BECOMING the second player from the Apple Isle to earn a Rookie Me Central Player of the Week nomination from the Coates Talent League Girls competition, Priya Bowering had a day out for the Devils on Sunday. The Tasmania Devils midfielder was prolific in the home side’s 20-point triumph over Murray Bushrangers, producing her best performance of the season to help her team to the win.

Bowering collected 32 disposals – 21 kicks and 11 handballs – and finished with two marks, three tackles, and a remarkable 14 inside 50s, racking up the ball and pumping it forward time and time again. A standout around the clearances, Bowering is a commanding presence, having already been noted as one to watch for next year after a big Under 16s season last year.

In the 2024 Coates Talent League Girls season, Bowering is averaging 21.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 3.6 tackles and 5.0 inside 50s, while kicking two goals for the Devils. Her 32-disposal effort on the weekend eclipsed her previous best of 27 back in Round 4, and was the fifth time in nine games she has recorded 20-plus disposals, and her second above 25.

Bowering was not the only player in the match to put up big numbers, with talented top-ager Ellie Hall racking up 31 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles, five inside 50s and three rebound 50s returning for the Bushrangers. Rose Bell, Nikhita Spiteri and last round’s Player of the Week Sophia Green all had 24 or more touches, as did the Devils’ Mackenzie Williams.

Bendigo Pioneers’ Lou Painter was prolific once again in her side’s loss to the Rebels, collecting 33 disposals, laying 10 tackles and kicking a goal, while Millie Lang racked up 28 disposals and nine rebound 50s.

Eastern Ranges bottom-ager Tayla McMillan starred in her side’s win over Sandringham Dragons with 33 disposals, nine tackles, five inside 50s and three rebound 50s, while teammate Grace Belloni was productive in midfield. For the Chargers, past Player of the Week nominee Maggie Mahony racked up 31 disposals, while Sarah Poustie was also industrious in the win.

2024 COATES TALENT LEAGUE GIRLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1 – Marlo Graham (Northern Knights)
Round 2 – Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)
Round 3 – Lou Painter (Bendigo Pioneers)
Round 4 – Mischa Barwin (Tasmania Devils)
Round 5 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
Round 6 – Maggie Mahony (Oakleigh Chargers)
Round 7 – Mekah Morrissy (Geelong Falcons)
Round 8 – Jemma Reynolds (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 9 – Sophia Green (Murray Bushrangers)
Round 10 – Priya Bowering (Tasmania Devils)