IN a standalone game for Round 16 to make up for the Western Jets’ game against Tasmania Devils being cancelled, Oakleigh Chargers stormed to a big win at Warrawee Park. Surprisingly trailing at quarter time, Oakleigh got into gear after that and ran out 64-point winners. We took note of some of the top performers with all notes the opinion of the individual author.

Oakleigh Chargers 11.13 (79) defeated Western Jets 2.1 (13)

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#1 Jacinta Baxter
Wing/Forward | 163cm | 18/01/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

The hard-running top-ager stepped up in the absence of key teammates to win plenty of the ball all over the ground. She was generally clean at ground level and then hit the scoreboard late in the second term with a quick turn and snap around her body. She almost kicked another one getting to the goalline as it was abounce to bounce through but came off her shin. Her ground coverage was very good and she applied fantastic defensive pressure as well.

#9 Chloe Bown
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 20/12/2007

Stats: 34 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

The clear best on ground, Bown simply dominated across the board racking up a match-high 34 disposals and eight inside 50s, while also adding two majors. She had the opportunity to rest forward after starting on-ball at different points, moving well through the stoppage and using both sides of her body. The natural left-footer has plenty of penetration on her kicks, and set up a couple of scoring opportunities to, even if some inside 50s were picked off

#10 Amy Cariss-Brett
Wing | 167cm | 20/03/2005

Stats: 16 dispoals , 5 marks, 6 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 2 goals

In one of her most impactful games for the year forward of centre, Cariss-Brett showed her experience out on the wing to work into pockets of space, get forward and hit the scoreboard. The Oakleigh over-ager kicked two majors, the first on the run after bolting forward early in the second term, and then another following a free kick and subsequent 50m penalty leading her to 15m out. Not only impacting offensively, Cariss-Brett had a great defensive moment when she intercepted at half-back then sliced up the defensive zone leading to a scoring chain and an eventual Johnson goal.

#14 Chloe Thorn
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 07/09/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Thorn usually rolls between defence and midfield, but on the weekend started on-ball then even went forward in the second half. She kicked a couple of behinds including one from a set shot after a fantastic contested mark, but her disposal and particularly distribution from midfield to attack really stood out. Thorn can weight her kicks, and she does lower the eyes which helps, nailing a pass to the top of 50 where Bown was leading.

#33 Storm Johnson
Forward | 165cm | 29/11/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

A really productive game from Johnson who was another Charger to step up in the absence of Amelie Gladman and Emma McDonald inside 50. She kicked a goal and missed a couple of chances, but showed off some really draftable traits. The bottom-ager was ever-lively in attack, great defensively and athletic, while being able to be clean at ground level. That final composure could be the next step for her when setting her sights on goal, but she kicked a nice major from 15m out under pressure in the final few minutes gaining reward for her hard work.

#35 Zoe Curry
Midfielder/Forward | 174cm | 19/10/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

The double bottom-age utility thrived on the inside of the contest and provided plenty of bullocking work when required. She fed out handballs to running teammates, was strong overhead to take a couple of intercept marks in the forward half, one of which came 30m from her own goal and she punished the opposition with the subsequent set shot.

WESTERN JETS:

#30 Alex McBride-Loane
Defender/Ruck | 173cm | 03/04/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 8 hitouts, 5 rebound 50s

Racking up a team-high 27 disposals, McBride-Loane brought her own ball to the game and finished with her season-high tally. Though starting in defence and rotating into the ruck as she so often does, McBride-Loane worked well to get into more ball-winning positions all over the ground usually via handball receives and then clear the ball long down the line. She stuck to the task at hand and any error she did make, she was quick to refocus and win the ball back for her side.

#36 Olivia Castello
Midfielder/Defender | 157cm | 16/06/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

The hard-running midfielder has found a place rotating between on-ball and defence, and without Sierra Grieves, found her fair share of the ball and buried herself under the pack. She often used her left foot to get the ball clear and down the ground. When in defence, she battled against taller opponents to spoil, and then follow-up with neat handballs to long kicks down the ground.