A CURTAIN closed for three of the Northern Academy sides with the GWS Giants, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns all wrapping up their Coates Talent League Girls stints for 2025. With a jam-packed eight games on the fixture, we took a look at a few of the players who caught the eye across the weekend with all notes the opinion of the individual author.

>> ROUND 6: Round wrap | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Western Jets 2.2 (14) def. by GWS Giants Academy 10.11 (71)

By: Erin Piez

Western Jets:

#1 Jazmine Dalli
Midfielder/Forward | 160cm | 05/03/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Dalli’s impact came through her work rate and clean skills around the contest. She was often positioned well to receive on the spread and consistently made herself available for handballs to relieve pressure. Her own pressure acts and tackling in the second quarter were a highlight, frequently cutting off GWS’s exits and helping lock the ball forward. She showed strong awareness of space, timing her runs well and delivering accurately by foot when setting up forward entries. While not always in the thick of the contest, her consistency and reliability around the play elevated her influence throughout the match.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

McBride-Loane was a standout across all four quarters, setting the tone with her relentless pressure and clever positioning in the back half. From the first bounce, her chase-down tackles and ground-level pressure disrupted GWS’ ball movement repeatedly. She showed tremendous effort inside the contest and as a link-up player, often popping up in dangerous positions to support teammates and reset play. Her intercept work was elite, most notably in the third and fourth quarters where she took several timely grabs to turn defence into offence. One particularly impressive moment came late in the game when she took an intercept mark on the wing and delivered a precise switch kick to a teammate, opening the game right up. Her combination of smarts, intensity, and composure made her one of the most influential players on the ground.

GIANTS Academy:

#5 Amelie Prosser-Shaw
Midfielder | 175cm | 14/11/2006

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

Prosser-Shaw had a multiple defining moments of brilliance, including an incredible first quarter goal where she chased down an opponent, won the ball cleanly, and ran into space before slotting it through. Her ability to break away from congestion and use her speed to gain ground made her a dangerous presence throughout. She consistently found space and was composed under pressure, both when marking and when delivering the ball inside 50. Her vision and run-and-carry moments helped GWS build momentum and transition smoothly through the midfield.

#19 Ellie Hall
Defender/Midfielder | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Hall was consistently clean with her hands and made strong decisions around the contest. She played a valuable support role, particularly with her positioning, often right in the pocket ready to receive a quick handball or to prevent an opponent’s clearance. She had multiple efforts to set up GWS’s inside 50s through calm and collected handballs. Her second quarter touch on the goal line to prevent a Jets score was a clear demonstration of her defensive awareness and commitment.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Gaukrodger had a strong all-around performance, consistently involved in crucial chains of play. Her ability to position herself well around the contest meant she was often the one linking up handballs or getting the ball to teammates under pressure. Her repeat efforts, tackling pressure, and smart running patterns allowed her to cover ground and play both defensively and offensively. Her mark and subsequent delivery inside 50 to a dangerous attacking position in the third quarter was one of many moments that showcased her impact on the match’s tempo.

#25 Majella Day
Tall Forward | 176cm | 11/03/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 3 goals, 1 behind

Day was strong aerially and played a key role across half-forward and the wings. Her marking ability gave GWS an important outlet, especially in the second and third quarters, where she presented well just outside defensive 50 and delivered effectively by foot. She capitalised on a free kick in the third with a composed goal, and continually provided a solid option through her clean hands and ability to move into space. Her follow-up work after contests was impressive, helping her side maintain territory and structure.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 11 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Wiencke delivered a solid performance built on pressure, endurance, and clean disposals. Her repeat efforts in the contest stood out across all quarters, especially her chase-down tackles and smart use of her body in congestion. She was also clever in choosing when to stay outside the contest, offering herself as a reliable handball option to reset or link-up plays. In the fourth, she had a particularly classy pickup in traffic followed by a quick handball out, helping GWS maintain possession under duress. Her balance between inside grit and outside smarts gave her team valuable structure around the ball.

Eastern Ranges 8.10 (58) def. Sydney Swans Academy 3.1 (19)

Eastern Ranges:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Started forward and got her usual midfield time around the ball, Semple was able to find plenty of it throughout the contest and always looked to put speed on the ball. At times she can be rushed with her disposal going inside 50, but has that forward craft to impact on the scoreboard. Semple kicked a great goal four minutes into the final term that bounced home, and she was quick by hand or foot when she had it.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Influential through the middle once again, McMillan was strong at the coalface and just kept bobbing up when her side needed her. She found her way into gaps of space that few others could, and even had a couple of chances going forward. Her release by hand and her ability to hit those short, sharp passes really stands out in her game, and for a smaller player, punches well above her weight in tackles to force her arms free to dispose of the ball well. Not as dominant around the clearances, but more around the ground.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Her move to a more permanent half-back role again has reminded everyone how well she plays that position. Though more than capable on both the inside and outside of midfield, she is a two-way runner who takes risks and breaks lines going route one down the middle. Allen’s speed allows her to draw opponents to open up teammates on the overlap and realistically should have had a goal to her name but Zoe Wilkinson played it safe in the dying moments of the match to mark on the goalline. Impressive outing once again.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 insdie 50s, 2 rebound 50s

One of the most consistent Ranges across the four quarters, Rankin was balanced between the inside and outside, starting on-ball each quarter then going forward to try and get some momentum building for her side. She can throw it on the boot a little more when inside than when having more time and space, but she is quick between hand and foot, and showed even when run down early in the second term timed her kick to perfection in order to get it to its desired target. Looks ready to do damage each time she explodes down the middle.

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

Stats: 28 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 behind

Started in defence and rotated into the middle to be that point of difference given her height compared to a lot of the other midfielders, Anderson assisted in minimising early scoreboard damage when the Swans did have the momentum, and then was able to start it going the other way when attacking. Laid a fantastic run-down tackle on the wing late in the first term, and that defensive element of her game was red hot. Always a high accumulator when the game is on her terms, Anderson showed she can influence defensively just as well.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 28 hitouts, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Going head-to-head with the National Academy ruck Madeleine Quinn from the start, Bamford held her own and did well when competing one-on-one. She broke even across the ruck stoppages, but definitely had the upper hand in getting involved around the ground, and when Quinn was rotated to full-forward, Bamford really maximised her control over the other Swans rucks. Finished with another 20 touches and 28 hitouts, and has been in great form to start the Coates Talent League Girls season.

Swans Academy:

#1 Charlotte Tidemann
Defender I 169cm I 08/08/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

While her numbers may not jump off the page, Tidemann is such an impactful player with her metres gained per disposal so high. At times she can get run-down due to trying desperately to break lines, but you take those few errors with the massive positives she offers. It is clear the talented bottom-ager is viewed as a facilitator out of defence by her teammates and she uses the ball efficiently through both angles and distance. Looming as an exciting prospect in next year’s draft, Tidemann was settled in the back half and looked for those lateral passes to her in order to run and gun down the field.

#12 Emma Juneja
Wing | 169cm | 08/05/2006

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

Juneja remains one of the more unlucky players to miss out on last year’s draft, and while not doing anything too different to 2024, is still highly influential with her two-way running and overhead marking. She is one of the best aerialists for a wing, and is not just an accumulator, but a team-first defence-focused prospect. She is one who takes a lot of grass with each disposal as well, and is a player who teammates look to for transitioning the ball from half-back to the forwardline. Definitely has the credentials to earn a spot at the next level.

#16 Kiera Yerbury
Midfielder/Forward I 173cm I 24/07/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

Not as influential around the stoppage from an offensive standpoint, but Yerbury showed she will dig in even with the tide against her. The taller midfielder laid nine tackles and made life more difficult for her opposing midfielders, and when she won it under immense pressure showed she had the knack to raise the arms mid-tackle and fire off a handball.

#24 Alex Neyland
Tall Forward I 178cm I 04/09/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50

Another player who did not have it all her own way in the game, but worked incredibly hard up the field. A tall forward who pressures is an incredible sight, and Neyland does that in spades. She had an early chance on goal that went wide and did not have too many more looks, but did a lot of her best work further up the field. Has the ability to roam up and down the ground and get into ball-winning positions, with a nice point of difference to her profile as that marking forward.

Tasmania Devils 3.6 (24) def. by Geelong Falcons 4.4 (28)

Tasmania Devils:

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Has settled back into life as a more permanent forward in the past two weeks and adds something different inside 50. Her pressure game is elite and she plays with a nice aggression at ground level. When she has time and space, her finishing is all class, with just her occasionally blazing away that can see her spray the odd shot on goal. Does a lot right and is a headache at ground level for any defender, with her knack or working up the ground then sprinting back to be a ground level option.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 9 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Worked in tandem with Lange through the middle against a quality opposition and always provides that defensive pressure we have become accustomed to seeing over the last few years. She can throw it on the boot under pressure at the coalface but knows where to put it with great stoppage IQ and unquestionable team values. Laid a great smother and forced an out on the full through her pressure when the game was at its hottest. A natural inside midfielder who is not only has the strength, but the speed to breakaway down the field.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The apprentice to Bowering being the master in this scenario, Tasmania’s two-time Under 16s MVP and All-Australian is already picking up big numbers just a couple of games into her career. Playing mostly full-time midfield aside from rests, Lange was the most influential Devil at the stoppages, and her outstandingly clean hands at ground level make her such a valuable player. At one stage she won a hardball and in an instant flicked a handball up to the running to Bowering, it was a blast from the past for Bowering, having always been that younger player feeding it out to older teammates. Genuine star of the future.

Geelong Falcons:

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

Stats: 41 disposals, 1 mark, 18 tackles, 12 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Stuffed the stats sheet something silly and the Geelong Falcons skipper willed her team to victory at North Hobart. As is evident from those numbers, Tyrrell is such as strong inside midfielder, and she is quick by hand or foot to clear it, and able to stand up in tackles and still dispose of the ball well. Working as a one-two punch with Huxtable most of the time, Tyrrell had career-best numbers and deservedly earned our Player of the Week, having won it in all thirds of the ground. A fantastic exponent on the long handball, aided by her great vision around the stoppage. Is just that touch of pace away from being a well-rounded inside midfielder.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

In the conversation for the best players next year and certainly from a Vic Country perspective, last year’s Under 16s MVP has really adapted to a fluid role where she can start in defence, move on-ball, or to a wing or even up forward, and still have an impact. She is the most deadly kick in the side and her use by hand is just as delightful. Even when having to throw the ball on the boot, Bilyk has assessed the situation and put the ball into an advantageous situation down the field. Most weeks her numbers would be best on ground by a mile, but she still enjoyed the freedom that came with her older two teammates racking the ball up and feeding it out.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 3 goals

Huxtable’s ability to go forward and do serious damage on the scoreboard is testament to both her overhead marking and her work rate. She can start quarters inside 50, but often rotates forward when the side needs a goal, and she was able to convert three of her side’s four goals in the match. She only needs a split second to find the big sticks, and once she positions herself inside 50, Huxtable is so hard to move and beat in a marking contest without infringing. The left-footer has a raking kick and was switched on until the dying moments, refusing to lose concentration with a great tackle on Bowering in the final 30 seconds to kill the clock and stop an inside 50.

#52 Ella Condon
Forward/Ruck | 182cm | 23/04/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 33 hitouts, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

The Under 16s Vic Country MVP might have made her name as a defender/ruck but is rotating between the ruck and inside 50 for the Falcons, providing a target not just forward of centre, but around the ground as well. Granted she had the significant height advantage over any opponent she went up against, but Condon still had to have the nous to get first hands to it and direct it to a teammate. Took a nice contested mark from her five grabs, and generally was alright by foot, being one of the most impressive outside the above three.

Bendigo Pioneers 4.4 (28) def. by GWV Rebels 14.9 (93)

Bendigo Pioneers:

#1 Georgia Garlick
Midfielder/Defender | 169cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

The bottom-ager started on-ball and though not able to have a massive influence in close, found some nice touches behind the ball. Defensively, Garlick applied plenty of pressure and used her left side to pick out targets down the ground. Though due to the Rebels’ defensive set up a fair few of her quick kicks were returned back, Garlick showed nice strength in tackles to stand up and still feed the ball out, as well as being quick to get the ball to boot.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

In the face of absences and other injuries, Boulton has been a reliable force this year for the Pioneers, capable of playing across all three lines. A tough competitor who applies great defensive pressure and can rack up touches from behind the ball, Boulton is more than capable of showing her class forward of centre with a nice finish on goal midway through the third term. One of Bendigo’s best once again.

#23 Ella Jeffrey
Midfielder | 167cm | 08/08/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Played her best game of the season with a predominant on-ball role in the match, Jeffrey always brings pressure around the stoppage using her stronger frame to win the hardball. She possesses nice vision and was prolific at ground level, and while she did give away a few free kicks either trying to break free or with her defensive intent, Jeffrey was a prime mover for the Pioneers in the loss.

GWV Rebels:

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

Has hardly put a foot wrong this season and had another big game against the Pioneers, kicking a couple of goals rotating between midfield and forward. A defensive-focused player who can clearly win her own ball, Davies leads by examples inside and outside midfield, as well as when deep forward. She is generally clean at ground level and her goal on the edge of half-time was a ripper from the boundary, while she snapped another majors during the fourth quarter procession. Covered the ground well and won it across the field.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 5 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds

Another consistent performer throughout the 2025 season, Johnstone has such penetration in her kicking she can turn defence to offence in an instant. Setting up a number of scoring opportunities for her teammates then kicking a couple of goals back-to-back in the fourth term, Johnstone showed just how damaging she can be anywhere on the ground. Powerful with a knack for breaking through tackles or feeding it to a free teammate when drawing an opponent, Johnstone did spray a few chances on goal so could have finished with an even bigger haul from the match.

#9 Jovie Skewes-Clinton
Tall Utility I 176cm I 15/11/2007

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

As has become the case of late, Skewes-Clinton started in defence for the first half, then was thrown forward when evident the Rebels were well and truly on top. She just finds the big sticks and finished with a couple of majors including one just before the final siren. Her checkside goal three minutes into the fourth term showed just how classy she is around goals, and it is amazing to think just what she could do in a dominant win if up forward for four quarters.

#16 Brook Ward
Forward/Wing | 170cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The over-ager played her best game of the season and hit the scoreboard with a clever spin out of trouble to get ball to boot close to goal midway through the first term. She did miss a few shots she could have capitalised on, but worked up the ground well and assisted in defence too. Strong overhead and neat by hand or foot generally, Ward can win the pill in a variety of different ways which aids her side.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 7 inside 50s

A promising bottom-ager who just keeps impressing even when not having a stack of the ball consistently. Her movement at the stoppage, and confidence to back her speed as well as fed-off opponents was an eye-catching trait, and the powerful left-footer can put a lot of pressure on the opposition defence when in full flight. A name to remember for 2026 who will continue to develop as that tall midfielder.

Northern Knights 2.2 (14) def. by Gold Coast Suns Academy 7.7 (49)

Northern Knights:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The explosive half-back/wing did her best to try and break lines, though the Suns Academy were good at closing down space for the talented small. She was often under pressure in disposing of the ball, though her hard running did earn her a goal when sprinting forward to mark uncontested inside 50 and convert the major from straight in front. She is very good at gaining separation on her opponent and though not a big body, given the velocity she runs at compared to stationary opponents, can actually break through tackles more successfully than one would think. Execution still developing, but just an all-round exciting player.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 9 tackles, 1 hitout, 3 intside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

In a side minus its two Vic Metro hub midfielders in Olivia Gorman and Marlo Graham, Johnson clearly shone as a key player in all thirds of the ground. She started on the wing and then dropped back to help defend, even getting forward for a couple of opportunities. Her brilliant run-down tackle in the middle of the ground nearing half-time was a highlight and though Johnson is predominantly an outside player, she was not afraid to go to the stoppage and add an extra body there to win it. Given her size and athleticism, she is a problem for her opponents, and she was a standout for the Knights.

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 28 hitouts, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Used her experience to full advantage around the stoppages despite having a couple of opponents to deal with throughout the match. Hishongwa-Gibb positions herself well to be a target around the ground. She could further develop her marking as she missed out on a couple that will come with time and further development, and her sole grab being a uncontested chest mark late in the match. A left-footer, Hishongwa-Gibb has get follow-up work and did have a number of clearing kicks going forward.

SUNS Academy:

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Has been a consistent performer throughout the Coates Talent League program with the Carlton and St Kilda father-daughter again providing some run and carry from the inside. She played on-ball and though not a massive clearance extractor, Lappin is very slick with her hands and able to feed it out to teammates who can then break forward. A second possession winner given her outside strengths, Lappin did well to apply great defensive pressure in close. Her efficiency by foot was not as great due to the heavy inside role as one would expect.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 behinds

While it might be expected she would be the obvious full-time midfielder, Foat instead spent a lot of time outside the contest and played her role able to add defensive pressure inside 50. She laid nine tackles and had a few shots on goal that just missed or went across the face. Her strength to stand up in tackles and handball away was valuable and she has a neat sidestep that can wrong foot the opposition. Her short touches are neat, and Foat is just one of those players you know what you’re going to get each week.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

Welsh might have had more touches the week before, but this was arguably her most complete performance. She still had her standard three goals and a couple more attempts from wild angles or spots, but she pushed up the ground, provided an extra number when the ball was in dispute, and shrugged off a few players like they were ferns in a forest. Welsh can do too much at times and further work on lowering the eyes, but given her ability to dribble goals from just about anywhere or checkside off a step, she has a licence to go for anything within range. The sole National Academy member from the Suns in action with the other three all out injured or suspended.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Someone had to stand up in the absence of others and Southport’s Nurse showed recruiters that she is more than capable of an inside role. Possessing the explosive speed that usually lends itself to her bounding down a wing or bombing it long inside 50, Nurse used the same athleticism to breakaway from a stoppage and finish as the most dominant inside ball-winner. The fact the outside midfielder was able to put in a best on ground performance in a more permanent inside role would have been a huge tick for her draft chances. Her efficiency by foot was definitely affected by the role, but when you’re winning 12 hardball gets – almost double the next highest player on the ground – there’s leeway there.

Gippsland Power 12.13 (85) def. Calder Cannons 6.3 (39)

Gippsland Power:

#7 Brooke Kelly
Defender/Forward | 168cm | 07/08/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Took another step forward in her development on the weekend by kicking a couple of crucial third quarter goals and showing her upside for the Power. Her first touch was a nice kick into the middle following a fend-off at half-back, and while she did not win a lot of it while there, she was thrown forward in the second half, converting the two goals on the move including one straight out of a stoppage, and then had two more opportunities that she arguably should have nailed. Still, she was ultra dangerous close to goals and might be there more often based on that performance.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 inside 50s

Dillow never needs a lot of touches to have an influence, so 14 is more than enough for her to be among the better players on the ground. Inside or outside she uses it well, and applies consistent defensive pressure to te eopposition. Clean at ground level and quick to release by hand, Dillow always seems involved in transitional plays, and can compete with most players around the ball. Twelve of her 14 touches were contested and she still ran at a 71.4 per cent disposal efficiency.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A performance befitting of her ability, Stoddart stepped up to turn in her best effort of the year. The Vic Country Under 16s MVP and National Academy member is always going to find the ball and as a baseline be okay, but this performance showed shades of her best footy. Proactive at half-back, Stoddart intercepted and propelled the ball forward, not just blasting away unless she had to, and instead being able to put the ball into dangerous positions. She pushed up to a wing and pumped the ball inside 50 for scoring chances, with her kicking the most precise it has been throughout 2025.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 3 hitouts, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds

The skipper is one of those players who will always put in a four-quarter shift and her performance against the Cannons was no different. She seemed to find the ball in all thirds of the ground, and while her accumulation, contested ball-winning and quick hands were standout traits, Fitzpatrick showed some goal sense with a ripping goal from the pocket midway through the second term that sailed home.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 12 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 4 goals, 2 behinds

Hobson produced arguably the best 15 minutes of the year with four goals to her name and on track for double-digit majors. Should have had a fifth in the opening term but seemed to get a little too confident, marking 10m out on an angle and opting for the dribble which went the wrong side of the goal post. That miss did not put a damper on her performance, finishing with a massive 12 marks – including four contested – and working up the ground not just staying deep inside 50. A nice kick of the ball too, she is a real goalscoring threat for the Power.

Calder Cannons:

#1 Charli Calleia
Defender | 169cm | 28/10/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

The strong bottom-ager played a key role in the game out of defence, with a balance of offensive and defensive moments that stood out. She was often under immense pressure and had to clear the danger quickly. but when making the odd error, she would follow-up to try and win the ball back. Calleia produced a nice smother in the opening term and had some nice game sense to switch play when the opening was there.

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

Stats: 41 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 9 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 8 rebound 50s, 1 goal,  1 behind

If 41 disposals could be a standard performance for one player, it would arguably be Baker-West who is no stranger to stuffing the stats sheet. Still, it was a brilliant performance from the midfielder who worked tirelessly behind the ball to have an impact and cleared it from danger time and time again. Her contest to contest work, as well as her inside ball-winning capabilities were on show, with Baker-West also getting forward to have a few shots on goal. She missed an earlier on from 35m out but then nailed a snap during the third term, with her performance never wavering throughout the contest. It will be fascinating to see what role she plays at Vic Metro this year.

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

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

Started the game like a house on fire kicking two first quarter goals and tried to keep up with Hobson up the other end. McElligott can create separation on the lead thanks to her reading of the ball drop inside 50 and she is often first on the scene with some nice speed off the mark. No doubt she will rue a missed opportunity when fumbling in the goalsquare all alone after having a chance for a third goal, but it was a rare error in another solid performance up forward with some midfield time thrown in.

Oakleigh Chargers 7.9 (51) def. Brisbane Lions Academy 1.3 (9)

Oakleigh Chargers:

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

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

One of the most damaging players coming out of the back half, Thorn has the combination of speed and precision that allows her to run-and-gun down the field and quickly turn defence into offence. She was proactive, held a high line and when required applied great defensive pressure. She can often pad up some stats from kickouts in most games, but given the Lions only kicked the three behinds, that was not the case here. She found the ball in a variety of ways and put her body on the line when required.

#4 Zara Neuwirth
Key Defender | 183cm | 06/07/2007

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

Not often one to charter into double-digit disposals given her pure lockdown roles, Neuwirth arguably benefited from playing on an opponent with the work rate of Harlee McIlwain. The Lions Academy talent knows where to find the ball and with Neuwirth clearly doing a strong lockdown job on her, followed her everywhere and finished with 11 touches. She competed well one-on-one and is of course a great athlete for her size. Seeing a little more offensive flow from her is another tick ahead of the national championships where they may well meet again.

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

Stats: 36 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 10 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 behind

It was a huge performance from the top Victorian midfielder who was everywhere throughout the match and took control of the clearances to rack up double-digit extractions in what was a contest-heavy game. If being nitpicky her kicking let her down a touch with quick kicks forward, but Brisbane’s setup behind the ball meant quite often the extra numbers running hard defensively mopped up which affected her efficiency. Able to kick on both sides, Bown was still best on, able to create separation and free the ball from the contest.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Played a supporting role to Bown around the stoppages, getting her hands to it and breaking free by hand. Like Bown, her efficiency was affected by the type of game it was, though her ability to at least gain distance and put the ball to space for teammates to run onto was important. Still a bottom-ager who is readymade against older opponents and is a natural first-possession winner.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 3 goals, 3 behinds

Just the three goals for Martin in a game where her opponent Jade Brazier did the best job anyone has on her this season. But it showed the class of Martin to kick a couple in the last quarter once the game opened up to go with her opening goal of the game from a quick lead and set shot. Naturally she missed a few too as has been the case, but even with plenty of attention, found a way to impact the game which is the mark of a quality player.

#21 Amelie Gladman
Forward | 167cm | 16/06/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Benefited inside 50 from the attention to Martin to kick a clever goal in the second term then slot another one late in the match once it was a free-flowing match. Gladman finished with four scoring shots and was particularly crucial with her defensive pressure, adding to her forward craft and ability to not disrupt other leading patterns and knowing where to go in order to benefit the team.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 10 tackles, 1 clearance, 5 inside 50s

Phillips has been an exciting addition to the Chargers’ group this year, providing nice run and carry on the outside while also going forward and setting up potential scoring opportunities. Though picking out targets inside 50 was tricky, Phillips laid double-digit tackles and her defensive pressure was constant throughout the four quarters which allows her to be a dual threat.

Lions Academy:

#1 Ameleia Murray
Defender | 163cm | 13/09/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 7 rebound 50s

The Under 16s All-Australian is a genuine readymade player already so the fact she has two more years left to develop is very exciting. Murray understands the game well, gets into the right positions and is able to switch play calmly with wisdom beyond her years. Perhaps a great point of difference is her aerial competitiveness that sees her win one-on-one contests against bigger opponents.

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

Stats: 27 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

Had the ball on a string all game to finish 12 disposals clear of her next closest teammate. She is very quick with hand to foot or to dispose of the ball, and while not a hardball winner as such, she is so clean off the deck that given any time and space, she will scoop it up and quickly dispose of it. Ferguson’s work rate is also impressive and though her disposal under pressure resulted in a few mistakes, the bulk of her touches were in contested situations, so can take plenty of learnings from the match.

#20 Kaiya Hides
Midfielder/Wing | 166cm | 09/02/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

There is some extra hunger in the way Hides is playing this season after being overlooked last year, and though the tenacious utility did not rack up the touches compared to some others, she was still among the best players on the ground for her defensive intent and determination to break lines. If there was a stat for run-down tackles, then over the past fortnight Hides would be a great candidate to be leading it, with her explosive first few steps, along with her tackling technique a great feature of her game.

#32 Monique Corrigan
Ruck | 187cm | 06/04/2007

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 23 hitouts, 2 clearances, 1 rebound 50

Having returned for her first game in Lions colours this year, Corrigan won the ruck battle and showed glimpses of her talent throughout the match. While the game was heavily contested, Corrigan got in on the action at ground level, laying fierce tackles and following up well from the hitouts. She showed aggression across the field and while only taking the one mark, still presented to be involved in transitional plays.

Murray Bushrangers 3.10 (28) def. by Sandringham Dragons 11.10 (76)

By: Erin Piez

Murray Bushrangers:

#7 Carmela Perri
Midfielder | 168cm | 15/08/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Perri was a standout for Murray in every quarter, showcasing her versatility around the contest and her effectiveness both in defence and transition. She consistently impacted play with her intercepts and pressure acts, frequently delivering clean inside 50 entries. Her repeat efforts, particularly her defensive running and tackling, highlighted her work rate and game awareness. Perri capped off her performance with a classy goal from a well-timed run and receive in the final quarter.

#9 Eliza Roche
Forward | 165cm | 03/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

Roche was a dynamic presence up front and through the midfield. She consistently presented well, particularly on the lead, and was clean at ground level even under pressure. Her ability to follow up her disposals with forward pressure and secondary efforts stood out. While she had some unlucky misses in front of goal, her creativity and persistence kept Murray in attacking positions throughout the game. A great example of her play came in the second quarter when after a chaotic stoppage on the wing, she read the tap beautifully and pounced on the loose ball, shrugging a tackle before handballing to a teammate in space. She then sprinted forward to receive the one-two, burning her opponent on the outside. As she entered the forward 50, she steadied under pressure and delivered a lace-out pass to a leading teammate inside 30 metres. The sequence showcased her ability to win contested ball, link up play, and execute under pressure, all in one fluid, high-IQ passage.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 9 tackles, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Spiteri brought physicality and presence around the contest. Her contested work was excellent, consistently winning the ball under pressure and getting hands free to release teammates. Spiteri was tireless across all four quarters, applying tackles, presenting as an option up the ground, and delivery some key intercepts and clearances in defence. Her ability to link up through congestion and create territory was vital. In the second quarter, Spiteri gathered the ball cleanly off a contest at half-forward, shrugged a tackler, and delivered a precise inside 50 kick that set up a scoring opportunity, demonstrating her poise and decision making under pressure.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 11 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Bell was calm and composed across half-back and on the wing. Her intercept marking and decision-making under pressure were a key part of Murray’s ball movement. She often positioned herself perfectly to create an outlet and consistently delivered well-weighted kicks to teammates. Late in the third term, Bell intercepted a kick across half-back, broke away with speed, and hit a teammate on the lead with a pinpoint pass, showcasing her intercept ability and composure in transition. Her clearance work in the second half added another layer to her strong game.

#39 Skylah McPherson
Forward | 169cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 behinds

McPherson had a great game, particularly noted for her ability to win the ball at ground level and impact contests with intensity. Her pressure in packs, second efforts, and ability to link up with teammates through handball chains were elite. McPherson played a pivotal support role, often being the connecter between defence and attack. She continually ran in support, won tough balls, and used her vision to advantage.

Sandringham Dragons:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Watkins was influential throughout the game, providing clean ball use and smart decision making under pressure. Her ability to win ground balls, absorb tackles, and deliver to teammates made her a vital link in Sandringham’s forward movement. She consistently ran in support around the outside of contests, offering calm delivery and game sense to reset play or advance the ball effectively. In the opening quarter, Watkins gathered cleanly at ground level under pressure, weaved through traffic, and delivered a clever handball to set up a goal, demonstrating her composure and footy IQ.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Smith brought real energy and physicality to the contest. Her body work and ability to win the ball both in the air and on the ground were key features. She consistently created opportunities through strong tackles, clever positioning, and clean disposals, even under pressure. Smith showed her ability to push forward well in the third quarter, kicking a brilliant goal after breaking from a tackle.

#29 Isla Tucker
Defender | 168cm | 11/07/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

Tucker played a tough, disciplined game in Sandringham’s defence. Her tackling pressure was exceptional, consistently halting opposition momentum and forcing turnovers. She read the play well, registering several intercepts and repeat efforts in dangerous areas. In the third quarter, Tucker intercepted a kick across half-back, and quickly turned defence into attack with a precise kick through the corridor, showcasing her vision and decision-making under pressure. Her chase-down work and one-percenters were key to Sandringham’s defensive stability, especially in the opening and closing terms.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 behinds

Shipton was a steadying presence across the ground. She cleaned up loose balls and was often first to react under pressure. Her calmness under fire and ability to find teammates with clearing kicks was valuable, especially early in the game. Shipton positioned herself well and provided constant outlets coming out of the back half. This was especially on display in the second quarter when she took a clean mark just outside defensive 50, steadied, and hit a difficult kick through a tight area to open up the play. The decision shifted momentum and led to a scoring opportunity.

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

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

Williams had an impactful performance, particularly in the early stages where her work rate and composure under pressure stood out. She showed good evasive ability and made smart decisions with ball in hand, often receiving in support and helping advance the ball under tight conditions. In a forward 50 contest during the third quarter, Williams competed strongly in the air before following up at ground level to pressure the rebound. Her second efforts and ability to stay in the contest exemplified her work rate and impact without needing to dominate the stat sheet.

#59 Maya Duane
Key Forward | 180cm | 16/03/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Duane delivered a standout performance against Murray, showcasing bursts of speed, powerful contested work, and clean disposals. Her ability to win the ball in traffic, burst away from opponents, and launch attacks was a game-changer. She consistently broke through at stoppages and laid several impactful tackles that disrupted Murray’s momentum. One of her best moments came when she pushed forward, took a very strong contested mark, and converted a composed set shot. She capped off her shining display with a second goal after the siren, a clutch finish that underlines her ability to step up in key moments.