IN what could potentially be a grand final preview, two of the unbeaten sides in Tasmania Devils and Eastern Ranges go head-to-head on the Apple Isle. The Devils will play their third game at home in four matches, this time at UTAS Stadium where their 3-0 record thus far will be tested against arguably the premiership favourites in Eastern Ranges who cruised to victory in their two starts this season.

Tasmania Devils have now accounted for three sides thus far this season and sit ouright at the top of the Coates Talent League Girls table. They knocked of the GWS GIANTS Academy in Round 1, and have since beaten the Western Jets and Bendigo Pioneers since in an impressive start to the season. Eastern Ranges crushed Dandenong Stingrays in an eye-catching Round 3 win, before taking care of Northern Knights by 26 points last week.

TOP-AGE DRAFT WATCH:

#24 Georgia Clark (Tasmania Devils)
11/12/2005 | 173cm | Tall Forward

Clark has been phenomenal in her three games this season, leading by example. The late-year born forward has booted the six goals in three games – and should have had more with five behinds, but is averaging a ridiculous eight marks per game, as well as 18 disposals and four tackles. Boasting velcro-like hands, Clark is a barometer in the Tasmanian attack.

#37 Tunisha Kikoak (Tasmania Devils)
12/05/2005 | 180cm | Key Defender/Ruck

The top-age talent might not have come into the season with the same wraps as others, but she has impressed playing a key role in defence and rotating through the ruck. Standing at 180cm with a formidable vertical leap and strong defensive traits, Kikoak also booted a goal in Round 1. She is averaging 13.3 disposals, 2.0 marks, 7.7 hitouts and 2.3 rebound 50s in the 2023 season and will need to be on her game against a strong Ranges attack.

#14 Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges)
01/07/2005 | 162cm | Forward

The red-hot goal sneak added a half-dozen goals to her name last round to make it 10 goals in two games and sit second overall in the league goalkicking. It has been a blistering start from the talented left-footer who could well be the first Victorian picked this year. She might have only returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but has not missed a beat.

#10 Laura Stone (Eastern Ranges)
22/11/2005 | 170cm | Midfielder/Defender

Remains consistent as ever, Stone was outstanding again last round, winning plenty of the ball and creating run from midfield into attack. She is one who makes things happen and is a key reason why the likes of Pisano can get on the end of a few majors. Tasmania has a quality midfield, so Stone will be key in getting the Ranges on top.

FUTURE STARS:

#2 Ava Read (Tasmania Devils)
21/01/2006 | 175cm | Tall Forward

There is not much of her, but Read punches above her weight in terms of her impact in front of goal, able to hit the scoreboard and provide a presence inside 50. Her best work is done at ground level with her evasion and clean hands, averaging 10.3 disposals, 2.0 marks, 3.7 tackles and five goals in three games thus far. She is coming off a three-goal game against the Pioneers in Round 4 and will be hungry for more in Round 5.

#13 Georgie Brisbane (Eastern Ranges)
13/12/2006 | 175cm | Tall Forward

After a modest first game in 2023 up against the Stingrays, the 16-year-old tall forward came to life against the Pioneers. Playing at centre half-forward, Brisbane collected 20 disposals and clunked nine marks as a lead-out forward. While she did not hit the scoreboard like she did with one major in Round 3, Brisbane had the three inside 50s and looked ultra impressive as that marking target in the forward half of the ground.

PREDICTION:

The home ground advantage will help Tasmania, but Eastern will head in as favourites being the likely team to beat in 2023. With a raft of talented youngsters across over-age, top-age and bottom-age, the Ranges are so well balanced across the field. The Devils have plenty of talent too though, so it will likely be the biggest challenge thus far for both sides.

AROUND THE GROUNDS:

Dandenong Stingrays vs. Oakleigh Chargers
Friday, April 14 @ Shepley Oval, 7pm

Dandenong Stingrays will host Oakleigh Chargers under lights tonight in the Stingrays’ first match at Shepley Oval this season. They have managed a 2-2 record thus far in season 2023, but will want to win to remain ahead of the eight ball given eight teams have notched up two wins this year. One of those is the Oakleigh Chargers who are unbeaten after knocking off the Geelong Falcons and Sandringham Dragons. Mikayla Williamson continued her improving season last week against the Power, while Brooke Smith continues to hit the scoreboard. The defensive duo of Lara Hausegger and Jemma Rigoni have provided plenty of run out o the back 50 this season for the Chargers.

Western Jets vs. Calder Cannons
Saturday, April 15 @ Avalon Airport Oval, 4:20pm

Coming in for just their second match of the season, the reigning premiers host their first match since winning the flag, welcoming an unbeaten Calder Cannons side down to Werribee. The Jets will be looking to bounce back from a loss to Tasmania Devils back in Round 3, while the Cannons are running hot after wins over Sandringham Dragons and Murray Bushrangers. Sierra Grieves and Lou-Lou Field were sensational in the loss on the Apple Isle, while Sarah Grunden and Kayley Kavanagh have caught attention in the Cannons’ wins.

Sandringham Dragons vs. Northern Knights
Sunday, April 16 @ RSEA Park, 11am

Completing the four-game round is a standalone game on Sunday. Two metropolitan teams face off with Sandringham Dragons searching for their first win, while Northern Knights hope to bounce back to make it two victories from three games. The Dragons faced stiff competition in Calder Cannons and Oakleigh Chargers first up, while the Knights took care of Murray Bushrangers before losing to Eastern Ranges in Round 4. Ava Jordan returned with great success last week, while Suwindi Buckley has found plenty of the ball this year. Sandringham has had an even team spread in 2023, with the likes of bottom-agers Judie Goldman and Scout Howden impressing.