THERE were a couple of tight contests and big wins across Round 10 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition, and we took note of some of the standout players from the weekend. We focused particularly on those players from the Vic Metro trial games or non draft-eligible players.

>> ROUND 10: Round wrap | Player of the Week | Team of the Week

Dandenong Stingrays:

#5 Mizuki Brothwell
Defender/Midfielder | 175cm | 22/10/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 rebound 50s

The National Academy member was busy in the back 50 intercepting consistently and driving the ball back out of the defensive half. A lot of Dandenong’s turnaround during the second term was credit to Brothwell, whose two strong marks at half-back – including one on the half-time siren. She found the contested work tough against a strong opposition but still showed she has potential in the role with her reading of the play and understanding behind the ball already strong.

#7 Lillian Snow
Forward/Midfielder | 169cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 11 tackles, 7 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

A real standout for the Stingrays around the contest with a game-high seven clearances, though Snow’s aerial ability is her point of difference. She is so difficult to beat in the air, and though she was just rewarded with the three marks, her work to bring the ball to ground and not be beaten in aerial contests is terrific. She gets behind the ball and runs both ways, then rests up forward and can be a target. Snow also had a equal game-high 11 tackles showing her defensive prowess and is in a rich vein of form.

#10 Matilda Argus
Defender/Midfielder | 166cm | 08/01/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Another left-footer who has been in some great form of late, Argus had her fair share of the ball once again and her burst speed stands out as a key trait. She backs herself coming off half-back or when in the middle and though at times under duress can turn the ball over, she usually makes good decisions, and does a little bit of everything. A well-rounded player positionally.

#12 Alice Cunnington
Forward/Midfielder | 174cm | 30/06/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds

Had very little space to work with which is what she usually loves, but did look good when on the lead or running hard back towards goal. She started forward and then rolled into the middle at times, even working back into defence. Cunnington also has an explosive turn of speed and a long kick that can do plenty of damage. Uses it well and impacts the scoreboard both directly and indirectly.

Oakleigh Chargers:

#9 Chloe Bown
Midfielder | 173cm | 20/12/2007

Stats: 28 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances, 11 inside 50s

It was an incredible game from Bown who did more than just win the contested ball and thump it forward, winning plenty of it in transition and adding some much needed speed to get into space. She has a booming kick which can penetrate past defensive zones and though she had a couple of chances within range, set up scoring opportunities for her teammates. It was a real all-round game from Bown, impacting in the air and at ground level and was the most consistent across the four quarters.

#11 Isabella Mazzei
Midfielder | 170cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

While Mazzei was not necessarily on the outside too often, she plays such a key role on the inside with her clean hands and ability to be a first-possession winner. Mazzei can spin out of trouble and has nice spatial awareness, running at a high efficiency due to her knack for picking the right options. Overall was solid once more for the Chargers and is one of a number of bottom-agers shining this year.

#13 Zoe Curry
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 09/10/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Curry’s first quarter set the tone for the game with an enormous start of 11 disposals. She pumped the ball inside 50, burst from the stoppage, even had a shot on goal that was touched by a defender on the way home when looking to pass. While quieter after the first term, she still popped up for some moments including a holding the ball free kick on Cunnington, a crucial clearances out of the middle and then nice kick inside 50 to Scarlett Bown late in the match.

#18 Bailee Martin
Tall Forward | 176cm | 06/06/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 5 goals, 2 behinds

The competition’s leading goalkicker got on the board early with a classy goal, then finished as the match-winner with four second half majors and two in the last five minutes to put her side back on top. She looked every bit the threat inside 50 and at times was afforded too much space, with the bottom-ager made them pay late with her ability to finish under pressure. She still missed a couple but was all in all the difference up forward once more.

#33 Storm Johnson
Forward | 167cm | 29/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 goal, 1 behind

One of her most lively all-round games, Johnson kicked a great long-range goal off a snap that bounced home, then just missed another chance. She set up Martin with a nice sizzling pass to the lead and her strengths highlighted by her speed and defensive pressure were on fully display. Earning her place in the Vic Metro squad for the upcoming national championships, she brings a lot of heat at ground level.

#46 Molly Phillips
Forward/Wing | 166cm | 01/10/2008

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

Another Chargers bottom-ager who can play as that hybrid high-forward/wing, Phillips has some draftable traits particularly with her movement in traffic and smarts to find space. Though best suited in a role where she can run and carry on the outside, Phillips was one of the most contested players in the game, putting her body on the line and aims to lower the eyes when going inside 50 as well.

Northern Territory Academy:

#1 Marika Carlton
Midfielder | 159cm | 03/08/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

The National Academy member started on-ball then rotated forward where she was able to impact more with her athleticism and footy IQ around goals. She helped spearhead the comeback in the front half, and though not having a lot of time or space to do what she was able to convert two majors, the second of which came six minutes into the last quarter with a burst forward and clean finish.

#5 Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn
Small Forward | 157cm | 22/11/2007

Stats: 14 disposals, 10 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Coming in from representing the National Academy as an injury replacement player, Gardiner-Dunn further emphasised her ability to play as a two-way forward. She laid double-digit tackles and still hit the scoreboard, locking the ball inside 50 and looking dangerous when near the goals. Her efficiency is an area to improve on, though her goal came from a soccer close to home late in the match.

#6 Tatyana Perry
Defender | 170cm | 28/02/2006

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The over-age talent has done her draft chances no harm with another consistent game out of the back half. She adds that air of composure to an inexperienced defensive set up and she generally uses the ball well despite being under immense pressure. Perry has elite athletic traits and coming off that half-back line she showed a willingness to burn off opponents and turn defence into offence.

#8 Peggy Rock
Forward/Midfielder | 166cm | 20/07/2009

Stats: 31 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s

Rock continues to go from strength-to-strength as a double bottom-ager off a second successive Under 16s carnival. Not looking out of place with teammates and opponents up to three years her senior, Rock is capable of winning the inside or outside ball and thumping it long off either side of her body. She can refine the precision of said kicks, but as a whole she was damaging on the defensive end and put the pill into goal-scoring areas for her teammates.

Calder Cannons:

#8 Taylah Gilcrist
Tall Defender | 177cm | 18/04/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

Competed hard behind the ball and looked to come off her line and get the ball forward when possible throughout the match, leading from the front with her intercepting ability. She used the ball well within the game and provided a marking presence in the defensive 50. Gilchrist has been a consistent force for the Cannons as that tall defender.

#15 Shauna McElligott
Forward/Midfielder | 162cm | 05/03/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals

Yet another big game from the skilful McElligott who continues to put her hand up in her top-age season. She is terrific defensively and on the offensive end can make things happen with her ability to hit targets by foot and also run in transition when required. Really honing that on-ball craft this season, McElligott is capable of filling out a number of roles, and she kicked two nice goals in the first 30 minutes.

Gippsland Power:

#7 Brooke Kelly
Forward | 168cm | 07/08/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

The talented Vic Country Under 16s bobbed up for a couple of goals and had her moments around the big sticks with a couple of classy finishes off the left. She had some more chances that did not quite pan out, but played her role, applied strong pressure and was a lively target inside 50 for the Power.

#9 Lily Milner
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 25/01/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A clean player who when forward found space and slotted a goal from the set shot, with another snap hitting the post later in the match. She showed nice hands around the ground, was able to win a fair chunk of hardballs and transition the ball down the ground when required. She gave away a couple of free kicks including a clumsy high tackle in the middle, but as a whole Milner was a consistent contributor.

#19 Ella Stoddart
Defender | 174cm | 30/01/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

Returned to the side from the National Academy outing and was pretty solid across the board. She provided some important intercepting and rebounding for the Power, and her brilliant tackle on Olivieri to win a holding the ball free saved a potential goal. Her kicking at times can be precise or wayward depending on the situation, but more often than not she was able to put the ball into advantageous situations.

#29 Rebecca Fitzpatrick
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 31/01/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

As consistent as they come, the skipper spent time between midfield and attack once more, taking a strong mark in the pocket during the second term and slotting the set shot goal to lift her side. Her hands in traffic are very good, and while her polish can further be refined, as a whole she competed hard and impacted the game with her competitive nature, lifting her teammates up around her.

Western Jets:

#2 Addison West
Midfielder | 166cm | 16/05/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

A bottom-ager with a stack of exciting traits, West is a high-potential player who has already shown stacks of promising signs. She has explosive speed that at times can get her into trouble when breaking through would-be tacklers or trying to fend-off others, but she makes good decisions with ball in hand, lowers the eyes going inside 50 and can win the ball both on the inside and outside. A name to just jot down for next year.

#5 Tayla Olivieri
Midfielder | 159cm | 14/02/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 11 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Another bottom-ager who is in some terrific form, Olivieri was strong defensively through the middle and had the ball on a string across the course of the match. Though small in stature she is quick to release by hand, and buries herself in congestion to win the hardball. Though not explosive, Olivieri has the ability to dance around would be tacklers. Getting caught on a couple of occasions, the Jets small had a massive 18 ground ball gets – including nine hardball gets – which summed up her first-possession-winning ability.

#10 Kiara Boyd
Forward | 173cm | 02/06/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals, 1 behind

A Vic Metro hub member who has not had a lot of opportunities this season given the Jets are usually on the receiving end of a loss, but against the Power, Boyd showed her leading patterns, strong hands and forward craft to convert two set shot goals well. The bottom-ager is a high-upside player who will be one to watch at the national championships as she could play as a third tall who can also roam up the ground.

Sandringham Dragons:

#2 Grace McIntyre
Wing | 172cm | 31/12/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 behinds

Provided some vital hard running on the outside of the contest, with the bottom-ager – just one day off being a double bottom-ager – drove the ball forward time and time again. McIntyre has impressed in her debut Dragons season and the only time she got caught flat-footed was under a high ball which was picked off by Johnson. Generally clean hands and a well-balanced athletic profile, she just has to refine her precision by foot to take her game to another level again.

#10 Macy Watkins
Midfielder | 172cm | 24/05/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 9 clearances, 2 inside 50s

Cracked in and played her usual role around the stoppages to win a clearance every second possession. Her slick hands in close to release to teammates was very good, and naturally her defensive instincts are on high alert at all times. Able to gather well and make others better, Watkins continued her nice top-age form with another solid midfield performance.

#28 Amy Smith
Wing/Defender | 172cm | 07/11/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Spent a lot of time behind the ball after starting on the wing, Smith used her smarts and decision making to propel the ball from the back 50 going forward. She can at times just miss the pass by inches, but often had to decide within a split second. Not afraid to take that risky kick, Smith had her moments where she would win multiple possessions within a chain and even got forward in the last term to mark 40m out with her kick going deep to the goalsquare.

#44 Sienna Sharp
Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 30/09/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

The Dragons skipper was a marking presence in attack and around the ball at times, showing she can do it all. Sharp’s strength in the air makes her difficult to spoil, and she will follow-up with great defensive acts to lock the ball in too. Her positioning around the ground stood out and while at times she thumped the ball for distance, still played her role within the team.

#59 Maya Duane
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 16/03/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds

Duane is getting better by the week with her experience and the Under 16s jet was a real headache for her opponents. Be it in the middle winning clearances or clunking grabs down forward, Duane bobbed up just about anywhere. She booted three goals and missed a few more, with her knack for snapping around her body an element she is comfortable with most of the time. She will be a key player when her experienced teammates are out for the national championships so watch for her to have a big impact.

Northern Knights:

#2 Maddison Meagher
Wing | 162cm | 02/08/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s

One of the fastest players in the competition, Meagher had her fair share of highlights thanks to her ability to just burn past opponents on the regular. She had a couple of bouncing runs including a three-bounce performance six minutes into the third term and even when caught was able to get her handball away. Her precision by foot can develop particularly when at top speed, but the metres she gains is so advantageous for her side.

#7 Scarlett Johnson
Wing/Defender | 175cm | 26/11/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 marks, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50, 9 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Arguably best on ground in a loss, Johnson was enormous once more and is having some sort of season in her new wing/defensive role. She covered a ridiculous amount of ground and was unbeatable in the air, while using it effectively by foot going forward. Often Johnson was mopping up behind the ball then bringing it down the ground, but she is a player teammates are comfortable with having ball in hand thanks to her decision making and execution. Deservedly got forward to mark 35m out and convert a set shot goal five minutes into the final term.

#8 Isobella Hishongwa-Gibb
Ruck | 181cm | 27/07/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 33 hitouts, 1 clearance, 3 inside 50s

Really took control of the ruck with Ivy Ryan and made the most of going up against smaller opponents. Though Hishongwa-Gibb’s natural athleticism meant she dominated that facet, the most pleasing element was her around the ground work where she clunked seven marks. Usually averaging just under two per game, she showed marked improvement not just in holding the marks, but getting into the positions to receive the ball. Her defensive pressure at ground level was once again eye-catching as well.

GWV Rebels:

#7 Maggie Johnstone
Midfielder/Forward I 171cm I 06/06/2007

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

Johnstone started on-ball and played predominantly through the midfield, racking up 17 disposals in the first three quarters and looking lively all over the ground. Her work around the coalface stood out and she used her powerful burst to extract the ball from congestion and feed it out. Possessing a booming kick, Johnstone put pressure on the Bushrangers’ defence at times, and while not hitting the scoreboard in the game, looked threatening when within range.

#9 Jovie Skewes-Clinton
Tall Utility I 176cm I 15/11/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Her most complete game of the year where she produced a dazzling four-quarter performance. At times Skewes-Clinton has won a game in a quarter when thrown forward, but she had to get the job done down back, repel plenty of attacks and then went forward to be a target during the third term. She had an impact there with a goal after marking at the top of the goalsquare, then went back into defence for the final term. Her aerial ability and reading of the play were brilliant and she continued to be a switch option for her teammates or running by for the handball receive.

#17 Milly Shortal
Midfielder/Wing | 175cm | 24/06/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 14 tackles, 8 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

An exciting prospect for next year with an ability to balance between the inside and outside, Shortal won the bulk of her touches in the former role. She laid a match-high 14 tackles and had eight clearances, pumping the ball forward consistently. Her athletic traits stand out for a tall, and though her kicking can be hit and miss at times, she can get range on her trusty left. Won a great free kick with a run-down tackle in the third term, though doing the same thing earlier got an in the back call against her as well.

Murray Bushrangers:

#3 Rain Dodd
Defender/Wing | 165cm | 13/01/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Worked hard coming off half-back and rotating up the ground, Dodd showed a fierce attack on the ball and a willingness to win repeat possessions. She was effective with ball in hand through her decision making and got better as the game went on with a 14-disposal second half. Provided some transitional play and was clean by hand too which helped.

#10 Sophia Green
Midfielder/Defender | 169cm | 22/11/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 11 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another player in that midfield/defensive rotation, Green started on-ball and found her fair share of the pill, racking up nine disposals in the first term and setting the tone for the rest of the match. Using the ball effectively by hand or foot, Green is such a well-balanced player who can find it wherever she goes. A natural accumulator, the Bushrangers bottom-ager provided important run and carry from the back half, working in tandem with Dodd.

#11 Majella Day
Tall Forward | 176cm | 11/03/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 5 behinds

While it was not her most accurate performance in front of the big sticks, Day still had seven scoring shots from 14 disposals and four marks. Always looking a threat regardless of which side she swings onto, Day works well when given space inside 50 to lead into with her speed off the mark. Also set to be an Allies representative in the next month, the Bushrangers prospect is likely to finish in the top few goalkickers this season.

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

Stats: 41 disposals, 6 marks, 11 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Our Rookie Me Central Player of the Week for Round 10, Hall stuffed the stats sheet in a best on ground performance. She racked up a whopping 41 disposals – the equal-most of any player this year – but worked hard for them with a mix of ground level and aerial play. While spotted getting back to help out the defence as she so often does, Hall also spent time inside 50 and one of her goals came via a mark close to goal. Her most prolific performance to-date.

#15 Nikhita Spiteri
Forward | 171cm | 20/07/2007

Stats: 26 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behinds

The tackling machine spent a lot of time forward compared to her usual midfield rotation, but still had her moments higher up the ground. She managed to hit the scoreboard with a classy finish in the first term, and was busy throughout the match. Spiteri has a great competitive attitude and does the team things as well with a great shepherd allowing Day to snap around her body for a goal in the goalsquare. Another one of the more consistent players on the ground.

Eastern Ranges:

#4 Asher Fearn-Wannan
Wing/Defender | 177cm | 14/12/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 8 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Having played a variety of positions throughout the year, Fearn-Wannan was back to her natural wing/defensive role where she can roam behind the ball and then send it forward. She had one of her more complete games in the clash, moving well through traffic and generally making good decisions with ball in hand. Looking confident in the air, Fearn-Wannan hit the scoreboard as well. Finds space really efficiently and earned reward for her hard running.

#10 Jordyn Allen
Defender | 165cm | 12/11/2007

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

Predominantly running aggressively off the half-back line, Allen has had more prolific games, but added some pace on the ball. After a relatively quiet start, the National Academy member found her feet through the middle two quarters and was neat with her transitional play. Just did what she needed to throughout the match.

#12 Emily Rankin
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 11/05/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The bottom-ager did a lot of her best work in close with clean hands and worked into the game well. Her third term featured 12 disposals in an enormous effort, and her defensive pressure to hunt the ball carrier in close quelled a number of potential scoring chances for the opposition. Slick out of the stoppage and possessing a nice burst, Rankin has an array of eye-catching traits.

#35 Brylee Anderson
Midfielder/Defender | 172cm | 25/03/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Has found fantastic consistency this season and was once again mostly through the middle where she worked to get from the inside to the outside. When in defence, Anderson provided composure with ball in hand and a powerful kick, with her vision and production a couple of key highlighted traits. Showed her class with a goal off a few steps, putting an exclamation mark on the performance in the final term.

Geelong Falcons:

#12 Meg Lappin
Key Defender | 180cm | 21/09/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 3 rebound 50s

The potential Brisbane father-daughter prospect worked hard behind the ball in a defensive running role. Lappin showed off her athleticism and willingness to take the game on from the back 50, and while her precision by foot was a little wayward given the pressure, she moved well and was often having to clear the ball under immense pressure. Linked up by hand with teammates as if she was a a smaller, running player.

#38 Stella Huxtable
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 22/12/2007

Stats: 32 disposals, 2 marks, 13 tackles, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Stepped back into the midfield with Georgia Tyrrell spending more time behind the ball on this occasion, Huxtable had the ball on a string with 17 more disposals than her next nearest teammate. Her efficiency was severely hampered by the manner and situation in which she was winning the ball, but it should not come as any surprise that she had a ridiculous 21 ground ball gets and 24 contested possessions. Managed to kick one of her side’s two goals with a free and subsequent set shot midway through the fourth term.