GIPPSLAND Power produced a breakout year as a program, reaching the 2024 Coates Talent League Girls finals series and building a host of future talents along the way to set the side up for the seasons to come.

GIPPSLAND POWER

RECORD: 6th Overall | 3rd Country | 9-5 | 152%
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THE STORY:

Gippsland had its best season on record, reaching the post-season finals series and finishing third overall in the Country pool as well as in the top six. Under the knockout elimination finals rules though they had to face the Dandenong Stingrays and were beaten by an average of 71 points in back-to-back rounds at the end of the year. Prior to that though, the Power had a four-game winning streak showing they belonged in finals.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

There were plenty, but the 87-0 shellacking of Murray Bushrangers in Round 2 really announced the Power as a side to watch in 2024. Lead by star utility Ash Centra, the Power destroyed the Bushrangers when having the breeze at Craigieburn, booting 10 goals after quarter time to storm to the 12.15 (87) to 0.0 (0) victory. Centra had video game numbers of 47 disposals, 11 marks, four tackles, seven inside 50s and four goals in a ridiculous effort.

THE STAR:

For a long time Centra has been the figurehead of a vast and talented region, and in her top-age year had greater depth to support. She still did her thing and was simply brilliant at times and showed why she is a pick one contender with her composure, skill and decision making in all thirds of the ground. Primarily a midfielder who then rests forward to hit the scoreboard, Centra did go back to her roots later in the season in defence, especially when her side was going into the breeze.

In 2024, Centra averaged 27.7 disposals, 4.4 marks, 4.2 tackles, 3.2 inside 50s, 2.0 rebound 50s and booted 18 goals from 13 matches to stamp her authority on the competition. Last week, Centra’s efforts were rewarded by deservedly winning the Coates Talent League Girls Best and Fairest. She also picked up All-Australian honours for Vic Country at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Fighting the good fight alongside Centra was other Vic Country talent Jasmine Sowden, who like Centra rotated between midfield and attack. With a dual-sided ability and some fantastic athletic traits, she is one who has the potential to go further in her career. Skipper Zali Gallagher also had a standout season, but it cruelly came to an end when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the win over Murray in Round 16.

While most of Gippsland’s top-end talent is underage, midfielder/forward Lilly Leighton also earned a State Draft Combine invite off the back of a consistent season, while ruck Zahri Burn showed some improvement in order to gain a Vic Country place at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.

THE FUTURE:

The future is bright at Gippsland with next year’s crop and the 2026 AFLW Draft crop stronger than this year. Headlined by 2023 Vic Country Under 16s MVP Ella Stoddart, the Power have talls such as Abby Hobson and Addison Howe up respective ends, as well as promising types such as Chelsea Sutton, Rebecca Fitzpatrick and Acacia Sutton from a bottom-age perspective.

Looking to 2008-born talent and the trio of Lily Milner, Grace Dillow and Ava Deszcz is one to enjoy over the coming years. With so much talent on the list, expect the Power to be fighting for finals spots across the next few seasons at least.