DESPITE the metropolitan teams missing a host of stars due to Vic Metro’s trip west, there were still plenty of impressive players standing up over Round 13 of the Coates Talent League Girls, particularly from the country regions who all enjoyed wins. As always we took note of those players who caught the eye with a predominant focus on those players who trialled for the Victorian sides or are not yet draft-eligible.

>> ROUND 13: Round wrap | Team of the Week | Player Focus

Oakleigh Chargers:

#32 Scarlett Bown
Forward/Defender | 178cm | 22/09/2009

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

The talented tall made the most of her chances in the first term with both of her side’s majors to keep the Chargers in touch early. Her leading, marking and set shot goalkicking all stood out, and then got a taste for life up the other end late in the game where she took a nice mark at half-back.

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 7 rebound 50s

Showed her experience with such a young team and did what she could in defence. Her reading of the play was very good and while often her piercing kicks might have been turned over due to Tasmania’s smart setup in its attacking 50, she was a rock in the backline, spreading and trying her best to find exits. Did well one-on-one too.

#40 Jessica Owen
Ruck | 191cm | 07/12/2006

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 28 hitouts, 8 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

The over-age ruck used her considerable height advantage to take full toll in the ruck and get first hands to it consistency. She racked up 28 hitouts and eight clearances, looking to get the ball forward each time. Posed as a target between the arcs who at the very least could bring the ball to ground, but did her best work at the stoppages.

Tasmania Devils:

#1 Mischa Barwin
Forward/Midfielder | 167cm | 04/12/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 9 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Worked well playing forward and rotating through the middle, often using her evasive skills and smarts to find space in the front half of the ground. Time and time again she worked into the right spots to mark, converting two goals from long-range and using quick hands to keep the ball moving when further afield. Barwin’s defensive pressure was particularly impressive, not giving her opponents an inch.

#4 Ava Read
Tall Defender | 179cm | 21/06/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Given the full-strength nature of the team and dominance on the scoreboard, Read stayed in defence for the match rather than be thrown forward or roll through the midfield. She was an intercepting force once again, but also applied great groundlevel pressure too. While at times she may have turned the ball over by foot, she always looked to open the game up. Took a couple of contested marks too.

#9 Mia Anderson
Midfielder | 171cm | 14/02/2007

Stats: 37 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 4 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 2 goals

An enormous performance from our Rookie Me Central Player of the Week with a Coates Talent League Girls career-high 37 disposals as well as nine inside 50s and two goals for the Devils. She loves the inside work, but has a raking kick and is a great finisher on goal which is one of those ticks for midfielders. Enjoying a really consistent top-age season for the Devils and first-up for Allies.

#15 Priya Bowering
Midfielder | 169cm | 02/01/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Surprisingly only had the one mark and one tackle which is usually where she separates herself from the rest, but instead she got her opportunity to use her explosive pace and evasion in the game. Often she is feeding it out to teammates, and while she did just that, Bowering had a couple of moments where she could take grass and back herself. Almost kicked a ripping goal but was unfortunately pinged for running too far. Did end up hitting the scoreboard from a handball receive from 40m in the fourth quarter.

#26/28 Harriet Bingley
Forward | 174cm | 23/03/2007

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

Presented at centre half-forward as a marking option and though only credited with two grabs, was able to compete each time and bring it to ground. A powerful kick of the ball, Bingley did well to lower the eyes at times going inside 50, and after missing a snap in the opening minute of the fourth term, had a similar chance not long after and put it through the big sticks.

Northern Knights:

#10 Katelyn Busuttil
Midfielder/Forward | 164cm | 15/02/2007

Stats: 30 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Tried hard all game in defeat and was a reliable ball-winner through the middle. She was a touch fumbly at ground level, but once she had the ball, was able to extract it and bring teammates into the game. Her clearance work stood out as a highlight and Busuttil reads the ball well off hands with nice stoppage IQ.

#17 Alli Allen
Midfielder | 172cm | 15/10/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 10 tackles, 5 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Got her opportunity through the middle and while not a massive ball-winner, was fantastic defensively and held the opposition to account. A little more composure at times can further enhance her execution, but with time and space she used it effectively and often looked for the little lateral kicks to spread the field.

#23 Phoebe Hargreaves
Midfielder | 161cm | 15/07/2007

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

First game in the midfield after being a small forward all year and Hargreaves produced her most consistent performance, leading by example. The top-age Vic Metro rep has a terrific sidestep that stands out and finds space in tight gaps, and she covers the ground well too. Her clearance work was very good and she always attacks it hard even if at times can be a touch light to stick tackles on bigger bodied players. Impressive.

Geelong Falcons:

#3 Kate O’Brien
Ruck | 180cm | 11/05/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 30 hitouts, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

O’Brien’s performances have been building this year and took advantage of no Isobella Hishongwa-Gibb to use her experience and strength at the stoppages. While her winning hitouts was no surprise – she has done it all year – her work around the ground as a marking target, and at ground level with second and third efforts, was right up there. Took a couple of strong intercept marks as well behind the ball.

#6 Chloe Bryant
Midfielder | 165cm | 12/09/2006

Stats: 30 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Came back into the side with Stella Huxtable and Georgia Tyrrell out and played her role, winning the ball with ease and helping transition it from defence into offence. Her experience at stoppages was key, but having played as a predominant wing in the past who moved inside in stints, she also knew where to run to find space and impacted in both manners. Best on ground in the Falcons’ win.

#24 Alana Mulvahil
Midfielder | 163cm | 16/02/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

One of those midfielders who can play both inside and outside like Bryant, Mulvahil showed lightning hands when she won it and was often able to then spread and be a link-up option between the arcs. Her decision making is an area that could further improve such as kicking to a one-on-three inside 50, but she was clean at ground level and applied pressure even if not rewarded with tackles.

#52 Ella Condon
Forward/Ruck | 182cm | 23/04/2009

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 14 hitouts, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals

The double bottom-ager started forward then gave O’Brien a chop out in the ruck and held her own. Only won the six touches but was noticeable in the way she presented when inside 50, plucking a mark over the top of her smaller opponent at one stage, then tapping it to herself from a ruck stoppage and following up to slot her second goal. The Vic Country Under 16s MVP poses as a big threat to most defenders.

Murray Bushrangers:

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

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 rebound 50s

Dodd provided a steady hand in defence for the most part, and was one of a number of rotations on-ball throughout the course of the game. The top-age utility was strong in tackles and effective through tackles, boasting a nice sidestep to get herself out of trouble. Always one to have a crack, it was no surprise to see Dodd among the most prominent tacklers on the field as well.

#7 Carmela Perri
Midfielder/Forward | 168cm | 15/10/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Has been able to hold her own along plenty of talented teammates and played a role in the mid/forward positions. She tracks it well and can get into ball-winning positions including inside 50. While potentially being cleaner at ground level, Perri is talented in extracting the ball from the stoppage and can win it both on the inside and outside.

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

Stats: 19 disposals, 1 mark, 10 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50

Spent plenty of time on-ball, and though only having the one clearance, was really tough in congestion. She laid double-figure tackles and was able to use either side of her body which helped in transition. Won a lot of touches in a second or third-possession manner and linked up by hand cleanly, covering plenty of ground with her run.

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

Stats: 12 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 inside 50, 3 goals, 1 behind

Day continued her great form in front of the big sticks to add another three goals to her season tally, providing a marking target inside 50. She had a couple of soccer attempts of which one went out of bounds but the next went sweetly through the big sticks. Applied pressure effectively for a tall and was quite a handful both in the air and once the ball hit the deck.

#14 Ellie Hall
Tall Utility | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Stats: 27 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles, 8 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Hall’s stat-stuffing efforts continued in Round 13, with six or more marks, tackles, clearances and inside 50s to go with 27 touches and a goal. Murray was on top for the most part so the tall over-ager had the ability to push forward and do a lot more offensive work, including finding space to mark and convert a close-range set shot. Always brings effort and knows where to be to win the ball at all times.

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

Stats: 30 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 13 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Spent a lot of time at half-forward and still racked up more touches than anyone else on the field. She is such a highly competitive player with a great defensive attitude, and while that finishing precision is an area that still has development left, she ran hard throughout the match to be a distributor going long inside 50. Kicked a couple of behinds for the match, but was among the better Bushies for her work rate.

#24 Rose Bell
Defender | 170cm | 18/03/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Given the strength of the attack, Bell was instead used off half-back where she linked up well with her penetrating kicking skills and aerial ability. The bottom-ager showed effective hands over hand and in transition, often intercepting and kicking long down the ground to clear the danger. Bell also spread well and her second and third efforts caught the eye.

Calder Cannons:

#31 Chloe Bullen
Tall Defender/Forward | 172cm | 15/01/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 8 rebound 50s, 1 goal

A shining light for the Cannons in a tough afternoon, Bullen was often under immense pressure having to clear the ball from danger. She mopped up and did take the odd kickout as well to clear to half-back, trying to get some transitional football happening. Strong and competes above her height, she was thrown forward late in the game where she clunked a mark 30m out and converted the set shot from a 45-degree angle.

#33 Tessa Berryman
Defender | 164cm | 17/02/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

A raw, but talented player. Berryman provided plenty of run and carry off half-back and she showed a fair aerial ability and understanding of the game. The 16-year-old’s precision can be further improved, but she backs herself, takes the game on and looked really exciting in doing so. One who can aid in transitioning the ball from defence to offence.

Bendigo Pioneers:

#1 Georgia Garlick
Wing | 169cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

A smart player who has some exciting traits both offensively and defensively. She pressure opponents around the ball and attacks every contest at full tilt. Throughout the game, she looked to run hard down the wing or get her teammates involved in the chain. Had a chance on goal from long-range off her trusty left but it just fell short and was rushed across the line. A promising bottom-ager.

#2 Olivia Lacy
Midfielder/Defender | 169cm | 15/06/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Was good to see her back in for her first full game since Round 1 of the season. She thrives on the contested aspects of the game, but moves well and makes good decisions with ball in hand that enable her to also influence on the outside. Her ability to move on a dime and spin out of trouble to dispose of it almost in the one motion was a moment that really stood out in a promising return game.

#9 Beth Morris
Midfielder | 167cm | 04/09/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

Spent the most time on the inside where she was quick by hand or foot to dispose of it and get it out to teammates in space. She won the bulk of her touches at ground level around the coalface but rarely panics and shows nice composure to pick the right option, particularly by hand exiting the stoppage. Another bottom-ager with a bright future, Morris was one of her side’s best around the ball.

#12 Issy Boulton
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 21/05/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The versatile utility continues to just fill holes wherever needed and spent time forward while rotating into the midfield. She kicked an early goal with the outside of the boot well and had a few more chances around the 50. When up the ground, Boulton worked hard defensively and just has a crack at every contest. Another Pioneers player who shared the ball around.

#14 Lacey Nihill
Midfielder/Wing | 172cm | 01/05/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

An ultra-versatile player who moves well and and is classy with the way she goes about it. What stands out about Nihill is the fact she can go inside and win the first possession, but also go outside and be on the end of a handball chain. Kicked a terrific goal in the third term from a set shot on the boundary on the tightest of angles showing her natural skill and smarts with weighting the kick.

#23/#8 Ella Jeffrey
Defender/Midfielder | 167cm | 09/08/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Started in defence and got her change through the midfield as well, Jeffrey brings an uncompromising style of play to the game. She has a thumping kick and loves to take the game on, not afraid to fend-off opponents or breakthrough tackles. She can give away the odd free but plays with her heart on her sleeve, showing great passion for the jumper. She had to come off with the blood rule to the face which resulted in a jumper change late in the third term.

Western Jets:

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 2 marks, 9 tackles, 8 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

Has really come into her own as the season has gone on and been the most consistent Jet across the course of the year. A bottom-ager who packs a punch, what Olivieri lacks in size, she makes up for in courage. Quite often she is at the bottom of a pack or looking to scoop the ball up and take off, really trying to will her team to victory. Olivieri covers the ground well, can win it in all areas of the ground and while the efficiency is an area to work on, she does have a tendency to win it under immense heat.

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds

Finally got more than one or two chances inside 50 and looked the goods returning from an Under 18s Vic Metro debut. She lead out strong, showed nice hands above her head, and created separation on the lead. Both of her goals came from nice forward craft with one a clean gather and finish under pressure, while the other came from a lead and mark 40m out. Had a few chances she left out there, but always looked threatening like she could win a game off her own boot as she did on debut last year against the Northern Territory.

Dandenong Stingrays:

#1 Evelyn Connolly
Forward/Midfielder | 169cm | 26/05/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 3 behinds

The smart forward continued to add to her growing goals tally in season 2025 with another three to keep up her perfect run of multiple goals in each of her six games. She has 19 for the year now, but also 15 behinds, having missed a couple of gettable ones once more. Still, her forward craft is elite, she is strong overhead and can also crumb which is a huge tick. Should get a look-in for Vic Country soon.

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

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

Started on-ball but naturally drifted to defence where she can use her smarts and speed to full advantage. She takes the game on and gets into really good positions when around the ball, with her work in transition standing out. Had 21 disposals across the first three quarters and has an effective kick as well. Courageous and tough, Argus has a well-balanced gamestyle and was realyl consistent across the board.

#11 Scarlett Marsh
Defender/Midfielder | 162cm | 03/04/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

The smooth-moving bottom-ager was skilful once again in working well from defence and even rotating into the middle to find the pill. She is not necessarily a massive production player, but is a high impact-per-possession one with her smarts and execution impressing. Often looked to go inside to open up the game, Marsh is a player teammates look to get the ball in the hands of consistently.

#12 Alice Cunnington
Utility | 174cm | 30/06/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 2 goals, 1 behind

Speaking of getting the ball into the hands of consistently, Cunnington is one of those players that will slice up the opposition with her ball-use in transition and presents as one of the genuine top-end players for next year. The first goal of the game saw her calmly take the ball off hands, then be involved in a few back-and-forth handballs before finishing on the run from long-range. If that was not enough she kicked another off the non-preferred later in the match despite being under immense pressure. Can play midfield, wing or forward.

GWV Rebels:

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

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 10 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

The standout player once again, Johnstone is building quite the top-age campaign. She is so strong on the inside, and while it did get her caught twice in quick succession late in the fourth term, the amount of times she broke free and set up teammates to run off with it was more than beneficial. A booming kick that can penetrate past defensive zones, and being clean to go with her strength at the coalface, she was quite a handful for the deep Stingrays midfield. Tried to spend time forward, but the Rebels missed her around the ball.

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

Stats: 10 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 2 rebound 50s, 2 goals

Started forward to continue on from her Vic Country spell there before going back, which was the opposite switch to her games at the start of the season. Kicked a couple of goals in the first 25 minutes, being a one-touch player and only needing a split second to take a shot. Could have had a third earlier than her actual majors but her dribble attempt did not get past the last defender. When in defence, had a fun time wrestling with fellow Vic Country player Connolly, and despite only having 10 touches for the match, felt more like 20.

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

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 hitout, 9 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

A high-upside player for next year who will be one to watch, the left-footer is a good size, moves well and had one of the biggest kicks going around. At one stage she seemed to blast it 60m from behind centre to inside 50, and her run-and-carry means her metres gained could be insane in the future. Incredibly won 13 of her 14 possessions at the coalface which impacted her efficiency, but when she kicks it as far as she does, it usually helps anyway.

Gippsland Power:

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

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Milner is another player who does not need a lot of disposals to inflict damage and she did well at half-forward where she can both hit the scoreboard and set others up. Though she missed a chance she would normally nail early in the third, Milner slotted her second chance at a similar time in the fourth. She set up a goal to Ashleigh Perkins five minutes prior to that, and used the ball well as a faciltator in the front half of the ground.

#10 Grace Dillow
Midfielder | 167cm | 03/06/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 6 tackles, 7 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Another player whose impact outweighs her production, Dillow was a prominent force through the middle, able to extract the ball from stoppages and then get forward to even have a shot on goal that was unluckily rushed on the line. She set up her teammates and opened the game up, also getting behind the ball to mop up as well. Overall caught the eye and was one of the better Power prospects.

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

Stats: 31 disposals, 5 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 9 rebound 50s

A brilliant best on ground performance from the National Academy member who produced what was easily her most complete performance of the season. Stoddart seemed to get back to what she does so well, intercepting and using her strength to break free and then dispose of the ball well down the ground. Her kicking in particular was a marked improvement, and her impact on the game was profound. Her full performance was detailed in our Player Focus.

>> PLAYER FOCUS: Ella Stoddart (Gippsland Power)

#32 Abby Hobson
Forward | 174cm | 11/09/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Once again provided a marking target in the front half, never losing a contest and always bringing the ball to ground be it in her hands or at her feet. She has a strong aerial ability that enables her to not only fly but hold onto grabs under immense pressure, and was able to get rewards with a running goal from long-range in the third term and then a regulation set shot goal 25m out in front midway through the last.

#36 Chelsea Sutton
Midfielder | 169cm | 16/11/2007

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

Had herself another big game playing through the midfield with a balance of offensive and defensive traits. She is clean in traffic and strong to break through would-be tacklers. Overhead, Sutton provided a marking target both between the arcs and forwardline, and while not hitting the scoreboard herself, aided others in scoring. Her follow-up work and contested nature shone through in the big win.

Eastern Ranges:

#7 Bridie Neale
Wing | 166cm | 03/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 4 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The bottom-ager has a knack for running hard and hitting the scoreboard, and she did so with a brilliant checkside goal late in the first term from an incredibly difficult angle. One of the more productive Ranges in a side that had a lot of fresh faces and younger players, Neale kept working and won the ball in each third of the ground. Attacks it hard and can find it both around the contest and on the outside.

#16 Ashleigh Thatcher
Midfielder | 164cm | 03/09/2007

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 behind

Got her full-time midfield chance in the absence of key teammates and took the opportunity with both hands. Her exposure on-ball alongside a lot of younger Ranges enabled her to be the go-to player, finding the ball across the four quarters and leading by example defensively. She threw herself at the contest, showed a nice burst out of congestion, and quite often got the ball clear while being tackled. Took a great contested mark as well.

#17 Lara Williams
Forward/Wing | 169cm | 29/08/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

While usually pidgeonholed forward as a clever bottom-ager, Williams got more minutes up the ground in the match, and even worked into defence where she was able to clear. Her bodywork one-on-one is always smart and she has a lovely kicking technique which was emphasised in her 90.9 per cent kicking efficiency. It was the first time this season Williams had not kicked a goal, but it should not come as a surprise in the different role, with her impact far greater than just on the scoreboard.