OAKLEIGH Chargers’ huge win over Bendigo Pioneers yielded an equal league-high four representatives in our 2023 Rookie Me Central Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Week. Dandenong Stingrays also recorded four despite a far narrower win, while The Chargers finished one ahead of fellow winners, Calder Cannons and Geelong Falcons combined for six representatives from their match.

Dandenong Stingrays’ Mikayla Williamson captains the hypothetical side after earning the Player of the Week honours for Round 16. The Stingrays midfielder was joined in the side by her side’s captain Jemma Ramsdale, full-forward Sophie Butterworth and bottom-ager Kayla Dalgleish.

It is a stacked forwardline, with Oakleigh Chargers duo Kristen Smith (six goals) and Maiya Stobie (five) leading the way. Double bottom-ager Chloe Bown was named on a wing for this team, while in a cheeky move, key forward Emma McDonald finds herself at centre half-back. She played there for the last term of the Chargers’ win, and with the strength of the forwardline, makes the most sense.

Calder Cannons enjoyed a big win over Geelong Falcons, both side sides had standouts, with three players apiece making the Team of the Week. Midfielder Kayley Kavanagh had a day out with 35 disposals and was named in the centre, while Maddison Ford (four goals) and Jade McLay also made the side. Vic Country duo, Sara Howley and Mekah Morrissy made it in once again, while Hayley Peck was a new inclusion in the ruck.

Another evenly spread game was Eastern Ranges’ win over Sandringham Dragons, with both sides picking up two representatives. Double bottom-ager Tayla McMillan was named on a wing in this side, while teammate Stasia Stevenson slotted onto the bench. Dragons utility Emily Gough was named at half-back though she spent time on the wing, while defender Jasmine Shepherd is in the back pocket.

On Friday night, Western Jets got up in a thriller but what was ultimately a team performance against the GWV Rebels. Jets skipper Kiera Whiley earned a spot on the bench, while Rebels duo, Isabella Davies and Claire Mahony found their way into the side despite being on the losing team.

Three players round out the 24-strong squad, with Northern Knights duo Hannah Scott and bottom-ager Holly Ridewood, as well as Tasmanian talent Mia Anderson. The three emergencies for Round 16 were Lily Jordan (GWV Rebels), Meg Robertson (Dandenong Stingrays) and Jasmine Sowden (Gippsland Power).

2023 TALENT LEAGUE GIRLS TEAM OF THE WEEK: ROUND 16

B: Hannah Scott (Northern Knights) – Jemma Ramsdale (Dandenong Stingrays) – Jasmine Shepherd (Sandringham Dragons)
HB: Isabella Davies (GWV Rebels) – Emma McDonald (Oakleigh Chargers) – Emily Gough (Sandringham Dragons)
C: Chloe Bown (Oakleigh Chargers) – Kayley Kavanagh (Calder Cannons) – Tayla McMillan (Eastern Ranges)
HF: Maiya Stobie (Oakleigh Chargers) – Claire Mahony (GWV Rebels) – Kayla Dalgleish (Dandenong Stingrays)
F: Maddison Ford (Calder Cannons) – Sophie Butterworth (Dandenong Stingrays) – Kristen Smith (Oakleigh Chargers)
R: Hayley Peck (Geelong Falcons) – Mikayla Williamson (Dandenong Stingrays) (c) – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
INT: Mia Anderson (Tasmania Devils) – Jade McLay (Calder Cannons) – Mekah Morrissy (Geelong Falcons) – Holly Ridewood (Northern Knights) – Stasia Stevenson (Eastern Ranges) – Kiera Whiley (Western Jets)

EMG: Lily Jordan (GWV Rebels) – Meg Robertson (Dandenong Stingrays) – Jasmine Sowden (Gippsland Power)