ANOTHER busy weekend in the Coates Talent League Girls competition saw three of the four Northern Academies salute again, while Eastern Ranges and Oakleigh Chargers continued on their merry ways. We took note of just some of the players who caught the eye over the weekend, with all notes the opinion of the individual author.

>> ROUND 4: Round wrap | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Tasmania Devils 8.12 (60) def. by Brisbane Lions Academy

Tasmania Devils:

#1 Mischa Barwin
Midfielder/Forward | 167cm | 04/12/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

The smooth-moving National Academy member was again prominent across the ground, working well in tandem with Bowering to try and get the upper hand for the Tasmanians. She started on-ball then spent time forward with plenty of midfield rotating options, and showed her typical scrap at ground level. Always a comfortable mark, she highlighted her overhead strength and ability to get into space by clunking and equal game-high eight grabs, while displaying an aggressive brand of football.

#4 Ava Read
Tall Defender/Forward | 179cm | 21/06/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

For the second successive week Read found herself starting in defence before being thrown forward, though the trigger was pulled earlier in the game this time during the third quarter. Once forward, she again caused havoc for the opposition defence, slotting three goals in the last 30 minutes and set up one to Amber Bumford as well that was on target till it bounced on the line. Read has added a real element of versatility to her game in her over-age season thus far, without losing any of her outstanding forward craft.

#15 Priya Bowering
Utility | 169cm | 02/01/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Thought she was Tasmania’s best on the day and responded after a quieter Round 1 performance, albeit mostly due to her role as a predominant forward. In Round 4, Bowering started on-ball and impacted through there, while pushing forward at times, then even rotating with Read to be an intercept defender. There is little doubt on-ball is where she is best suited, and one just needs to. look at the first centre bounce of quarter three where she won the contested ball and her release handball to Lange under pressure on the move was simply elite.

#22 Matilda Lange
Forward/Midfielder | 170cm | 30/01/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Finally came in for her debut after her initial debut as a triple bottom-ager last season was called off along with the game itself due to flight complications for the visiting side. Instead she won an Under 16s MVP and All-Australian honours again in the time that has passed and after 39 disposals in the senior women’s competition down on the Apple Isle, earned her shot. Lange did not look out of place up forward and rotating on-ball, having a couple of misses before nailing a classy goal on the run midway through the fourth term off a handball receive. Will be plenty more of those in the future.

Lions Academy:

#8 Molly Ferguson
Midfielder | 165cm | 20/04/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles, 8 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Really took control of the game through the midfield and went to another level in Round 4, starting on-ball and winning the first clearance. She went on to accumulate a game-high eight clearances for the match, and spread well to the outside as well as winning it on the inside. A slight improvement is her composure under pressure where she can tend to throw it on the boot, as with time and space, Ferguson is a lovely user. Her follow-up work was a big tick and she showed clean hands at the coalface as well. Suited as a second possession winner due to her traits.

#13 Jemma Foley
Defender | 166cm | 28/11/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 inside 50, 10 rebound 50

Touted as ‘one to watch’ by coach Emma Zielke in the preseason, Foley looked comfortable in that deep defensive role, often taking kickouts or being the first receiver from the kickout. Her desperation on the last line was very good and she showed clean hands in traffic further afield and did not panic with the ball. Generally used it pretty well and got more confident and forward running as the game went one. Will be a player to keep tabs on from a top-age Lions perspective.

#19 Mia Geere
Forward/Midfielder | 170cm | 08/04/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

Enjoyed the extra midfield minutes throughout the contest compared to the previous week and seemed to impact both through the middle and up forward. Kicking her first goal after dropping into space inside 50 early in the match, then converting her second from another set shot moments before the three quarter time siren. Held her own against quality opponents on the inside and is one of the more promising players in the 2026 AFLW Draft given her well-balanced profile.

#24 Edie Fraser
Forward | 174cm | 28/08/2009

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

One of the smartest forwards going around, Fraser barely needs a split second to find the big sticks. If as a defender you give her any space, it is over because as she showed in the opening minute of the match, she tapped the ball in front of her and despite the pressure threw it on the boot off balance and it bounced home easily. Twice more she kicked goals getting into the right spots running hard, while another was a classy snap and just made the most of her opportunities. Outmarked Read too which is very hard to do.

#25 Harlee McIlwain
Tall Forward | 176cm | 07/04/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

Presented well for a second straight week and was among the best Lions yet again, converting three goals and looking a serious threat all around the 50. McIlwain had two by the midway stage of the second term, both of which were essentially point-blank range though she had earned it through hard running and smarts. Her third was also from close range, but as she showed last week distance is rarely an issue, and her overhead marking and athleticism for a tall ticks a lot of boxes.

#26 Aiyana Pritchard
Tall Forward | 175cm | 21/12/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Pritchard continues to exude upside for the future, and while still very raw in terms of her final execution, she has some elite speed and just natural instincts rather than by-the-book planning. An example is when she was confronted by an opponent handballed just to space so she could burst past her and pick it up. A natural speedster she loves to run and take multiple bounces, putting pressure on the opposition defenders when able to draw others to her. Set up goals to Zoe Petrides and McIlwain as well in the match.

Calder Cannons 2.3 (15) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 16.12 (108)

Calder Cannons:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

While Baker-West has had much bigger numbers in the past, it was her leadership that really stood out in the game. Up against a deep Oakleigh midfield and rising scoreline, Baker-West never gave up and was the first player to be cracking in trying to win the ball back or doing all the team things right for her side. Baker-West seemed to get better as the game went on, with her second and fourth quarters in particular a couple of standouts as she tried to clear the coalface and get it into space. Kicked a behind off the outside of the boot relying on that right side late in the game, but had done everything she could for four quarters and was clearly Calder’s best player.

#30 Coco Balmain
Tall Defender | 175cm | 01/01/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 rebound 50s

Coming off a successful Under 16s campaign, it was always going to be a tough ask to go up against Martin who did dominate with her speed off the mark and understanding of the ball drop inside 50. Though props have to go to Balmain who stuck to the task, had a crack and tried really hard defensively. She even put in a smother to save a goal – though ended in one off the next touch – and while beaten in her matchup, could not have got a better lesson for the future as it is hard to imagine she will face tougher opponents than the red-hot Martin.

Oakleigh Chargers:

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Continuing on her rich vein of form, Bown had the ball on a string for the most part, particularly after quarter time. She seemed to get the confidence up even more as the game went on, played more aggressively and was able to position herself just outside the forward 50 to keep the pressure up on the Calder defender. Her double-digit inside 50s count showed just how much impact she had, and though her two shots on goal missed or were touched, Bown was once again the standout midfielder with her inside and outside ability off both sides of her body.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 6 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Mazzei’s inside presence does not go unnoticed with the bottom-ager’s first-possession winning knack enabling her teammates to be better. She thrives in close, but can get away as well when being a second-possession winner and pump the ball deep inside 50. Mazzei knows how to lower the eyes going inside 50 and has nice strength under pressure to shrug tackles when needed, while laying plenty herself to stop the opposition in their tracks.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 13 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 7 goals, 4 behinds

Martin is on track to break all sorts of goalkicking season records this year with another seven goals to take her tally to 20 in three games. It is almost funny to think she should have close to 30 with several very gettable misses and even a few sprays. Martin is all class though and her speed off the mark is superb, and combined with her understanding of the ball in flight and kindred communication with her teammates streaming forward, the bottom-ager always gets to the right spots for plenty of opportunities. Is among the top prospects in next year’s draft.

#32 Scarlett Bown
Tall Forward | 178cm | 22/09/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 4 hitouts, 4 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds

If one Bown did not give opposition coaches enough headaches, having two is a serious migraine. The debutant showed she can impact just as much as her older sister, slotting 3.3 from 19 touches and clunking six marks. She benefited from the attention turning to Martin and was able to slot finish off some nice majors, with her movement and style eerily similar to Chloe. She is a bit taller which in many ways might be scarier for opposition coaches, but on point, her debut was a big success and she is destined for big things too.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Really like the transitional running that Phillips creates and she does have the smarts going inside 50 to hit targets via lowering the eyes. Also able to hit the scoreboard, Philips finished off a goal from hard running 10 minutes into the second term which was well deserved. Though she missed a chance early in the third, did set up a couple of goals and was a nice handball receive operator on the outside. In saying that, she won more than her fair share of groundballs too, so was not afraid to crack in and get her hands dirty.

Eastern Ranges 6.9 (45) def. Gold Coast Suns Academy 4.4 (28)

Eastern Ranges:

#3 Scout Semple
Forward/Midfielder | 163cm | 03/10/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s

Is thriving with more midfield opportunities this season and Semple again was lively in transitioning the ball down the field. Able to win it on the inside or outside, Semple makes things happen with her burst speed and natural footy smarts. She had a few wayward chances on goal, but was largely able to set up her teammates. Semple’s stoppage work stacked up against the best and will be a key part of the Ranges on-ball group over the next 18 months, allowing the top-agers to roll into a varieety of positions.

#4 Asher Fearn-Wannan
Utility | 177cm | 14/12/2007

It is incredible to think just how versatile Fearn-Wannan is, having come from a multi-sport background and adapting to life as a utility. From playing on the wing, to ruck, off half-back or down forward, Fearn-Wannan can do it all. She seemed to predominantly play off a wing in this one in the absence of Zoe Vozzo, with her highlight being a long-range goal. Speak to anyone and ‘upside’ is the key word with the athletic tall.

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 9 tackles, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

McMillan was back to her impressive best on the weekend, arguably best on ground and definitely one of the best with her balance of offensive and defensive traits. Not as much time in the defensive half of the ground and more through the middle allowed her to get her fair share of clearances and hit targets inside 50 with precision. She loves to run and gain serious meterage which she did and had a brilliant moment just before half-time where instead of blazing away sidestepped an opponent and hit up Ellie Busch in the pocket. Still rotated through the back half of the ground and was able to provide some resistance for the home team as well.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s, 1 behind

It was Allen’s turn to start behind the ball and then later in the game pushed up the ground, though she was able to have an influence in both roles. While Allen was surprisingly run-down at one stage – a very rare feat to see – there was not much else she did wrong with some nice intercept marks and driving the ball forward both through her running and her kicking. Is suited to that outside half-back running role given her smarts and skill.

#12 Emily Rankin
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 11/05/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

While not a stack of the ball compared to some others, Rankin had plenty of impact with her touches, racking up six clearances from 15 disposals, She set the tone early in the match with a terrific run-down tackle on the wing, and though her kicking was a little hit and miss on the day, she showed clean hands and did exceptionally well around the coalface.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 14 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

Another one who while not having the same numbers she has had in the season, was elite defensively and laid a match-high 14 tackles on the day. She had the task up against Davies which is a nightmare for most players, though the bottom-ager held her own at the stoppages and was focused on ensuring the ball stayed in close or with Ranges players. She got on the end of a goal midway through the fourth term with a lucky bounce aiding her rather than her opponent, though that gut-running earned her the major.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 tackles, 37 hitouts, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Has been building some great form this year and was again terrific through the ruck, notching up 37 hitouts for the game and almost always able to get first hands to it. Her athleticism and height allows her to leap high, and even around the ground when not marking it she palms it down to a teammate if unable to take it cleanly. Produced a couple of really good spoils in the match, and won the first centre clearances of the fourth quarter with a nice follow-up and bomb inside 50.

#54 Zoe Wilkinson
Forward/Midfielder | 170cm | 17/05/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Wilkinson is another player who just shows signs throughout matches and does not need a stack of possessions to have an influence. She often went head-to-head with Bronte Parker in midfield, then went forward and was able to look dangerous. Strong overhead and at ground level, she competes first and foremost, and it showed when late in the match she battled against two opponents and was able to lock it up without the Suns running away with it.

SUNS Academy:

#4 Aleah Stringer
Forward | 165cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Liked her performance throughout the game and another who maximised her chances from less touches than some others. Has that burst speed everyone loves to see and can get the ball forward into dangerous spots. Can be a little fumbly at ground level, though is lively and dangerous in the front half of the ground and linked up well in that high-forward role with Lappin and Nurse also providing great outside run to complement in the inside players.

#6 Sunny Lappin
Forward | 170cm | 28/11/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

It is evident her teammates love getting it to her to use her run and carry, with Lappin a target around the ground both through uncontested marks and handball receives. She is a natural outside player and can be a little rushed under pressure, though has great vision and really slick hands. When she can find those pockets of space to go forward, Lappin does her best work and she competes well in the air and is key in the Suns’ transitional running game.

#11 Annabelle Foat
Midfielder | 164cm | 23/04/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

Foat is one of those players you know exactly what you’re going to get each and every week. Contested and competitive, Foat will put her body on the line consistently, and if she is not winning it first, she is making sure her opponent earns each touch. While known for her contested ball-winning work, Foat’s outside run was also a feature of her game in match, and provided the link between the inside and outside.

#13 Rhianna Ingram
Defender | 167cm | 20/10/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 4 marks, 1 clearance, 6 rebound 50s

Has established herself as a high-production defender who while can win plenty of easy touches through kickouts, Ingram played a more influential game than even the week before because she got proactive, went higher up the ground at times and was able to play with a retention-first style. A couple of her marks were intercepts as well, and she linked up with Davies, Browning and Nurse in particularly to keep the ball moving well.

#20 Alannah Welsh
Forward | 169cm | 23/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals

After not seeing much of game one due to injury, Welsh bounced back in a big way kicking three of her side’s four goals. Making the most of her opportunities, two of those majors came out of virtually nothing with a clean gather and snap, before a checkside goal off a step had two on the board really quickly. Looked to have kicked a fourth goal – just before her actual third one – but was deemed by the goal umpire to have come off her thigh as she ran in. Flew for a few marks she could not take, but lead well inside 50 and presented to her teammates.

#23 Mikayla Nurse
Wing | 168cm | 19/09/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Made a really big statement in the game for the Suns as she is one of the players who has some draftable traits but just has so many top-end teammate. Nurse broke lines, took two bounce and set up Tara Niess for a shot, ran down two opponents including the speedy Allen, and worked up and down the ground really well. She also pushed in to add numbers to the stoppages when required, and all in all played a great game.

#28 Summer Browning
Wing | 166cm | 16/12/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s

The standout bottom-ager from the Suns, Browning caught the eye out on the other wing, and had a really big first half where she racked up 10 touches and transitioned the ball well between the arcs. While able to find space, Browning showed she was strong overhead and able to match it with any opponent, and while having neat foot skills, she had the athleticism to match. A three-bounce run down the wing from half-back to half-forward was a big moment in the fourth term, and she showed she can weight her kicks going low and hard as well.

#31 Georja Davies
Midfielder/Ruck | 185cm | 17/01/2007

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

Davies always had plenty of company around the stoppages and for the second week in a row did not have a lot of space to work with in the match. However she seemed to shake it off more than the week before and ran hard to make her own space, particularly dropping into the defensive 50 hole to take a number of intercept marks. She finished with nine grabs for the game which was a really point of difference compared to some of the other onballers, and Davies also got her hands dirty at ground level to lay seven tackles. Three of her nine marks were contested and she just competed from start to finish.

Bendigo Pioneers 1.0 (6) def. by Geelong Falcons 14.6 (90)

Bendigo Pioneers:

#4 Sage Dennis
Midfielder/Forward | 160cm | 22/08/2009

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The double bottom-ager started on-ball and rotated between there and attack, having a crack throughout the contest. She can get pushed off it a little given her relative size and inexperience, but gives as good as she gets and is a prospect for the future. Dennis gets into ball-winning positions, has a nice burst out of the stoppage and uses the ball well going forward which are all positive signs going forward.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

The standout Pioneer in a tough loss, Boulton was a key player around the midfield and lead by example for her teammates. She worked hard defensively to assist back there and was able to gather cleanly time and time again. Her hands and stoppage craft stood out, and in a game where the Falcons had the run of the green with first hands, Boulton provided key resistance for her side.

Geelong Falcons:

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Backed up her hard-running performance against the Lions last week with another strong effort, albeit with more help this week. She had her midfield partners in crime back and she got to share the load, where offensive and defensively she impressed. Tyrrell’s strong hands both at ground level and in the air was important, as was her handball release timing. Generally a reliable user by foot, she is able to impact games both on the inside and outside.

#12 Meg Lappin
Forward/Ruck | 180cm | 21/09/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 13 hitouts, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Is finding her place in that forward and second ruck role for the Falcons, with her athleticism enabling Lappin to be a “fourth midfielder” at the contest. She was able to snap a goal around the body for something out of nothing midway through the fourth term and showed her burst from stoppages on a couple of occasions. Lappin covered the ground well and has her moments that would have impressed plenty.

#17 Greea McKeegan
Forward | 176cm | 15/12/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 marks, 3 tackles, 1 hitout, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

A promising athletic forward who has been begging for more opportunities to impact, and she got them this week in a huge victory. McKeegan only kicked the one goal, but she is a strong mark of the ball and more like a centre half-forward who can hit up targets inside 50. She missed a couple of chances as well, but found teammates inside 50 or put the ball into goal-scoring positions. Has plenty of upside, and when the ball gets forward she can do a lot of damage.

#20 Grace Carroll
Forward | 168cm | 20/04/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 5 goals, 1 behind

A breakout performance in just her second game, Carroll showed what she can do when her side has a stack of deep inside 50s. She set up a goal for Catherine Gandolfo to start the game, then went on to kick five of her own and nail a pass inside 50 to Addison Baars as well. A deep forward who reads the ball well in flight, she dribbled home a goal with a all of her majors coming on the run or off a few steps. Will potentially be a nice third marking target given Lappin and McKeegan will garner most of the attention going forward.

#26 Ava Bilyk
Forward/Midfielder | 167cm | 07/07/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Returned to the side and got straight back to business with her fantastic skills, run and smarts all coming to the fore. There is a reason she won Vic Country’s Under 16s MVP, and while she is one of a number of capable contested ball-winners in the Falcons side, Bilyk’s footskills are what sets her apart. She started in attack and then rotated into the middle, drilling some elite passes inside 50 to set up goal-scoring opportunities. Rarely panicked, Bilyk just thinks through her options and will bite off the riskier kick if it helps the side, and while that can lead to some turnovers, the bottom-ager has the licence to do so.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 9 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Another key inclusion for the Falcons, Huxtable worked her way to a 30-disposal game and was enormous on the inside before rotating forward and being a target there. Early on she seemed to be moving a little slower than she normally would, but seemed to shake that off as the game went on and ran out the match no problems. She provided options on the outside, and ripped the ball from opponents on a couple of occasions as well. Was a prominent player for the Falcons in the match.

GWV Rebels 3.3 (21) def. by Northern Knights 6.10 (46)

GWV Rebels:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s

The overage utility will always provide 100 per cent effort and she was once again at the forefront of the resistance against the Knights when the visitors were getting on top. She set up the Rebels’ first goal late in the second term when tackled got her handball free, then moved into the midfield at times to provide a spark and won a number of clearances.

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

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

Started the game with trademark fend-off against Graham going head-to-head and had a busy first term with seven disposals. She looked on track for another huge game, and though that did not quite eventuate, she will held her own, won some important clearances and mopped up in the back half of the ground to send it forward as well. Working hard across the ground, she could lower her kicks a little to get even more distance and penetration, but her ability to gain meterage through a sidestep before launching is very impressive.

#8 Scarlett O’Donnell
Utility | 171cm | 03/11/2006

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

O’Donnell continues to produce some nice highlights particularly surrounding her speed and ability to fill out multiple roles. Capable of sliding into any of the three lines, O’Donnell took a couple of strong marks and always looked to take grass straight down the middle of Mars Stadium. At times she can run herself into trouble or just blast away, but the raw traits are there and exciting to see.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Easy to forget she is a bottom-ager with the way she has slotted into the side this season. A good size for a midfielder at 175cm, she has a powerful left foot and is not afraid to use her frame to break tackles and burst away. Talking traits, she has the athleticism, penetrating knack to play on-ball and forward, and with time and space can deliver inside 50. Still building areas of her game but she’s one to watch for next year.

Northern Knights:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Had another really consistent performance through the midfield and always provides a similar level week-in, week-out. A competitive midfielder who will find it on the inside and outside, she has a nice backwards step to get out of trouble, and competes strongly in the air and at ground level. Her clean hands in both situations stands out on matchday, and Gorman is a two-way runner to mop up in defence, or have opportunities to add her name to the scoreboard.

#2 Maddison Meagher
Defender/Wing | 162cm | 02/08/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Unfortunately her day ended a little early after copping an accidental glancing blow, but it showed Meagher’s fierce attack on the ball and willingness to put her body on the line. She had her most consistent performance of the year up until that point, with her explosive speed and willingness to not only break lines, but shrug through tackles as well. If metres gained was an available stat, she would be right up there with the best of them. Once that composure comes at top speed, she will be deadly in transition.

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

Stats: 32 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

It was quite the performance from Graham who was everywhere on the day. She notched up 10 more disposals than anyone else on the field, and had game-highs in marks and clearances as well, which is great considering how many quality onballers were around the coalface. Her full performance was detailed in our Player Focus, so check that out below.

>> Marlo Graham Player Focus

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 hitout, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Got to play more aggressive in the match and showed a few great signs for the future. While her smarts and aerial ability have been there, her consistency is now matching them. Capable of playing across any line, Johnson used her taller size to outbody an opponent at one stage, and broke through a tackle bursting forward at another. While others are more explosive, she can still move, and her power allows her to make it difficult for opponents to stop her.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 22 hitouts, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

Has been too tall and athletic in the ruck throughout the season and she had another promising game against the Rebels. Perhaps the biggest tick in the Round 4 match was her defensive running with Hishongwa-Gibb filling a hole in defence and behind the ball when the Rebels forced a turnover. She won a few rebounds along the way and though she could be cleaner below her knees, she is hard not to infringe in the air.

Western Jets 72. (44) def. by Gippsland Power 16.7 (103)

By: Erin Piez

Western Jets:

#2 Addison West
Defender/Midfielder | 166cm | 16/05/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

West was a workhorse around the ground, frequently involved in contests and always applying pressure. She read the ball well off the ruck, had clean hands in traffic, and her second and third efforts stood out. West displayed hunger and intensity, often driving the ball forward or chasing down opponents to stop counterattacks.

#5 Tayla Olivieri
Small Forward | 159cm | 14/02/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 goals

One of the standout players for the Jets, Olivieri’s pressure inside 50 created multiple scoring opportunities, including a brilliant chase-down tackle in the first quarter that led to a set shot goal. Her goal sense, work rate, and intensity were a key spark for Western, and she backed it up with smart running and positioning throughout the match.

#10 Kiara Boyd
Forward | 173cm | 02/06/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 goal

Boyd provided strong pressure inside 50 and was constantly buzzing around the contest. She made multiple clever intercepts often and was crucial in linking up play between teammates. She also finished off a classy passage in the third with a set shot goal, showcasing her ability to find space and read the play.

#15 Caitlyn Volpe
Midfielder | 150cm | 28/10/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 11 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Volpe worked hard around stoppages and had several effective chases and tackles to stall Gippsland’s momentum. Her defensive work rate was commendable, often getting to the contest and laying crucial tackles. She also contributed offensively by collecting the ball under pressure and distributing it cleanly.

Gippsland Power:

#10 Grace Dillow
Midfielder/Forward | 167cm | 03/06/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

A commanding performance from Dillow, who consistently imposed herself with her strength and smarts. She was critical at stoppages, showing clean hands and awareness. Her strong bodywork and attacking intent resulted in a classy goal and several key disposals in the midfield and forward half. Dillow also provided great support around the contest even when not directly involved.

#26 Ava Deszcz
Forward/Midfielder | 168cm | 21/04/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 8 marks, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 5 goals, 1 behind

Deszcz put in a complete performance as she was lively and hard running across the ground. She worked tirelessly to find space, present as a target, and often delivered when called upon. She slotted five majors and was involved in several more scoring chains. Her ability to follow up on her work and provide repeat efforts highlighted her aerobic capacity and football IQ.

#29 Rebecca Fitzpatrick
Forward/Midfielder | 172cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Fitzpatrick showed flashes of brilliance, including a sharp goal from 30m out after a clever dummy. She was dangerous around the contest, used her body well, and looked to push the ball forward when in possession. Her composure and spatial awareness made her a creative option for Gippsland inside 50.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 8 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 8 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Hobson was a standout performer for the Power, often involved in crucial passages of attacking play, linking up with teammates and delivering to inside 50 with precision. She showed elite movement, strength in the contest, and great positioning to take marks under pressure. Her vision and decision making were clear strengths, making her a consistent threat throughout the game.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Sutton had several key moments, especially in the first half, where her clean hands and game awareness allowed her to link up with teammates and move the ball forward. She also laid strong tackles and had many notable moments in strong chains of play to help drive the ball forward for Gippsland.

Sandringham Dragons 4.3 (27) def. by GWS Giants Academy 11.11 (77)

Sandringham Dragons:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 7 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Watkins has really begun to add a few more strings to her bow in 2025 and become more offensive to go with her superb defensive traits. One of those midfielders who will always do the non-negotiables well, Watkins laid a host of big tackles on opponents, then was neat more often than not with her use going forward. Capable of winning it inside and outside now, Watkins is strong overhead and building nicely in her top-age season.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

A classy ball user when up and about, Smith finds space really well and offers herself up as an option in transition to utilise those skills. Against the Giants there were a few times where she could have got into more dangerous ball-winning positions rather than lateral to the kicker a short distance away, but has the licence to ask given she can run and hit targets inside 50.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Predominantly found herself forward – though she did work up the ground – and while at times it was tough going to get a look-in with opportunities, the skipper managed to kick a couple of great goals in succession during the second term. Her first was a remarkable one from the boundary, then took it out of the ruck six minutes later to throw it on the boot and send it home. It gave her side hope leading towards half-time.

#54 Ash Patton
Midfielder | 170cm | 26/09/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s

Looked like she had a point to prove against her former Academy teammates with her determination to win the ball. She showed off her neat skills and vision, was able to impact with lovely kicks going inside 50 and even won the opening centre clearance of the fourth term. Went down early in the second term at a centre bounce and looked in bad shape, but came back on and finished off the game. Her defensive pressure is an area of improvement, with her second possession-winning ability and distribution from there what stands out.

GIANTS Academy:

#15 Aoife Berry
Midfielder/Forward | 164cm | 16/08/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 1 behind

Liked her quick hands through traffic and ability to find space at half-forward, and play that high half-forward role well. She won the majority of her touches under immense pressure, but used it well and was a key link-up player to her forwards. It was not a perfectly clean game for either side, but Berry looked in control and did well with her attack on the ball and getting it to advantageous positions for her teammates.

#17 Zoe Curry
Midfielder | 172cm | 09/10/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 8 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals

Cracked in and stood out for the Giants, really putting her body on the line around stoppages and laying some bone-crunching tackles. She won a game-high eight clearances and impressively capped off a hard-working performance with two late goals in the space of 90 seconds. Her first came from a set shot 35m out which she relished as it swung inside the post, and then the other was pouncing on a loose ball 20m out and putting it straight through the big sticks. One of the most influential in the match.

#23 Sophia Gaukrodger
Midfielder/Forward | 173cm | 16/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 goals

Given the nature of the game it was hard not to give Gaukrodger the best-on honours with four goals in a game where at times – particularly in the first half – goals were hard to come by. The top-ager booted two in the third term and one each in the first and fourth term, with her goalkicking technique off the boot really looking good. She was neat, lively and her pressure was great for a player who also impacted offensively, so Gaukrodger had one of her more complete games. Outside of Wiencke, she looms as the next top-ager to watch from the Giants Academy.

#36 Isla Wiencke
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 30/03/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

The National Academy member played her brutal inside game which was heavily based around extracting the contested ball and getting it to teammates on the outside. Almost two thirds of her disposals were clearances, and she laid the same amount of tackles (nine). Despite constantly winning either the hardball or under incredible pressure, Wiencke ran at a high disposal efficiency (80 per cent) as she can have the composure to execute under that pressure so well.