GEELONG Falcons produced a memorable Under 16 Girls carnival in the Coates Talent League by producing two comprehensive wins. The Falcons were undefeated alongside Bendigo Pioneers, while Murray Bushrangers lost both but by a combined margin of 11 points. Dandenong and GWV split their results, while Gippsland also competed but fell short of a victory.

BENDIGO PIONEERS

The Pioneers’ future looks bright with a strong win over Gippsland Power before a gritty victory over Murray Bushrangers in front of home fans. Emmersen Lihou presented as the side’s main scoring option with multiple goals in both games, while Sage Dennis was named best-on in both matches.

RESULTS

defeated Gippsland Power by 46 points
defeated Murray Bushrangers by 5 points

Goals: Emmersen Lihou (5), Dempsey McDonnell (3), Jordan O’Bree (2)
Best: Sage Dennis, Jordan O’Bree, Emmersen Lihou, Harper Delamare

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

The Stingrays had a mixed bag going down in a heavy loss to Geelong before bouncing back with a win over Gippsland. They shared their goalkickers around with only a couple of multiple goalkickers. Indiana Busuttil and Annie Clish were among the top players across both games.

RESULTS:

lost to Geelong Falcons by 67 points
defeated Gippsland Power by 20 points

Goals: Olivia Bloink (2), Lily Brittain (2)
Best: Indiana Busuttil, Annie Clish, Lily Brittain, Ella Bologa

GEELONG FALCONS

An incredible seven-goal haul from Evie Albones sank the Stingrays first up, before keeping the Rebels to just four points in the second match. Sienna Bilinski kicked a couple of majors in each game, while Evie McKenzie was among the best in what projects as an ultra-strong Falcons crop in a couple of years.

RESULTS:

defeated Dandenong Stingrays by 67 points
defeated GWV Rebels by 46 points

Goals: Evie Albones (8), Sienna Bilinski (4), Isabella Cheel (2), Winter Davies (2)
Best: Evie Albones, Evie McKenzie, Ella Condon, Marlie Collett

GIPPSLAND POWER

Though the Power went down in two matches to Bendigo Pioneers and Dandenong Stingrays, there were still a number of familiar names and sisters-of coming through the ranks. Charlotte Dillow booted two goals to be the sole multiple goalkicker, while Elizabeth Sowden is the next Sowden sibling in line. Jessica Grimsted was the standout for the Power coaches, named best-on in both matches.

RESULTS:

lost to Bendigo Pioneers by 46 points
lost to Dandenong Stingrays by 20 points

Goals: Charlotte Dillow (2)
Best: Jessica Grimsted, Zara Dalton, Charlotte Dillow, Neave Cunningham

GWV REBELS

GWV had a really even spread of contributors across the two games, finishing with a 1-1 record. A tight win over Murray was great for the confidence, before running into what looks like the team to beat in a couple of years in Geelong Falcons. Abbey Burke and Jayda Wright both kicked a couple of majors in the win, while Sarah Burton and Maddison Wallace were among the best in both games.

RESULTS:

defeated Murray Bushrangers by 6 points
lost to Geelong Falcons by 46 points

Goals: Abbey Burke (2), Jayda Wright (2)
Best: Sarah Burton, Maddison Wallace, Macy Irvin, Ivy Roberts

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS

It was a tough couple of defeats for Murray, having been ultra competitive in both games against the Rebels and Pioneers. A kick or so the other way and they would be undefeated, though a couple of genuine stars in Evie Henley and Charlie Gibson are names to remember in the future. Gibson was equal leading goalkicker with Abbie Spokes (both three) who also impressed.

RESULTS:

lost to GWV Rebels by 6 points
lost to Bendigo Pioneers by 5 points

Goals: Charlie Gibson (3), Abbie Spokes (3), Tabatha Ingham (2), Taralina Ganambarr (2)
Best: Evie Henley, Charlie Gibson, Abbie Spokes, Taralina Ganambarr