TWO metropolitan rivals go head-to-head in an early Saturday morning clash at Trevor Barker Oval, with Sandringham Dragons and Oakleigh Chargers battling it out in the Coates Talent League Girls competition. The match is part of a double-header with the boys game as Vic Metro has a bye in the national championships this weekend.

Saturday, July 6
Trevor Barker Oval | @ 10am

FORM:

Sandringham Dragons enter the game off the back of a form slump, losing four consecutive games by an average margin of 61.3 points. Their last win was a five-goal victory over Western Jets in Round 6, while last week they went down to Northern Knights by 64 points. Oakleigh Chargers are the last team you want to play when in a form slump, with the Chargers still unbeaten to Victorian teams, and their only loss coming to the Gold Coast Suns Academy. They thrashed Calder Cannons by 83 points last round after being challenged by Northern Knights the week before.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Sandringham Dragons:

Despite the heavy loss last time out, Sophie McKay still had 30-plus touches and kicked two goals in an against-the-odds performance. She backed that up with an impressive showing for Vic Metro and will be looking to produce big again here. Daisy Flockart was utilised in a new defensive role for Vic Metro over the weekend, with the midfielder/forward further enhancing her versatility. Co-skipper Scout Howden will also be keen to catch the Vic Metro selectors eyes to try and get in for the second game.

Oakleigh Chargers:

Oakleigh has a plethora of impressive players running around, but will be without Emma McDonald this week coming off a four-goal haul against the Allies. They do have skipper Sienna Tallariti, midfielders Sarah Poustie and Abbey Vicino, and defenders Zara Neuwirth and Charlotte Brewer among those returning from representative duties with bottom-ager Chloe Bown. An emergency for the game against the Allies, forward Amelie Gladman will be keen to impress for the Metro selection committee.

PREDICTION

Oakleigh Chargers will be too strong here. The team to beat in 2024, the Chargers have incredible depth and overcome the loss of McDonald given the array of focal points up forward. McKay and Howden in particular will find plenty of the ball and provide some run, but it is a very tough ask for the home side.