LARGELY one-sided results were of note during Round 16 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition, as two sets of double-headers took place on respective days. As always we checked out some of the more impressive individual performances, with a focus on Victorian representatives and future prospects. All Scouting Notes are the opinion of the individual author.

Calder Cannons 0.2 (2) lost to Northern Knights 13.12 (90)

CALDER CANNONS:

#1 Maddison Albrecht
Midfielder | 160cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 8 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Albrecht remains one of those players that most teammates would love to play alongside. Never taking a backwards step, always attacking the ball and the ball carrier, the top-ager’s simplistic but effective see-ball, get-ball attitude allows her to consistently put out high-effort performances. Her defensive pressure is always first class, and aside from the final polish, is able to do well at ground level in a contest and outside in space.

#19 Kyla Forbes
General Utility | 168cm | 07/09/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

The ultimate utility, Forbes started on defence, was moved on-ball then even pushed forward to see if she could make an impact. For the most part the Vic Metro representative settled in the back 50 and used her body well in one-on-one situations. Though unable to make a huge impact with the inside 50s flowing fast, she was able to have a few moments where she out-bodied opponents or provided team-oriented acts,.

#54 Charli Calleia
Midfielder / Forward | 169cm | 28/10/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

The double bottom-ager is a promising talent for the future and while not winning a stack of it, still played some impressive football. She is so clean at ground level and quick by hand around the stoppage, and though often under pressure and caught a couple of times, remains a player to watch over the next couple of years as a well balanced midfielder.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS:

#1 Olivia Gorman
Midfielder | 166cm | 25/10/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Provided a consistent approach on the inside, with her work to extract the ball from congestion a highlight. Her tackling pressure throughout the game was outstanding, but Gorman really set the tone in the first half. She had a flying shot on goal that missed, but moved well through traffic and even managed to hit a target while copping a knock. Often she can rack up quick touches in close, but spread more to the outside and was able to have more of a balanced influence on the day.

#3 Marlo Graham
Forward/Midfielder | 163cm | 15/11/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 11 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

The Vic Metro talent started on-ball through the first half and rotated forward to kick a late goal from a tight angle set shot. Consistently providing brilliant defensive pressure through her sheer desire to bring opponents down, Graham also showed her class with nice skills going inside 50. When she is up and about, Graham can be ultra-damaging, and she was able to play an important role adding some speed and skill through the middle of the ground going forward.

#4 Holly Ridewood
Wing/Forward | 173cm | 07/12/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

The skipper has enjoyed a really consistent year and again had a big game running on the outside and playing at half-forward. The ultimate utility having played in every non key position role, Ridewood’s run and carry helped transition the ball from defence to offence. Her well-balanced approach that sees her win the ball and get it forward, as well as win the ball back through fierce tackling, makes her an all-round threat, and if given any time or space can do damage. Kicked a set shot goal in the third term too.

#5 Zoe Hargreaves
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 03/06/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Might not be one to rack up 30 touches each week, but Hargreaves has a high impact when she is able to run forward and use her power out of the stoppage. Though a touch fumbly at times under pressure, once she has it, is able to put the ball into dangerous spots. Her stoppage craft and work rate catches the eye, and in space is able to be clean and use it well. Hargreaves kicked an early goal from a fantastic finish and was one of the Knights’ best again.

#19 Olivia Jesser
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 01/04/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

The bottom-ager’s uncanny knack for kicking three goals in a game rolled on, achieving the feat in three of her past four matches, also having a consistent 15 disposals in each match. Jesser reads the play well inside 50, and is able to find pockets of space to lead into and create scoring opportunities. Around forward stoppages she can be very dangerous, but is just as capable playing as lead-up target too.

#23 Phoebe Hargreaves
Forward | 160cm | 15/07/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 goal

A classy operator when she can get her hands on it, Hargreaves is good at evading would-be tacklers, and the bottom-ager played predominantly forward, roaming around looking for ways to impact the scoreboard. She kicked a terrific goal from a snap which bounced home in an open goalsquare, while looking to set up teammates with quick touches in the front half.

Oakleigh Chargers 11.11 (77) defeated Sandringham Dragons 2.3 (15)

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

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

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 3 goals

The beneficiary of Oakleigh’s forward half dominance, Baxter was able to convert three goals throughout the first half to provide the spark for the Chargers. By that stage, Baxter had booted half of her team’s score and was able to find space through hard running and forward craft. All three of her majors came off a quick look or run forward and conversion, showing clever traits in her small forward role.

#2 Sarah Poustie
Midfielder | 170cm | 05/01/2006

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 8 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The ‘veteran’ of the midfield group, Poustie was often the only top-ager in at the centre bounces, starting on-ball in each of the four quarters. She proceeded to have another wonderfully consistent game, where she found the ball at will, and impacted both offensively and defensively. Her balance of aerial strength with ground level tackling technique is a massive tick for her profile, with her ability to lockup players regularly a huge plus.

#3 Sienna Tallariti
Defender | 168cm | 10/07/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The Chargers skipper was a rock in defence and able to hold a high line to provide some critical interceptions high up on the wing or even half-forward. Tallariti’s aerial strength for her size has always been a key to her playing the role, and her reading of the play and understanding the game further aids in her work. Hardly put a foot wrong all game, moved well through traffic and was composed with ball in hand even under pressure.

#5 Abbey Vicino
Forward | 157cm | 13/02/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

The top-ager has found a home in attack and is valuable as both a defensive forward, and one who can open up the play with slick handballs or neat short passes going deeper into attack. She buzzes around the stoppages in the front half, can read it off hands or off the deck really well, and break down opposition defensive zones by backing her pace and evasion. After assisting in a number of score involvements, Vicino got on the end of one after hard running up the field and managed to slot it off the opposite left boot from close range.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 behind

After a best on ground performance the week before in the absence of some key Vic Metro representatives, Bown again held her own amongst the returnees, rotating between midfield and forward, and providing some strength and height across the ground. She can be a lead-out forward while resting, or go on-ball and and use her bigger frame to extract it out of the stoppage. Boasting some great power and a deadly left-foot, Bown also has a high pressure focus, and can get her hands dirty.

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

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

One who seems destined for a full-time midfield gig next year after cutting her teeth as a defender, Thorn was another smooth-moving operator who showed some promising signs across the ground. She even spent some time forward and intercepted the ball from a kickout and pumped it back over the goal umpire’s head. Capable around the stoppages and able to move to the outside and become an option in transition, Thorn is just well-balanced across the board.

#18 Bailee Martin
Forward/Midfielder | 174cm | 03/09/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 4 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 2 goals

Returning from her stint in the Herald Sun Shield Girls Grand Final where she was best-on for her side Caulfield Grammar, Martin spent three quarters forward to be a target inside 50, then went into the middle to start the last term. Always dangerous around the big sticks, she got on the end of one early in the second term to convert her first, then slotted her second from a set shot. Such a talented aerial player, Martin might have only taken the two marks, but one was a fantastic contested mark against two opponents at half-back.

#19 Charlotte Brewer
Defender | 165cm | 11/09/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Worked well in tandem with Tallariti, often being the slightly deeper of the running defenders, mopping up further back in the defensive 50, but also having her moments to attack with vigour. She was constantly looking at ways to receive and take off, exploding down the ground whenever an opportunity arose. Without pressure Brewer can pinpoint her passes, and is not afraid to bite off risky kicks at times, even if it results in the odd turnover. Set up Martin’s third quarter goal with a rushed kick inside 50.

#25 Emma McDonald
Key Defender | 179cm | 18/04/2006

Stats: 19 disposals, 9 marks, 2 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

The usual key forward found herself in her secondary role, starting at centre half-back and playing there for the game. She still caused headaches in the air but of a different kind, intercepting all manner of forward thrusts from the Dragons. She was too strong, athletic and smart in the back 50, and while her disposal out of defence was not as efficient as she can be when going forward, her intercept work and tenacity to win the ball back for her side was very good.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Taking her midfield opportunities with both hands, the Charlie Rowbottom clone was huge throughout the contest, bullocking her way through the midfield and providing a target in the front half of the ground as well. Yet to turn 16 until October, Curry is readymade in her stature, and will be a formidable inside midfielder for years to come. Though she can still iron out her polish, her defensive work and extraction ability far outweighs that to impact games consistently.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#21 Daisy Flockart
Midfielder | 179cm | 23/02/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Battled hard against a quality midfield, Flockart tried hard throughout the contest, starting on-ball each quarter and spending the majority of her time around the contest, or drifting forward to provide height in the forward half. She could occasionally dump the ball on the boot, but her power to extract from the stoppage, as well as her high-level defensive pressure, really stood out in the game.

#46 Scout Howden
Wing | 173cm | 01/02/2006

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 6 rebound 50s

The Dragons co-skipper was another who tried her best standing up against the momentum, finishing as the clear standout Dragon working on the outside. She saved a few opposition goal chances by rushing the ball through, and spread across the ground well. Howden clunked a number of good marks including one at centre half-forward, and looked to switch play when winning it in the back half as well.

Gippsland Power 9.17 (71) defeated Murray Bushrangers 4.2 (26)

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#9 Lily Milner
Forward/Midfielder | 170cm | 25/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 4 behinds

A player who has gradually gained more midfield time as the season has worn on, the double bottom-ager was among the better players in the forward half of the ground. While her efficiency on goal could be improved – four behinds – she is a lovely field kick and smart inside 50 to be able to generate those scoring opportunities. A few of the chances were from quick snaps or long-range, and Milner held her own around the stoppages.

#10 Grace Dillow
Forward/Midfielder | 165cm | 03/06/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Likely to form a terrific combination with Milner over the next two seasons, Dillow was arguably next best behind Sowden and constantly involved both at the coalface and half-forward. She is a natural facilitator, is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is able to extract the ball from congestion with slick handballs to open teammates. She missed a flying shot on goal, but otherwise used the ball well transitioning into attack, and was enormous through midfield.

#15 Jasmine Sowden
Midfielder/Forward | 164cm | 17/12/2006

Stats: 31 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 4 goals, 2 behinds

A simply sensational performance from the top-ager, who took control early and was near unstoppable in her performance. She booted four goals from 31 touches and spent large portions of time forward, causing all sorts of headaches for the opposition defence. Sowden was our Rookie Me Central Player of the Week, and the subject of our Player Focus.

>>> JASMINE SOWDEN PLAYER FOCUS

#19 Ella Stoddart
Forward/Defender | 173cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 4 behinds

Aside from her finishing going by the wayside, Stoddart was still able to provide a target in attack for three quarters before moving into defence later in the game. Showing great strength to stand up in tackles, she was able to use her body well in one-on-one situations and get the ball in the hands of her teammates, but her usually accurate finishing – 11.4 coming into the match – was not there, spraying a few she would normally drill every time.

#26 Ava Deszcz
Forward | 167cm | 21/04/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals, 5 behinds

Looked on track to have a massive day at the office early, kicking two goals from set shots in the first term, using her strong body to advantage to mark and convert the subsequent chances. From there she missed two more set shots in that term, sprayed a third from just outside the goalsquare – albeit on a tighter angle, then got back on the goalkicking list with a third major from a sixth set shot. All that came in the first 27 minutes of the match. While she was a little quieter after that, still generated a few chances and set up Lilly Leighton for a goal too.

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS:

#9 Holly Egan
Defender | 176cm | 01/07/2006

Stats: 31 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50, 9 rebound 50s

A really hard-working performance from the Bushrangers skipper who never threw in the towel despite the mounting scoreline. She was a threat in the air, good at ground level, and consistently repelled forward forays from the Power. Egan played on a variety of opponents and was one of the best afield early with her defensive work. She did get a little more offensive at times when Murray got the ball in its half, but largely the Bushrangers leader was working hard on defence.

#14 Ellie Hall
Midfielder/Defender | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Another stat-stuffing performance from the midfielder who won a lot of her disposals in close, then drifted to half-back to allow a taller marking option at half-back. Still able to provide some run and carry, Hall had her moments in the attacking half as well, and was one of the best Bushrangers alongside Egan playing across both lines.

#23 Madison Ibrahim
Defender/Midfielder | 169cm | 12/12/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Not quite as influential as the others, Ibrahim still caught the eye playing between half-back and midfield. Quite an aggressive runner with a nice sidestep and a determination to get the ball forward at all costs, the left-footer had a few moments where she would burst from a stoppage or get a touch away before being dragged down.

Bendigo Pioneers 2.6 (18) lost to Tasmania Devils 9.13 (67)

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#11 Lavinia Cox
Midfielder | 172cm | 31/01/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Had a lively performance through the midfield, stepping up in the absence of Lou Painter to be Bendigo’s prime ball-winner on the day. She applies great pressure around the contest and has composure in traffic. While she can improve her efficiency by foot at times, her hands at the coalface and work rate across the ground – as well as athleticism – shines through for the dual-sport athlete.

#13 Jemmika Douglas
Midfielder/Defender | 166cm | 20/02/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 14 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

Starting in midfield and then rotating to half-back, Douglas was the most prolific tackler in the match, producing a whopping 14 tackles to her 13 touches. She provided that level of pressure around the ball, but also found it herself, generally able to use it well, particularly weighting passes from half-back down the ground. Has a nice balance of inside-outside nous.

#14 Lacey Nihill
Midfielder | 173cm | 01/05/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Class with a capital ‘C’, Nihill has been building well throughout the season, and is a high impact-per-possession player with an array of eye-catching traits. Clean at ground level with a nice sidestep, Nihill is also a good size at 173cm. At one stage she was able to come to a halt at full speed, have her head on a swivel and then change direction to dispose of it effectively to a free teammates. Though she can get bumped off it, once she has it, her damage rating is huge.

#26 Sienna Hobbs
Defender/Ruck | 179cm | 14/10/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 10 marks, 2 tackles, 2 hitouts, 8 rebound 50s

Started in defence and played in that role while pinch hitting through the ruck, Hobbs’ best work came in the air with her clunking double-digit marks, mostly in the defensive 50. Hard to quell once she had the sit in the aerial contest, she usually is able to hit targets further afield apart from when forced to dump it on the boot. Enjoying a rich vein of form in the second half of the season, the Vic Country tall has become an ultra-versatile utility who can play on all three lines.

#27 Sasha Pearce
Ruck/Defender | 183cm | 13/11/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 17 hitouts, 6 rebound 50s

The top-ager mostly played through the ruck then rested in defence, taking a few crucial marks and getting into intercepting positions a kick behind play. Though often having to dump the ball on the boot just to clear the danger, Pearce was able to win the ball through one-on-one contests and out-bodying her opponents.

#45 Lexi Gregor
Key Forward/Defender | 180cm | 07/04/2006

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The co-captain played at both ends of the ground and used her two biggest attributes – her aerial strength and penetrating kick – to assist in bombing the ball forward. She can upset opposition defensive zones with her work from the back half, then when inside 50 took a strong grab 30 seconds into the fourth quarter, but just missed to the right with the set shot. Competed well against Bingley when in the back 50.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#1 Mischa Barwin
Forward | 164cm | 04/12/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 behind

The classy bottom-ager spent three quarter on-ball before starting forward once the game was done and dusted, with Barwin adding a point of difference to the rest of the midfield. Barwin’s vision through traffic and timing with her release handballs were effective, while she was quick to get ball to boot in traffic. The Tasmanian can do more damage when in space, but showed her midfield craft and ended up as one of the best players on the ground.

#4 Ava Read
Forward | 176cm | 21/06/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 mark, 4 goals, 2 behinds

Read moved ahead in the season competition goalkicking after slotting four goals from 11 disposals and providing a threat inside 50. The top-ager kicked the first goal of the game with a nice snap that bounced home, before kicked a second later in the quarter when staying out of congestion to receive the handball and convert on the move 15m out. Her two misses were only just that, and while a stay-at-home forward, Read consistently plays her role to perfection.

#9 Mia Anderson
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 14/02/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Anderson provided support to the likes of Bowering and Barwin on the inside, and did drift forward to have some chances inside 50. Her best work was done in congestion with her slick hands through traffic and contested work a highlight, while also clunking a terrific intercept mark in the middle of the ground during the first half.

#11 Lucah Conkie
Defender/Midfielder | 166cm | 06/09/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s

The bottom-age defender got her chance late in the game to play through midfield and had an impact, with her work moving around the stoppage good enough to suggest a potential role there in 2025. The bottom-ager was in her usual defensive role throughout the first three quarters, providing a consistent intercepting force, and one who was not afraid to take the game on at times.

#15 Priya Bowering
Midfielder | 167cm | 02/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Another standout performance from the midfield who had a mammoth second term, guiding her side to a blow out lead. She won plenty of centre clearances, forced her way through traffic and was able to deliver by hand well, before going forward in the last quarter. There, Bowering took a good pack mark at the top of the goalsquare and hit the scoreboard, with her strength in the air matching that of her work at ground level.

#26 Harriet Bingley
Forward | 172cm | 23/03/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Played forward and got on the scoresheet early with a nice goal that bounced home in the first term, then set up a major to Read with a slick handball. Good strength around the ball and adding an extra number at the stoppage when in the forward half, Bingley also kicked a second goal five minutes into the last with a clever snap around her body. Worked hard and provided a target in the forward 50.

Western Jets 8.4 (52) defeated GWV Rebels 0.7 (7)

WESTERN JETS:

#6 Polly Conway
Forward | 163cm | 19/03/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

A raw talent who showed some promising traits, Conway had a nice balance between her offensive and defensive work, running down Isabella Davies in the second term and was able to run onto a classy goal on the move. Conway seemed to remain involved throughout the contest and was able to set up a goal via an intercept mark in the forward half.

#8 Charlotte Miller
Wing | 170cm | 11/10/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another key contributor for the Jets who stood up in the wing, Miller has been a reliable outside runner for her team this year, and though not a massive accumulator, gets into ball-winning positions regularly. Earning a place in the Victorian trials earlier in the year, Miller adds a point of difference to a largely inside-focused midfield and is a hard-runner with good hands.

#9 Sierra Grieves
Midfielder | 163cm | 18/05/2006

Stats: 33 disposals, 7 marks, 11 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Hard to roll out any superlatives that have not already been spoken about Grieves’ year, as she produced another best on ground performance in the win over the Rebels. Winning the majority of clearances she had a look at, laying double-digit tackles and breaking down the defence, Grieves not only did the inside grunt work she is known for, but had a few highlight moments too. A clever goal after crumbing at the feet of a marking contest from close range was one, but her four-bounce run late in the game along the wing was just ridiculous.

#11 Lou-Lou Field
Defender | 167cm | 18/10/2006

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Field returned to the Jets lineup and provided some much needed composure in the back half. Though early on she did miss a few kicks she would normally hit, Field really got on top as the match went on, ran hard and no doubt saved a host of potential scoring chances with her field positioning and defensive running. What stands out about Field compared to a lot of rebounding backs, is her ability to bite off the 45-degree kicks into the corridor even if it means coughing up the odd turnover. Was one of the Jets’ better players. A contested mark back with the flight in the fourth term summed up her work.

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

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 4 tackles, 7 hitouts, 3 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Having played her two best games of the season back-to-back, McBride-Loane was again a forced to be reckoned with in the air, particularly in the back 50. Flying high to clunk a number of intercept marks, she even had the task on Mahony late in the game, breaking even in the contests there. Against smaller opponents, McBride-Loane’s vertical leap is too much, and the Jets tall was able to dictate play from the back half, then roll into the ruck and get hands on the ball there.

GWV REBELS:

#4 Elise Cook
Midfielder/Defender | 170cm | 28/01/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Started on-ball and won the first centre clearances out of the middle, holding a good line and often staying a kick behind play. Cook has the smarts to get into the right positions to intercept, and generally uses the ball well by hand or foot. As the match turned, Cook was stationed in defence to help mop up and stem the bleeding, often teaming up with Isabella Davies back there.

#7 Maggie Johnstone
Midfielder/Defender | 170cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

A raw talent with enormous upside, Johnston started in midfield then went back, but can play forward as well. A medium height at 170cm, Johnstone’s strength at ground level and in the air is superb, with great power out of the stoppage. Not too dissimilar to Northern’s Zoe Hargreaves, Johnstone has potential to add some extra polish to her game when under pressure, but most other facets of her game stand up against quality opposition.

#9 Jovie Skewes-Clinton
Forward/Defender | 174cm | 15/11/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The often rebounding defender found herself in attack to start with Mahony in defence, and took a couple of good marks and used the ball well by foot. One with great technique and a nice size, Skewes-Clinton showed off her versatility to go back later in the game and mop up there, providing that touch of class behind the ball.

#17 Claire Mahony
Key Defender/Forward | 181cm | 21/06/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 12 marks, 1 hitout, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Having now played all over the ground after being a pidgeonholed key forward at the start of the season, Mahony lined up in defence to start the match. At first, the Jets high inside 50s played into her hands, with the 181cm athlete clunking everything that came her way. She was on track for a record amount of marks, and if she did not mark it, she was being infringed upon. That continued throughout the first half, and while she can occasionally mistime her jumps, has such good hands Mahony can often take it anyway. Unstoppable in the air, Mahony was thrown forward in the fourth term, missing her one shot on goal, but also having limited opportunities. A standout Rebel in the match.

Geelong Falcons 4.7 (31) lost to Dandenong Stingrays 8.8 (56)

GEELONG FALCONS:

#6 Chloe Bryant
Midfielder | 164cm | 09/12/2006

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Have really liked her work since returning from injury that threatened to derail her season. While playing on a wing for Vic Country, Bryant was the figurehead of the Falcons on-ball brigade as the other players were rotated in and out of the midfield. Her burst from congestion and quick hands caught the eye, as did her ability to consistently get into second possession-winning positions. Best on ground for the Falcons from a non-tall perspective, Bryant played a consistent four-quarter game and even won a holding the ball free kick for a great tackle on the elusive Dalgleish.

#7 Sara Howley
Midfielder/Forward | 173cm | 29/01/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Had an uncharacteristically quiet start, taking a while to make an impact before working into the game after quarter time. Winning the second clearance available in the quarter and then starting to accumulate the ball, Howley spent more time forward than usual and even started at centre half-forward in the third term, and on the bench for the final quarter. It has been a big couple of months for the potential Top 10 prospect coming off an MVP-winning performance for Vic Country, and while it was one of her quieter games, she still had her moments as she always will.

#8 Mekah Morrissy
Wing | 159cm | 16/01/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 tackles, 7 inside 50s

Morrissy is another player that teammates would love to play alongside of for her work rate and attitude. The Geelong Falcons skipper attacks the contest hard, does not take a backwards step, and makes her teammates better. Though only 159cm, Morrissy takes on players much taller, and does all the team things that do not get noted on a stats sheet. Playing off a wing, Morrissy did get a crack on-ball in the first term as well, and though under pressure she can rush the ball forward, is a fantastic contest-to-contest worker.

#24 Georgia Tyrrell
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 04/08/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Sharing the most midfield minutes alongside Bryant, Tyrrell started on-ball in the final three quarters and then pushed forward where she was able to get dangerous. Her tackling work in particular stood out, even if at times it was on the edge of infringements such as one being called a dangerous tackle. That defensive pressure underpins her game though, and she was very good on the inside, and able to extract to the outside, while defensively running to assist the defence where possible.

#27 Seisia White
Forward | 163cm | 07/10/2006

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 8 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

For a small forward, White has an enormous work rate, and her defensive pressure means she has what clubs love – two-way work rate inside 50. White is capable of hitting the scoreboard herself, but usually brings others into it with her efficient kicking, while winning the ball back through bone-crunching tackles. Had a few chances that missed, and a huge leap that she could not bring down, but kicked a well-deserved goal following a turnover off her own fantastic forward half pressure.

#28 Hayley Peck
Ruck | 180cm | 31/01/2005

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 22 hitouts, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Had the toughest assignment in the Coates Talent League Girls, going up against two AFLW Academy opponents, but the over-ager held her own. Of all the over-agers in the competition, Peck would be near the top of the pecking – pun not intended – order of those who missed out last year. Ultra-competitive, good one-on-one and can compete below her knees as well as in the air, she has been a very consistent player throughout the course of the season.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#3 Jemma Reynolds
Midfielder | 163cm | 29/04/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 1 mark, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The standout midfielder essentially spent full-time minutes on-ball in the match as she became a consistent clearance winner for the Stingrays and was best on ground in the win. While at times she could throw the ball on the boot while under pressure, Reynolds is predominantly an efficient kick of the ball and often lowers the eyes going inside 50 as she did a few times in the match. Her combination with Symonds in particular saw the top-ager weave out the back of the stoppage, win it off the tap and kick forward to give her side best chance to score.

#8 Makhaela Bluhm
Forward/Midfielder | 172cm | 10/02/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s, 3 behinds

Bluhm has made the half-forward line her own and is quite strong overhead and smart with her leading patterns. She could have capitalised more with her chances on goal, though two of them unluckily hit the post, with another just missing. The key was that she was getting her chances through lead-ups and marks, which provided a different look inside 50 as that medium-tall.

#9 Elli Symonds
Ruck/Forward | 178cm | 07/10/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 12 hitouts, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

Another really impressive game across the ground, and even though she doesn’t always win a stack of hitouts, her follow-up work and impact around the field far outweighs that. Essentially a “fourth midfielder” Symonds has found the balance between being a ruck/forward, with terrific athleticism and ground level pressure as well. Her kicking was also very good on the day, having really developed that element of her game this year.

#11 Kayla Dalgleish
Midfielder/Forward | 161cm | 15/07/2006

Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Right up there with Reynolds in terms of her impact, Dalgleish played through midfield for three quarters then went forward for the last quarter and a half where her hard running earned her a goal. Dalgleish’s evasive work and strength overhead for a small are great elements in her game, but her smarts inside 50 and work around the stoppages also help. A handy facilitator when at half-forward, Dalgleish uses her vision to spot up targets in free space across the forward 50.

#28 Nalu Brothwell
Forward | 170cm | 22/10/2007

Stats: 11 disposals 3 marks, 2 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Her improvement – along with her sister Mizuki’s work – has been sensational throughout he year, and she is playing some strong consistent footy to the point of making the Under 17 Futures squad. She has some good hands, moves well and is composed for a player who has been fast-tracked into being an crucial cog in the Stingrays’ spine. Not quite key position height, her athleticism allows her to compete against taller opponents, and she moves well, bursting down the middle to the point of almost running too far. Kicked one goal after marking back with the flight and played her role inside 50.

#43 Lillian Snow
Midfielder | 169cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 6 inside 50s

The bottom-age left-footer is a name to remember for next year when she likely takes over the role as a top midfielder. Already finding her fair share of the ball, Snow did well when opposed to Howley at stoppages, with a strong frame and and powerful kick. Her vision is a strength and she knows when to drop a kick behind play to clunk an important mark. A player with improvement to come having only made her Stingrays debut midway through the season.

#54 Ruby Geurts
Defender | 169cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

As a double bottom-ager, Geurts is progressing nicely through the Stingrays program and will be an important distributor in the coming year. While likely to eventually rotate into the midfield, she has the smarts to play just about anywhere, and possesses a reliable kick. She mopped up in the back 50 time and time again, and while she had one poor mix up in communication in the fourth term that resulted in an opposition goal, it should not override her outstanding work throughout the rest of the game, no doubt saving a few goals along the way too.

#60 Alice Cunnington
Wing | 172cm | 30/06/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 3 inside 50s

Another one of Dandenong’s double bottom-age brigade, Cunnington is a high impact-per-possession player and a terrific runner off the wing. Boasting a powerful and accurate kick, Cunnington adds speed to the game and has a quick first few steps before unloading a long kick inside 50. The Vic Country Under 16s representative is one with inside potential and will be one to watch over the next couple of seasons.