A FULL round of Coates Talent League Girls action took place before the league-wide bye with plenty of impressive individual performances, especially from Vic Country listed players. There was even the first triple bottom-ager who made a debut, while some younger metropolitan regions talents made their mark. All notes are the opinion of the individual author with a focus on either Victorian trialists of non draft-eligible prospects.

>> ROUND 14: Round wrap | Team of the Week | Player of the Week

Geelong Falcons:

#8 Chloe Bryant
Midfielder/Defender | 165cm | 12/09/2006

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

The over-ager welcomed Tyrrell and Huxtable returning to the side by having more flexibility to mop up behind the ball, while still rotating in to the stoppages at times. Mostly she got to play that outside role where she could create off half-back and set up her team from there. Her composure and smarts allowed her to position herself in ball-winning spots, and thwart Oakleigh attacks as well.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 11 tackles, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

The skipper returned to the Falcons side and produced another strong performance in close, working in tandem with Huxtable to get on top out of the middle. She was under immense pressure most of the time, but with any time or space has a lovely kick, and makes good decisions with ball in hand. Always gives 100 per cent and is one of the most consistent defensive players going around.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

Looming as an exciting player next year, McKeegan is an athletic tall forward who can crash packs or play the role of crumber with her mobility and athleticism. She had several opportunities in and around the 50, and while not able to hit the scoreboard more than a behind, still looked dangerous. McKeegan can play in that high half-forward role thanks to her work rate, and has an aerial presence, and the willingness to pressure at groundlevel too.

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

Stats: 35 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 13 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A huge game from the accumulating inside midfielder who did not have the same minutes up forward as she often has this season. Instead, she racked up crazy clearance numbers and was the main perpetrator for the Falcons in surging the ball from the inside to the outside. Her efficiency is hit and miss, but the sheer volume of contested ball she wins is amazing so Huxtable is always under pressure. Best on ground.

Oakleigh Chargers:

#5 Isabelle Godfrey
Wing | 162cm | 11/08/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Stepped up in the absence of key teammates to run all day and provide some key transition between the arcs. Godfrey always has strong positioning on the outside, but with so many prolific inside ball-winners, the Oakleigh wingers do not win a stack of the ball. However on the open spaces, Godfrey thrived, and her movement through traffic or when given any space, was very impressive. Her final execution could improve, but has the athletic traits to work with going forward.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 17 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s

A fierce performance on the inside, Mazzei is one of those underrated bottom-agers who has pieced together a nice season. She lays a stack of tackles and possesses clean hands on the inside, coupled with nice stoppage craft. Still rounding out the rest of her game, she knows how to find the football and certainly did so in the tight loss, while laying a remarkable 17 tackles.

#50 Cleo Barbakas
Ruck | 182cm | 07/01/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 20 hitouts, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Has thrived coming into the Oakleigh program out of the Under 16s and held her spot throughout the season. Barbakas stepped up to essentially sole ruck with Jessica Owen representing Allies, and the double bottom-ager was able to have a great battle with fellow 2009-born Ella Condon. Barbakas has the athleticism and follow-up work to be an exciting prospect of the future, slotting a late set shot goal to draw within two points just before the final siren.

Northern Knights:

#10 Katelyn Busuttil
Defender/Midfielder | 164cm | 15/02/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Busuttil got the opportunity to step out in a new role from defence with younger players getting their midfield chances. Though the hard-running usual onballer did get to rotate into the middle in the second half, she did her best work from defence, where she positioned herself well, intercepted on many occasions, and drove the ball out of the back 50. Quite possibly a genuine second position that she can gain valuable minutes in this season.

#12 Deena Gerges
Midfielder | 173cm | 21/06/2010

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Incredible to think that 2010-born prospects are entering the Coates Talent League, with Gerges still eligible for the Under 16s side next year. She looms as a prospect too good for that level, holding her own against quality opponents at Under 18s level. She has a nice burst and kicking technique, worked hard defensively and showed stoppage nous, which are all promising traits. A debut to remember for the triple bottom-ager.

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 13 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 behind

One of the Knights’ massive tackle machines, Allen spent a lot of time on-ball and rotated into attack where she always provides 100 per cent effort. She reads the play well and loves to take the game on, not afraid to apply a ‘don’t argue’ to an opponent or intercept by hand and dish off quickly to a teammate. Worked well around the ball and is a good size for a midfielder.

#31 Grace Farah
Midfielder | 155cm | 13/04/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 17 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

A tenacious pocket rocket with nice talent, the 155cm bottom-ager can get pushed off it at times, but as the 17 tackles suggest, she gives as good as she gets. A smart player with clean hands and reads it fantastically at stoppages where she can clear the ball quickly. A promising player for next year, who will likely spend time as a pressure forward too, though like so many Knights, just knows how to operate around a stoppage.

Eastern Ranges:

#17 Lara Williams
Defender | 169cm | 29/08/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 12 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another player operating in a different role, Williams played a high half-back role where her work rate up the ground and footy smarts were able to influence the game in transition. Normally a forward who has spent time off a wing, Williams mopped up behind the ball, usually on the defensive side of the middle, or even up on the wing. Her pressure was sky-high and usually a lovely kick, though did have a lot more touches in congested situations.

#34 Mathilde Wilkinson
Forward | 164cm | 17/05/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds

The most damaging forward on the ground, Wilkinson was lively throughout and looked like scoring each time she went near it. Wilkinson kicked her first late in the opening quarter from a set shot, then nailed two more thanks to using her burst speed and finishing with class. She has an array of exciting traits and producing more games like the on the weekend certainly has people taking note of what she is capable of.

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

Stats: 33 disposals, 1 mark, 12 tackles, 10 clearances, 7 inside 50s

It was almost inevitable that Anderson was going to have a big game returning from Vic Metro, and she clearly looked like the star on the ground. Her clearance work both with and without the ball really stood out, and she was able to get control on the inside and make her teammates better around her. Clean at ground level and tightly guarded at the coalface, Anderson racked up the ball with ease en route to a best on ground performance.

#38 April Dye
Ruck/Forward | 178cm | 25/04/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 32 hitouts, 1 clearance, 1 behind

The young ruck showed some promising signs in the match, with a great leap and decisive tap work. She also rotated forward where she presented well, and while still being able to further improve that aerial presence, gets to the right spots and can win the ball below her knees as well which is great for a player of her size.

Bendigo Pioneers:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

A real utility type of player who can fill out just about any role on the field. She is a clever left-footer who reads the play exceptionally well and gets into the right spots be it on the inside or outside. When rotated on-ball, Garlick read the play well and was mostly used at ground level with clean hands and the smarts to pick the right exit. Her run-down tackle on Carmela Perri in defence was superb, and though her attempted specky in the first term was poorly mistimed, for the most part she was quite impressive.

#2 Olivia Lacy
Midfielder/Defender | 169cm | 15/06/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 rebound 50s

Getting valuable minutes into a dual midfield-defensive role after an injury-stricken year last year and interrupted season thus far in 2025. Naturally talented, Lacy thrives on the contested ball, can play a role defensively and still win her own ball when doing so. She took a shot on goal at one stage but it unfortunately bounced up on the line and was cleared by the Bushrangers defence. Not afraid to scrap at ground level as well, though was nudged out of an aerial contest by McPherson at one point which is an area of improvement for the talented top-ager.

#9 Beth Morris
Midfielder | 167cm | 04/09/2008

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

Was largely the constant in midfield, and while not registering a lot of clearances, was often the first possession winner with the lightning handball to a teammate to clear. Morris notched up a team-high six hardball gets, but still did well to flick the ball around by hand and find the right options in space, acting as a predominant handballer. She can compete in the air, and is so strong in the clinches, getting her hands free when tackled to dispose of the ball well.

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

Stats: 35 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 8 rebound 50s

Brought her own ball to the game and spent most of her time rebounding out of the back half before getting some midfield minutes later in the match. She reads the play well, positions herself to intercept, and does the bulk of the mopping up. Boulton looks to change angles or switch play, and even when copping a huge front-on bump, recovered well to play out the match strongly. Was often seen clearing from defence and the score would have been far more one-sided without her back there.

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

Stats: 25 disposals, 8 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s

A classy user who has the natural ability to find the ball in all manner of ways, and do it in each third of the ground. While she has played on the outside in the past, her role for the match was on the inside where she cracked in and extracted it consistently. Nihill still worked into space when on the move and was able to move through traffic effectively. Her reading of the play in the air stood out, and while her one set shot on goal was a shank, Nihill did not do too much wrong in the loss.

Murray Bushrangers:

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

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

While other teammates had bigger numbers, it was easy to see why Dodd was voted best-on by her coaches. Aside from the non-negotiables she brings each week in the form of her defensive pressure and competitiveness, Dodd was able to intercept time and time again and use the ball cleanly out of the back half. Add that to her burst through traffic and down the ground when in midfield, and she had a really complete all-round game. Dodd set up others for scoring opportunities including her double bottom-age teammates in the first half. Kicked a well-deserved goal off a burst forward seven minutes into the second term too.

#5 Molly McLaren
Forward/Midfielder | 163cm | 13/12/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

One of her better games for the year stationed in attack instead of defence, and it suits a lot of her traits. She still got her midfield minutes where she thrives with some clean hands and great pressure, but she guides teammates with her voice and does all the team elements well. Her hands are her standout attribute, and though she only registered one tackle, applies copious amounts of pressure which worry the opposition into rushing.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50

Found plenty of the ball and used it effectively, often flicking it back and forth between teammates to keep it always moving. She was a little hit or miss by foot, but it was her right side that posed a couple of out on the fulls, while her left as well-weighted more often than not. That ability to use both sides is a positive, though her lightning hands really caught the eye, and she loves a good give-and-go, quickly racking up the touches with ease.

#14 Ellie Hall
Tall Utility | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Stats: 37 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 7 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another massive game from the high production player who keeps finding the ball wherever she goes. Predominantly in midfield but also helped out in defence, Hall drifts forward to be another marking target where she can at least bring the ball to ground even if she does not pull it in. Her speed is the main question mark on her game and she does get tackled a lot, so it forces her to make decisions quickly, and usually with any time or space she can be damaging by hand or foot. Gives as good as she gets with her tackling pressure as well.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 10 tackles, 2 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Has found her grove in that high half-forward role with some midfield minutes as her defensive pressure adds a different element to the front half of the ground. She has the footy smarts to find the ball and love the way she releases it by hand or steps through traffic. If she can tidy up her kicking – particularly under pressure – then it will take her game to another level. Has a lot of desirable traits in her game.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds

Building a fine CV at bottom-age level, McPherson added another three goals to her season tally, making it three consecutive weeks with multiple majors after not scoring in her first seven weeks and starting with 0.7. That hoodoo is certainly broken now with 8.3 the past three rounds and looks a lively type in attack. That final composure is still an area to improve on, but has that touch of X-factor when she can swing onto the left boot and play on instinct. All of her goals were from in-play actions rather than set shots.

#48 Charlie Gibson
Forward | 171cm | 14/05/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 goals

Had an impressive game in front of the big sticks, kicking two nice goals, including one from a long-range set shot like it was a regulation kick from the goalsquare. Her other major was a clean take off a tumbling ball forward where she slammed it home from close range midway in the second term. Reads the play well and has clean hands, will gain more midfield minutes a bottom-ager next season.

#49 Evie Henley
Forward | 171cm | 13/07/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Another Under 16s jet who has a big future ahead of her. Henley’s sole goal was a set shot from an incredibly tight angle that she made look easy, and finished the game with a really solid performance. Incredibly bounced back up after getting poleaxed in the final term, and was clean with ball in hand to be effective with her disposals despite winning most under pressure.

Dandenong Stingrays:

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 1 behind

Backed up her return game from injury with another big performance, converting two goals and looking dangerous in the front half. Still had a few sprayed kicks her or there, but is part of the forward persona where she tackles hard and throws herself at everything. As strong overhead and smart around goals as any other player, she took second ruck duties inside 50, and though well undersized for that, always competes no matter what. Her two goals came from set shots in the first half to get her team up and about.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Acted as the marshall in defence, Brothwell organises the back six and helps to intercept and mop up, then run from the defensive half to set up attacking plays. She spent some time on-ball, though often more in the high half-back position where she can read the play and adjust accordingly. In a big win defenders often dod not find much of the ball, though Brothwell plays with a proactive nature and switches to a more aggressive or offensive style when called upon to do so.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

A genuine midfielder-forward 50/50 option or just pure at both, Snow impacts in both roles which makes her a valuable player. Starting on-ball in the first three quarters she found her fair share of it, before going forward and slotting two goals and setting up another to Cunnington in the final term. Impacts by foot in the front half more so than midfield, but can win her fair share of centre clearances on her day as well.

#10 Matilda Argus
Midfielder | 166cm | 08/01/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Loves to run and carry, Argus played midfield but naturally gravitates behind the ball where she can suit up as an aggressive half-back. Her defensive pressure was on point once more, and she laid a goal-saving tackle in the third term which despite it clearly not impacting the result either way, showed her ability to zone in for a full four quarters. Kicked a goal of her own from a tight angle which she enjoyed immensely.

#11 Scarlett Marsh
Defender/Midfielder | 162cm | 03/04/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Have said throughout the season that Marsh is right up there with the best natural ball users by foot in the competition and she showed it once again. Her ability to weight the ball over all distances and make good decisions really stands out. Despite moving into the middle under more pressure, Marsh still used it effectively, winning a couple of big centre clearances. She then nailed one of the better goals you’ll see, leaning back from 45m and nailing it to perfection.

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

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

Surprisingly found the first few of her touches in defence where the midfielder/forward was mopping up on the last line. She gained some great exposure there before moving forward and kicking a causal three goals in the last three quarters. Her first came from an intercept inside 50, then the next two from a set shot and then snap. The latter was particularly impressive as she thought she had a mark but was called play-on so had to quickly snap and still finished off well.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Black is progressing as an eye-catching medium forward who plays taller than her 164cm height. She reads the ball in flight and leads into the right areas to mark, and usually finishes off her work as well. She missed a couple of set shots but one was on a tight angle, and the match was more about her forward craft and ability to position herself to lead into the open spaces for her teammates up the field.

Sandringham Dragons:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 rebounds

It was a tough day out for the Dragons, though McIntyre never stopped running and off a wing she naturally rolled back to aide her teammates behind the ball. She quite often cleared from defence or received the kick out of the back 50 where she took five marks for the game in a match where the Dragons struggled to get too many flowing offensive chains. She is still working on her kicking, but has great speed and runs hard.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

Stood out around the ball and did her all with some strong bodywork and clearance ability. In a side that only won 15 clearances for the game, Shipton won four of them and kept battling on. While naturally a forward in her second position, the bottom-ager found herself helping out behind the ball and using clean hands through traffic to try and clear the danger zone.

#59 Maya Duane
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 16/03/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The double bottom-ager still played a midfield-forward role, though the latter was largely stationed in defence where Duane used her booming kick to clear the area. She is developing her game still, but the talented Under 16s All-Australian managed to have an impact despite the match clearly being in the favour of the Stingrays.

Gippsland Power:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 9 rebound 50s

It has been a big fortnight in particular for Stoddart, who backed up season-high numbers with another best on ground performance in a loss. Few could argue the defeat would have been larger without her in the back 50, and she has found her form from past years and is having more complete performances week-in, week-out. Reading the ball well in flight, she is intercepting and riving it down the field, often involved in one-twos or just clearing it with a tough breeze involved at Shepley Oval. Had a few pings at the goal in the third term that did not quite work out, but was playing with an aggressive style which she does at her best.

#22 Acacia Sutton
Forward | 165cm | 20/06/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 3 goals

Bobbed up to share the scoreboard damage with Hobson by kicking a couple of crucial goals in the third term to provide the Power with some breathing space. Her set shot four minutes into the premiership term was a relieving one since Gippsland had not scored since the first quarter, and she timed her shot with the breeze perfectly. Made the most of her chances when they came.

#24 Baia Pugh
Forward/Midfielder | 169cm | 28/03/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 12 tackles, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Cracked in for the full four quarters and her defensive pressure in particular stood out for the Power. She was effective around the stoppages and worked back when in midfield to help out the defence, while also pushing forward to be a target outside 50. Clean on the deck and ferocious without the ball, Pugh was one of the better Power players across the four quarters.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 1 hitout, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 3 goals

Not for the first time Hobson looked like breaking all sorts of records early with three goals in the first term and causing massive headaches for the Rebels. Aided by a strong breeze in that quarter, the contested marking forward made the most of it and got on top of her various opponents including Skewes-Clinton. When against the breeze, Hobson worked up the ground to be a marking target just outside defensive 50, and she also does the team things such as providing a block after a quick dish off by hand to a teammate.

GWV Rebels:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 3 goals, 3 behinds

Donning the long sleeves, for the first time Johnstone didn’t actually attend a centre bounce which was looking like a massive risk when Gippsland piled on the first four goals of the game. However the contested marking prospect also caused headaches when inside 50 with the Power not really having a matchup for her in the air, or that could outmuscle her at ground level. Her brilliant second term goal that included a fend-off then step back before slamming one home was great, and it was fitting that she kicked the last goal of the game with a huge mark over the head of her direct opponent at the top of the goalsquare.

#8 Scarlett O’Donnell
Forward/Midfielder I 171cm I 03/11/2006

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

Named best-on by the coaches, O’Donnell provides plenty of speed down the ground and looks to take hte game on at every opportunity. Her balance of offensive and defensive traits are great, and she earned an incredible six free kicks for getting to the ball first and being infringed. A lot of her disposals were headed deep inside 50, with one flying shot on goal missing to the right. Generally put the ball inside 50 which kept the pressure on the Gippsland defence.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Played three quarters in defence, then when her side was a few goals down and had the breeze, moved forward to try and get her side the win. It worked, with Skewes-Clinton kicking a tripping goal thanks to a snap around her body and she duly celebrated to cut the deficit back to one point. Took the kickouts early in the game, and though the wind was a problem, kept battling on in challenging conditions.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 hitout, 8 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 3 behinds

While not able to put a shot through the big sticks – hitting the post twice among three behinds – Shortal was a big influence in the middle and used her speed and left boot to full advantage. She has great athletic traits and looms as the one to watch for next year from the Rebels. Standing at 175cm, Shortal has size to her advantage and has spent time behind the ball too. Knows how to win the ball from the source and explode away which is importnat.

Tasmania Devils:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 2 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s

Given the outs for the Devils, Read was called upon to start on-ball, though essentially played in defence after that. She does her best work reading the ball in flight and has seamlessly adapted to life as a defender after starring as a forward in her bottom-age campaign. She took a number of strong intercept marks and showed great defensive intent with a couple of holding the ball free kicks as well.

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

Stats: 29 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 10 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Huge game for Lange who took the reins as number one midfielder in the absence of her three Allies teammates. The double bottom-ager was enormous around the clearances and gave a glimpse into life at the Devils stoppages the next two seasons as she notched up 10 clearances from her 29 disposals. If her work around the ball wasn’t enough, then her classy finish on goal from 45m was sublime. A star in the making.

Western Jets:

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

Stats: 22 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 8 clearances, 3 inside 50s

Not her most effective game, but West still impacted both by hand and with her defensive pressure at the coalface. Being able to tuck the ball under the arm and kick inside 50 after taking plenty of grass is when she does her best work, and while 18 of her 22 disposals were handballs, she was able to extract the ball by hand on a number of occasions to appropriate options on the outside. Similarly, she cracked in and produced some big tackles.

#5 Tayla Olivieri
Midfielder | 159cm | 14/02/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 11 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Has run into a rich vein of form the past month or so and is really standing up in that midfield role. Her defensive pressure is elite, and she has natural ball-winning capabilities both around the stoppage and in transition. Her second and third efforts are another non-negotiable for Olivieri, and while her polish can further improve, she does a lot right and has that goal sense about her as well, converting from a clever snap late in the first term.

#26 Piper Dixon
Forward | 159cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 35 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 7 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

An incredible performance from Dixon who was our Player of the Week for Round 14. She had only amassed 34 disposals in her first four games this season, then racked up 35 despite playing forward. Dixon essentially started outside the centre stoppages – at half-forward – then immediately sprinted up to add an extra number which is how she earned her clearances. A real all-round performance, though Dixon missed a couple of shots on goal, had that classy finish early and kept accumulating the ball with ease indicating a role she can continue producing for the rest of the season.