IN the second part of our Coates Talent League Girls Scouting Notes from the weekend, we take a look at the three Wildcard Round matches which featured the six metropolitans sides in action. As always, all notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Northern Knights 6.15 (51) defeated Sandringham Dragons 8.2 (50)

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#1 Olivia Gorman
Forward/Midfielder | 166cm | 25/10/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

Starting forward and rotating on-ball with Ridewood, Gorman won the first centre clearance she was at to get it forward, then pushed up to receive the handball and hit-up her skipper in the pocket. She spent a great deal of time through midfield and was able to keep the ball in transition, with her hands on the inside and work to get the ball forward important aspects of her game.

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Providing great burst in at the stoppages and when going forward, Graham can break the lines and sidestep players with ease. Her two-way running is an important feature of her game, and she was able to win the ball in the defensive half and use her run and work rate to get it forward. In one instance, Graham faked going one way and went the other to sidestep an opponent. She has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits that catch the eye.

#4 Holly Ridewood
Midfielder/Forward | 173cm | 07/12/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

The Northern skipper had a day out and was best on ground for the second consecutive week for the Knights. She racked up the ball with ease, starting on-ball and rotating forward to kick an early goal after a nice mark inside 50. She missed a second chance from a tight angle shortly after, but her work rate around the ground really stood out. When able to have time and space she can produce some lovely passes, and once she can increase her efficiency to the same degree while under pressure, she will elevate her already impressive game to another level.

#5 Zoe Hargreaves
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 03/06/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds

Just continued to do her thing and work well out of midfielder and go forward to be a target inside 50. She missed a couple of chances for the day, but provided nice strength at the stoppage, with her typical powerful burst a feature in her game. Hargreaves’ distribution inside 50 was very good, and she had a great battle with McKay throughout the course of the game, winning a lot of her touches under immense pressure.

#7 Scarlett Johnson
Forward | 174cm | 26/11/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 4 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 3 behinds

Looming large inside 50, the strong aerial performer was able to continually present on leads and do damage at ground level. Johnson was a little wayward with her shots, but had a couple of rushed changes. She kicked her goal from a fantastic holding the ball free close to goal and that pressure – even when not rewarded with official tackles – was an important element of her performance.

#8 Isobella Hishongwa-Gibb
Ruck | 181cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 tackles, 15 hitouts, 2 rebound 50s

The athletic bottom-ager did not win a stack of the football, but showed promising signs through the ruck not just in the air, but once the ball hit the deck. She moved through traffic well and has the athleticism to provide an option in transition. With further development, Hishongwa-Gibb could be impact games for longer because she has some exciting raw traits that have already come along well in 2024.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#15 Sophie McKay
Midfielder | 168cm | 27/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Had a massive first half and the Carlton father-daughter prospect was near best on ground as she guided her side to level pegging at the main break. She kicked a couple of big goals – one from close range after a 50m penalty and another from 40m out – while setting up a third goal for her teammate in a massive second term of action. Though quieter later in the game, still brought the tackling pressure and was able to work well from that regard as her side fell agonisingly short.

#21 Daisy Flockart
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Staring midfield, Flockart did not win a stack of the ball, but had some nice touches in the forward half, which culminated in a classy goal on the run after bursting from a forward 50 stoppage. She looked to cut inboard when winning it on the outside, and her defensive pressure to lock the ball up and win it back for her side or force turnovers, was an added benefit.

#8 Chloe Shipton
Forward/Midfielder | 164cm | 30/04/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s

The double bottom-ager is still finding her feet at the level after impressing throughout Vic Metro’s Under 16s carnival, but made some nice strides against the Knights. Shipton worked up the ground and even got a shot on-ball late in the match, showing her burst speed and power from the stoppage. Though her polish and final execution can still improve, she has a lot of draftable traits, that with time and more experience will come to the fore consistently.

#46 Scout Howden
Wing | 173cm | 01/02/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Unfortunately the co-captain’s day ended on ice after hurting her ankle midway through the match. To that point she had been busy around the ground and even had the first set shot that just stayed in, with another chance fading to the right for a behind. Known for her two-way running, Howden was just as confident winning it off half-back, hitting targets coming out of defence and doing her best before having to come off and rested up the remainder of the match.

Oakleigh Chargers 7.5 (47) defeated Eastern Ranges 6.6 (42)

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#1 Jacinta Baxter
Forward | 163cm | 18/01/2006

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

Her form over the past few weeks has been very good, and that continued on the weekend as Baxter seemed to get involved in everything. She might not have hit the scoreboard in the game, but buzzed around and looked lively, becoming a link between midfield and forward with a high half-forward role. Capable of playing off a wing too, she covers the ground well and can hit some nice passes when having the time and space.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 marks, 9 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Another massive game from Poustie who finds a way to get involved in just about everything. If she isn’t winning it out of the contest, she’s marking it in space on the wing, or pinning an arm in a bone-crunching tackle. Her tackling technique – to often avoid giving away free kicks – is as impressive as her ability to draw free kicks by getting to the ball first at ground level. She always sets others up for goals, but kicked one herself after sneaking forward into space during the third term. Poustie holds her line well to be just outside the attacking 50 when it is locked inside, not going into the contest and instead intercepting anything that comes her way.

#3 Sienna Tallariti
Defender | 168cm | 10/07/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 7 rebound 50s

A fantastic game from the skipper who rebounded a stack of ball from defence and was always there to thwart opposition attacks. She had more work to do than most weeks, given she was against a quality opposition, but was never flustered and always able to keep winning the ball and disposing of it cleanly. Took the kickouts often and saved a certain goal by winning it on the line and turning her body at rapid speed to change direction in a spin and cleared the ball from danger to half-back.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Bown’s form since returning from Vic Metro has gone to another level and is consistently impacting games both through the middle and up forward. Though a natural left-footer, she was hitting passes off her right even when she could have used her left, showing a dual-sided element to her profile. Her clearance work is a huge tick, with nice speed and power, while being a strong mark inside 50. She kicked a ripping goal from the boundary on the non-preferred side for a left-footer, then kicked her second late in the game off a step from a half-forward stoppage that bounced home.

#18 Bailee Martin
Forward | 174cm | 03/09/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

A high impact-per-possession player, Martin spent her time forward and had a stack of chances from in and around the 50. She missed a few shots – including one into the post and another was touched on the line, but her one-on-one work was fantastic. She converted her sole goal from a set shot 40m out after positioning herself at the front to mark, and was equally capable on the lead, or in a wrestle.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

Brewer has done well at being a consistent rebounder out of the back 50 and has a full throttle style that allows her to rack up metres gained with consistency. Generally when having time she can assess her options and hit targets down the ground, with her contest-to-contest work another feature of her game. Brewer can run into efficiency trouble when under pressure, but always looks to mop up and provide an extra number for her team when required.

#25 Emma McDonald
Key Defender | 179cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 4 hitouts, 3 rebound 50s

Spent another week in the defensive half and often went head-to-head with opposing skipper Georgie Brisbane. McDonald took the chocolates from that contest between the two Vic Metro forwards, even without her usual aerial dominance. Instead, she did a lot of work at ground level, and while a no-look handball in the defensive 50 cost a goal, she also saved a couple which included a spoil one-on-one with Brisbane, and a huge tackle on Josephine Bamford close to the line.

EASTERN RANGES:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

While it was not McMillan’s most prolific performance, she is never going to remain out of it, getting involved in close with her tackling pressure and repeat efforts. Not given much room to move, she continually cracked in at the coalface and was clean through traffic. Her strength for a small is such a literal strength in the game, and she uses the ball well going forward. One who could be a big player in finals.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 behinds

Producing the first score of the match with an unlucky behind off a bad bounce after a slick sidestep, Stevenson racked up the most disposals on her side with 21. She worked hard in the front half of the ground, taking a sliding mark forward of centre or firing off handballs in traffic. She loves to put the jets on when she sees space, and was a strong contributor all day facilitating passes from midfield to attack.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Started off half-back and worked well to hold a high line, driving the ball forward with some terrific run and carry. Her work to mop up and then hit targets in transition was good, with a huge rundown tackle in the third term that was unlucky to result in the opposition player Storm Johnson having to be helped from the field. Her attack on the ball is always fair and she is such a touch player with some great skilful traits that will hold her in good stead for next year.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 6 inside 50s

One of Eastern’s best in the loss, Belloni had a great battle largely with Poustie all day, as the pair bear similar traits with their contested appetite and aerial ability. While Poustie was arguably best on ground, Belloni was still among the best, providing a link from midfield to attack and being a marking option at half-forward. A strong two-way runner who can find the ball well and impact games.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Had an impressive game that caught the eye after starting midfield and working all over the ground. She can get boot to ball quickly or fire off a rapid handball, working hard to get into space. Her ground level work is where she shines even though she can take some good marks around the ground. A good all-round performance to win it both inside and outside and keep the ball moving in transition.

Western Jets 4.13 (37) lost to Calder Cannons 6.10 (46)

#6 Polly Conway
Forward | 163cm | 19/03/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s

The hard-running half-forward worked up to a wing at times to fetch the ball and work back towards goal, having a few chances and looking lively. She has a slick sidestep with a nice jump, and though not able to kick a goal herself, was quick by hand inside 50 during the third term to dish off to Grieves for a goal. Keeps popping up and her past fortnight has been fantastic.

#9 Sierra Grieves
Midfielder | 163cm | 18/05/2006

Stats: 34 disposals, 2 marks, 13 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Considering the Vic Metro MVP’s season, at a point you run out of superlatives to describe her performances, but the Western star was once again everywhere. Prolific as they come, Grieves brought her own ball with her, and had a few chances on goal as well. At times a class above through work rate, Grieves just burnt off opponents late, produced a one-two play from half-forward running inside 50 and converted a class goal on the run. She then hit the perfectly weighted pass to set up Dixon too. Perhaps the most impressive element of Grieves game was her character. When mistiming a mark and costing a goal, she was evidently shattered, but picked herself up went to the centre bounce and won the next centre clearance, taking it upon herself to try and get her side back on top.

#11 Lou-Lou Field
Defender/Forward | 167cm | 18/10/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 6 rebound 50s

Another prolific game from the captain whose reading of the play and understanding of the game is very good. Mopping up off half-back consistently, at times she would bite off a bit too much and turn the ball over, but her technique is still strong and her contest-to-contest work also shines through. In the air she is hard to beat once she gets to the front and in the right spot, and Field even got her chance forward in the last quarter too.

#26 Piper Dixon
Forward/Midfielder | 158cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

The double bottom-ager kicked an important goal during the third term after great bodywork inside 50 one-on-one. Her strength in the marking contests is very good for a player of her height and experience, but she also showed she can go inside and spent some time through midfield. Dixon’s evident improvement is being able to look for better options when inside goalkicking range rather than blazing away, but she has obvious talent and will get far more well-rounded over the next couple of years.

#30 Alex McBride-Loane
Defender/Ruck | 173cm | 03/04/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 12 hitouts, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

In a purple patch in the back half of the season, McBride-Loane started on Jade McLay and then rolled into the ruck at times to show off her superior leap. She had a chance for a flying shot off a handball receive when pushing forward, but did her best work behind the ball in the aerial contests. Capped off her year being among the best yet again, and her work over the past three weeks is a culmination of her season effort to set up her for her top-age campaign in 2025.

#42 Kiara Boyd
Utility | 173cm | 02/06/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Coming into the game, Boyd has been a developing forward with great hands, smart forward craft and an ability to hit the scoreboard. However against the Cannons, she spent time off half-back and through the middle, running hard all day and was composed with ball-in-hand. She missed a chance from 40m that just fell short, but when playing on-ball burst out of the middle ran forward and kicked a goal on the run in a massive individual effort.

CALDER CANNONS:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

While a tough season for the Cannons, Albrecht is one who has brought effort and intensity each and every week, and finished off her year on the right note. She took on Grieves at times and made life a little more difficult for her opposition, winning a free kick for her tackling pressure – as well as giving a couple away – but also got forward to kick a great goal early in the game. So clean at ground level, Albrecht is a player you can set your watch to in terms of her week-in, week-out performance.

#5 Jade McLay
Tall Utility | 177cm | 01/02/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 10 hitouts, 5 inside 50s, 1 behind

McLay started the game forward, went into the ruck and then found herself in defence, clunking several crucial marks behind the ball. She seemed to pop up everywhere and her strength one-on-one is always key in her work. She was really busy during the third term and it will be fascinating to see what role she plays next year in her top-age season.

#10 Stephanie Mitchell
Wing | 159cm | 27/06/2006

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

Mitchell started her day with a great run-down tackle on Field on the wing, then won it via hand to quickly get it away. Competing well in marking contests against far taller opponents, Mitchell had a crack and worked hard running around the ground. It was tough conditions for a player who can usually use the ball better, but her work rate and consistency in finding it both inside and outside the contest was important.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Forbes finished off her top-age campaign with arguably her most complete performance of the year. The powerful left-footer started on-ball and then went forward as well as dropping back in defence to help out. She used great strength to impact the contest, kicked a vital goal late in the match to set her side up, and was fierce at the coalface. A promising all-round display for the ultimate utility.