FIVE goals to one in the third term ultimately separated the Eastern Ranges from the Calder Cannons in what was an otherwise tight contest at Shepley Oval on Saturday. Across the other three quarters, the Ranges kicked 4.12 to 3.6, but it was the 5.1 to 1.2 premiership term that separated the sides during the 9.13 (67) to 4.8 (32) enabling the Ranges to book their spot in the preliminary finals.

We took note of some of the players across both sides who impressed on the day.

EASTERN RANGES:

#3 Scout Semple
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 03/10/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

It was a busy performance across the board from the National Academy member who impacted both on the inside and in transition, racking up clearances and pumping the ball forward when required. Strong in the air and finding space, she continually looked to open up angles and try and create some fast transitions that lead to scores. Had just the one behind for the game, but her eye-popping moment was her burst out of the middle in the third term to nail a pass lace-out off her opposite foot.

#7 Bridie Neale
Wing | 167cm | 03/03/2008

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

Neale had a really busy first few quarters with the game on the line, and was able to provide crucial run and carry between the arcs. Her ability to navigate out of trouble and keep it moving quickly is valuable, with a lot of her touches coming off half-back and then sending it forward. While she did not have as many forward forays as she can when the Ranges are in complete control, she balanced her offensive and defensive work well. Was super effective by foot in one of her more efficient performances for the season.

#8 Adelaide Caldicott
Forward/Midfielder | 172cm | 18/04/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals

The National Draft Combine invitee continues to justify that invitation with another strong performance starting forward then getting midfield minutes in the second half. Funnily enough her move into the middle prompted a different look for the Ranges and they kicked away in the quarter, while Caldicott’s forward presence was an important factor as well. She finished with two goals and has some serious kicking ability both in penetration and in execution, which makes her just as damaging up the field. Stocks continue to rise.

#10 Perri Goulding
Forward/Midfielder | 161cm | 05/07/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 3 clearances, 2 goals

Another player who found the big sticks twice in the game, kicking goals across the middle two quarters and looking lively. She found plenty of the ball which was a big positive edging towards the end of her bottom-age campaign with a midfield spot beckoning in 2027. The bulk of her touches were quick hands in close, but she can get out of trouble with nice evasive techniques, while her majors were classy finishes.

#12 Emily Rankin
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 11/05/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Each time Rankin touched the ball she seemed to do something with it. She won an early clearance then was mostly involved in transition, setting up a number of goal-scoring opportunities including a major to Isabella Lord in the first term after a nice sidestep and kick to teh top of the goalsquare. Her sidestep was a trademark in the game, and she creates her own space to then neatly use the ball in transition.

#17 Lara Williams
Defender/Wing | 168cm | 29/08/2008

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

Starting off half-back and rotating onto a wing, Williams provided some nice run and carry from the back half between the arcs and got really aggressive with her forward running to the point where she slotted a goal during the third term. It came after a narrow miss just prior to that, while the bulk of her impact came when attacking offensively. Williams still has work to do one-on-one defensively and in terms of her accountability, but when she can find space and be utilised, she can nail sizzling passes such as the one between multiple opponents off half-back to hit up Anderson in the centre of the ground.

#24 Maeve Gill
Key Defender | 180cm | 24/04/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

The ever-reliable key defender played her role as she always does and got into strong positions to intercept or at least bring the ball to ground. A week after getting the job done on potential pick one Bailee Martin, Gill was able to get more active offensively, running hard when it was her time to go, and looking to clear the ball long down the field. She was strong in the air, backed herself in, then applied pressure when it did hit the deck.

#35 Brylee Anderson
Midfielder/Forward | 173cm | 25/03/2008

Stats: 30 disposals, 8 marks, 8 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Back-to-back 30-plus disposal games from Anderson heading into the penultimate round of the season, and the first-round talent was enormous both in the air and at ground level. Her ferocity was evident form the opening bounce, and she spent her usual time forward, while also applying great pressure across the field. Her vision and penetration by foot helped her worry the opposition defenders, and while she herself did not hit the scoreboard, she put it into dangerous positions.

CALDER CANNONS:

#5 Renee Ford
Forward/Midfielder | 167cm | 06/07/2009

Stats: 20 disposals, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Has spent more time forward in the second half of the season, and the tenacious former Queenslander brought all of that heat to finals football. She has managed to maintain her high-volume ball-winning, but is getting more time and space playing on the outside, while also working hard into defence when moved on-ball. She laid a game-high nine tackles and showed some nice movement when in trouble to get out of it.

#9 Holly Clough
Key Forward | 184cm | 20/01/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Clough is known for her size and strength, but it was her work at ground level that stood out, often taking the ball clean at speed when it wasn’t delivered precisely to her. She was good below her knees for a 184cm prospect, and she kicked a goal in the opening minute of the fourth term after marking at the top of the goalsquare. Applied some incredible tackles too, not afraid to get her hands dirty.

#10 Coco Balmain
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 01/01/2009

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

The top ball-winner from the Cannons once again, Balmain lead the way around the stoppages and racked up an equal game-high eight clearances in the loss. She showed some clean hands and strength when under pressure, and then when rotated forward, had some looks on goal. She nailed a nice one seven minutes into the third term, but also had some uncharacteristic errors by foot such as an out on the full shank. Overall was busy and among the best for the Cannons yet again.

#40 Victoria Goudy
Midfielder | 173cm | 14/01/2010

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 3 clearances. 2 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

A promising double bottom-ager, Goudy defies her age to play an important role for Calder through the middle and working across the ground. She is quick from hand to foot, and able to keep it moving in transition. Her ability to win in all thirds was key, and she looked to help out in the back 50, clearing the ball from danger on a number of occasions. Not her biggest game, but still made the most of her involvements when they came.