THE final three matches of the regular season for the Coates Talent League Girls country sides takes place tomorrow with three of the four finals-bound sides in action. Tasmania Devils has the bye and has finished on top of the Country pool.

Saturday, August 24
Morwell Recreation Reserve | @ 11:00am

FORM:

These two sides will face off two weeks in a row, with neither team able to overtake Tasmania, for fall below Geelong. It means the Power and Stingrays will get a chance to gain an understanding of the other ahead of a do-or-die clash the week after. Since its Round 12 bye, Gippsland has won four matches on the trot by an average of 46 points. Dandenong did smash the Stingrays back at home in Round 4 by eight goals, and have collected two wins since going down to Eastern Ranges in horrible wet conditions four weeks ago.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Gippsland Power:

Top pick Ash Centra returns to the lineup after missing last week following a huge national championships. She has been named in the forward pocket with the likes of Lily Milner and Ella Stoddart also goal-scoring targets, as is Grace Dillow who like both, will spend significant time in midfield. The Power will be without Ava Deszcz after an impressive 3.5 last weekend, but will still have best on ground in that game, Jasmine Sowden who has been named in the centre.

Dandenong Stingrays:

Dandenong’s midfield core of Jemma Reynolds, Lillian Snow and Nikita Harris is strong, with Matilda Argus also able to roll up there, though there is no Kayla Dalgleish for the match. The Stingrays’ twin towers in Elli Symonds and Zoe Besanko will cause some headaches for the opposition in the air, while Makhaela Bluhm and Nalu Brothwell are among a host of marking targets inside 50.

PREDICTION

Though Dalgleish will be a loss for the Stingrays, it is countered by the Power being without Deszcz as a forward target. Dandenong has the more experienced depth across the board, and though Gippsland has the match-winners to do a lot of damage, the Stingrays seem to be more consistent across four quarters. Should be a closer match than their last contest however.

Saturday, August 24
La Trobe University | @ 1:30pm

FORM:

The fourth and fifth placed Country teams face off at a neutral venue, with neither side able to move. The Rebels finished eight points adrift of Geelong, and while ending up a spot higher than last year, Gippsland’s surge up the ladder meant GWV will finish outside the finals spots. The Falcons fittingly stated the season against the Rebels with a 26-point win at GMHBA Stadium under lights, and will finish the regular season against the Rebels again. Geelong has lost three of its past four matches – against three of the top six sides – though the Rebels will be hungry to bounce back after being smashed by Western Jets last round.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Geelong Falcons:

The Falcons will be keen to bounce back from last week and have the midfield depth to do so with Vic Country MVP Sara Howley likely to play another key role. Alongside skipper Mekah Morrissy and fellow Vic Country representatives Chloe Bryant and Stella Huxtable, the Falcons have great midfield depth. An inclusion for her first game since Round 3 is Charlotte Mackenzie with the top-ager the niece of the late Paul Couch and granddaughter of 105-game Fitzroy VFL player Graeme Mackenzie.

GWV Rebels:

Still without Millie Lang, the Rebels will again look to Vic Country tall Claire Mahony to fill a key defensive post, though is just as important up forward. Bottom-ager Maggie Johnstone was impressive last round, and will be crucial through the midfield alongside Elise Cook and Tyla Crabtree. Jovie Skewes-Clinton and the returning Olivia Wolter are other names to watch out for in the match.

PREDICTION

Geelong should be able to control the midfield and get enough chances up forward to get the job done. The Rebels looked off the pace last round and though they have some talented players, could not convert their opportunities, booting seven behinds. If they can convert more of their chances they can cause an upset, but expect the Falcons to be that bit too strong.

Saturday, August 24
Queen Elizabeth Oval | @ 1:30pm

FORM:

A losing streak will be broken in the final Round 17 match, with Murray Bushrangers currently winless from 13 games, while Bendigo Pioneers have lost 10 on the since starting the year with three straight wins. The Pioneers will leap past Sandringham Dragons – as well as the Brisbane Lions Academy – if they can get up, while the Bushrangers could incredibly avoid the wooden spoon – handing Calder that feat – with a win.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Bendigo Pioneers:

The Pioneers will regain star AFLW Academy member Lou Painter for the clash, with the top-ager straight into the midfield alongside the in-form duo of Lavinia Cox and Lacey Nihill. Key position utility Sienna Hobbs has done well through the ruck, while other talls in co-skipper Lexi Gregor and defender Sasha Pearce remain tough to beat in the air. Ava Bibby is another developing forward who can take a grab and convert on goal.

Murray Bushrangers:

Murray has recalled double bottom-agers Rose Bell and Majella Day for the big final clash, while the midfield of Ellie Hall, Madison Ibrahim and Sophia Green is one that could worry the Pioneers with its depth. Throw in Allies representative Tamika Rourke and Bushrangers captain Holly Egan, and it could well be Murray’s strongest team on paper.

PREDICTION

Both of these sides have talent and quite a few names will go on to play AFLW. The problem has been little lapses here and there, and maintaining confidence throughout four quarters. Now facing each other, one team has to snap out of it and finally gain some points, but expect it to be a nail-biter, and could even fittingly be a draw.