DANDENONG Stingrays were made to work for it, but kept their undefeated streak alive by defeating Tasmania Devils at North Hobart Oval in a battle of the top two Country Conference sides. The Stingrays won by 11 points in the hard-fought battle, securing a 7.5 (47) to 5.6 (36) result in Round 20.

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

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#2/45 Evie Ward
Midfielder | 172cm | 29/10/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

The Devils skipper predominantly played on-ball but floated across all areas of the ground to have an impact, and even sported a new number towards the end of the match. Her clearance work was the feature, combining exceptionally well with Lange to get on top in that area, and she continually looked to drive the ball forward at all costs and keep the pressure on the Dandenong defence. Kicked a nice goal midway through the final term to cut the deficit back to within two straight kicks, and while the Devils’ efforts fell short, Ward was a key contributor in the defeat.

#6 Matilda Lange
Midfielder/Forward | 170cm | 30/01/2009

Stats: 29 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Another stat-stuffing performance from the talented bottom-ager who just did it all once again. She was more of a full-time midfielder who rested forward in the game, launching a long-range goal to the open goalsquare in the 12th minute of the first term. She continued to be a headache for the Dandenong coaching staff as her clearance work and sheer ability to get into the right spots and win repeat possessions was on show. She sold candy, weaved through traffic, used both sides of her body and almost kicked a great goal late in the second term, before she was ultimately run-down. Can do things no else is capable of at times, and has a full suite of weapons at her disposal.

#7 Evie Bingham
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 16/06/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 12 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The National Academy member’s really consistent season with the Devils continued as she once again brought the defensive pressure around the ball and then looked dangerous when inside 50. She laid a dozen tackles and continually danced around opponents at the stoppage, while knowing where to find gaps when inside 50. She kicked her goal following a 50-metre penalty late in the last quarter, and though the game was done by then, showed she was switched on till the final siren.

#9 Luca Murgatroyd
Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 01/04/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Donned the long sleeves for the game and looked a tricky matchup for the Dandenong defence from the get-go. Murgatroyd took a nice mark in the second term reaching over her opponent with her set shot just falling short, while also providing aerial resistance from the Stingrays’ kickouts at half-forward. Though she might have only taken the two marks, the Tasmanian was able to get involved in the follow-up, and continued her midfield development as well, holding her own when rotating into the stoppages.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#1 Sophie White
Ruck/Forward | 184cm | 18/03/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 43 hitouts, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s

It was a ruck domination by the Stingrays who had 76 hitouts to 18, and leading the way was top-age National Academy member, White. She had 43 of those hitouts and simply was too tall and athletic for her undersized opponents, and while her statline only reads the eight touches, she did look more involved than that would suggest around the ground. Her early bodywork in marking or ruck contests meant she was rarely beaten, and got her hands up high and free to dispose of it cleanly. Really seized control around the ball when in the ruck.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Had a nine-disposal first term and lit up the contest from the opening bounce, doing well around the ball and in transition. She kicked a brilliant goal in the forward pocket and looks to have improved her explosiveness because she not only read it to perfection but kept her metre gap on the elite athlete that is Lange, and got boot to ball to curl it around the goal post judging the wind perfectly. Marsh found the ball in all thirds of the ground and when she had time or space could nail some outstanding bullets forward. Got her hands dirty defensively as well both at ground level and in the air to be one of the best Stingrays.

#10 Evi Irving
Defender | 167cm | 18/12/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 3 taackles, 2 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Provided important run and carry from defence, mopping up behind the ball and releasing teammates to keep it moving downfield. Though not quick and she did get pinged holding the ball once and caught in trouble a couple of times, Irving’s strength helps her out and she gets to the right spots to win the ball. Applied her own pressure and fought the fight to keep Tasmania at bay throughout the game.

#11 Lily Brittain
Wing/Forward | 161cm | 26/01/2009

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

Brittain’s defensive pressure was a standout feature in the match, and even when bumped hard in the first term she wore the bump, came off best and went on with it. The bottom-ager has some nice footy smarts getting involved around the ground and while not utilising her left foot at times can run her into trouble, she looks exciting each time she wins the ball. Boasting quick hands and a capacity to play off a wing, up forward or around the ball, Brittain is more than capable of winning inside or outside possessions.

#12 Zoe Zach
Midfielder/Defender | 165cm | 09/12/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another Stingray who just kept battling out throughout the match and was able to do well in any role she was given. She found the ball across the ground, with her defensive pressure in close not allowing the Devils any time or space. Often her actions allowed her teammates to have a greater influence on the match, and while she did win a few clearances – including the first one of the fourth quarter – her natural defensive profile allowed Zach to roll back and mop up.

#14 Annie Clish
Forward | 170cm | 25/05/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

Such an exciting prospect in the forward half, Clish stepped up when she needed to and finished with three goals for the game and also had another couple of chances as well. Her important major late in the third term broke a goal drought, and she also kicked the sealer with a classer finish midway through the final term. Clish is one of those players who does not need much of a look at goal to convert her opportunities, and her three were the biggest differential between the sides.

#19 Olive Henry
Defender | 170cm | 11/05/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Henry continues to play her role but also catch the eye with the way she cleans up at half-back and can win the ball in a manner of ways. While her positioning is effective to intercept, she will remain accountable, apply pressure in marking contests, and also scrap at ground level to win the ball back. Henry boasts nice hands and composure, always looking to clear the danger but also put it into meaningful spots downfield.