ALL six Victorian country teams fronted up for the final round of the 2024 Coates Talent League Girls season, and in the first of two sets of Scouting Notes from the competition, we look at the three Saturday games and some of the standout players from those matches. As always, notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Gippsland Power 3.3 (21) lost to Dandenong Stingrays 13.16 (94)

GIPPSLAND POWER:

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

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

The double bottom-ager spent a lot of time on-ball starting there in the first three quarters and working her way forward. She applied some important pressure around the ball, and had a highlight with a run-down tackle inside 50 midway through the second term. The set shot from 40m just fell short, but throughout the course of the game had her moments.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

Another one of the eye-catching double bottom-agers, Dillow did well through the course of the game rotating between attack and midfield, then started on-ball in the final term. Her movement through traffic is an element that holds her in good stead, while she reads the ball off hands well, setting up Sowden with a goal following Dillow’s work from behind a forward stoppage.

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

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

The talented top-ager started on-ball then went forward, kicking three first quarter goals which ended up being all of Gippsland’s majors through the game. She took a couple of good marks and made no mistake, with her second goal being on the run with her hard work pushing goalside. She was clean at ground level and quick by hand, and though quieter after quarter time, still managed to have a few nice plays.

#16 Ash Centra
Utility | 174cm | 02/06/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Returning after missing last week, Centra still found a stack of the ball, but not her usual dominant self. On pure ability she is always going to be among the best on the ground, but a few turnovers by foot and getting caught holding the ball are just elements you don’t see when it comes to the star prospect. It speaks to the volume of work that is at such a high quality because she still danced around the opposition, hit passes very few can make, and even got back to help out in defence where she was able to clunk a couple of good marks.

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

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

Had a quieter start but worked into the game, with her second half very good coming out of defence and linking up well with her teammates. She looks at home behind the ball – even though she is dangerous inside 50 – and once she was able to get her hands on the ball, she was consistently getting into the right spots and clearing the danger.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Capping off a sensational top-age regular season, Reynolds was again busy across the ground, playing through the midfield but also finding plenty of it on the outside. She seemed to be a bit more behind the ball than usual, but also got forward to be a target, converting two goals including a classy finish on the run late in the match. Clean and smart, Reynolds has really upped her game in her top-age season.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 10 hitouts, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Besanko started on-ball in a change of scenery to either her ruck or forward starting position, though she has spent time as that tall midfielder at times. She has the athleticism to deal with the role, and though not a first-possession winner, Besanko has the explosive speed to breakthrough would-be tacklers as she did when starting in the ruck during the second term. Her run-down tackle late in the third quarter was another highlight, and her overall impact was a promising sign for the AFLW Academy member.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Since returning from Vic Country duties, Bluhm has taken her game to another level, looking really dangerous as that high half-forward. She can take a grab, and loves to wheel around before launching on goal, kicking a couple of majors and just missing a third chance. Boasting some smart goal sense and the ability to compose herself off a running shot while under pressure before disposing of it, make her an intriguing AFLW Draft prospect.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 14 hitouts, 3 inside 50s

Just another day at the office for Symonds who started ruck and ran hard all over the ground to find the ball. she rotated forward at times and had a few chances on goal, though did put it out of bounds a couple of times. Though still the odd error by foot, her overall efficiency by foot has improved in her top-age season, and she is consistently able to get involved all over the ground.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

While her sister took a lot of the headlines for the game with her performance, Mizuki showed she is just as talented, running off half-back with some terrific vigour. She takes the game on, competes and is not afraid to tuck the ball under the arm when required. Brothwell only took the one mark, but is more than capable in the air, and though the final execution is an area to work on, has all the traits that make her an ultra-exciting prospect for next year.

#28 Nalu Brothwell
Forward | 170cm | 22/10/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 hitouts, 4 inside 50s, 4 goals, 3 behinds

Booting four goals for the second time in three rounds, Brothwell has found her place in the Stingrays side. She always had the traits that she showed at the start of the season, but the moments that were happening in a quarter or two, are now happening across four quarters and she is being rewarded. Despite being undersized for a leading forward, Brothwell has the athleticism to make up for it, and kicked a couple of ridiculous goals from tight angles. Another year of development and she could be anything.

#60 Alice Cunnington
Wing/Forward | 172cm | 30/06/2008

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

The fact Cunnington still has two more years left in the program is beyond exciting, with the Vic Country Under 16s talent playing some great footy off a wing and working forward. She is a hard runner and gets forward to impact the scoreboard, but then stayed inside 50 during the last term where she kicked two goals in as many minutes and missed a dribble attempt for a third. Had a bad set shot miss straight in front too, so realistically could have finished with four or five majors on the day.

Bendigo Pioneers 5.3 (33) lost to Murray Bushrangers 7.8 (50)

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 2 behinds

The AFLW Academy member returned to the Pioneers’ lineup and always draws a crowd around the football, not being given much space to use her trademark burst from the stoppage. When she did, the implied pressure forced her to bomb it long for the Murray defenders to pick off, but she still starred because of her metres gained through the kick, and ability to put pressure on the opposition. Painter was clean at ground level, found the ball on all three lines and essentially went wherever her side needed her.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Her season has been on the improve, with the Australian representative basketballer busy once more. She has a nice technique with her kick and even though at times it is intercepted, she works hard to force turnovers. Has the capacity to kick across her body which is rare, and can take a good mark as well putting her body on the line. Overall has some promising traits and no doubt is being closely watched following her Talent League Girls season.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

As tough as they come, Douglas never shirks a contest and was clean at ground level which helps her impact the game and burst away from the contest. She can sometimes dump kicks to clear the danger, but with time and space can be very damaging by foot. Her repeat efforts and tackling pressure is a highlight of her game, and underpins the way she plays week-in, week-out.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 10 marks, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Finished the game on a high with the co-captain getting it done at both ends. Boasting a penetrating kick and outstanding hands, she clunked double-figure marks and thwarted numerous Bushranger forward forays. She took a goal-saving mark in the defensive hotspot then in the last quarter when the game was beyond doubt, was thrown forward and kicked a goal from a classy snap. A moment later she set up a goal to Gabby Drage with a deep kick inside 50.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#2 Tamika Rourke
Forward | 173cm | 31/03/2006

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

Producing a season-best effort in the final game of the season, Rourke showed some of the promising signs she did as a bottom-ager with her work at half-forward and pushing up the ground. She moved well, was clean at ground level and won her fair share of the ball. While still developing some elements of her game such as he polish, her clean hands, size and athleticism hold her in good stead.

#7 Majella Day
Forward | 175cm | 11/03/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 6 inside 50s, 3 goals

Up and about as Murray finally had plenty of forward 50 opportunities, Day went to work and converted three goals in a strong performance. The versatile utility kicked a major in the second, third and fourth quarters to remain involved, including a mark and set shot from 30m out off the opposition kick out. Day has great hands, smart forward craft and a long kick.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 1 hitout, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Has had a really promising top-age season and capped off her year with another hard working performance. The Bushrangers captain was consistently working off half-back, laid some huge tackles and was clean in close. She is a natural athlete with fantastic aerial ability, and gets into the right spots by reading the ball in flight coming into the defensive 50. Given the Bushrangers held sway for the most part, Egan was able to intercept between the defensive 50 line and centre on multiple occasions, and was a thorn in the Pioneers’ side.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

After playing as a midfielder and defender, Green spent more time in the forward half and was elite with her forward pressure. She ran hard, created opportunities and showed outstanding power at the stoppage and when extracting it to run down the field. Her final execution and polish can improve, but as a double bottom-ager has plenty of time, with an array of top-end traits that catch the eye.

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

Stats: 39 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 12 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

What a game to finish the year from the potential top 30 prospect who really stood up and made an impact. She collected a season-high 39 touches, and now has had 30-plus disposals in four of her five Coates Talent League Girls games. Given she missed all of last season with a knee injury, her work in 2024 is nothing short of incredible, and with a long kick, great aerial ability and fantastic defensive work too, Hall has a balance across the board that will attract plenty of clubs.

#23 Madison Ibrahim
Midfielder | 169cm | 12/12/2006

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

A talented player with some nice fundamentals that allow her to impact the game, particularly around the stoppages. Ibrahim reads the ball off hands well and usually lurks around the back of hte stoppages before exploding forward to get onto her left side. Her improvement is that extra element of composure before she kicks, because once she can nail that, then it takes her game to another level. Her tackling pressure is very good, she has the athleticism and the smarts, and can play as a rebounding half-back too.

#44 Eliza Roche
Forward | 164cm | 03/03/2008

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

Another promising double bottom-ager, Roche had a big day out in front of goal. She sprayed a couple of chances and kicked the 2.5, but looked lively inside 50. She has played through the middle before and importantly has clean hands which enable her to win it and go, and while she did miss a few opportunities, was still impressive and will be one to watch in the coming years.

Geelong Falcons 7.10 (52) defeated GWV Rebels 4.3 (27)

GEELONG FALCONS:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

The Vic Country Under 16s MVP loves to play a high line out of defence and push up the ground where she can run and carry. Not afraid to take the game on, the talented double bottom-ager – who only turned 16 last month – gets into ball-winning positions and consistently impacts the game. She is capable in the air, tough at ground level and importantly does not panic when under pressure, keeping her head on a swivel to assess the options and pick the right one.

#6 Chloe Bryant
Midfielder | 164cm | 09/12/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s

Bryant has made the most of her year since returning from injury that threatened to derail her top-age season. Playing on the inside again, Bryant was able to win it in close and burst away from the stoppage on a number of occasions, sharing the clearance work with Howley and being able to get the ball forward. Her tackling pressure is quite impressive with her technique, and her elite sidestep to create space for herself is the point of difference when in congestion.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Bounced back from one of her quieter games this season to produce another more accurate Howley performance with a 30-disposal, seven-mark, five-tackle and six-inside 50 best on ground effort. Howley provided an option for her teammates across the ground, found space on the outside and looked to take grass, backing herself to sidestep or power past opponents to get the ball forward. She spent most of her time in the middle but did finish with a nice goal.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

The Geelong Falcons captain ran hard all day and produced a stereotypical performance. She is a tough operator and will always put her body on the line, often winning it between the arcs and holding a good line in the process. Her work rate and defensive intensity is always high, and she throws her body at marking contests to force spills, while producing a highlight run-down tackle on the wing inside the fourth term.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 1 hitout, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

While not a massive production player, White is everything you want in a small-medium forward. She applies pressure, runs hard, creates leads and can convert goals or set up teammates with deft plays. She kicked a major with a nice snap inside 50 after composing herself bursting away from the opposition, while having a set shot from close range unfortunately touched on the way through. White even won a hitout in the goalsquare leaping high.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 30 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebounds

The over-age ruck has not done too much wrong this season, racking up 30 hitouts and being the dominant ruck on the field. She amassed 30 hitouts, but is just as impressive around the ground with her work rate, picking up 17 disposals and clunking a few marks. Peck can get her hands dirty as well, and while kicking down the ground is more distance than accuracy at times, she does have a lot of strong traits.

#19 Tara Trethowan
Defender | 163cm | 20/05/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 rebound 50s

Producing a season-high 13 touches against the Rebels, Trethowan gave a reminder of what she is capable of coming out of defence. She can take a mark and generally used the ball effectively from deep in defence, but can push up and play on the wing too and hold a high line. Her kicking technique holds her in good stead and overall was an underrated player on the day with her work in transition.

#38 Stella Huxtable
Midfielder/Forward | 167cm | 22/12/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Had the ball on a string and complemented the work of Howley and Bryant well. While Huxtable is not as explosive as those two, she has extra strength and power to extract it from the contest, then go forward and hit the scoreboard. Her sole major came from a forward stoppage throwing it on the boot which worked out and went straight through the middle. She is another player who can be incredibly damaging with time and space, and though she can iron out some efficiency areas when under pressure, has outstanding defensive and contest-to-contest work.

GWV REBELS:

#4 Elise Cook
Midfielder | 170cm | 28/01/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Cook started on-ball and played through the midfield for the bulk of the day, working hard throughout the contest. She took a bounce running down the wing early in the peace, and then found some space inside 50 to win the ball, steady and launch from 35m off a couple of steps to put it straight through the middle. She missed another chance under immense pressure, but was busy across the match and never gave in.

#7 Maggie Johnstone
Midfielder/Forward | 170cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

After having time in defence last week, Johnstone rolled between midfield and attack, having a couple of chances on goal or putting it to the hotspot for teammates. She showed strong hands and a determination to fly for big grabs, while having a penetrating kick. A raw talent with great upside, Johnstone will be a name to remember next year as she locks down a position, most likely as a powerful inside midfielder.

#17 Claire Mahony
Key Defender | 181cm | 21/08/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 6 rebound 50s

A rock in defence, Mahony was able to mop up in defence time and time again, either taking a grab or being there to be a release option and kick down the ground. The Falcons were wiser with their ball use going forward than the Jets the week before, looking to avoid putting it on Mahony’s head for an easy mark. She still had an impact, with a rebound 50 every second disposal on average, holding down a key position role with distinction.