BIG wins to Oakleigh Chargers and Geelong Falcons have seen the sides rewarded in the AFL Draft Central TAC Cup Girls’ Team of the Week for Round 6 with three nominees for each side. The Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels had a much closer win, but have three representatives in the side. Other winners the Northern Knights, Dandenong Stingrays and Sandringham Dragons have two representatives, as do the Gippsland Power. While the remaining five teams fill out the 22 with one representative each.

In their first win since round one, Oakleigh Chargers’ three representatives were the versatile Hannah McLaren and Katie Lynch who were among the best on the ground in Bendigo, as was Daisy Bateman who had a swagger of goals on her way to being the dominant forward for the round. Defender Nicola Xenos was one of the most unlucky players to just miss out on a spot in the 22. The Geelong Falcons continued their fantastic work with another victory and showed off their depth with captain Lucy McEvoy, key forward Sachi DeGiacomi and ruck Zoe Inei making the Team of the Week for the second time this season.

The GWV Rebels representatives were forward Sophie Van De Heuvel and key defender Georgia Clarke who returned to the side from AFLW Academy duties to be among the best, while midfielder Ella Wood was impressive in the opening three quarters, earning herself a place on the bench. Speaking of defence, Gippsland Power’s Emily Haeusler continued her great form of late to earn her third Team of the Week nomination, settling at half-back after another strong performance for the Power. Her teammate, Gippsland co-captain and Team of the Week regular Tyla Hanks also made the team.

Northern Knights had another two representatives in the team after a good win over the Power. Britney Gutknecht was sensational in the first half, while Knights captain Maddy Brancatisano‘s four-quarter effort saw her debut in our Team of the Week. Gabby Newton was “23rd player” from our discussions, literally missing out by one place after a solid performance. The Dandenong Stingrays’ first win of the season resulted in mid/forward Tyanna Smith making the team after a strong performance, while Courtney Jones booted two goals and was important in the first half as the Stingrays got the job done.

Sandringham Dragons and Murray Bushrangers had a tough game with plenty of even contributors across the ground. Isabella Eddey‘s three goals were enough to see her earn a spot in the forward pocket, while Sandringham’s Molly Denahy Maloney and Murray defender Grace Egan were judged best for their respective teams to make the side. Of the remaining four teams, each side had a representative with Charlotte Wilson (Eastern Ranges) and Eloise Gretgrix (Bendigo Pioneers) making the back pockets, judged best for each of their sides. Madison Prespakis was best on ground in Calder Cannons’ defeat to the Rebels, while Isabella Grant was the standout player for the Western Jets.