FROM the future talent to the modern day match-winners, there was plenty to like about the last weekend of football.

Future AFL Women’s stars on show

Without a doubt, the highlight of the weekend was watching the bright future of the AFL Women’s with both the Under 16s and Under 18s strutting their stuff at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. Vic Metro won both clashes against Vic Country, but it was the depth of talent across a variety of positions which will no doubt leave plenty of recruiters smiling as they accrue draft picks over the next few years. Potential top pick Madison Prespakis was the star in the Under 18s, while Olivia Meagher starred for the Under 16s, booting three goals.

King snatches victory for Vic Metro

It took them almost every minute of the designated four quarters, but Vic Metro finally shook off the Allies with the final kick of the game to win their Round 2 National Under 18 Championships clash. It was potential number one pick Ben King who put the final nail in the coffin for the visitors, booting a set shot goal from a laser pass from Xavier O’Halloran late in the game. The Allies kicked 0.9 in the second term which they will no doubt look back on as a missed opportunity, but they had heart for all the four quarters and almost snatched the win against one of the title contenders courtesy of some great play from Fraser Turner and the defensive efforts of Jacob Koschitzke.

Saints all heart after disastrous start

It was looking like another disappointing loss for St Kilda when the out-of-sorts Saints travelled north to take on the equally out-of-form Gold Coast Suns. Trailing by 31 points at the final break, many Saints fans had given up hope on social media, but a stunning turnaround and a match-winning goal from Jade Gresham turned their anger into celebration as they got out of jail and earned some relief from the constant media speculation around the club. There is still much to go in the 2018 season, but the last quarter was a rare highlight for the year.

Riccardi’s last quarter shuts down Power to claim two points

A four-goal last quarter from Calder Cannons’ over-age forward Jake Riccardi turned off the Power in Gippsland on Sunday. The big man booted 5.2 for the game, four of which came in the final term, as the teams swapped leads multiple times. His efforts were enough to haul Calder across the line, missing most of its core side with five out due to Vic Metro duties, and co-captain Mitch Podhajski also missing. Instead the young Cannons defied odds to steal two points in what was a memorable game for the forward in particular.

Western Bulldogs claim maiden VFLW win

It was a long time coming, but the Western Bulldogs’ Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s side had its first win on the weekend. It took until Round 6, but with a number of its AFL Women’s stars returning, the Bulldogs made it a win to remember, belting Williamstown by 56 points as Alyssa Mifsud and Jessica Francke booted a combined nine goals. The reigning AFL Women’s premiers will be keen to add a few more wins to its tally this season, as more of its stars return to the competition and give some top sides a scare.