AFTER a wet and windy Saturday affected Coates Talent League Girls games, another three matches take place tomorrow to complete Round 14. We preview each of them and take a look at players to watch.

Sunday, July 28
Marty Busch Reserve | @ 11:00am

FORM:

GWV Rebels come into the match in some form, having won back-to-back matches against the bottom two country sides in Bendigo Pioneers an Murray Bushrangers. They return home to take on a Calder Cannons outfit that has suffered back-to-back beltings at the hands of top two sides Oakleigh and Eastern after pushing the Western Jets to within a goal. Not without a shot here, the Cannons will search for their second win of the season.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

GWV Rebels:

The Rebels rely on their key bookends in Millie Lang and Claire Mahony, the former of which was a late withdrawal from Country’s loss to Metro at Marvel Stadium, while Mahony has spent time in the ruck for her state, and up the ground for her club. Elise Cook is one developing a new role as a rebounding defender, while Olivia Wolter and Isabella Davies have been in good form this year.

Calder Cannons:

Calder has been severely impacted by both injury and school football in 2024, but top-age talent Maddison Albrecht has been in great form of late, while Kyla Forbes has developed into a rebounding defender. Bottom-ager Shauna McElligott is in her third game back from injury and ready to fire, while fellow 2007-born Jade McLay always poses problems for the opposition wherever she plays.

PREDICTION

The home side will be favoured in what will no doubt be more challenging conditions for the players. Expect a tough slog, but the Rebels have been used to them at times and with a mix of talls and smalls at both ends would be likely to win in a tight contest.

Sunday, July 28
DSV Stadium | @ 11:30am

FORM:

Western Jets have gelled better as the season has gone on, and generally been far more competitive outside of a heavy loss to the Ranges in Round 11. Otherwise they had won two prior to that, and the last time these sides faced off, the Power only won by 12 points. Gippsland is coming off a hard-fought four-goal win over Bendigo, bouncing back from a loss to Tasmania the round before.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Western Jets:

AFLW Academy member and Vic Metro midfielder Sierra Grieves is always a key player to watch for the Jets and will be important in trying to win the midfield battle. Olivia Castello and Hannah Brodie have stepped up to support her around the stoppages, while the likes of Alex McBride-Loane up one end and Piper Dixon up the other are names to remember. The latter was due to make her debut last week in Tasmania, but it was delayed by a round due to the game being cancelled.

Gippsland Power:

The Power are enjoying their best season on record and prepare for a finals spot this year. Headlined by potential top pick Ash Centra, the talented midfielder/forward is well supported by the likes of Jasmine Sowden, Zali Gallagher and Ella Stoddart who are all Vic Country representatives at Under 18s level. Lily Milner and Grace Dillow are some Under 16s reps to remember for the future too.

PREDICTION

Gippsland has shown all year it has the depth to take on most sides outside the top few. If the Power’s stars show up then it makes it tough, though outside the top couple of sides, the Jets have been ultra competitive so expect them to stick with the Power for the most part and now make it easy for them.

Sunday, July 28
Highgate Recreation Reserve | @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Sandringham Dragons regain some key players back in a bid to topple the Bushrangers up at Highgate Recreation Reserve having not got within 10 goals of an opponent since Round 9, and their last win came back in Round 6. The game against the winless Bushrangers is the Dragons’ best shot to snap the six-game losing streak, though Murray has been far more competitive of late, and really stiff not to finish off and win a couple of games so expect the Bushrangers to be up and about.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Sandringham Dragons:

The Dragons have a crucial trio of Vic Metro representatives making their return to the side this week with AFLW Academy member Sophie McKay, skipper Scout Howden and versatile tall utility Daisy Flockart all coming back in after missing last round. In their absence, Tiger Doultree has been the main standout, with Sophie Crofts trying hard through the ruck.

Murray Bushrangers:

Murray has been close on so many occasions this year, it is all about just being in front when the siren sounds. The Bushrangers have players that will run and carry such as Holly Egan, Rain Dodd and Rose Bell, while Madison Ibrahim has had some impressive games throughout the season. Sophia Green had a rare quieter week last round but expect her to bounce back, while Majella Day just needs the opportunities to do damage up forward.

PREDICTION

A neck-and-neck game, with Murray funnily enough in better form despite not winning a game. Sandringham needs to turn around its recent form to get the job done, which starts with some of the inclusions for the round. It all comes down to the midfield, with the winner of the clearance battle likely to take home the chocolates.