IT was a case of no AFLW Academy players, no worries for the TAC Cup Girls teams this round. Plenty of young players stood up and played marvellously across the weekend. The AFL Draft Central Team of the Week has many new faces this week in what was a memorable round of TAC Cup Girls action. 

The Geelong Falcons fared the best this week, with Abbey Chapman, Samantha Atkins and Luka Lesosky-Hay all featuring in the best 22 after the Falcons continued their undefeated streak against the formidable Murray Bushrangers. Despite the Bushrangers recording their first ever loss in the TAC Cup Girls competition, Grace Egan and Tamara Smith stood up on the day, and slotted into our team this week. Julia Harvey and Sophie Damon should also be commended for their work in the midfield, and so should plenty of others. 

Elisabeth Georgostathis was everywhere for the Jets at Williamstown, displaying fantastic ball-use throughout the day.  She was complemented by Caitlin Greiser up forward, who continues to sneak her way up to the top of the leading goal-kickers, with a four-goal performance on Saturday.  Although Eastern went down to the Jets, Sarah Kendall and Gabriella De Angelis had stunning performances. Charlotte Wilson was also solid for the Ranges and was so close to making it into our Team of the Week. 

The Bendigo Pioneers fared well in a losing game, with two players in the best 22. Despite Megan Williamson not featuring, she still had a wonderful performance alongside Brooke Hards and Kodi Jacques, who slotted into the back-line and the midfield, respectively. Emily Hauesler joined Hards in defence after a best-on-ground performance at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve, while Nikia Webber made her way into the forward-line thanks to a three-goal performance on Saturday. 

Despite the loss, Dandenong defender Lucy Cripps and midfielder Saige Bayne also made our Team of the Week, with Stephanie Glover featuring for Greater Western Victoria Rebels while captain Lauren Butler was unlucky, as was Hannah Simpson. The forward-line on the other hand was rounded out by Alexandra Pronesti and Ellie McKenzie of the Northern Knights, who impressed in their 51-point win over Oakleigh.  Three players from Trevor Barker Beach Oval made it into the team with Sandringham’s Eleanor Brown and Madd Wilson, as well as Calder’s Felicity Theodore making their way into the best 22 this week.