THREE first-time winners and last year’s grand finalists moving to 2-0 were the storylines coming out of Round 2 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition. As always, we took a look at each of the five games and took note of players who caught the eye. All notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Dandenong Stingrays 3.2 (20) def. by Oakleigh Chargers 11.4 (70)

By: Michael Alvaro

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#3 Jemma Reynolds
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 29/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

While she started the game in midfield, Reynolds produced much of her best work up forward on Friday night. She got to showcase her turn of speed as the game opened up after half-time, finding space to charge into and make better use of the ball. She got on the board with a goal in the final quarter, earned via a high free kick 20 metres from goal.

#6 Zoe Besanko
Ruck/Forward | 178cm | 25/05/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 marks, 27 hitouts

It was far from a prolific night for Besanko, though she did her best in the ruck rotation to rack up 27 hitouts. The AFLW Academy member showcased her athleticism with spring-heeled leaps at the ball, but struggled to get her hands on it in open play. Her best moment came in term two as she marked on the wing, played on around an opponent and launched the ball inside 50, leading to Dandenong’s opening goal.

#11 Kayla Dalgleish
Midfielder/Forward | 161cm | 15/07/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s

Best afield for Dandenong with an equal team-high 25 touches, Dalgleish kept on showing up throughout the four quarters. The midfielder’s pressure game was a feature, laying some bone-crunching tackles and applying fair amounts of physicality. Her willingness to hunt both player and ball saw her impact with repeat efforts, showcasing good power in those instances and when driving her legs with ball in hand.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#2 Sarah Poustie
Midfielder | 170cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 13 tackles, 4 rebound 50s

A real effort player and running machine, it was little surprise to see Poustie lead the tackle count on Friday night. She also swept back to support the defence, including in term two where she took a terrific chest mark going back with the flight of the ball. In possession, the top-ager looked more effective when accumulating on the outside, but was obviously a presence at the stoppages.

#3 Sienna Tallariti
Defender | 168cm | 10/07/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 rebound 50s

It was a typical Tallariti performance in Round 2, with the defender balancing her intercept and rebound game to perfection. She was exactly the player Oakleigh wanted delivering the ball out of the back line, getting good length on her kicks and making better decisions as the game wore on. She was just as assured without possession, taking up good positions behind the ball and intercepting with ease, also displaying strength in one-on-one situations.

#6 Maggie Mahony
Midfielder | 161cm | 19/10/2006

Stats: 32 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Mahony dominated the midfield battle and looks to have taken a step up in 2024, building on her vast experience with the Chargers. She was clean and clever around the contest, working hard to get her hands on the ball or shut down the opposition. Her anticipation was on point, and she tended to make good decisions when exiting congestion, showing improvement in her kicking to identify and hit targets on the outside.

#9 Chloe Bown
Forward | 174cm | 20/12/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

A real powerhouse up forward, Bown provided ample marking support for McDonald and made herself a scoring threat with three goals. She presented hard inside 50 and held her ground, proving difficult to move from front position at 174cm. The bottom-ager’s best goal came in the third quarter where she won a ground ball and accelerated away before snapping home.

#11 Sanne Bakker
Midfielder | 171cm | 29/10/2005

Stats: 23 disposals, 9 tackles, 5 inside 50s

Bakker, a newcomer to the Chargers’ program as an over-ager, returned another impressive performance through the reigning premiers’ midfield. She was combative at the contest, providing repeat efforts and making her presence felt with strong tackles. Bakker’s robust acts translated to solid defensive and attacking feats, while also showcasing sound fundamentals for a player of such limited experience and exposure.

#14 Chloe Thorn
Defender | 166cm | 07/09/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Another promising bottom-ager, Thorn sliced Dandenong open with her aggressive rebound running and sharp turn of foot. She would be seen bounding down the field, building up a good head of steam and using her momentum to take plenty of ground. Her power was also on show in the way of clean intercept marks, and she’ll likely learn plenty while playing alongside Tallariti down back.

#21 Amelie Gladman
Forward | 166cm | 16/07/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

A natural and clever forward who just seems to make things happen inside 50, Gladman booted the first two goals of the game on Friday. Donning the long-sleeved jersey, she converted two set shots early in the piece, and while she didn’t add another, got involved in several scoring chains thereafter. Crafty and opportunistic as ever.

#25 Emma McDonald
Key Forward | 179cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

McDonald is a genuine star and was extremely difficult to contain in Round 2. The key forward racked up mark after mark, presenting to the top of attacking 50 and proving difficult to match for size. When just out of scoring range, McDonald would make use of the ball by setting up others with terrific field kicking and nimble work in open play. She got better in the way of bodywork and contested marking as the game wore on, not afraid to cop contact when flying for a grab. Both of her goals came in the second half – one from a set shot, and the other in a goalmouth scramble.

Eastern Ranges 6.5 (41) def. Northern Knights 5.4 (34)

By: Michael Alvaro

EASTERN RANGES:

#6 Tayla McMillan
Midfielder | 161cm | 25/05/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals

For a bottom-ager to stand up with the game on the line as McMillan did on Saturday was outstanding. The classy midfielder looked sharp around stoppages all day, displaying a clean set of hands and showing her opponents a clean set of cleats as she drove her legs to the outside. Deceptively strong, she was also combative defensively and punched above her weight as usual. To cap off a terrific performance, she bagged two final quarter goals to both spark and seal the Ranges’ comeback victory.

#7 Stasia Stevenson
Midfielder | 164cm | 02/10/2006

Stats: 28 disposals, 8 tackles, 8 inside 50s

Leading all comers with 28 disposals, Stevenson was everywhere at times. She started like a house on fire, utilising her speed to charge through the corridor and out of congestion. She surged into attack with eight forward 50 entries and also did the dirty work defensively, including with a rundown tackle in term three. The top-ager’s two goal assists during the final quarter were among her most pivotal moments.

#10 Jordyn Allen
Defender | 166cm | 12/11/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Another star bottom-ager in the Ranges’ ranks, Allen was her speedy self down back. She constantly looked to take the game on by skipping past opponents, carrying the ball into dangerous areas and testing Northern’s defence. She positioned on a high line behind the ball and cut off several attacks before launching into transition, displaying great confidence in her athletic ability.

#11 Grace Belloni
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 09/09/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Playing her first Coates Talent League game for the season, Belloni started up forward before getting a run in midfield. Her size and power have always been strengths, but the top-ager looks to have added some polish to her work and showed ample class with ball in hand. She stepped around opponents and brushed them off in equal measures, proving difficult to contain on the move. She was another who applied herself defensively but a goal for her efforts was the only thing missing.

#13 Georgie Brisbane
Forward | 175cm | 13/12/2006

Stats: 8 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal

Brisbane found the going tough on Saturday, though not for a lack of effort. Clean looks at the ball were hard to come by for the tall forward as Eastern only managed four scoring shots to three-quarter time, but she did her best to have an impact by crashing in at the contest and applying tackle pressure. Her final quarter goal proved the fire starter in Eastern’s late comeback.

#17 Grace Baba
Defender | 176cm | 17/09/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

It was somewhat of an indifferent day for Baba, who showed glimpses of her usual flair without taking complete hold of the game. She was utilised in her usual defensive post and produced some great rebounding passages, breaking away at speed and using her teammates to chain possessions up the field. She covers ground beautifully, but that kind of trait was somewhat smothered as she was thrown into the clinches of midfield. Reverting back to defence in term four, her spring-heeled leap was on show with a couple of hitout wins.

#24 Evie Parker
Wing | 179cm | 06/07/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles

Parker has serious upside as a 179cm winger and got to showcase her range in Round 2. She swept back behind the ball to clunk a couple of intercept marks, taking the ball cleanly overhead. On top of supporting the defence, Parker also moved smoothly on the outside and was a handy outlet as Eastern looked to transition from end to end.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#3 Marlo Graham
Forward/Midfielder | 163cm | 15/11/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal

A diminutive bottom-ager with good agility, Graham had her moments rotating between midfield and the forward line. She was quick and evasive with ball in hand, often stepping into pockets of space or wheeling onto the outside. She also applied good defensive pressure as any small should, but her best play was a goal in the third quarter which she snapped home around the corner.

#4 Holly Ridewood
Midfielder | 174cm | 27/12/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 11 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Ridewood stuffed the stats sheet as a mainstay in Northern’s midfield, stepping up in the moments where Hargreaves shifted to defence. The Knights captain got stuck in defensively and showed intent with ball in hand, often blasting it long by foot. While her execution could have been better at times, Ridewood’s size and application helped her make a mark in the clinches.

#5 Zoe Hargreaves
Midfielder/Defender | 172cm | 03/06/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 marks, 7 tackles

With claims on being best afield in the losing side, Hargreaves continued to prove her class on Saturday. The powerful midfielder was Northern’s main clearance winner but also spent time behind the ball, where she adapted to be her side’s best interceptor. She read the play superbly and was clean overhead, expanding her impact beyond the stoppages. Hargreaves also hit the scoreboard with a well struck set shot in the third quarter. Top marks.

#7 Scarlett Johnson
Forward | 174cm | 26/11/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

Another talented bottom-ager at the Knights’ disposal, Johnson was among the most prominent forwards afield. Her three marks don’t do justice to her aptitude as an aerial target, as she took the ball well at full stretch and worked into dangerous positions. Her highlight for the day was a terrific snap goal from the boundary in term three which pushed Northern’s lead out to 24 points.

Gippsland Power 12.15 (87) defeated Murray Bushrangers 0.0 (0)

By: Peter Williams

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#3 Zali Gallagher
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 08/07/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

The smart small looked dangerous in the front half of the ground and looms as a playmaker between midfield and attack. She showed some lovely kicking skills going into attack, and even nailed a nice running goal in the third term with a clinical finish. She showed a great second effort midway through the fourth when her first tackle did not stick so she lunged forward for a second effort and dragged her opponent down to win a free.

#15 Jasmine Sowden
Midfielder | 164cm | 17/12/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 7 inside 50s

The second best behind Centra in midfield, Sowden had a nice balance between offensive and defensive plays. She is renowned for her tackling, and that was definitely on display, but she was also able to distribute inside 50 off both sides of her body. She could have been a touch cleaner at times, but is a natural first possession winner and is not afraid to throw herself at contests.

#16 Ash Centra
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 02/06/2006

Stats: 47 disposals, 11 marks, 4 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 4 goals

The stats say it all. It was the Ash Centra show from start to finish in a remarkable performance, and arguably the best of all-time in the Coates Talent League Girls competition. She was her phenomenally clean self, provided stacks of tricks, continued to get into ball-winning positions, and even went forward and slotted four goals. In what was a near-perfect performance, the only element that could have capped it off and made it an even bigger day out was her set shot goalkicking which is a work in progress. But her kicking and decision making is just elite.

#29 Rebecca Fitzpatrick
Midfielder | 170cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Building on a strong debut season last year, Fitzpatrick showed she can step up to be that full-time midfielder if required. She is strong around the ball, can find it inside or outside and works her way into space well. Generally making good decisions by hand or foot, Fitzpatrick will benefit being beside Centra and Sowden this year.

#30 Addison Howe
Forward | 174cm | 15/08/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles, 2 goals, 2 behinds

An impressive target inside 50, Howe provided a strong set of hands and continually clunked some grabs. She would finish with two goals for the game, also missing a couple, but her leading patterns looked good as she led into the right spots to present for the kicker down the field. Howe also lokoed comfortable below her knees for her size, and is mobile outside the marking contest as well.

#32 Abby Hobson
Forward | 174cm | 11/09/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Another forward who converted two goals from four scoring chances, Hobson kept presenting for her midfielders and took a numbers of strong marks. She could have converted more chances on goal, but uses her strong frame well both in marking contests and at ground level.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#5 Molly McLaren
Midfielder | 162cm | 14/12/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles

Easily the standout Bushranger, and McLaren never stopped trying despite the mounting scoreline. More often than not, the bottom-ager took it upon herself to go to Centra at stoppages despite giving up 12cm of height. She brought the defensive pressure, backed up her teammates and did everything she could to get the ball forward. At times she could turn it over, especially when under pressure, but her work rate and contest-to-contest work was superb.

#23 Madison Ibrahim
Defender/Midfielder | 169cm | 12/12/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 tackles, 8 rebound 50s

The Vic Country hub member largely played in defence and spent the third term on Centra when she was inside 50. She then moved into the midfield to follow Centra to start the fourth term and would have gained plenty from the experience. Ibrahim provided run and carry from defence and showed some nice speed of the first few steps. A late year born talent too.

Bendigo Pioneers 9.4 (58) defeated Calder Cannons 6.4 (40)

By: Peter Williams

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#2 Olivia Lacy
Defender | 167cm | 15/06/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 rebound 50s

Though she was not a massive ball-winner like some others, the work she did out of the back half did catch the eye. She had a great run-down tackle, as well as taking some clean marks in the defensive half of the ground and pushing up to the wing. Her best play came midway through the final term where she charged from half-back and weaved through a couple to get a handball away. Her transitional running stood out.

#5 Lucia Painter
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 goals

After missing most of last year with an ankle injury, Painter was quick to assert herself on the competition. She rotated between midfield and attack, showing great strength both over the ball and i the air. She kicked her majors from set shot goals, and Painter’s kicking technique is outstanding. Really worked her magic through the first half of the game and showed she has the versatility to slot in anywhere.

#7 Gabrielle Drage
Forward | 173cm | 21/05/2006

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

The clever left-footer looked dangerous inside 50 and even though her stats do not jump on the page, she impressed each time she went near it. Drage’s goal came off hands midway through the second term, and she set up two other goal opportunities going inside 50. Rarely wasting a disposal, the forward showed she will compliment the front six well.

#13 Jemmika Douglas
Defender | 166cm | 20/02/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 11 rebound 50s

Like Painter missed most of last year due to injury, but the top-age utility did not miss a beat. Stationed in defence, Douglas showed her class coming out of the back 50, intercepting it both in the air and at ground level. She did well turning defence into offence, and is deceptively strong one-on-one, while being able to pressure opponents around the ground. One with plenty of upside and will no doubt spend time in other roles at different points.

#45 Alexis Gregor
Forward | 180cm | 07/04/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Yet another Pioneer who has had limited opportunities due to injury, Gregor stepped up in the match to provide a marking target at half-forward. Leading by example, Gregor clunked a number of strong grabs, converted a major in the first term and just pushed another set shot to the left in the fourth quarter.

CALDER CANNONS:

#3 Chloe Baker-West
Midfielder | 163cm | 02/02/2007

Stats: 37 disposals, 4 tackles, 9 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Having the ball on a string all game, Baker-West bounced back from copping a knock early in the game to be productive throughout the contest. She essentially only spent three and a half quarters on the field, and still amassed 37 disposals, often flicking off handballs to release teammates or pumping the ball long. She set up a couple of goals in the process, and just gets into the right spots thanks to her elite endurance.

#5 Jade McLay
Utility | 177cm | 11/02/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 8 marks, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

It was another strong performance from the tall talent who was too good overhead for her opponents, finishing with one mark. Though she started in midfield, McLay provided a target in both arcs, and was able to do some outstanding work across the four quarters. She needs to learn how to perhaps land a little safer when crashing packs, hurting herself a couple of times, with the last one coming in the final minute of the match. Around the ground though, her booming kick came in handy.

#30 Kyla Forbes
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 33 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Arguably best afield, and certainly a standout for the Cannons, Forbes looked to have gone up another level in terms of her endurance, working hard in the front half of the ground playing midfield but rotating forward. She showed strength overhead and loved to wheel onto her left side to get it inside 50, putting it deep to scoring positions. She missed a couple of chances herself, but overall was impactful in the way she went about it, particularly in the air and finding space around the ground.

Sandringham Dragons 8.9 (57) defeated Western Jets 6.5 (41)

By: Peter Williams

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#14 Mia Zielinski
Forward | 174cm | 21/07/2005

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 5 goals

Kicking five of her side’s eight goals, Zielinski was unbelievable up forward, kicking off her over-age season with a bang. She slotted five goals from 16 disposals and clunked six marks to be best afield and really show an improved work rate. Though a lot of her goals did come from close range, she showed great body position to play in front, as well as strength one-on-one. Zielinski missed a couple she could have got as well which would have spelled an even bigger day out.

#15 Sophie McKay
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 27/04/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s

The talented midfielder was solid throughout the match, having her moments and enjoying a great battle with fellow AFLW Academy member, Grieves. She was fierce with her tackling, peeled off to space and set up scoring opportunities inside 50 with slick passes. Her clearance work was as expected a highlight, and though her finishing on goal was a little wayward on this occasion, two ofher three main chances were tough checksides from the boundary.

#21 Daisy Flockart
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 3 behinds

A key member of the Dragons’ midfield, Flockhart has great vision to find targets in space and moves well through traffic. At 179cm, Flockhart is a good size to play a variety of roles, and was often one who extracted from a contest even though she was a touch awkward under pressure trying to get a clean kick away; She was good below her knees and did set up a goal early in the third term after collecting it well with a half volley leading out inside 50.

#46 Scout Howden
Wing | 174cm | 17/02/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 7 inside 50s

The Dragons’ leader welcomed the return of her midfield partners-in-crime and still had a strong game herself. She worked hard up and down the ground and provided plenty of forward 50 entries, kicking long to put it into the hotspot. Though her kicks were sometimes picked off by defenders, she was clean at ground level and glided well around the ground for her size.

WESTERN JETS:

#9 Sierra Grieves
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 18/05/2006

Stats: 31 disposals, 3 marks, 11 tackles, 10 inside 50s, 2 goals

A dominant performance through midfield from the tough inside midfielder who starred for her side. She continually stepped up through the middle, applied pressure, won clearances and pumped the ball inside 50. When given the chance, she got forward and was able to reward her hard running with a couple of goals as well. She was our Round 2 Player Focus, which details her full performance.

>> CTLG Round 2 Player Focus: Sierra Grieves (Western Jets)

#11 Lou-Lou Field
Defender | 167cm | 18/10/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 8 rebound 50s

It was not a massive game by her standards, but Field found the right spots to fill at the perfect times. She peeled off opponents, assisted teammates and led from the front as Jets skipper, applying pressure inside the defensive 50. Her long left-foot kicks were more often than not pinpoint, able to hit her teammate on the wing with a perfectly weighted kick in the third term whilst amongst three opponents.

#30 Alex McBride-Loane
Utility | 173cm | 03/04/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 10 hitouts

Starting in defence, McBride-Loane rotated through the ruck and showcased her athletic jump despite being undersized compared to her opponent. She took a few strong marks around the ground, competed admirably and then saved a goal or two getting back deep inside the defensive 50 including forcing a behind after Zielinski snapped for goal early in the third term.