SOME huge goal tallies, high volume disposal tallies and overall fantastic individual performances headlined Round 2 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition. As always, we noted down some of the players who caught the eye throughout the six matches across Epsom Huntly and Highgate Recreation Reserves.

>> ROUND 2: Round wrap | Player of the Week | RMC Medal votes | Team of the Week

Bendigo Pioneers 1.5 (11) defeated by GWV Rebels 15.11 (101)

Bendigo Pioneers:

#4 Jordan O’Bree
Forward/Wing | 159cm | 26/11/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Perhaps a touch unlucky not to make the final Vic Country side at the Under 16s Development Championships, O’Bree has gained the extra experience through the Coates Talent League instead. Rotating between a small forward and wing role, O’Bree is strong overhead for her size, finds space well and works hard both ways to apply pressure in the back half. Is still developing her game but has promise for the future.

#5 Ava Bibby
Forward | 186cm | 09/05/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 4 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Playing almost exclusively forward for Round 2, the key position player provided a target at centre half-forward, but was always just that little bit too far out to make an impact on the scoreboard. She did what she could with her presentation on leads, clunked a few good marks and was able to use the ball well when she did have it. Unfortunately it just was not a great day for the Bendigo forwards.

#12 Issy Boulton
Forward/Defender | 162cm | 21/05/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 4 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Finding the ball across the ground, Boulton tried hard all day, kicking her side’s sole goal after a holding free kick 20m out. She should have kicked a second major early in the second term but just missed, and when rotated into defence, saved a goal on the goalline and bravely thwarted several GWV attacks.

#14 Lacey Nihill
Midfielder | 172cm | 01/05/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Was Bendigo’s best player across four quarters, standing up in the absence of Olivia Lacy. A promising bottom-ager, Nihill looks dangerous when she goes near it and is clean by hand with a nice burst of speed. She is more of that classy player who is most damaging in a second possession role, though won half of her touches from first possession including six hardball gets. Her efficiency was lower because of it, but she was important in trying to wrestle back momentum for the Pioneers.

GWV Rebels:

#1 Isabella Davies
Forward/Midfielder | 162cm | 29/10/2006

Stats: 40 disposals, 6 marks, 10 tackles, 3 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 4 goals

An absolutely enormous game from the over-ager who showed what she can do when the game is on her terms. She started forward then spent time through the middle and had it on a string with a superior work rate across the ground. Definitely VFLW calibre – as she showed with 15 touches for Geelong in a game last season – though has the traits to be a pressure forward at a level up.

#7 Maggie Johnstone
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals

The top-age utility is building on her promising bottom-age campaign. That consistency that eluded her in 2024 seems to have arrived and she looks a class above at times. She is strong in the air or ground level, wins clearances, takes contested marks and hits the scoreboard multiple times a game. She’s up to five goals from her two matches, and just has all the traits that would make recruiters very excited.

#9 Jovie Skewes-Clinton
Defender/Forward | 176cm | 15/11/2007

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

Skewes-Clinton spent three quarters in defence and then was thrown forward in the last where she almost kicked five majors in 20 minutes. She finished with three and a couple of behinds but proved a handful to match up on. A lovely user by foot who is athletic and quick to recover at ground level, it is easy to see why she and Johnstone are GWV’s Vic Country hub representatives. Skewes-Clinton knows how to use her body one-on-one and her awareness and forward craft allow her to thrive there, while being a relieving rebounding defender up the other end.

#17 Milly Shortal
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 24/06/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Touted as one to watch preseason by coach Sally Riley, the bottom-age Shortal is justifying the internal hype. Boasting a powerful left boot with precision, Shortal can penetrate forward 50s with bursts out of the middle. At times she can run herself into trouble but her penetration and running patterns from congestion really stand out. Athletic 175cm midfielders are in vogue, and she can also go forward and hit the scoreboard, kicking a goal from close range late in the match.

Murray Bushrangers 10.4 (64) def. Gippsland Power 7.10 (52)

Murray Bushrangers:

#3 Rain Dodd
Midfielder/Forward | 165cm | 13/01/2007

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

Dodd has a real crack and loves to run and carry which makes her a valuable member of the Bushrangers team. She can play across all three lines, and rotated between on-ball and attack against the Power. Dodd can be a little rushed and could tidy up some of her final exercution, but her determination to win the ball back for side is admirable. She can be clean at ground level and drive the ball inside 50 consistently.

#5 Molly McLaren
Defender | 163cm | 13/12/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Coming back from a personal long-term break last season, McLaren is building back to full fitness. Despite tiring late in the match with the ball pinging end-to-end, the fierce competitor dug deep into her reserves to keep going, and really had a huge last quarter. Along with Green, the pair grabbed control of the match from the back half and used the ball well in transition. Even if not rewarded with disposals, her work rate and contest-to-contest work stood out.

#10 Sophia Green
Defender/Midfielder | 169cm | 22/11/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s

Green was known for her massive accumulation last season, and while she has spent a lot of time out of the middle compared to 2024, the bottom-ager stepped up in the last term. She won eight of her 21 disposals and was just about everywhere in transitioning from the back half, and she held a high line to keep the pressure at a maximum level. She was brilliant defensively, and while still having room to improve, was better than in Round 1.

#13 Jerrah Caruso
Forward | 159cm | 04/10/2007

Stats: 8 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 goals

The definition of a goalsneak, Caruso is a perfect example of a clean finisher. She does not win a lot of the ball, often stays inside the 50m arc, but give her an inch and she will inflict maximum damage. Caruso booted three goals for the game, two of which were something out of nothing including a remarkable crafty snap from the outside of the boot to dribble home. She snapped a set shot from the boundary after a free kick and then ran hard to win the ball goalside and scoot into an easy goal.

#15 Nikhita Spiteri
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 20/07/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 11 tackles, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The rock solid reliable presence through the middle, Spiteri offers elite defensive pressure and an avenue on both the inside and outside through transition. She won the first centre clearance of the second term and took a number of strong marks throughout the contest as well. While the final execution can still be finetuned, her offensive impact is lifting to match that of her defensive work, particularly looking inside 50 to hit-up targets or put the ball into pockets of space down there.

#24 Rose Bell
Forward | 170cm | 18/03/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 3 clearances, 5 goals, 2 behinds

At her best looks unstoppable inside the forward 50 arc. After six goals last week, Bell proved that was no fluke, kicking another five and realistically should have kicked at least seven. Two misses late in the match denied her making it half a dozen or more, but her strength overhead or smarts on the lead means she will either take the mark or win a free kick. If she doesn’t get it on the lead, she is just as comfortable snapping it around her body needing a mere split second to put it through the big sticks.

Gippsland Power:

#9 Lily Milner
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 25/01/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

The gifted bottom-ager had a purple patch during the third term where she slotted two almost idential set shot goals from long-range to steer her team back from a six-point deficit to a six-point lead in the space of four minutes. She had another chance early in the match that was rushed through, but it was her ability to find space both on the inside and outside that stood up. Milner has a lovely long kick, and while at times she can put it a little high, is almost always efficient with her disposal.

#19 Ella Stoddart
Defender | 174cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Spent a lot more time in defence this game which is where she looks most natural, though had a quiet start to the game with just four touches in the first half. As the match ramped up, Stoddart got her hands on the ball more and was one of the more productive players in the second half, pushing right up the ground to impact. Efficiency could be hit and miss, but tried to run and carry and use that penetrative left boot to advantage.

#25 Lilly Leighton
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 08/10/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Returning for her over-age campaign and first game of the season, Leighton put out an arguably best-on performance for the Power first up, using her strength and speed mix to impact the match. She booted two goals when sneaking forward, including a clever gather, turn and snap and then nailing a set shot, both of which came in the first term. She provided the early spark but was consistent throughout the entire four quarters.

#32 Abby Hobson
Forward/Midfielder | 174cm | 11/09/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 behind

Spent some valuable time on-ball as the Power look to develop the tall marking forward in a secondary position. She holds her own, uses her bigger frame well and thrives on contested situations which certainly help. More often than not, Hobson was able to use the ball effectively by foot and was one of Gippsland’s better players throughout the match.

#36 Chelsea Sutton
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 16/11/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 10 tackles, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 3 behinds

Has found her home in the midfield and racked up a game-high seven hardball gets, which is three more than any other player on the field. Her contested work and defensive pressure underpins her style, and while that added pressure can result in lower efficiency, still creates an important link between the inside and outside. Sutton had a few shots on goal that were very close, including one just touched on the line midway through the first term.

Calder Cannons 6.6 (42) def. by Northern Knights 7.13 (55)

Calder Cannons:

#3 Chloe Baker-West
Midfielder/Forward | 165cm | 02/02/2007

Stats: 31 disposals, 9 marks, 7 clearances, 1 inside 50, 6 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

It was another stat-stuffing performance from Baker-West who had the ball on a string throughout the four quarters. Tried desperately to drag her side over the line at the death with a goal to put the Cannons back in front early in the fourth term. She found the ball across all three lines and filled in wherever the team needed her. For a smaller player, Baker-West is astonishingly good overhead, and she just competes at ground level. Didn’t lay a tackle, but still applied pressure and was more often than not getting her hands to the ball first anyway. A clear standout in the tough loss.

#5 Jade McLay
Utility | 178cm | 01/02/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 hitout, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Spent time in all thirds of the ground and found the ball, playing a consistent four-quarter brand. She showed great strength to produce some eye-catching fend-offs, as well as winning the contested ball and thumping it clear down the ground. She worked into defence at times then got forward to be a target as well. McLay did a lot of the little things right with a great smother in the middle and and a shepherd after handballing off.

#8 Taylah Gilcrist
Defender | 177cm | 18/04/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 8 rebound 50s

Not one to usually rack up the possessions, Gilcrist found plenty of it across the course of the match, playing a higher role in tracking her opponent. Often being one kick from the initial kickout, or mopping up and putting the ball to safety, the Cannons tall defender played her role diligently. Her intercepting ability stood out though her efficiency was a little down in her bid to safe the day while under pressure.

#15 Shauna McElligott
Forward/Midfielder | 162cm | 05/03/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 10 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

McElligott is taking her game to another level in 2025 with greater consistency, and impact up the field. The slick marking forward spent plenty of time on-ball and roamed around enjoying the lack of attention compared to some of her highly touted teammates. She finds space well and is quick to dart back on the overlap, but did work hard defensively to win the ball and get involved in transition down the field. A real all-round game who set up several scoring chances and no less than two goals in the first quarter.

Northern Knights:

#1 Olivia Gorman
Midfielder | 168cm | 25/10/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Is a reliable and consistent worker around the coalface and capable of burrowing in and getting the job done. She covers the ground well and was able to be a strong clearance player on the inside. Her reward for effort came when she slotted a nice set shot goal late in the third term. Understands the game well and coaches know what they’re going to get with her each game.

#7 Scarlett Johnson
Defender | 175cm | 26/11/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Another player who has taken her promising bottom-age season into an ultra-consistent top-age start is Johnson. A role change to half-back this year has enabled her to find more of the ball, and the previously contested marking forward was able to nail a goal from a long-range attempt that bounced home. That goal put her side in front midway through the fourth quarter and the Knights were never headed, but her best work was hitting sizzling passes into dangerous spots around the ground. Went at 79 per cent efficiency by foot and 80 per cent overall. A player you want the ball in the hands of when streaming forward.

#9 Kira Lemire
Forward | 166cm | 14/09/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds

The over-ager stepped up to be a real goal source early, kicking her side’s only two majors of the first half when no one else could seemingly put it through the big sticks (seven behinds). Lemire would finish with three for the match – the third coming just a minute into the second half – provide a making target both high and deep inside 50m, and set up a couple of other goal-scoring chances with nice 45-degree kicks inside 50.

#17 Alli Allen
Defender/Midfielder | 172cm | 15/10/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Made an impact across the four quarters with her disposal going inside 50, setting up Lemire twice either side of half-time and a couple of other chances within scoring range as well. She took a terrific mark late in the match reading it well in flight in the goalsquare before going back and icing the game with the set shot. Balanced between offensive and defensive impact which was a huge positive.

Geelong Falcons 0.0 (0) def. by Dandenong Stingrays 14.19 (103)

Geelong Falcons:

#9 Georgia Tyrrell
Midfielder | 168cm | 04/08/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 rebound 50s

It was a tough day out for the Falcons, but Tyrrell did her best through the midfield to apply defensive pressure and compete across the fourth quarters. She took a nice contested mark at the start of the third term, and was one of the few Falcons that provided resistance to an ultra-impressive Dandenong side.

#38 Stella Huxtable
Midfielder | 172cm | 22/12/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 4 clearances, 4 rebound 50s

In the same boat as Tyrrell, Geelong’s other Vic Country top-age hub member in Huxtable also tried her heart out for four quarters. Though ultimately overwhelmed with the depth of the Dandenong on-ball brigade, Huxtable won her fair share of clearances and was not afraid to crack in. She did not get to impact up forward given the Falcons only had seven inside 50s to begin with, but her work enabling to get contest to contest was admired.

Dandenong Stingrays:

#1 Evelyn Connolly
Forward | 169cm | 26/05/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 6 goals, 2 behinds

Producing a dominant performance in front of goal, Connolly kicked a league-high six goals in Round 2 to add to the three from the previous week. She can kick them from just about anywhere with elite forward craft, great bodywork and reading the play effectively. What makes a point of difference about Connolly is her ability to also attack the opponent hard to force turnovers or holding the ball free kicks inside 50. Has gone to another level in 2025.

#2 Molly Reimers
Forward | 170cm | 25/07/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Looked strong as a leading forward even without putting through a major. The Vic Country hub member provided a target and took six grabs including three in the final term. While her aerial ability and leading patterns are her strengths, she provided immense defensive pressure at ground level to keep the ball locked inside 50. Should have made more of her two set shots that either just missed or looked a little wobbly in the first term, but otherwise was very good.

#4 Tahlia Sanger
Midfielder | 167cm | 18/08/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 4 marks, 14 tackles, 1 hitout, 3 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Certainly making a case for herself as an over-ager this season and is doing her draft chances no harm. In what is her first full season back from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a fully fit Sanger is showing what she can do. Though previously a wing, she is becoming a fully fledged midfielder who can still get to the outside and do damage, but her inside craft and defensive pressure is outstanding. Her 14 tackles laid in the match is testament to that fact.

#5 Mizuki Brothwell
Defender/Midfielder | 175cm | 22/10/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s

In all honesty conceding just seven inside 50s, there was not too much for Brothwell to do down back, so with the action up the other end, the National Academy member was thrown into the middle and actually did pretty well. She moves through traffic effortlessly, and though not having the freedom she might at half-back, was still able to get her hands to it and learn some great midfield craft going head-to-head with Huxtable during the third term.

#7 Lillian Snow
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Was okay in Round 1 with some nice highlights in a dominant win, but Snow took her game to another level in Round 2. Her point of difference as a midfielder is her strength overhead, and when not in the middle, has a knack for drifting forward and taking a grab. Snow’s contested work and ability to wheel onto her trusty left foot enables her to clear the ball from danger, while her defensive pressure is always outstanding. She has a powerful stride and just gets involved with everything all game.

#9 Nalu Brothwell
Forward | 174cm | 22/10/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles, 2 hitouts, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Has come into her own this season and following on from her terrific form late in 2024 where she was a key target inside 50. She works hard up the ground and even when not kicking goals, she’s setting up her teammates. She did kick one around her body that incredibly bounced home from long-range, but for Brothwell her best work comes from her competing in the air and then once having obtained possession, using great vision to hit up passes across the forward 50.

#12 Alice Cunnington
Forward | 174cm | 30/06/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 3 goals, 5 behinds

Another Stingray who is among the top prospects for next year, Cunnington’s class shines out on gameday. Her radar at times was a little off when she kicked five behinds, but often was thrown on the boot under immense pressure. She did have eight scoring shots and converted three goals, with her forward craft and ability to find space to lead into very good. Has the running capacity to roll through the middle as well which she will do in stints throughout the season.

#27 Marlee Black
Forward | 164cm | 14/05/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Another dangerous bottom-age option, Black kicked her sole goal from a 25m set shot, and though at times she was pressured into rushing, worked hard and got involved all over the forward 50. Black got to work at ground level to apply as much pressure as the rest of the forwards, and she has found a place at home inside 50 this season. One who will only get better the next 18 months.

Western Jets 6.3 (39) def. by Sandringham Dragons 9.15 (69)

Western Jets:

#19 Mira Diab
Forward | 170cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

Was the most dangerous forward for the Jets, converting three goals including two in the first half. She kicked her first off after being involved in a couple of possessions for the lead-up, with an initial attempt falling short but she stayed vigilant to win it off the turnover and slot the major. Her next two came from long-range with the medium forward having some nice smarts and forward craft.

#30 Alex McBride-Loane
Defender | 174cm | 03/04/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 10 hitouts, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Holding down the fort in defence for another week, McBride-Loane was again the pick of the Jets, cycling through a number of opponents. She did get up the ground a fair bit, and with a 50m penalty midway through the second term, kicked the easiest of goals from the top of the goalsquare. While not having as much aerial intervention as usual, she competed to bring the ball to ground and then tried to create some run and carry. Efficiency was a little lower this game, but worked hard all four quarters, often just mitigating the danger by kicking to space further afield.

Sandringham Dragons:

#2 Grace McIntyre
Wing | 172cm | 31/12/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

One day off being a double bottom-ager, the eye-catching McIntyre impressed me in Round 1, but then justified those few notes with a more all-round performance in Round 2. She ran up and down the ground to win the ball in all thirds of the ground and provide some dare and dash from defence, or going inside 50. She still has raw traits and could tidy a few things up, but liked her defensive intent, as well as her desire to put speed on the ball.

#10 Macy Watkins
Midfielder | 172cm | 24/05/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Watkins was back to her defensive best around the coalface, racking up 29 disposals and laying nine tackles. That element of her game has never been a problem, though she is finding more of the ball and able to feed it forward to teammates in better positions. She set up a number of forward thrusts, dictating it out of the middle and was able to work well with the likes of Smith and Shipton on the inside, with her first-possession nature coming to the fore. A fierce tackler who has nice stoppage craft. Missed a flying shot at goal early in the fourth term that went to the right and bounced into the behind post.

#28 Amy Smith
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 07/11/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 tackle, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Smith comes with high internal wraps and the talented Under 16s Vic Metro representative from a couple of years ago started to show those promising signs in the big win. She kicked a couple of goals including a brilliant long-range launch seven minutes into the second term. Her first came from a set play at the forward stoppage working with Sharp, and her footy IQ and skills are fantastic. One to watch as a smokey this year and could be the pick of those top-agers outside the Victorian hubs.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Backed up a nice double bottom-age season and Under 16s campaign with a strong first-up performance here. She missed Round 1, but brought her explosiveness and stoppage craft to the Dragons to be a key part of the inside brigade, while being able to rest forward. She set up a goal to Williams midway through the second term and then laid a great tackle in the goalsquare early in the fourth, signalling her two-way running. Once she tidies up her kicking, she will be the complete package.

#39 Chloe Williams
Forward/Wing | 175cm | 23/04/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 3 behinds

The future of the Dragons looks bright with Williams another bottom-ager who comes with big wraps internally, and has shown she can play just about anywhere. With the game on Sandringham’s terms, Williams was able to roam through that half-forward/wing role and get up the ground to be a marking target, then dart back and impact the scoreboard. A little wayward with some of her chances, she did kick a ripping goal midway through the second term of a handball receive running in. Has developable traits and a great athlete for her size.

#44 Sienna Sharp
Forward/Ruck | 177cm | 30/09/2007

Stats: 34 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 6 hitouts, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Easily the best game of her Coates Talent League Girls career with a dominant performance playing as that key forward who worked up and down the ground. She spent some time chopping out in the ruck – mostly in the forward half – and set up an early goal to Smith in the first term as well as one to Williams as well. She kicked one of her own off a few steps while under pressure and off balance, having one of the best first quarters this season. For a taller player, Sharp competed at ground level and it is easy to see why the players rate her leadership so highly with the skipper leading by example with her defensive work and bringing others into the game.

Oakleigh Chargers 5.8 (38) def. Eastern Ranges 5.7 (37)

Oakleigh Chargers:

#2 Chloe Thorn
Defender | 167cm | 07/09/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 6 rebound 50s

For a second straight week Thorn provided assurance in the back half of the ground and was able to clear the danger time and time again long down the ground. Her defensive pressure was up there, with fierce attack on the ball or ball carrier, and while a natural contested ball-winner, Thorn also has a nice kick that can hit targets over multiple distances. She takes risks with ball in hand, but often has the licence to do so seeing as she sets up many attacks from the back half of the ground.

#9 Chloe Bown
Midfielder | 173cm | 20/12/2007

Stats: 35 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 9 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

A statement game from Bown who is among the top prospects to be taken first from Victoria. She went head-to-head with another talented star in McMillan at times, and Bown was able to use her bigger body at the stoppages to win the ball and thump it forward. She set up numerous goal chances to Marin, and then came up clutch when slotting the final behind of the day from 40m out. Can use either side of her body and explodes out of the stoppage. Though likely to fill a midfield/forward rotation this year, Bown was predominantly inside for this game given the quality of Eastern’s on-ball group.

#11 Isabella Mazzei
Midfielder | 170cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 11 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Outside of Bown, Mazzei was the one that caught the eye through the middle, with the bottom-ager involved in plenty of plays transitioning from the coalface to the outside. She tried to burst away down the middle at different points and was more often than not a first-possession winner making her teammates better, happy to draw contact from opposing midfielders. A two-way runner, Mazzei worked hard to get back and help out the defence, while laying a stack of big tackles throughout the match.

#18 Bailee Martin
Forward | 176cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 goals, 3 behinds

While it was not quite her nine-goal performance from Round 1, Martin still provided main source of majors for the Chargers. She kicked four of her team’s five, to make it 13 of her team’s 15 for the year, and really caused all sorts of headaches for the opposition defence. Perhaps the scariest thing is the fact that two of her behinds unluckily bounced into the goal post, so could very easily have finished with half a dozen majors. Such a great athlete and understands her forward craft so well.

#46 Molly Phillips
Forward/Midfielder | 166cm | 01/10/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds

Looks a lively type who got her hands on the ball plenty in the front half of the ground. She did work up the field at times and then moved on-ball to go up against Anderson which was a great experience as well. Her disposal is definitely an area that could improve, but Phillips has those eye-catching moves to spin out of trouble or create space for herself which is imporant.

Eastern Ranges:

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 5 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

It was business as usual for McMillan who threw everything at the contest to try and drag her team across the line. In an example of how cruel football can be sometimes, McMillan laid a goal-saving tackle on Bown in the goalsquare with two minutes to go, and then did the same thing 40m out in the dying seconds and her opponent was awarded a free kick to slot the winning behind. That was just very unlucky because McMillan had a ripping game and was best-on for the Ranges, racking it up with ease and using it well through traffic. Often involved in neat one-twos around the ground, the tough, small midfielder was a key reason Eastern got on top and looked home for most of the second half.

#10 Jordyn Allen
Defender/Midfielder | 165cm | 12/11/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 6 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Not as prolific as last week but still influential in her own right. Allen spent some time coming off half-back and providing some support behind the ball, to put speed on it and drive it down the ground. She uses it well and defensively was switched on that if she did turn it over, quickly bounced back to recover it for her side. Allen set up Ellie Busch’s second goal with a great long kick inside 50 after intercepting it one-on-one at half-forward.

#31 Brylee Anderson
Midfielder/Defender | 172cm | 25/03/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Like Allen, Anderson did not have as much of it as Round 1, but did jump back into defence to assist when it looked like the Chargers were getting on a role. In a throwback to last season, Anderson was stationed behind the ball to intercept and clear long, even taking a couple of kickouts for the Ranges. Has a lovely long kick and her positioning be it in defence, or around midfield is very good.

#37 Josephine Bamford
Ruck/Forward | 182cm | 03/06/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 19 hitouts, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s

Continuing to shine in that ruck role, Bamford took the bulk of the number one ruck duties, rotating with Mackenzie Bourne at times throughout the match. Bamford has a nice leap, can palm the ball down effectively, and then act as a “fourth midfielder” at ground level with terrific pressure. Will get the opportunity to run around for the All-Stars this weekend in what should be a great test against some quality rucks from the AFLW Academy.