IN TRUE Allies fashion, the side that combines NSW/ACT, Tasmania and Northern Territory together took a game to gel, but then was as competitive as any other side for the remaining three matches. In one of the strongest Allies teams to go out on the park, there were numerous draftable prospects impressing in what is a carnival the staff and players can be proud of.

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RESULTS

RECORD: 1-3 | 72.8% | LLLW

Game 1: def. by Vic Country 10.6 (66) to 2.8 (20)
Game 2: def. by Vic Metro 7.8 (50) to 7.6 (48)
Game 3: def. by Western Australia 7.4 (46) to 3.12 (30)
Game 4: def. Queensland 8.9 (57) to 6.15 (51)

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was no surprise that the Allies’ worst result came in game one where they were inaccurate but unable to quite gel, though showed promising signs in the second half to quell the Vic Country attack. From there, they took it right up to three of the top four sides, losing by two points to eventual champions Vic Metro, and had more scoring shots and inside 50s than Western Australia. Finally their luck turned for the last game with the Allies defeating second placed Queensland by six points up at Brighton Homes Arena.

WHAT WORKED

The Allies’ ability to get the ball inside 50 was a constant and really gave their forwards a lot of chances around goal. Unfortunately that disconnect – purely through gelling and adapting to all manners of styles – hurt the Allies which is why they kicked 5.20 in their two biggest losses. When they kicked straight, the Allies did plenty of damage on the scoreboard, and realistically should have pipped Vic Metro and taken more advantage of Western Australia. Essentially the 1-3 record could have been 3-1 and a title-winning effort. As mentioned earlier, they were far better than their record suggested.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Priya Bowering (Lauderdale/Tasmania)
Midfielder | 169cm | 02/01/2007

Averages: 19.5 disposals, 2.5 marks, 5.0 tackles, 4.3 clearances, 3.3 inside 50s

The star Tasmanian was brilliant throughout the carnival, and the most consistent player from the Allies. She had an enormous game in particular against Western Australia where she looked unstoppable on her way to 28 disposals, nine clearances and seven tackles in defeat. Her clean hands, strength and reliable skills have her among the draft crop’s top prospects and it was no surprise to see her put in such a stellar carnival.

LEADING GOALKICKER

Majella Day (Murray Bushrangers/Giants Academy)
Tall Forward | 175cm | 11/03/2008

Averages: 11.5 disposals, 1.8 marks, 1.0 tackles, 1.3 inside 50s, 1.8 goals

The bottom-ager was the figurehead in the Allies’ attack, kicking seven goals across her four games. Aside from her goalless effort against Western Australia, Day kicked three each against Vic Metro and Queensland, posing all sorts of problems for the opposition. Spent time in defence last year, but is a notable goalkicker and will finish the year with the Murray Bushrangers.

RISING PROSPECT

Mia Anderson (Clarence/Tasmania)
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 26/11/2007

Averages: 16.0 disposals, 1.5 marks, 4.5 tackles, 3.0 clearances, 2.8 inside 50s, 1.3 rebound 50s, 0.5 goals

The hard-running inside midfielder has really expanded the scope of her profile this season and impacted on the outside more, including hitting the scoreboard. She kicked a couple of goals in the national championships, but her ability to get into potential scoring positions or set up others has been the most notable. Really building nicely and is carving out her own trail behind her Devils’ National Academy teammates.

ONES TO WATCH

The National Academy members in Mischa Barwin, Madeleine Quinn and Isla Wiencke were among the better performing Allies players across the four games, while Swans Academy speedster Kiera Yerbury caught the eye with some blistering runs. Alex Neyland started the carnival strong playing in defence, while Molly Thomas and Harriet Bingley also stood out through the middle and attack.

THE FUTURE

Boasting a stack of future prospects headlined by Day inside 50, Zoe Curry on the inside and Frances Walsh on the outside certainly staked their claims. The hard-running Charlotte Tidemann is among a wave of NSW/ACT prospects coming through with the names above, with Rose Bell and Morgan Stevens holding down the fort in defence.