THREE matches hundreds of kilometres apart is what confronts Coates Talent League Girls spectators tomorrow. Clubs from three states go head-to-head, with the games taking place in Wodonga, Morwell and Blacktown, and feature both New South Wales Academies.

Saturday, May 4
Martin Park @ 11:00am

FORM:

Murray Bushrangers regained some talent last week and put it right up to the undefeated Bendigo Pioneers, only fading late after a promising first term. They will be out to try and notch up win number one, though the Giants Academy bounced back from a defeat to Tasmania Devils to comfortably defeat Sandringham Dragons.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Murray Bushrangers:

The Bushrangers have a very young list, and it was a host of bottom-agers and double bottom-agers who impressed last week. Debutant Sophia Green had 25 touches coming off a big campaign for Vic Country Under 16s, while the likes of Rose Bell and Molly McLaren are future stars. From the top-age crop, Holly Egan and Madison Ibrahim provide run and carry out of defence and can play further afield.

Giants Academy:

The standout player for the orange team thus far has been bottom-ager Isla Wiencke who stepped up to predominantly play midfield but also hit the scoreboard too. From a top-age perspective, Amelie Prosser-Shaw and Ash Patton have shown some promising signs, while Ellie Hall is a high-upside defender who will thwart many forward thrusts.

PREDICTION

The Giants Academy has looked promising across its first couple of games and should have the top-end talent to win this one. Though Murray made in-roads last week early against Bendigo, and if the Bushrangers can capitalise more on the scoreboard, then they will create a tight contest.

Saturday, May 4
Morwell Recreation Reserve @ 11:30am

FORM:

Gippsland Power has suffered back-to-back defeats since winning against Murray in Round 2, going down to Sydney Swans Academy and then Dandenong Stingrays. They come up against the winless Western Jets, who had a bye last week after competitive losses to the Dragons and Pioneers.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Gippsland Power:

For Gippsland’s first home game at Morwell, the Power have brought in talented Under 16s young gun Grace Dillow for her first match of the season, named at half-forward. Top-age midfielders Ash Centra and Jasmine Sowden will always standout, but the key position marking forwards of Abby Hobson and Addison Howe provide targets in attack.

Western Jets:

The Jets will look to the likes of AFLW Academy member Sierra Grieves and rebounding defender Lou-Lou Field, while bottom-ager Alex McBride-Loane is averaging 3.5 marks per game this year. Lily Hudson and Olivia Castello have also been in nice form to start the 2024 season.

PREDICTION

Both teams’ formlines are hard to read with Gippsland Power destroying an understrength Murray and showing signs in two losses, while both of the Jets defeats have been competitive. At home the Power seem to be the choice and have that more established depth, but Western will not make it easy for them.

Saturday, May 4
Blacktown International Sportspark @ 3:00pm

FORM:

Sydney Swans Academy were brought back to earth in the final term against Eastern Ranges, though were pretty impressive for three quarters. The Swans will be looking to recapture that form against a red-hot Tasmania outfit that had it not been for a single kick against Oakleigh Chargers in Round 1, would be undefeated.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Swans Academy:

The Swans have had a number of standouts this season with Imogen Brown and Lucy Yates racking up the ball on the inside, and AFLW Academy member Emma Juneja getting it done on the outside. In defence the duo of Ellie Veerhuis and Taya White have been a rebounding force, while Lauren Bull is leading an even spread of goalkickers.

Tasmania Devils:

Tasmania has a balanced team across the board with mobile ruck Tunisha Kikoak having an outstanding start to her over-age season. The bottom-age midfield duo of Mischa Barwin and Priya Bowering are consistent ball-winners, while rebounding defender and AFLW Academy member Mackenzie Williams has developed midfield craft. Watch for forward duo Josie Rose and Ava Read to hit the scoreboard for multiple majors again.

PREDICTION

While the Swans Academy has been ultra-competitive and impressive at times, the Devils have looked like a genuine contender this year. New coach Jess Wuetschner has them playing some great football and the travelling should not hold any fears for them. Expect them to have bursts of goals which they have done in each of their matches to put distance on their opposition.