EASTERN Ranges fell a win short of going to the last day of the season for the fourth straight year, bowing out in the preliminary final to eventual champions, Dandenong Stingrays. The Ranges have no shortage of talent across multiple years and will be a side that features heavily early on in December’s draft.

SEASON 2026

SNAPSHOT

Played: 14
Won: 8
Lost: 6

BEST PERFORMANCE

Round 21: def. Oakleigh Chargers by 57 points

Eastern Ranges ensured they would finish second in the Metro Conference following a dominant win over an albeit, understrength Oakleigh Chargers at Dingley. In a dominant display, the reigning premiers slammed home eight unanswered goals in the second half to win, 12.5 (77) to 3.2 (20). Brylee Anderson lead the way with 30 disposals, five marks, five tackles and two goals, while Adelaide Caldicott produced arguably her best performance of the season with four goals from 18 disposals and six marks. Tillie Baldwin, Perri Goulding and Emily Rankin were also all among the better Ranges on the day.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE

Brylee Anderson (Healesville)
Utility | 173cm | 25/03/2008

Stats [12 games]: 25.6 disposals, 3.8 marks, 6.9 tackles, 3.7 clearances, 4.4 inside 50s, 1.8 rebound 50s, 9 goals

The National Academy member spent time across all thirds of the ground but ultimately was more a midfielder/forward where she could use her strength both at the coalface and in the air. Her defensive pressure was evident throughout, and she always timed her runs to perfection, often booting goals by getting to the right spot at the right time. A top-end talent who is in first-round contention after a sparkling junior career.

Adelaide Caldicott (Healesville)
Tall Forward | 172cm | 18/04/2008

Stats [9 games]: 15.6 disposals, 4.4 marks, 4.6 tackles, 1.4 clearances, 2.7 inside 50s, 13 goals

One of the biggest improvers across the draft crop this season, Caldicott built on the signs she showed as a bottom-ager to produce an ultra-consistent year. The tall forward had a brief stint on-ball but was best placed inside 50 where her vertical jump and strong hands were on display. She provided numerous highlights inside 50 and finished with 13 goals from her nine games.

Emily Rankin (Park Orchards)
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 11/05/2008

Stats [13 games]: 25.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 6.5 tackles, 5.2 clearances, 4.4 inside 50s, 1.3 rebound 50s, 7 goals

The Eastern skipper was rock solid throughout the season and her floor is as high as anyone’s going around. She continues to battle on and win it on the inside, outside or up forward, and her defensive work is just as impactful as her offensive stuff. Capable overhead but brilliant at ground level, she makes teammates better, and really lifted her scoreboard impact in season 2026 spending time forward as part of the Ranges’ rotation.

Scout Semple (Wantirna South)
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 03/10/2008

Stats [12 games]: 17.8 disposals, 2.6 marks, 3.3 tackles, 3.7 clearances, 2.9 inside 50s, 3 goals

Never needing a stack of the ball to have an impact, Semple spent more time around the ball in 2026 compared to last season, and while her goal numbers dropped, her production lifted as expected. She has a power-speed combination that makes her a real threat at the coalface, and her ability to use both sides of her body with penetration off either foot is a unique aspect of her game. Won the MVP in the National Academy’s first game against Carlton VFLW.

STATE DRAFT COMBINE

Maeve Gill (Blackburn)
Key Defender | 180cm | 24/04/2008

Stats [12 games]: 8.9 disposals, 2.4 marks, 1.6 tackles, 2.9 rebound 50s

The reliable key defender had a big job each and every week, and while her one-on-one and defensive work has always been a strength, Gill did have a few weeks where she showed she is capable of providing offensive drive too. A long left-footer, she mopped up behind the ball consistently, remaining accountable while also getting involved in transition for her side.

Bridie Neale (Heathmont)
Wing | 167cm | 03/03/2008

Stats [14 games]: 14.7 disposals, 2.4 marks, 3.4 tackles, 1.4 clearances, 1.6 inside 50s, 1.3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Already a renowned wing following her impressive bottom-age campaign, Neale further illustrated her niche in the role with a nice balance of speed and endurance. During the national championships when not representing Vic Metro, Neale had a taste for work on the inside and did not look out of place with her burst from stoppages, while her defensive pressure was also a big tick.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Eastern Ranges loom as a side to watch again next season with a mix of talls and smalls all in draft contention. The Ranges already have a ruck/forward combination sorted out between league best and fairest runner-up Tillie Baldwin and National Futures tall April Dye. The pair provide a different look between strength and athleticism, and will hold down key posts.

Reliable defender Sadie Glew will be a figurehead in the back half next year, while the starting midfield looks set between Perri Goulding, Alira Barnard-Rossely and Sophia Davey. All three had their chances on-ball at different points, while spending time forward as well.

The introduction of Vic Metro Under 16s MVP Kiera Moroney and running defender Camryn Rabie futher bolstered the Ranges’ depth, while fellow 2010-born talent Indy Springett booted four goals across five games this season.