GIPPSLAND Power had its best season in some time by reaching the finals series and having a mid-season winning streak that put them in a great position at year’s end. Ultimately they fell short with a loss to Murray in the quarter finals, but still set themselves up well for the future.

SEASON 2025

SNAPSHOT

Played: 14
Won: 9
Lost: 5

BEST PERFORMANCE

Round 13: def. Eastern Ranges by 20 points

A full-strength Power outfit came away with the four points against an Eastern Ranges outfit missing a host of top-end talents due to Vic Metro duties. While it did not quite constitute an upset, it was still a huge performance from Ella Stoddart (31 disposals, five marks and nine rebound 50s) and Abby Hobson (18 disposals, seven marks and two goals), with Stoddart’s performance being the massive turning point in her season.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE

Abby Hobson (Pakenham)
Tall Forward | 174cm | 11/09/2007

Stats [13 games]: 16.9 disposals, 6.2 marks, 2.8 tackles, 2.8 inside 50s, 20 goals

Arguably the best mark in the competition – and one of the best in the draft crop – Hobson provides a target inside 50 and converts a lot of goals with an accurate 20.8 on the season. Usually a fast-starter, the Pakenham prospect has spent time further afield as well, and though not a key position size, competes like a player taller, and will always provided a contest.

Ella Stoddart (Traralgon)
Tall Defender | 174cm | 30/01/2007

Stats [13 games]: 18.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 2.6 tackles, 1.2 clearances, 1.8 inside 50s, 4.7 rebound 50s, 4 goals

After a slower start to the season by her lofty standards, Stoddart finished the year like a house on fire, with multiple best on ground performances, and a host of influential appearances. At times the rebounding defender spent time forward and added a different look to the Power, though her best work was done behind the ball as per usual. A 50-metre bomb in last weekend’s quarter final was electric.

STATE DRAFT COMBINE

Maya Crestani (Pakenham)
Ruck | 184cm | 02/08/2007

Stats [15 games]: 5.5 disposals, 0.5 marks, 24.7 hitouts, 2.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances, 1.1 inside 50s

A developing ruck who is viewed as a long-term prospect continues to impress around the stoppages with her ruck craft and follow-up work, having glimpses of what she is capable of around the ground. While still building on some of her fundamentals, she has the athleticism and size to worry opponents wherever she goes.

Baia Pugh (Wonthaggi Power)
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 28/03/2007

Stats [11 games]: 14.2 disposals, 2.1 marks, 6.6 tackles, 2.6 clearances, 2.6 inside 50s, 1.1 rebound 50s

One of this year’s surprise packets, Pugh staked her claim as an AFLW Draft prospect off the back of a blistering start to the year. Her form with the Power as a rotating forward/midfielder enabled her to earn a spot with Vic Country, and though injury curtailed her year, the Wonthaggi talent showed enough to suggest she can make it at the next level.

Chelsea Sutton (Warragul Industrials)
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 16/11/2007

Stats [15 games]: 16.9 disposals, 1.7 marks, 5.7 tackles, 3.8 clearances, 3.5 inside 50s, 4 goals

A ray of consistency all throughout the year, Sutton is a natural contested ball-winner be it around the stoppages or inside 50. Tough to move with great strength over the ball, the top-ager brings the heat and 100 per cent effort each and every time she runs out. A high-level defensive player, Sutton also earned the chance to represent Vic Country.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Gippsland’s future midfield of Grace Dillow and Lily Milner will be a powerful one-two punch for the side next season. The duo both can go forward and influence the scoreboard – particularly the latter – while either are capable of winning the ball and extracting it from the stoppages.

Ava Deszcz only managed the eight games but had a few outstanding performances, while the hard-running Mia Smith-Clark also put together some eye-catching efforts on the outside. Double bottom-age Vic Country pair Brooke Kelly and Jessica Grimsted looked the goods at the Development Championships and went on to play 12 and 10 games for the Power respectively.