OAKLEIGH Chargers bounced back from a Round 2 loss to Eastern Ranges by posting a 12-point victory over Sandringham Dragons. Thanks to a dominant performance from Cleo Barbakas and some touches of magic from pick one contender Bailee Martin, Oakleigh charged to victory, 6.5 (41) to 4.5 (29).

It was a competitive effort from the Dragons who welcomed the likes of Grace Perrett and Maya Duane back into the lineup, while the Chargers also regained skipper Zoe Curry who played with the Giants Academy in Round 2.

We took note of some of the players who caught the eye in the clash.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#3 Cleo Barbakas
Ruck/Forward | 182cm | 07/01/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 11 hitouts, 11 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

A clear best on ground, Barbakas combined her ruck work with being a genuine forward threat, finishing with two opportunistic goals from forward stoppages while racking up 11 clearances – an outstanding return that reflects how well she read and followed up her own taps, or took it straight out of the ruck contest. Her second-term goal assist to Martin and smart forward craft in the third term, holding her body position before the ball fell short for Martin to convert from the crumb, were highlights. Really took control and the Dragons had no answers for her.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

Neat and reliable once again, Godfrey had some nice moments such as a lovely spin to find Martin on the wing. She made a few mistakes such as being a touch fumbly in the second term and put some kicks wide, but settled well to take four uncontested marks in the second half and execute cleanly each time. Showed great defensive intent to record another four-plus rebound 50s for the second consecutive week.

#11 Isabella Mazzei
Midfielder/Defender | 169cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 5 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

A slightly lower disposal count than her Round 2 showing but the defensive output was arguably better – nine tackles and five clearances from 17 disposals with clean hands at ground level throughout. She rotated into defence for the fourth term which also meant she was not around the ball as often, but still had an impact. Her brilliant goal assist to Martin in the final term – reading the ball off hands with a perfectly weighted kick – was a highlight.

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

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 5 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Clean and competitive through the midfield with five clearances, Curry did her best work at the centre bounces and through the corridor. A fierce tackle on Duane in defence was her best defensive moment, and great strength when tackled in the dying moments to get a handball away effectively capped a consistent showing.

#18 Bailee Martin
Forward | 176cm | 03/09/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 2 inside 50s, 4 goals, 1 behind

Martin was at her brilliant best with four goals that showcased the full breadth of her forward craft. A 50-metre penalty converted, a composed set shot on the lead, an overhead snap reading the crumb off a set shot that fell short — slamming it through at full stretch — and a snap off the outside of the boot from close range. She dropped a sitter early and was ruled touched on one occasion, but four goals is a dominant individual performance from the pick one contender.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#2 Grace McIntyre
Wing | 173cm | 31/12/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

McIntyre was busy on the wing covering a stack of ground throughout the four quarters, setting the tone early with a bone-crunching tackle in attack. She read the play well to keep passages alive under pressure and drove hard with multiple bounces late in the game to push inside 50 under duress. Could tidy up her disposal, but racks up the metres gained and has really become a valuable winger for the Dragons.

#5 Grace Perrett
Midfielder | 178cm | 08/04/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Competitive and hardworking through the midfield, with fierce tackling pressure the defining feature of her day. She won the first centre clearance of the fourth term going inside 50 and was willing to go in hard throughout, finishing with a composed turn and handball that moved the ball forward effectively. A really solid display returning to the side.

#7 Luella Hall
Wing | 173cm | 17/10/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 7 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Hall’s elite speed and forward thrusts continued to be her calling card with seven inside 50s from the wing. Her best moment was an intercept mark at half-forward in the third term and a perfectly placed kick to Sophie Storey playing in front; a direct goal assist. An intercept mark in defensive 50 in the same term showed her two-way value. Occasionally let down by her kicking given the pressure of the Chargers, but her ability to cover the ground at rapid speed and have an impact going forward is clear.

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

Sandringham was thrilled to have the ultra-talented Duane back in the lineup after injury, and the bottom-ager was the Dragons’ most threatening ball-winner. She produced a booming set shot goal from 40 metres in the first term to remind everyone what she is capable of. She won the first centre clearance of the third term and drove inside 50 consistently, finishing with seven inside 50s from the midfield. A direct goal assist in the final term – a thumping kick forward that led directly to Molly Allan scoring – was a fitting way to cap a strong showing.