A TRIPLE treat of matches take place across the northern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne in the Coates Talent League Girls providing a couple of ripping contests. We preview those three games as the season builds towards its conclusion.

Saturday, July 27
Genis Steel Oval | @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Northern is coming off a hard-fought win in the mud against Murray Bushrangers up at Wangaratta, which made it three on the trot for the Knights. They have not lost by more than 12 points, and considering Bendigo is currently on a seven-game losing streak itself, the home side will be strong favourites for The clash.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Northern Knights:

One player in rich form is Olivia Jesser who just keeps hitting the scoreboard after starting in the midfield. She has done well complementing the likes of Zoe Hargreaves and skipper Holly Ridewood, while contested marking talents in Kira Lemire and Scarlett Johnson have also been in good form. Watch for double bottom-ager Maddison Meagher to create some run out of the back half.

Bendigo Pioneers:

The Pioneers head into the match minus Lou Painter, so will rely on the likes of Jemmika Douglas, Ella Jeffrey and Olivia Lacy to provide some drive down the field. The strength of Alexis Gregor in the air and tat ground level, along with the continued improvement of Sienna Hobbs and Sasha Pearce is important in the key posts. Georgia Garlick had an eye-catching game last week from limited touches so could be one to watch.

PREDICTION

At home and looking strong across the board, the Knights should be too strong. Without Painter the Pioneers will lose a little bit of power out of the midfield, though still have some quality players around the ground to make it a tough task for Northern.

Saturday, July 27
La Trobe University | @ 12:20pm

FORM:

Geelong Falcons were no match for Oakleigh Chargers last week, held scoreless in the first half and finishing with the two majors for the game. They are better than that and do have some quality players tthat put them ahead of the curve in terms of the competition, but have another tough encounter here. Tasmania Devils have strangely been more effective away from home, but will come in off an extended break, having had their match cancelled last week. It might be a blessing in disguise though as the Devils would have been heavily undermanned for the game.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Geelong Falcons:

Vic Country representatives Sara Howley and Chloe Bryant are a couple of key players for the Falcons, and in the absence of skipper Mekah Morrissy become all the more important. Rebecca Clottey and Seisia White continue to apply pressure and a spark in the forward half, while ruck Hayley Peck is in great form. Bottom-age midfielders Stella Huxtable and Georgia Tyrrell are strong players, while future star forward Greea McKeegan is supremely talented, just had no opportunities last week.

Tasmania Devils:

Returning back from Allies duties, the likes of Priya Bowering, Mackenzie Williams and Lucy Thompson will provide the power in the contest. There is no Sophie Strong who unfortunately went down with injury again in the Allies’ last match, but Ava Read and Mischa Barwin up forward provide a spark in what is ultimately an even team performance across the board.

PREDICTION

The match should go down to the wire, with quality players on both sides. Expect the team that makes the most of its opportunities in front of goal count will win, as these two sides will likely be battling it out for the second country division spot in finals.

Saturday, July 27
Kinetic Stadium | @ 1:30pm

FORM:

After playing “away” at the Stingrays’ homeground in Seaford, Dandenong makes the trip further south to Frankston where it will receive its biggest challenge in some time. The Stingrays have won the last six against full-time Talent League Girls sides, and destroyed the Dragons in the torrential rain last week by 83 points. Eastern is a different challenge and at full strength, the Ranges are the biggest threat to the Chargers’ flag. Excluding the loss to Geelong at half strength due to Metro duties, Eastern have won five on the trot too. Both are top three sides.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Dandenong Stingrays:

The Stingrays are in line for a really strong season and another big draft haul in November. The return of Elli Symonds further strengthened the side as she played her first game of the year, able to team up agin with close friend and fellow AFLW Academy member Zoe Besanko. Jemma Reynolds is an all-round quality player, while Kayla Dalgleish remains a threat up forward, and Makhaela Bluhm and Tahlia Sanger have enjoyed great seasons. At an underage level, Evelyn Connolly is kicking goals for fun of late, while Mizuki Brothwell impressed last week out of defence.

Eastern Ranges:

Eastern’s depth is just as impressive, with the side headlined by skipper Georgie Brisbane, and having marking targets such as Georgia Knight and Grace Belloni inside 50. The latter will spend most of her time through the middle though providing a bigger body to complement the likes of Tayla McMillan and Stasia Stevenson. Up the other end, Grace Baba is building into her season returning from injury, while Evie Parker kicked two late goals from the wing role and Jordyn Allen was best on ground.

PREDICTION

Gee this is a genuine classic. Eastern perhaps is that touch ahead and at its best put the foot down and completely destroy sides. Dandenong showed that same pedal to the metal attitude in challenging conditions last week, and if there is one game to watch over the weekend, it is this one. Has the potential to be a shootout.