AFTER a couple of rounds minus the State Academy representatives, each of the eight SANFLW sides regained their talented youngsters for the last round of action. While only four teams will proceed through to the post-season, those in the bottom four sides got one last chance to strut their stuff at state league level.

>> ROUND 14: Match of the Round | Recap

SOUTH ADELAIDE:

#8 Hope Taylor (Forward)

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Taylor provided a spark in the front half of the ground with a couple of chances under pressure that missed, but otherwise looked threatening. She laid a great tackle on Annie Falkenberg to win a holding the ball free in the first term, and then arched the back in quarter two to burst away and set up a goal to Shae Archbold.

#20 Layla Vizgaudis (Midfielder/Forward)

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Started up forward and rotated through the middle at times, finding plenty of the ball along the way. She is a dangerous user with ball in hand, and her lightning touch – which often sees her dispose of it in an instant – was on show. Vizgaudis moves through traffic well and was one of the better Panthers on the day.

#25 Emma Charlton (Midfielder/Forward)

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 9 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Was huge around the centre clearances, winning a couple of big ones in the first term and showing clean hands across the four quarters. Working contest to contest, Charlton covered the ground well and won the ball in each third of the ground, extracting it from the inside to the outside, and when required, locked the ball up to force a secondary stoppage. Clean hands and a nice centre of gravity to evade would-be tacklers.

#56 Lily Baxter (Wing/Forward)

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 behind

Had some smart touches up and down the wing in inside 50, looming as that nice transitional player between the arcs. Set up a goal late to Emily Brockhurst with a nice dish off, and earlier in the match had a shot on goal herself running in on a tight angle that just missed. Covered the ground well and was able to get her hands free when under pressure.

WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS:

#4 Julia Faulkner (Midfielder)

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Has been one of the more in-form South Australians between the national championships and now SANFLW the past few weeks. Her hands in close and ability to read the ball off the ruck tap is really something, and she is strong on the inside where she can dispose of the ball while being tackled with a great release. Bobs up all over the field with her running patterns great and she gives as good as she gets too. One of the best returning South Australian representatives in Round 14.

#15 Lucy Moore (Midfielder)

Stats: 20 disposals, 9 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Worked in tandem with Faulkner well through the midfield, providing her typical elite defensive pressure while also having that deadly sidestep and quick burst that can get her out of trouble. Moore set up Brianna Walling with nice hands in the second term and though she did have a brain fade with a brilliant centre clearance but going the wrong way in the third term, otherwise had a really strong inside game.

#22 Imogen Trengove (Defender/Midfielder)

Stats: 16 disposals, 12 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 rebound 50s

Spent more time off half-back before moving back into the middle, providing run and burst wherever she went. Her ability to evade would-be tacklers was very good, and though at times her disposal was rushed, she always worked to win it back for her side and apply immense defensive pressure. The South Australian skipper was solid and kept battling for four quarters to help her team get over the line.

#36 Ruby Lynch(Forward/Ruck)

Stats: 7 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 rebound 50

Back at SANFLW after earning the call-up to the state team for game two following her outstanding Round 12 effort, Lynch had limited chances inside 50. She rotated into the ruck to pinch-hit for Leah Cutting, and while not able to win too many hitouts, follows up well at ground level and kept presenting up forward.

CENTRAL DISTRICT:

#3 Miyu Endersby (Ruck/Forward)

Stats: 10 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 13 hitouts, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

The versatile utility was predominantly stationed in the front half of the ground, rotating between ruck and forward where in the former she broke even with Alexander, and then found her fair share of the ball on the outside as well. Endersby set up a goal to Jovaka Zecevic with a nice disposal, then loomed likely in the second half of the ground teaming up with Katelyn Rosenzweig. While not abke to put one through the big sticks herself, had a very close effort that only just missed to the right.

#12 Sophie Eaton (Forward)

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Arguably her most damaging game in some time, Eaton was in full flight across the ground and it showed on the scoreboard. When able to get the ball in her hands in space, the opposition are in all sorts of trouble with her elite skills and decision making coming into play. At times she has struggled for consistency in her production, but on the weekend she worked into space well, pushed up from half-forward and set up numerous scoring plays. Eaton was then rewarded with a goal late when she was clean at ground level and deservedly finished with class. One of the best across the weekend.

#31 Tara Lord (Defender)

Stats: 9 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

Played in defence on Hazelhurst to start with, then rotated around onto different opponents behind the ball. She worked up the ground at times but largely stayed behind the ball where she could mop up or impact the game with clean kicking skills. While at one stage she ran herself into trouble running past to help Madison Lane who had just cramped, Lord generally made good decisions and played her role having spent time in all thirds of the ground this year.

NORWOOD:

#14 Kate Alexander (Ruck/Forward)

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks (2 contested), 3 tackles, 15 hitouts, 1 clearance, 2 goals

Had the perfect end to her SANFLW bottom-age season in the last quarter by going to full-forward, clunking two contested marks and converting two goals to make it a handy day out. Prior to that she did well across the ground through the ruck and showed some clean taps breaking even with the athletic Endersby.

#39 Charli Hazelhurst (Tall Forward/Defender)

Stats: 6 disposals, 4 tackles

Started off in attack and with limited chances and Central District on top was switched into defence, though found herself on Tesharna Maher at one stage who was too nimble at ground level and kicked a nice goal. Still, Hazelhurst showed her versatility and was solid in her return from injury where she even had an early chance on goal which went across the face. Has some of the best versatility in the draft.

#54 Lottie Almond (Defender)

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Did her best in defence to provide some run and carry behind the ball and match up gamely on Rosenzweig early – when Georgie Jaques was out of the picture – who was too big and strong one-on-one. Largely she looked to take on other athletic types and she found her fair share of the ball. Has a strong defensive focus and generally managed to use it well, taking a few nice marks behind the ball and beginning the attacking transition.

#56 Lani Cocks (Midfielder)

Stats: 22 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Cocks is a name to remember for a couple of year’s time with the South Australian Under 16s MVP having a huge fortnight for the Redlegs. She draws comparisons to Shineah Goody in the way she moves and makes decisions, and already looks like one of the best players out there at 15 years of age. Had 22 touches that felt like 35 and she kicks goals with a high degree of difficulty for fun each week, slotting another with a classy finish. A special talent in the making.

Note: Charlee Brooksby also took the field but was unfortunately injured early with a calf injury.

NORTH ADELAIDE:

#5 Polly Turner (Tall Utility)

Stats: 8 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 4 hitouts, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

After playing defence the last few weeks across team and state, Turned found herself back in attack for the Roosters to start the game. She had an early chance that was right on target before being touched on the line, but her presenting on the lead was very good. With Sturt completely on top and North struggling to contain the Double Blues, Turner was thrown forward and then remarkably started on-ball alongside fellow tall back Jamie Parish in a true ‘throw the magnets around’ style. Strong overhead and at ground level.

#11 Lucy Reddaway (Forward)

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s

Lacked opportunities in the forward half but still buzzed around and tried to present and add a little bit of X-factor. She can push up the ground and impact around the stoppages, but is largely used to run up and down from half-forward and did just that, though with limited chances.

#35 Caitlin Hardin (Midfielder)

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 rebound 50

Looked lively around the ball and took on a multitude of quality opponents in Bessen and Isobel Kuiper and while matched up on them, certainly held her own. The Under 16s talent reads the ball off hands so well, and knows when to spread to the outside which helps her get into ball-winning positions. A great technical tackler and also able to get her hands free when tackled, she covered the ground exceptionally well and had an impact on the game as one of the best Roosters with Parish.

#54 Maya Fuller (Wing)

Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s

Not a great deal of chances for the youngster who is building her fledgling League career in her debut season. She took some clean marks and showed skilful technique by foot playing the high retention gamestyle. Spent time opposed to Smart, and both covered plenty of ground on the outside.

#60 Isabella Beaumont (Defender)

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

Yet another double bottom-ager, the All-Australian defender had a game you would hope from a lockdown type with minimal touches and a whole heap of tackles. She was often under pressure with little room to move, but allowed Parish to play up the ground and hold down a key role back there. Still developing her body against senior opponents but is a nice size at 179cm.

STURT:

#7 Lily Whiteman (Forward)

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

Always working hard from inside 50 to half-forward, Whiteman got just rewards with a late goal through some clever forward craft. A deep kick to the goalsquare came off hands and she spun to create her own space and get onto that trusty left to slam home a brilliant goal for some icing on the cake. Otherwise, Whiteman applied pressure and was clean at ground level.

#16 Monique Bessen (Midfielder/Forward)

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

A strangely quiet game from the usually high-production Bessen who rotated between midfield and attack. Her running capacity was still there, but was tightly guarded each time the ball went near her, often wrapped up immediately or unable to find space to inflict her damage. Bessen has been so good this year, and others stepped up in her pace so can chalk this one up to just being unlucky. Still worked hard and covered the corridor well.

#17 Sophie Thredgold (Defender/Midfielder)

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

Minus the bright boots, Thredgold played a similar role as she has been throughout the season, predominantly in defence then rotating into the middle. She applied strong pressure even if not rewarded with tackles, and was clean in the air or at ground level. Kept battling away all game and even found herself up forward for a rare set shot just before the half-time siren, but it pushed to the right for a behind.

#26 Lily Smart (Wing)

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50

It was seemingly not the day for wings with the bulk of the game played around the clinches or in the corridor. Still, Smart ran as hard as she always did, just with limited personal gain. She was unluckily pinged for running too far at one stage when it looked like she might kick Goal of the Year from the wing, but otherwise used the ball well and was fierce with her defensive pressure at ground level.

WEST ADELAIDE:

#3 Lucy Waye (Forward)

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 7 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 1 behind

Looked busy in the first three quarters and had a few chances on goal – including one that hit the post from a quick snap after bouncing off a defender – which did not quite register the full six points. Her ground coverage was unsurprisingly strong and defensive pressure on point again. Unfortunately she ended the day with her knee iced up, and though proppy was still able to walk on her own volition at the final siren.

#4 Emily Mableson (Defender)

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

Mableson has been consistent all year and had another reliable performance out of the back half where she battled well and cleared the ball from congestion. She is a facilitator who can turn defence into offence and moves well in transition. For her final SANFLW game of her bottom-age season, Mableson got up the ground at times and put the ball forward, and was one of the better Bloods once more.

#14 Chloe Tonkin (Key Forward)

Stats: 2 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 9 hitouts, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50

Largely played deep inside 50 with a chop out in the ruck when forward, which limited her amount of touches. She did take a great mark early which set the wheels in motion for Deed’s first goal and had a couple of ‘almost chances’ but was often up against multiple opponents well aware of her aerial threat.

#52 Sarah Deed (Forward/Midfield)

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

Got on the end of one from Nicole Hooper early in the match to waltz into goal, then returned the favour by setting up her retiring teammate for a major of her own. Deed would finish with two goals for the game, with a nice finish on the run in the third term, also gaining some midfield exposure to cap off the end of her double bottom-age season. A lively performance from the 16-year-old.

GLENELG:

#6 Georgie Fielder (Midfielder)

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

Worked well between the arcs in winning the ball and getting it into goal-scoring positions, setting up O’Sullivan with her first major at close range. She did not win as many clearances given the strength and experience of both her teammates and opposition around the coalface, but still found her fair share of the ball and played a key role. Is building nicely for her top-age season next year and given the retirements of Jess Bates and Sam Franson, will be a crucial midfielder next season.

#9 Eloise Mackereth (Forward)

Stats: 5 disposals, 1 mark (1 contested), 1 inside 50

Was starved of a lot of opportunities at times given there were not a lot of easy kicks to leading targets with the pressure up the ground, but Mackereth did take a strong contested mark on the lead with a rare chance. Her subsequent long-range shot just fell short, but she moved well around the forward 50 and just outside.

#33 Tessa Davis (Defender)

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

Important in the back 50, Davis cleared plenty of forward forays from the opposition and took some of the kickouts as well. She looked to go long down the line, but did opt for the corridor on occasion and was not afraid to switch play as she so often does. Though her final SANFLW game, Davis certainly had a debut season to remember and will look to finish off the national championships strongly.

#48 Charlotte O’Sullivan (Forward)

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

Like Mackereth had limited chances up forward, but pounced on a couple of opportunities, marking 15m out and converting the goal. Her celebrations always provide a little bit of energy to the Bays, and while her first was good, her second – with a brilliant snap from the pocket – looked like she might run a lap of the field after kicking it. An energetic young gun who still has two more SANFLW seasons to go before her AFLW Draft.