EASTERN Ranges overcame blustery conditions and a host of first-choice players out to defeat Sandringham Dragons by 19 points, 6.13 (49) to 4.6 (30) at the Kennedy Community Centre for Round 11 of the Talent League Girls competition. With Vic Metro kicking off its campaign over the weekend, both sides were without a number of players giving opportunities for others to step up in their absences.

We took notes on some of the players who caught the eye from the match.

EASTERN RANGES:

#6 Alira Barnard-Rossely
Midfielder | 167cm | 05/10/2009

Stats: 37 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 5 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Barnard-Rossely was incredibly busy throughout the game, accumulating a game-high 37 disposals while driving the ball inside 50 on five occasions. Usually deployed forward, with the absences due to Metro duties Barnard-Rossely was thrown the keys to the midfield. She showcased clean hands and a constant desire to keep the ball moving, often looking for the quick handball release even under immense pressure. Her ability to burst away from half-back and thump the ball into space was a feature, as was her work rate to win the ball at ground level. While her disposal was occasionally rushed when she was tackled or under heat, her sheer volume of work and ability to break lines made her a standout.

#7 Bridie Neale
Wing/Midfielder | 167cm | 03/03/2008

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

Starting in her traditional position on the wing before moving on-ball in the second half, Neale was a clean ball user who linked up well between the arcs. She showed great burst speed, gathering the ball in the middle and accelerating forward to drive it deep inside 50. Her ground-level work was impressive, picking the ball up cleanly and shuffling it forward, and she followed up her efforts with strong tackling pressure.

#10 Perri Goulding
Forward/Midfielder | 161cm | 05/07/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 1 mark, 8 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 behinds

Goulding was a tenacious presence, laying eight tackles and winning five clearances as she applied pressure around the ball and up forward. She combined well with Barnard-Rossely on the outside and provided a strong lead-up option from attack. Her clean hands off half-forward were a highlight, as was her defensive pressure, as she linked up well in transition.

#11 Paisley Stock
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 15/09/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 9 tackles, 3 clearances, 1 behind

Stock applied immense defensive pressure throughout the match, finishing with an equal game-high nine tackles. Starting on-ball, she was clean when gathering the ball off the deck or off hands, looking to quickly dish it off to teammates. Her burst away from the middle in the second quarter, followed by a short, effective kick, highlighted her ability to impact the game offensively as well.

#17 Lara Williams
Midfielder | 168cm | 29/08/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Williams was a driving force in the midfield, racking up 29 disposals, six clearances, and six inside 50s. She consistently cleared the ball from defence and was heavily involved in transition, often thumping long kicks to gain territory, adapting well to the breezy conditions. Her intercept marking was strong, and she set up the first goal of the game with a penetrating kick inside 50. While she pushed a couple of set shots wide, her ability to burst from stoppages and win the ball was crucial for the Ranges.

#22 Kyra Simmons
Tall Defender | 177cm | 28/09/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 9 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Simmons was a rock in defence, clunking four marks and laying an impressive nine tackles. She read the play well to take intercept marks and was composed with her ball use, executing effective switch kicks and short passes under pressure. Her lovely kick inside 50 to find Zarah Markby for a goal assist showcased her vision and execution.

#34 Sadie Glew
Defender | 164cm | 25/11/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 9 tackles, 1 inside 50, 7 rebound 50s

Glew was a key rebounder for the Ranges, generating seven rebound 50s and applying strong tackling pressure. She consistently won holding the ball free kicks through her defensive efforts and took the kickouts long and effectively. Her ability to gather under pressure and link up by hand from defence to the wing helped the Ranges transition the ball smoothly.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#1 Isla Mattsson
Defender/Midfielder | 158cm | 21/09/2009

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 8 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Mattsson was an eye-catching performer, using her speed and evasion to break lines. She executed brilliant sidesteps and shrugs to break free from tacklers, bursting out of the middle and off half-back. Her quick, slick handballs around the stoppages were a highlight, and she capped off her game with a well-deserved goal in the dying moments after setting up Storey earlier in the quarter. While her pace sometimes led to rushed kicks, her dynamic play was a constant threat.

#7 Luella Hall
Midfielder | 173cm | 17/10/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 3 marks, 1 tackle, 1 clearance, 5 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Hall was an explosive presence on the inside and outside, constantly looking to break the game open. She burst from defence and the centre clearances with power, thumping long kicks down the ground. Her ability to break past opponents and get onto her right foot was a feature, notably setting up a goal for Mattsson in the final term. Has all the attributes to be an ultra-exciting player in next year’s draft.

#14 Chloe Shipton
Midfielder | 166cm | 30/04/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 6 marks, 9 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

Shipton was a prolific ball-winner for the Dragons, amassing 29 disposals and laying nine tackles. She was heavily involved in linking up play through the middle and worked tirelessly to rack up possessions in the back half. Her quick hands and ability to gather off hands were evident, though she occasionally turned the ball over when trying to force the play under pressure.

#47 Georgia Naughton
Defender/Midfielder | 164cm | 06/06/2010

Stats: 26 disposals, 2 marks, 7 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s

Naughton provided stability across the ground, taking intercept marks and executing short, effective passes. She worked hard to follow up her possessions, notably taking a kickout and immediately receiving the handball back to distribute the ball efficiently. Her contest to contest work was effective, and she finished with the second most disposals on her side, while also bringing the groundlevel heat.

#51 Sophie Storey
Tall Forward | 179cm | 30/08/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 1 hitout, 1 clearance, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 1 behind

Storey was the primary target up forward for the Dragons, kicking two goals and providing a strong presence. She positioned herself well to take one-on-one marks and converted most of her opportunities, including a clever sidestep and snap in the final quarter. Her defensive efforts were also notable, laying a great tackle at half-forward to lock the ball in.