AFTER three matches today, two more Coates Talent League Girls contests take place tomorrow with country sides heading to the city to face off at a neutral venue. Tasmania Devils ‘host’ Murray Bushrangers in Craigieburn, while GWV Rebels and Bendigo Pioneers meet at Windy Hill.

Sunday, June 16
Highgate Recreation Reserve | @ 12:00pm

FORM:

Tasmania Devils won its first game on the Apple Isle last time out against Sandringham Dragons, breaking a strange drought from a side that has won most of its away fixtures. The Devils now have back-to-back wins to their name and come up against a Murray Bushrangers side that could have beaten both Calder Cannons and Northern Territory, but faded badly in the first and kicked itself out of the game in the second.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Tasmania Devils:

Bottom-age midfielder Priya Bowering is one of a handful of Devils to watch for next year, and while Mischa Barwin is not playing, they have the likes of Harriet Bingley and Mia Anderson. From a top-age perspective, forward Ava Read is coming off representing the Under 21 All-Stars against the AFLW Academy, while in the same game for the Academy, Mackenzie Williams is a top talent to keep an eye on this year.

Murray Bushrangers:

On paper, Murray has a lot of draftable prospects. Looking to this year and athletic utility Holly Egan is the main one to watch as the Bushrangers are minus Madison Ibrahim in the match. They do have Rain Dodd who played at the Victorian trials, and 2008-born crew in Sophia Green, Rose Bell and Constance Dodd.

PREDICTION

Tasmania should be too strong here, and though they are missing Barwin, the Bushrangers are missing a few more as well including forward Majella Day and Ibrahim. Expect the Devils to be the team to take the four points back to the Apple Isle.

Sunday, June 16
Windy Hill | @ 1:00pm

FORM:

The two bordering neighbours travel all the way to Windy Hill to do battle, with the GWV Rebels coming off two heavy losses after an inspirational win over Northern Knights back in Round 7. Bendigo Pioneers have not dared any better, losing the last four after winning the first three, including defeats of 88 and 65 points to top three sides, Eastern Ranges and Gippsland Power.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

GWV Rebels:

For the first time since their Round 7 win, the Rebels will have both talls Claire Mahony and Millie Lang in the side. Few players across the league have been more consistent than Isabella Davies as well, while the likes of Elise Cook and defenders Elsie Conroy and Jovie Skewes-Clinton have also been strong all year.

Bendigo Pioneers:

The Pioneers will be back closer to full strength against the Rebels with the midfield of Lucia Painter, Lavinia Cox and Ella Jeffrey able to compete strongly. Defenders Jemmika Douglas and Olivia Lacy are able to provide some dash from the back 50, while key forward Lexi Gregor is a mobile target inside 50 to kick to as well.

PREDICTION

A tight game given the Pioneers are finally back to full strength and would be a good shout. However the Rebels are better when able to get on top in the midfield with plenty of exciting forward options too. Going with the Rebels, albeit in a very close one.