THE REMAINING four matches for Round 9 in the Coates Talent League Girls competition take place today with games stretching across two states and featuring a second game in four days for the Northern Territory Academy.

Sunday, June 2
Warrawee Park | @ 10:00am

FORM:

Ladder leaders Oakleigh Chargers loom large as the team to beat once again this season, while Geelong Falcons have been performing fairly strongly, winning four of six this season. The Falcons are coming off a huge win against GWV Rebels last round, while the the Chargers had a bye in Round 8.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Oakleigh Chargers:

After impressing for Collingwood VFLW, a quartet of top-agers in Maggie Mahony, Sarah Poustie, Jacinta Baxter and Abbey Vicino return for the Chargers. It will be Vicino’s first Talent League game since injuring her should against the Dandenong Stingrays early in the year. Emma McDonald also returns off a break, while Sienna Tallariti and Chloe Thorn have been crucial members in defence.

Geelong Falcons:

The one-two punch of Sara Howley and Mekah Morrissy has worked effectively, while bottom-agers Georgia Tyrrell and Stella Huxtable add great punch to the midfield depth. Tall forward Kiara Woods is a welcome addition to the team, as draft-eligible duo Hayley Peck and Seisia White have been in great form through the ruck and up forward respectively.

PREDICTION

Oakleigh Chargers are the team to beat again this season and look that step up from the rest. Geelong has assembled a strong side to take them on so should put up a good fight, but it is hard to see Oakleigh losing many games.

Sunday, June 2
La Trobe University | @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Gippsland Power is on the up, having smashed Sandringham Dragons last week and moved into fourth on the ladder (full-time teams) with four wins from seven matches and a healthy percentage of 141. After winning their first three games, the Bendigo Pioneers have dropped their past three, slipping to eighth. Last week the Pioneers were well beaten by title contenders Eastern Ranges.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Bendigo Pioneers:

Bendigo welcomes back co-captain and key forward Lexi Gregor for the match to provide a strong target inside 50. The duo of Lou Painter and Jemmika Douglas were good in transitioning the ball forward, but Gregor adds an extra set of hands inside 50 Olivia Lacy coming off half-back has been impressive, while Gabby Drage is an eye-catching left-footer inside 50.

Gippsland Power:

Given the form of Ash Centra, the battle between Centra and Painter around stoppages will be a showstopper, with the pair arguably the two best Victorians in the draft. Jasmine Sowden has also pieced together a nice season thus far, while skipper Zali Gallagher and bottom-agers Ella Stoddart and Abby Hobson are other names to remember.

PREDICTION

Gippsland Power is in the better form, though both teams have top-end talents to watch out for. Plenty of head-to-head battles should be intriguing, but the visitors have a plethora of scoring chances and versatility across the side.

Sunday, June 2
Dial Park | @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Tasmania Devils got back on track last week with a much-needed victory over Northern Knights, strangely having won all three of their way games his season. They have struggled at home though, winning just one of four, so will be hoping to notch up another win against a Sandringham Dragons side that was disappointing against Gippsland last week.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Tasmania Devils:

The Devils’ bottom-age core of Mischa Barwin, Harriet Bingley and Priya Bowering have been strong this season in leading the way, while rebounding defender turned midfielder Mackenzie Williams remains the Devils’ top draft prospect this year. Forwards Lucy Thompson and Ava Read and wing Meg Harrison have also had their moments in 2024.

Sandringham Dragons:

Sandringham is minus top young gun Sophie McKay for the clash, with co-captain Scout Howden and midfielder Daisy Flockart needing to step up in her absence. Judie Goldman is able to extract the ball from the inside, while Jacinta Boyd has found her place as a tall defender.

PREDICTION

Though Tasmania’s home record this season is not great, expect the Devils to be too strong in this one. They take on a Dragons outfit missing its best player and out of form, though expect a response from Sandringham with plenty of pressure applied around the ball.

Sunday, June 2
Highgate Recreation Reserve | @ 1:30pm

FORM:

Northern Territory Academy was gallant against Western Jets on Thursday, but now face a quick turnaround against Murray Bushrangers who came ever so close to a maiden victory in 2024. They looked good for three quarters against Calder Cannons but just faded, and now have a huge opportunity to notch up win number one.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Murray Bushrangers:

By now regaining a host of Giants Academy members, the Bushrangers’ lineup is looking much stronger, with Under 16 in Rose Bell and Majella Day dangerous up both ends. Holly Egan and Madison Ibrahim have provided important rebound off half-back, while Sophia Green and Constance Dodd have also caught the eye as future talents.

Northern Territory Academy:

Northern Territory is led by AFLW Academy member Tatyana Perry who is a star in the marking. she is supported by over-ager Kierra Zerafa who impressed back at Under 18s level after playing in the QAFLW, while Emma Stark and Amber Wunungmurra are other top-agers to keep an eye on. From a bottom-age perspective, Marika Carlton and Danika McDonald have shown promising signs.

PREDICTION

Murray Bushrangers are more rested and experienced in this one, and it may well go the way that Thursday night did where the Territory look good early before the opposition just run over the top of them. The Bushrangers have more depth than the Jets, so if they can limit the turnovers in the defensive half, should have a good day out.