A FIVE-game turnaround after Round 8 wrapped up two days earlier was scheduled for Round 9, including a second match in four days for the Northern Territory Academy.

GWV Rebels 1.4 (10) lost to Dandenong Stingrays 8.6 (54)

Dandenong Stingrays continued their great form with a comprehensive 44-point win over GWV Rebels. The Stingrays kicked six unanswered goals after half-time to record the big win and stay in touch with the fop four sides.

STANDOUT: Claire Mahony (GWV Rebels)

Despite playing on the losing side, Mahony stepped up to spend more time behind the role rather than just deep forward, even rolling off a wing at times. The moved paid dividends at times, and while she was unable to change the result, kicked a nice goal on the run and clunked nine marks across the ground.

OTHERS:

Dandenong Stingrays depth was on display with Evelyn Connolly (17 disposals, two goals) stepping up in attack, while the likes of Jemma Reynolds, Nikita Harris and Lillian Snow were all busy on the inside, the latter two combining for 35 tackles. Zoe Besanko also played one of her best games of the year, kicking a goal and influencing both forward, and through the middle as ruck and onballer. Bottom-agers Elsie Conroy and Jovie Skewes-Clinton were some of the better Rebels.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Claire Mahony (GWV Rebels)
4 – Evelyn Connolly (Dandenong Stingrays)
3 – Jemma Reynolds (Dandenong Stingrays)
2 – Nikita Harris (Dandenong Stingrays)
1 – Zoe Besanko (Dandenong Stingrays)

Oakleigh Chargers 8.6 (54) defeated Geelong Falcons 3.6 (24)

Ladder leaders Oakleigh Chargers’ dominant first term of five goals to one saw them take control of the match against Geelong Falcons to set up the victory. Though it was only three goals to two in the winner’s favour after the first break, that opening quarter was enough to secure the victory by five goals.

STANDOUT: Emma McDonald (Oakleigh Chargers)

Key forward McDonald stepped up to the plate against the Chargers, kicking three goals from five scoring shots and took six marks among 16 disposals. She presented well and looked busy throughout the match, one of a host of Chargers who played their role.

OTHERS:

Oakleigh controlled the midfield through Sarah Poustie and Maggie Mahony, while the return of Abbey Vicino contributed well. Chloe Thorn and Chloe Bown continued to standout in their bottom-age seasons, while Charlotte Brewer also caught the eye. Sara Howley stood out with 27 touches and seven marks, while fellow midfielders Georgia Tyrrell and Stella Huxtable were strong on-ball.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Emma McDonald (Oakleigh Chargers)
4 – Chloe Thorn (Oakleigh Chargers)
3 – Sarah Poustie (Oakleigh Chargers)
2 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
1 – Maggie Mahony (Oakleigh Chargers)

Bendigo Pioneers 2.5 (17) lost to Gippsland Power 11.16 (82)

Gippsland Power’s 2024 season rolled on with another big win, this time over Bendigo Pioneers at La Trobe University. The Power booted eight second half goals after keeping the Pioneers goalless in the opening half to run away with a 65-point win.

STANDOUT: Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)

It was another dominant performance from Centra who racked up 36 disposals, five marks, six tackles, two hitouts, six inside 50s and 1.5, rolling along as the pick one favourite. She roamed across the ground and had plenty of chances, with just the accuracy letting her down.

OTHERS:

Along with Centra, Abby Hobson (three goals) and Ava Deszcz (two) were damaging inside 50 and among the Power’s best, as Ella Stoddart (27 disposals), Acacia Sutton and Jasmine Sowden also had their moments. Lou Painter was busy in the Pioneers’ defeat, while Olivia Lacy, Jemmika Douglas and Lavinia Cox tried hard all game.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)
4 – Abby Hobson (Gippsland Power)
3 – Ella Stoddart (Gippsland Power)
2 – Lou Painter (Bendigo Pioneers)
1 – Ava Deszcz (Gippsland Power)

Tasmania Devils 6.8 (44) defeated Sandringham Dragons 2.1 (13)

Tasmania Devils secured their much needed win on home soil, holding Sandringham Dragons scoreless for three quarters and coming away with a 31-point victory. The Devils had 11 scoring shots to nil in the opening three terms, before both sides kicked two majors in the last quarter.

STANDOUT: Priya Bowering (Tasmania Devils)

Bottom-age inside midfielder Bowering was again strong for the Devils, racking up 19 touches and often clearing the all long from congestion. She laid five tackles and had six inside 50s as well, being a prime mover through the midfield.

OTHERS:

Alongside Bowering, Mia Anderson and Lucy Thompson worked well off each other, wit the latter kicking a goal and laying 15 tackles. Harriet Bingley booted two goals from 19 touches and laid five tackles in the win, while Mackenzie Williams was busy at times. Jacinta Boyd (16 disposals, five marks, four tackles and four rebound 50s) was the best for the Dragons, while co-captain Scout Howden was productive.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Priya Bowering (Tasmania Devils)
4 – Mia Anderson (Tasmania Devils)
3 – Harriet Bingley (Tasmania Devils)
2 – Lucy Thompson (Tasmania Devils)
1 – Jacinta Boyd (Sandringham Dragons)

Murray Bushrangers 0.6 (6) lost to Northern Territory Academy 3.2 (20)

An inaccurate Murray Bushrangers was left to rue what might have been in a loss to Northern Territory, remaining goalless for the match. The Bushrangers were searching for their first win of the season but could only manage six behinds as the Territory booted 3.2 (20) to 0.6 (6) in a tight, low-scoring contest.

STANDOUT: Sophia Green (Murray Bushrangers)

Our Rookie Me Central Talent League Girls Player of the Week, the Under 16 utility racked up 36 disposals, six marks, five tackles, six inside 50s and three rebound 50s. While her side went down, Green was phenomenal across the four quarters and continued her fantastic form.

OTHERS:

Northern Territory Academy came away with the win, with over-ager Kierra Zerafa (35 disposals, two marks, five tackles, five inside 50s and seven rebound 50s) brought a ball with her, while Marika Carlton, Popi Gikas and Tatyana Perry were all eye-catching. Constance Dodd and Rose Bell were other future stars on the day, as Holly Egan racked up 29 touches and was lively from the back half of the ground.

RMC MEDAL VOTES:

5 – Sophia Green (Murray Bushrangers)
4 – Kierra Zerafa (Northern Territory)
3 – Constance Dodd (Murray Bushrangers)
2 – Holly Egan (Murray Bushrangers)
1 – Marika Carlton (Northern Territory)