THERE might have only been the one match in the opening week of the Talent League Girls competition, but there was still room for a Player of the Week with Brisbane Lions Academy talent Zoe Petrides earning the nod. The top-age talent was named best-on in what was an even contribution around the ground still making it tricky to decide.

>> FEATURE: Zoe Petrides (Brisbane Lions Academy)

Petrides helped herself to 23 disposals, five marks (one contested), six tackles, three clearances and seven inside 50s, largely playing forward, but having stints up the ground to get around the ball too. Possessing great footy smarts and a natural ability to get into the most dangerous areas, Petrides provides a link between the midfield and attack in the popular high half-forward role.

While still needing to build her strength to compete one-on-one against bigger opponents, Petrides does not back down from a challenge which was evident in her laying half a dozen tackles. She spreads well, finds space and then executes by hand or foot, usually capable of setting up attacking plays. Petrides ran at 70 per cent disposal efficiency – with the number exactly the same for both hand or foot, while having a solid 45 per cent contested possession rate.

Aside from Petrides, star bottom-ager Ameleia Murray looks set for a huge year with 21 touches, five marks, four tackles, two clearances and three inside 50s between defence and midfield, while Molly Ferguson cracked in hard for 20 touches, three clearances and three inside 50s. Indiana Scheffler and Aiyana Pritchard looked dangerous up forward to combine for five goals.

For the Suns, the standout player was bottom-age tall forward Grace Cooper who was her side’s sole multiple goalkicker with two, as well as 15 touches and five marks. Over-agers Sienna Burnham and Lilly-Ann Ryder were also really strong in the loss.

2026 TALENT LEAGUE GIRLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1: Zoe Petrides (Brisbane Lions Academy)