WITH both sides missing key players due to Vic Country representation, it was Gippsland Power who picked up their second consecutive win – and third of the season – while handing the Falcons another loss to go to 1-7 for the year. We took a look at some of the players who stepped up, focusing on the Vic Country trialists or future prospects.

GEELONG FALCONS:

#16 Ksenia Dear
Midfielder | 167cm | 05/08/2009

Stats: 40 disposals, 11 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Dear had a ridiculous stat-stuffing game that was focused around some fierce inside ball-winning and defensive pressure. She got on the end of the pill 40 times, usually winning it in close and standing strong in tackles, while being just as good without the ball. Her final execution can be refined under pressure but she has a powerful kick when able to get into space, and she won a jaw-dropping 13 hardballs – six more than anyone on the field alongside her 26 contested possessions. Thrives around the contest.

#19 Jemma Andrews
Midfielder | 181cm | 28/09/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 2 marks, 10 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 rebound 50s

Returned from Vic Country where she acted as a tall defender to play on-ball again and apply some much-needed pressure in close. She had a few ‘almost’ chances when run-down trying to exit congestion or break through a tackle. A touch fumbly under pressure, Andrews’ ability to get the ball free once she had it was very good, and while it was a frustrating day for her side, still kept battling on. Had a shot on goal in the second term that bounced the wrong side of the post, but kept at it.

#23 Holly Confoy
Defender | 172cm | 06/04/2009

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s

Looked composed with ball in hand behind the play, taking a number of key marks both as a switch option to distribute out of defence and as an interceptor, while also mopping up behind the ball. She pushed up to the wing to be a hard-running offensive defender, and provided some run and carry out of the back half. Has some promising signs as she develops in her bottom-age season and is one to keep note of for 2027.

#24 Lexie Whatley
Ruck | 187cm | 24/08/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 tackles, 45 hitouts, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s

The towering ruck completely dominated the hitouts as expected as she collected 45 of her team’s 58 hitouts compared to Gippsland Power’s 15. She has the extra height on her opponents, and she can direct the ball well out of the stoppages, though Gippsland adapted to shark quite a few of her taps. The hitout dominance was expected, but the big tick was her work outside the contest, where she followed up well with fierce tackles and also tried to get involve around the ground with quick hands.

GIPPSLAND POWER:

#3 Hannah Fitzgerald
Wing | 166cm | 09/09/2009

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

Had one of those games that suggested with another 12 months could become a really damaging player, using her speed on the outside and quick hands to distribute to teammates in transition. She’s only a lighter bodied player compared to some of her opponents so could get bumped off it, but if she had any space, her burst into open grass would leave most in her wake. Can work on her composure and disposal at speed, but has the athletic traits and the natural flair which helps immensely.

#7 Brooke Kelly
Forward/Midfielder | 166cm | 17/08/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 2 marks, 3 clearances, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Rotated between attack and midfield and continued her incredibly versatile work having spent time across all three lines. Her kicking at times can let her down, but when she can get the right connection, she sets up some impressive players. Her first goal was a lovely finish off balance that curled around the post, and her second was a similarly nice finish off a step that sailed home. Had some gettable chances she missed and sometimes can only be a metre off perfection, but is very good overhead and a really powerful player. Behind Holmes in the bottom-ager to watch for the Power in 2027.

#14 Taylah Mizzi
Forward/Midfielder | 169cm | 12/06/2010

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 14 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

An ultra-exciting player who can roll out in a variety of positions, Mizzi impressed at the Under 16 Championships this year and has not looked overawed for Gippsland in the Talent League Girls either. She brings the two-way run that enables her to pressure opponents, then once she has the ball runs in waves to set up scoring opportunities. Her hard running earned her sole goal, getting to the goalsquare all alone to receive a bounce pass which she slammed home. Can be a touch rushed at times, but that will come with more experience.

#21 Olivia Holmes
Midfielder/Forward | 170cm | 08/08/2009

Stats: 27 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 clearances, 9 inside 50s

Holmes is in a purple patch at the moment and was rotated out of the Vic Country side for the week, and continued her high-volume production performances. While her efficiency was lower than her normal output – just 11 of 27 touches were effective – she did do a lot of heavy lifting on the inside with Sutton to win 18 contested possessions. A real burst player out of stoppages, Holmes has that athleticism you love to see in midfielders, and while she didn’t kick a goal in this game, has the ability to go forward and ahit the scoreboard as well. Defensive pressure a big tick once again.

#22 Acacia Sutton
Midfielder/Forward | 165cm | 20/06/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Always having a crack, the over-ager continues to be a strong defensive player both through midfield and attack and looking ever-dangerous close to goal. She had back-to-back chances at the big sticks in the third term with the second of those shots a clever bouncing ball that ended up in front of Mizzi to boot a goal. Can take the game on with one attempt out of defence in the fourth term resulting in a brilliant end-to-end play and Power goal.