside 50 went begging, she consistently found the ball and was lively across the ground.

#10 Jordyn Allen
Defender/Midfielder | 166cm | 12/11/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

One of the best on the day, Allen’s run and carry came to the fore in conditions where ball movement and territory came at a premium. Her hands through traffic were very good and she always creates plenty of metres gained in her style, setting up a goal to Grace Baba after cruising inside 50 and putting it to a danger spot. While she could be a touch cleaner off the deck, Allen’s technique is fantastic and she had another impressive game.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Belloni bounced back from a contact knee knock early in the game to have her usual impact between midfield and forward. At times, the marking target even lineup at full-forward to give others a chance up the ground and to rest, though when up the field she was still able to take some good grabs and apply important pressure. Kicked a goal in the third term off a step that at first looked to be touched but was paid, creating a crucial six-pointer off a step.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Remained a key target inside 50 for the Ranges as she has been for Vic Metro of late, taking some strong marks and leading out in good space. Her hands at ground level were clean and she was able to dispose of the ball under pressure. Brisbane’s six tackles showed she was willing to get her hands dirty for the team and apply important defensive pressure when require, both inside 50 and up the field.

#24 Evie Parker
Wing | 179cm | 06/07/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Appropriately donning the long sleeves in rather chilly conditions, Parker was prolific across the four quarters and got to hit the scoreboard twice in the last term as well. Her running capacity sets her apart from many other talls, and she plays the wing role so well. Did well to set up a couple of goals with her work drawing opponents and still getting a disposal away, while being lively and active all over the ground, particularly in the first term when the heat was on.

#30 Isla Baldwin
Midfielder | 162cm | 22/12/2005

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

A natural accumulator, Baldwin has no issues getting her hands dirty and she certainly did that in the win. She thrived int he conditions, balancing a nice 15-15 split in her kicks-to-handballs, while also laying seven tackles. Baldwin is a quick disposer of the ball and sums up situations quickly, using her VFLW experience this year to get into more ball-winning positions and she had more touches than anyone else on the field.

#35 Molly Paterson
Defender/Midfielder | 170cm | 11/02/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s

Is developing her defensive game by being stationed at half-back, with the Ranges’ vice-captain being proactive coming out of the back 50. Her vision is often very good, with the final execution at times coming a little rushed, but she keeps cracking in across four quarters. Had a nice defensive spoil early in the game too.

#42 Brylee Anderson
Defender/Midfielder | 172cm | 23/03/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

Has not looked overawed since coming into the Under 18s side, and that continued for the Vic Metro Under 16s MVP. Predominantly in defence and then getting more chances up the field, Anderson reads the play well and positions herself accordingly to win it. The conditions made the ball tough to mark, but Anderson still got involved and was involved in many transitional plays turning defence into offence.

#55 Emily Rankin
Forward | 165cm | 11/05/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Another 2008-born talent who was a standout for Vic Metro’s Under 16s side, Rankin is a technically gifted player who uses the ball well and is a great half-forward candidate for her vision, decision making and execution going inside 50. She was lively throughout the game and pushed up to stoppages at times to add an extra number and also apply some strong defensive pressure.

Gippsland Power 6.5 (41) defeated Bendigo Pioneers 2.5 (17)

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#9 Lily Milner
Forward/Midfielder | 170cm | 25/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The Under 16s Vic Country representative had a season-high 22 touches in the win over the Pioneers, while also collecting six marks and finding some great space in the forward half of the ground. She had a set shot that just missed to the left and was rushed across the face, though otherwise had some impactful disposals in the forward half. Her mix of aerial and groundlevel work was very good and she was clearly one of the best on the ground.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 tackle, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Another double bottom-ager who continues to show promising signs, Dillow hit the scoreboard following a 50m penalty, and had worked hard to pump the ball forward. She had another set shot in the second term that drifted wide, but as a whole created some important run and carry and contributed well in the front half of the ground playing strong wet weather football.

#15 Jasmine Sowden
Midfielder/Forward | 164cm | 17/12/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

Starting on-ball, Sowden rotated between the middle and attack and had some of her trademark assets on display. She was very clean at ground level in the wet conditions, showed a nice release by hand in traffic and in space, and was able to bring her teammates into the game through release handballs. Her major came in the final term where she started forward and then got to the inside 50 first, sidestepped her opponent and slotted the goal.

#16/#11 Ash Centra
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 02/06/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 behinds

It was another best on ground performance from Centra who was forced to change jumpers late in the game to number 11, though it hardly impacted what she did with ball in hand. Clean as if it was a dry day, and capable of ankle breaking opponents and hitting targets under immense pressure, the pick one contender was a class above in the conditions and though she only kicked the two behinds, everything else was superb and she set up a number of goals including to Taylor Sowden in the fourth quarter.

#19 Ella Stoddart
Forward/Defender | 173cm | 30/01/2007

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

Made her mark felt up forward by kicking her side’s first two goals of the match, the first coming from a set shot and the next after a clever snap. Though most known for her defensive 50 work which she still did later in the game, Stoddart has looked comfortable inside 50, consistently hitting the scoreboard and causing a headache for opposition defences. Got involved up the ground through the second half as well.

#29 Rebecca Fitzpatrick
Midfielder / Forward | 170cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 9 tackles, 4 inside 50s

The bottom-ager had a crack throughout the four quarters and was used as a link between midfield and attack. Often transitioning the ball inside 50, Fitzpatrick was good at finding space on the outside, but also getting in and winning the contested ball too, laying a stack of tackles along the way. Her short passing is accurate and she makes good decisions with ball in hand.

#36 Chelsea Sutton
Forward | 166cm | 16/11/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A lively player in the front half, Sutton covered the ground well and had some nice offensive and defensive moments. She loved wheeling onto her right to pump the ball inside 50, but got back to help out in the defensive half of the ground. A highlight was a huge run-down tackle on Painter at half-back, winning a free kick for her troubles.

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A solid game without being outstanding, Painter still showed the power and smarts that come with being a top draft prospect. She worked incredibly hard up and down the ground and covered holes where required for her side. There were times where she broke through tackles, and others where she was pinged holding the ball, though Painter pulled out the party tricks in the final term with a fantastic juggling mark against multiple players at half-back.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 12 tackles, 8 rebound 50s

Douglas’ run and carry was crucial in keeping her side in the game, with her defensive pressure and power keys to her game. The Pioneers top-ager provided an aerial presence in the back half and was great in the one-on-ones. Though still ironing out some areas of her game, Douglas worked incredibly hard all game and was one of the Pioneers’ best in the loss.

#26 Sienna Hobbs
Ruck/Forward | 179cm | 14/10/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 18 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Though best known for her forward work and pinch-hitting in the ruck., Hobbs arguably had more impact in the latter for the game, notching up a game-high 18 hitouts in the match. She took control through the middle as the number one ruck for the Pioneers, but also managed to still hit the scoreboard with a clean pickup off the deck and snap goal during the second term.

#27 Sasha Pearce
Defender | 183cm | 13/11/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 hitouts, 2 rebound 50s

Another industrious performance from the reliable defender who just did her thing and was strong one-on-one. Enjoying a consistent season, Pearce knew when to come off her opponent and when to stay back, and her only blemish was rather harsh, pinged for deliberate after a ruck stoppage saw her knock the ball through for a behind. Applied strong ground level pressure too.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Got a glimpse of Gregor’s groundlevel work in the match, with the key forward often known for her marking presence inside 50. Instead, while she still provided a target, she pushed right up the ground and got around the ball in general play to add a stronger body and experience at the coalface. She was very clean at ground level for a tall and won plenty of hard and looseball gets in the process, shovelling it out to teammates and doing her best to keep her team in the game.

Murray Bushrangers 2.5 (17) lost to Northern Knights 5.10 (40)

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 10 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A hard-running wing, Dodd had some great moments to be among Murray’s best on the day. She covered the ground incredibly well, but it was her defensive pressure that really stood out, laying double-digit tackles in wet and muddy conditions. At times she would have to release the ball with a wobbly kick, but showed her smarts with a nice spin early in the fourth term to get out of trouble. A minute later, Dodd fiercely fended off an opponent and burst forward, almost kicking a goal but it was touched on the line.

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 4 marks, 9 tackles, 1 hitout, 6 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The subject of our Player Focus for the week, Egan won a league-high 33 disposals in Round 13, providing an enormous force behind the ball. She also rolled into the stoppages at different times and showed her clean hands and determination to win the ball for her side. Check out the Player Focus for a full rundown on her performance.

>> HOLLY EGAN PLAYER FOCUS

#15 Nikhita Spiteri
Forward | 169cm | 20/07/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Known for her tackling, Spiteri definitely brought the heat in the game, thriving in the wet conditions. She moved well through traffic and was strong on the inside, also having a shot on goal that she unfortunately sprayed to the left. In the end she was key on the inside, but also extracting the ball forward, having five of her side’s 22 inside 50s in the loss.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s

The versatile utility did not do much wrong again, playing at both ends and swapping with Majella Day. She kicked a nice goal after a fantastic tackle and holding the ball free kick, nailing the set shot from close range. Her best work was done in defence though, with all of her 21 disposals being kicks, and she either kicked out or was the next option in the chain, thumping it clear to outside the back 50.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Graham’s defensive pressure is what stood out in the match, laying nine tackles and constantly harassing the opposition. The Northern Knights small won a number of holding the ball free kicks because of it, and when the going got tough, she got going. Was a running machine all match and a key contributor, having a couple of close chances that just fell short.

#4 Holly Ridewood
Wing | 173cm | 07/12/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

The Knights skipper ran hard all match and though often unrewarded through the first three quarters, had a huge final term where she stepped up and had quite a few possessions going forward in transition. Prior to that Ridewood still had her moments, applying great defensive pressure and trying to create some burst, with a shot on goal in the opening term just bouncing out of bounds. Her kick midway through the last term going inside 50 was a good one to a leading target.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Coming back off a huge game for Vic Metro, Hargreaves was again a star for Northern, stepping up to impact both offensively and defensively. Starting on-ball, Hargreaves often floated both forward and back, holding a good line at the top of 50 at times to intercept and keep the pressure on the opposition defence. She won some centre clearances that got her team important field position and was busy right to the final siren, setting up the last goal to Jesser with a kick inside 50.

#19 Olivia Jesser
Midfielder / Forward | 168cm | 01/04/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

The only multiple goalkicker on the day in a day where goals were hard to come by, Jesser continued her ability to hit the scoreboard as a midfielder/forward. She kicked her first just off some scrappy play being the last player standing in the goalsquare, before kicking her other two in the third and fourth quarters, the latter of which came with the final kick of the match just before the siren. Had a crack around the ball, but did her best work when the team needed a player to stand up and deliver a much-needed goal.

#48 Maddison Meagher
Defender | 162cm | 02/08/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s

It was a promising performance from the double bottom-ager who played out of defence and created run in transition. Her kicking was neat and in the final term she got forward using her explosive speed to have a couple of touches in a one-two play then set up a shot on goal with a nice kick inside 50.

Sandringham Dragons 1.2 (8) lost to Dandenong Stingrays 14.7 (91)

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#30 Tiger Doultree
Defender | 175cm | 27/02/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 14 rebound 50s

For the second week in a row, it was Doultree the defender who stood up against fierce resistance to continually repel Stingrays attacks. More than half of her touches were rebound 50s, and while she did take some kickouts, she also mopped up and competed hard in the air too. A player who despite the mounting scoreline never stopped trying, and has a strong set of hands and a penetrating kick.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

In the wet conditions, Reynolds must have been using a different ball because her cleanliness at ground level could have fooled anyone thinking it was perfect conditions. Despite the torrential rain at times, Reynolds was clean as a whistle and found plenty of the ball, using her outstanding sidestep and smarts to weave her way forward and hit targets inside 50. She got on the end of a goal herself from a quick shot off a step following a turnover inside the Stingrays’ attacking 50. She also won a couple of free kicks at half-back from being held, which showed how damaging she had been.

#4 Tahlia Sanger
Wing | 167cm | 18/08/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

In what was easily her best game since returning from injury this season, Sanger racked up 24 touches and kicked her first goal in Stingrays colours. That came early in the match when she won a free kick inside 50 and made no mistake from 35m out. Her aggressive nature at the contest combined with her smarts on the outside made her a good choice as one of the best on the ground. The wet conditions made it tough to be clean at ground level, but she generally uses it well and is quick by hand.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 hitout, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Returning from Vic Country duty, Bluhm kicked an early goal after a clever sidestep inside 50, and continued to play a role on the wing taking a couple of strong marks in the first term and provide a link in transition from midfield to attack. Being one of the big improvers this season, Bluhm kicked her second goal from a kick out of nothing a minute into the second term, then midway through the quarter took a one-handed grab. As a whole Bluhm was one of the better Stingrays and played a key role in the front half.

#9 Elli Symonds
Forward | 178cm | 07/10/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 9 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Returning for her first game of the season coming back injury, Symonds was kept forward and able to kick a couple of goals from 22 touches and look like she had hardly missed a beat. Though early on she was still adjusting to the game and getting back to match fitness, she had some of her trademark bursts, including one out of the middle and then had a ridiculous pick up off the deck, spin out of a would-be tackler and slotted a goal on the run.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 5 goals, 1 behind

Connolly filled her boots early before the rain hit, slotting three goals in the first term, all in the space of six minutes. The three were snaps, and her final two came in the last quarter from a set shot and then running into an open goal, being the league-leading goalkicker for the weekend with five majors. In between she did not see as much of the ball, but certainly made her mark known when given the opportunity.

#22 Mizuki Brothwell
Defender | 170cm | 22/10/2007

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

Provided important run from half-back and was able to clear the ball from danger and often inside 50 in an impressive display. Her competitiveness throughout the match caught the eye, and while constantly growing her understanding of the game, played some really good footy in tough conditions. Has the versatility to play on talls and smalls too.

Geelong Falcons 2.0 (12) lost to Oakleigh Chargers 6.16 (52)

GEELONG FALCONS:

#5 Ava Bilyk
Defender/Midfielder | 167cm | 07/07/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Having pieced together some really consistent football in her debut season, Bilyk was again an important force behind the ball, often charging off half-back or spreading well to win it in space and charge forward. She got her chance on-ball to start the fourth term, and showed she was not afraid to bite off those risky kicks at times, but her disposal gave her the licence to do just that.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

It was a tough game for the talented midfielder who worked hard all match but had limited space to work with and was quite often immediately tackled or corralled on the inside. She still found her fair share of the ball and did get to the outside to mark on a number of occasions, but her metres gained were limited due to the quality pressure coming from the opposition.

#8 Mekah Morrissy
Wing | 159cm | 16/01/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

The Geelong Falcons skipper again played off a wing and helped out in defence, getting back to assist where possible with her side. Her efficiency was a little down in the game compared to usual, but that was due to both the pressure and the way Oakleigh set up defensively. Morrissy had a nice spin out of trouble at half-back and was able to deliver cleanly late in the third term, and put her body on the line in a big marking contest in the last quarter.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 28 hitouts, 1 inside 50

Arguably Geelong’s best player on the day, Peck controlled the ruck stoppages with her tap work, and while the Chargers also became capable to sharking them, Peck still impacted around the ground. She took it out of the ruck a couple of times and provided immediate ground level pressure too, laying six tackles for the game. One of the more prominent over-age draft prospects available.

#38 Stella Huxtable
Midfielder/Forward | 170cm | 22/12/2007

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

Could not fault her effort, with the Vic Country representative cracking in across the ground and trying hard to win the ball at the coalface. Often forced to rush the ball forward, she took a lot of her marks at half-back or behind the play, reading the game well and getting back to assist the defence. Was a prominent player for the Falcons in the loss.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 2 behinds

A brilliant display from the ever-consistent midfielder who continues to put her hand up for first round considerations this year. She can get it done on the inside or outside, and her clean hands through traffic was a feature in her game. Poustie did well when assigned to Howley at the stoppages, and also had a couple of chances on goal that just missed. She set up a number of scoring chances inside 50 for the Chargers, teaming up well with McDonald. Though she got run down in a rare blemish through the middle, she also ran-down an opponent and was superb across all four quarters to earn our Player of the Week.

#5 Abbey Vicino
Midfielder / Forward | 157cm | 13/02/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 1 behind

Really liked her game and her overall transition as a forward. In the midfield she could often just throw the ball on the boot, but up forward she has that extra space to burst away from her opponent and hit targets on the run. Vicino well deserved two goals, one of which was a terrific major on the run from just inside 50, while another looked good but was just touched on the goalline. Her kicking in general was very good, and even hit up McDonald off the non-preferred left.

#6 Maggie Mahony
Midfielder | 161cm | 19/10/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Clean and physical on the inside, Mahony was once again a prime mover on-ball even though she did not start in the middle at the opening bounce. She did for the other three quarters and was able to win the ball all over the ground, applying defensive pressure to go with her offensive impact. Her quick and clean hands, and fantastic vision really stood out, narrowly denied an early goal off a snap that was stopped in the goalsquare.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 behind

Is in a rich vein of form, starting on-ball and spending time forward. Bown set up a number of goals including ones to McDonald and Amelie Gladman either side of quarter time, as well as some other chances. Her clearance work was notable, as was her strength, breaking through a tackle at one stage, getting a handball away, receiving it back and thumping it inside 50. Enormous potential and one to watch for next season.

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

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

Another Charger who played their role on the day, Brewer was able to run off half-back and get the ball forward, holding a high line and adding an extra number to the contest. She consistently intercepted, and did lay a great tackle on the wing in the fourth term to win a free kick, though her best work was in her drive from the defensive 50. She was very good at mopping up, generally clean and read the ball well from behind the play.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 9 marks, 3 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 3 behinds

Though she could have done even more damage on the scoreboard, McDonald was still a standout for the Chargers and a real menace in the air for opposition defenders. Able to mark at the highest point or down low on the chest, she was everywhere in the first half. Her long-range set shot attempts are better than her short-range ones, with often the more simpler 15m shot being stabbed at and missing, while her long-range shots are fluent and perfectly struck. Still, McDonald’s aerial ability, competitiveness and being able to set up her teammates as well, made her one of the best on the ground.

#35 Zoe Curry
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 19/10/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

The Giants Academy member continues to strike incredibly similar traits to former Charger Charlie Rowbottom in the way she goes about it. A tall and strong midfielder with an appetite for contested work, Curry is able to thump the ball forward and then follow up well. She covers the ground with ease and is hard to matchup on, and while at times she can turn the ball over by foot, she creates plenty of metres with her powerful boot.