FALLING one win short of ultimate glory for the second successive season, the Eastern Ranges can still be proud of their 2024 Coates Talent League Girls season after taking it up to Oakleigh Chargers and being the clear second best side in the league all year.

EASTERN RANGES

RECORD: 3rd Overall | 2nd Metro | 10-4 | 205.4%
STREAK: WWLWL | WW | WWLWWW | L

THE STORY:

With the exception of a loss against the unpredictable Brisbane Lions Academy and when half strength due to Vic Metro duties taking on Geelong Falcons, the Ranges’ only defeats came at the hands of Oakleigh Chargers. They could well have knocked off Oakleigh in Wildcard Round but could not stop the Chargers with the wind in the final term, but deservedly made the grand final. Unfortunately it was not to be on the big day, but still provided some memorable moments both on that day and throughout the season.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

One of the most complete performances – certainly after quarter time – was the 90-point victory over Sandringham Dragons. The Ranges looked on a completely different level at Box Hill City Oval, and after some inaccuracy early – 1.6 in the first term – they put the foot down to pile on seven goals to nil in the second quarter. They never looked back from that, and the Ranges added another six goals in the second half to post a 14.14 (98) to 1.2 (8) victory with four multiple goalkickers.

THE STAR:

It was hard to look past the incredible consistency of Grace Belloni who only dipped below 20 disposals twice in the season, and they were the bookend matches she played in Round 2 and Wildcard Round. Otherwise she had 25 disposals or more on 10 occasions, and 31 touches twice – in Round 3 and the Grand Final. Had the Ranges got up in the decider, she would have surely have been best on ground.

Belloni’s best performance came against the Western Jets in Round 15 when she slotted three goals from 29 disposals, and while best known as a forward who could roll through the midfield last season, became a permanent onballer this season. She still kicked eight goals and was prolific throughout the year, averaging 25.1 disposals, 3.6 marks, 3.8 tackles and 4.7 inside 50s from her 15 Coates Talent League Girls games.

THE MAINSTAYS:

The Ranges had a fantastic balance of top, bottom and double bottom-agers, but focusing just on the top-agers, Team of the Year representative Georgia Knight was a dynamo up forward, slotting 27 goals across the course of the season and finished second overall on the tally by the end of the regular season.

Midfielder-forward Stasia Stevenson was ultra-consistent across the year. She averaged 17.3 disposals, the second most of any top-ager, and brought defensive pressure and terrific athleticism to the forward half. Winger Evie Parker and hard-running midfielder Molly Paterson did well too, while AFLW Academy member Grace Baba missed large portions of the season but still had her moments. Skipper Georgie Brisbane finished with 14 goals for the year, second to Knight.

THE FUTURE:

The future is in safe hands with bottom-age duo Tayla McMillan and Jordyn Allen already among the top contributors at the club and will lead the way in 2025. They are far from alone though, with winger Zoe Vozzo and Vic Metro ruck Josephine Bamford others who have some serious talent. Athletic left-footed defender Asher Fearn-Wannan progressed as the season went on and looks a player to keep an eye on next year.

Fast forward to the 2026 AFLW Draft and Vic Metro’s Under 16s MVP Brylee Anderson headlines a strong Eastern Ranges contingent. Emily Rankin also played a key role throughout the year and joined Anderson in the grand final, while Rookie Me Academy athlete Lara Williams played some great football and was first emergency throughout the finals series.