BENDIGO Pioneers started the year on a massive high winning their first three games, before ending the season with 11 straight losses. Despite the disappointing run of form, similar to the Bushranger, Bendigo has a sparse region to get players together, so when the squad was up and about, the Pioneers showed plenty of potential with draftable prospects.

2024 SEASON DETAILS:

RECORD: 12th Overall | 6th Country | 3-11 | 56.60%
STREAK: | WWWLLL | LLLL | LLLLL

THE STORY:

After notching up three straight wins to open the 2024 Coates Talent League Girls season, Bendigo looked set to have its most promising year to-date. Unfortunately the scalps over Calder Cannons, Western Jets and Murray Bushrangers – who ended up being the other bottom four sides – would ultimately be the only ones of the year. They could have been GWV Rebels (13-point loss) and almost toppled the in-form Northern Knights (four points), but were quickly brought back to Earth by premiership contender Eastern Ranges (88 points).

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Bendigo’s come-from-behind win over Murray Bushrangers in Round 3 was arguably the pick of its victories. Trailing by as much as 19 points late in quarter one, the Pioneers booted eight of the last 10 goals to run over the top of the Bushrangers and secure a comfortable 28-point win. Star midfielder Lou Painter (32 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles, nine inside 50s and a goal) was outstanding, as she and her fellow co-captain Lexi Gregor (18 disposals, nine marks, three tackles, four inside 50s and three goals) steered Bendigo to the win.

THE STAR:

It is impossible to go past Painter for her impact and consistency across the course of the season. A genuine Top 10 prospect with enormous upside, the powerful inside midfielder has shown her ability to play not just inside, but down back and up forward. A wonderfully talented prospect who had her bottom-age season curtailed by injury, hit back in a big way to pump out a memorable top-age year.

Painter played 11 games and though inaccurate on goal – kicking 6.13 – averaged 23.9 disposals, 4.6 marks, 7.4 tackles, 5.5 inside 50s nad 3.8 rebound 50s. In between representing the Pioneers, Painter also won All-Australian honours for her Vic Country campaign, while donning the Australian coat of arms for the AFLW Academy. Don’t forget she won Vic Country’s 2022 Under 16s’ MVP ahead of pick one contender Ash Centra, and is right up there with the best Victorian prospects in the draft.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Bendigo had a lot of consistent top-age contributors across the course of the season, and when all in, on paper were as good as a number of other sides. Tough nut Jemmika Douglas was strong intercepting out of defence then rolling on the inside to provide extra power and speed from the contest. Gregor started as a key forward but also found a home up the other end where she was able to intercept consistently and show off her booming kick and safe hands.

Other talls Sienna Hobbs and Sasha Pearce really improved their draft chances thanks to added versatility, with Hobbs becoming more of a ruck option who could go forward, and Pearce a defender-turned-ruck. Both got their chance with Vic Country, as did athletic cross-code basketballer Lavinia Cox who looms as a raw prospect with developable talent. Classy left-footed forward Gabrielle Drage has shown promise as well and won the Pioneers’ goalkicking with 13 majors.

THE FUTURE:

When key forward Ava Bibby booted five goals against the Geelong Falcons, having note scored since Round 2, the bottom-age talent announced herself as one to watch for next year. She booted another three goals in the final two rounds then got the call-up to the Under 17 Futures squad where she kicked three goals there against the best in the draft crop. If she finds that consistency, then she can be anything next year with her athleticism and reliable set shot goalkicking.

Olivia Lacy unfortunately ended the year injured and missed the Under 17 Futures showcase, but was invited, indicating clubs were keen on her for her skill and decision making largely off half-back and rotating into the middle. Midfielder Ella Jeffrey added defender to her CV in the second half of the season, while Lacey Nihill is a classy midfielder who is a double bottom-ager and one to watch at 173cm.