WHILE not quite being able to match South Australia’s percentage at the AFLW Under 16 Championships, Vic Metro still walked away undefeated following a strong campaign. That campaign included a big win over Gold Coast Suns Academy followed by a hard-fought come-from-behind victory over rivals Vic Country.

RESULTS:

Vic Metro 12.12 (84) def. Gold Coast Suns Academy 6.8 (44) | Scouting Notes
Vic Metro 8.10 (58) def. by Vic Country 7.4 (46) | Scouting Notes

TOP TALENT:

#23 Maya Duane
Sandringham Dragons | 180cm | 16/03/2009

There is no ceiling on Duane’s ability with the ultra-athletic tall able to play any position on the ground. She is one of those players that just commands attention when she goes near it and almost can’t help but win the ball and then impact games going forward. The one knock might be she does too much at times, but aside from that, Duane racks up the clearances, hits the scoreboard and is a fierce competitor across the board. Duane had 25 touches, eight clearances, eight inside 50s and booted 3.2 against the Suns Academy before spending a fair bit time rotating forward against Country to end with 13 disposals, five clearances and nine inside 50s.

NAMES TO REMEMBER:

#1 Alana D’Ambrosio
Western Jets | 159cm | 09/10/2009

The sister of Hawthorn wing Massimo, D’Ambrosio is a smart small forward who knows where the big sticks are. Though she finished the two games with 3.3, she always looked dangerous and set up countless others with her play inside 50. D’Ambrosio has a unique kicking action that is almost exclusively a quick snap around her body, but can be very damaging when getting onto her preferred left side. Has footy IQ and forward craft which will help her excel in that role.

#5 Perri Goulding
Eastern Ranges | 162cm | 05/07/2009

Was the most consistent across both games for Vic Metro, averaging 24.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 7.0 tackles, 6.0 clearances, 2.0 inside 50s and 1.0 goals per game. She bears similar traits – and height – to current Eastern top-ager Tayla McMillan with a knack for finding the ball, using it well and then also having an elite defensive focus. She just has that touch of class, particularly in her finishing, so expect her to start as a forward and rotate into the midfield in the Coates Talent League Girls over the coming years.

#8 Alira Barnard-Rossely
Eastern Ranges | 166cm | 05/10/2009

Another consistent player from the Ranges who just did everything right across the two games. Barnard-Rossely averaged 17.5 disposals, 3.5 tackles, 4.5 clearances, 4.5 inside 50s and 1.0 goals per game. Like Goulding, the Ranges prospect hit the scoreboard in both wins and it was her speed that set her apart through the middle. Like how the way she can lower the eyes and hit targets inside 50, and was a real playmaker in transition. Is part of a continued strong Eastern contingent.

#14 Grace Philip
Sandringham Dragons | 172cm | 09/06/2009

Philip is a moments player who can take a game away in an instant if she is up and about. At 172cm with a powerful burst, the Dragons tall can play up forward or roll through the midfield where she can facilitate scoring chances. Able to sidestep on a dime, she was able to take her game to another level against Vic Country after a really solid hitout against Gold Coast Suns Academy. Does her best work as that second or third possession winner to utilise her weapons.

OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED:

There were no shortage of eye-catching players for Vic Metro with Charli Parsons-Jones one who really shone at the trials and was massive against Vic Country following a quieter game in the win over the Suns Academy. Kiah McKinnon is another lively forward with plenty of upside with Grace Sharkie, Charlotte Embelton and Elebertina Schuliga just a handful of players to keep in mind. Looks to be a versatile group.