THE REMAINING three Coates Talent League Girls Round 1 games were completed this weekend after the Geelong Falcons scored an early win in the season-opener against GWV Rebels on Easter Thursday. We recap the standouts from the weekend and award our Rookie Me Central Medal votes.

>> CTLG R1 Talking Points: Geelong Falcons 7.13 (55) defeated GWV Rebels 4.5 (29)

Calder Cannons 2.4 (16) defeated by Northern Knights 5.10 (40)

Northern Knights proved too strong for a Calder Cannons outfit missing a number of its top players, controlling the forward half possession to skate away to a 24-point win. The Knights – who were also missing a couple of key talents – took control late in the first term and never surrendered the lead, winning 5.10 (40) to 2.4 (16) at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

STANDOUT: Marlo Graham (Northern Knights)

The silky smooth bottom-ager is still developing areas of her game, but she was crucial in getting the ball forward, playing between midfield and attack. She kicked two majors in a low-scoring game and brought the pressure as well. Though not a huge body, she packs a punch and was able to have some key moments in the win.

OTHERS:

The other standout on the field and could have easily got the five votes was Calder’s Jade McLay who had a field day working hard around the ground and racking up a game-high 29 touches, as well as three marks, six tackles, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s.

She had support from the likes of Jayla Rutley, Grace Azzopardi and Camryn Bux but the Knights were just too good. Skipper Holly Ridewood put in a strong performance, while bottom-age duo of Kiara Keenan and Katelyn Busuttil were ultra-impressive on debut.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Marlo Graham (Northern Knights)
4 – Jade McLay (Calder Cannons)
3 – Holly Ridewood (Northern Knights)
2 – Kiara Keenan (Northern Knights)
1 – Katelyn Busuttil (Northern Knights)

Sandringham Dragons 2.4 (16) defeated by Eastern Ranges 6.15 (51)

An inaccurate Eastern Ranges still proved too strong for Sandringham Dragons, keeping the home side goalless at RSEA Park until the fourth term and recording a handy 6.15 (51) to 2.4 (16) victory.

The reigning grand finalists and their opponents were both missing some key players due to the AFLW Academy and Under 23 All-Stars match, but the Ranges’ booted the first four goals of the match to lead by as much as 35 points.

The Dragons kicked a couple of early fourth quarter goals to make it interesting and cut the deficit to 21 points before the visitors kicked away with the last two of the match to win by 35.

STANDOUT: Molly Paterson (Eastern Ranges)

The smooth-moving Ranges midfielder played a key role in the win, showing her class en route to 25 disposals, four marks, four tackles, five inside 50s and two rebound 50s. She did just about it all across the board, and was influential in getting it forward allowing her teammates to capitalise, in what was a good performance from the overall Ranges’ midfield group.

OTHERS:

Eastern had no shortage of contributors on the day with over-age midfielder Isla Baldwin racking up 31 disposals, laying 10 tackles and kicking a goal in the win, while bottom-age star Tayla McMillan was her classy self on the way to 24 touches, nine tackles and five inside 50s. Georgia Knight booted 3.4 from 18 disposals up forward, while Jordyn Allen had 17 disposals and laid six tackles.

For the Dragons, Scout Howden was enormous with 29 disposals, nine marks, four tackles, four inside 50s and six rebound 50s, covering the ground with ease. Jacinta Boyd (19 disposals) also found her fair share of the ball, while Daisy Flockart and Judie Goldman each had 16 touches.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Molly Paterson (Eastern Ranges)
4 – Scout Howden (Sandringham Dragons)
3 – Isla Baldwin (Eastern Ranges)
2 – Tayla McMillan (Eastern Ranges)
1 – Georgia Knight (Eastern Ranges)

Tasmania Devils 6.5 (41) defeated by Oakleigh Chargers 7.4 (46)

In an entertaining nail-biter, reigning premiers Oakleigh Chargers kicked off their defence with a narrow win over Tasmania Devils on the Apple Isle. Both sides were without some top-end talent, and the Devils got the hump on the Chargers, booting 4.2 to 0.0 in the opening term to start in perfect fashion.

The Chargers gradually worked their way back into the contest, hitting the front in the third term, and the despite the home team kicking a goal to lead midway through the fourth quarter, got one back to secure the five-point victory, 7.4 (46) to 6.5 (41).

STANDOUT: Abbey Vicino (Oakleigh Chargers)

The Oakleigh Chargers vice-captain stood up in the absence of other key midfielders to captain the side on the day and brought her own ball. She racked up 33 disposals, laid four tackles and had four inside 50s and three rebound 50s in an important role through midfield. She had 10 more touches than anyone else on the field and just knows how to find the pill wherever she goes.

OTHERS:

Oakleigh had a real even team effort across the board with debutant Ebony Jago kicking three important goals from 11 touches in a low-scoring game. Jacinta Baxter also nailed two majors running hard throughout the game, while defender Charlotte Brewer, and debutants over-ager Sanne Bakker and bottom-ager Teagan Murtic also caught the eye.

For Tasmania, star bottom-age talent Priya Bowering powered her way to 23 touches, while fellow midfielder Mischa Barwin had 18 disposals, eight inside 50s and a goal. Ava Read was also impressive laying 11 tackles to her nine touches, but kicking two majors.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Abbey Vicino (Oakleigh Chargers)
4 – Mischa Barwin (Tasmania Devils)
3 – Priya Bowering (Tasmania Devils)
2 – Ebony Jago (Oakleigh Chargers)
1 – Jacinta Baxter (Oakleigh Chargers)