- Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
Oakleigh Chargers<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div>Lions Academy<\/h5>
<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nNEED TO KNOW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WHEN:<\/strong> Sunday May 18, 1:00pm
WHERE:<\/strong> Windy Hill
WATCH:<\/strong> Live stream via KommunityTV<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IN A NUTSHELL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Brisbane Lions Academy suffered its first loss at the hands of Eastern Ranges last weekend up at Sandgate, and will now take on the only side to have beaten the Ranges this season, the Oakleigh Chargers. The Chargers are yet to lose and defeated the Lions’ Queensland rivals the Suns Academy, and continue to go from strength to strength on the road to a third flag chase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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TEAMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oakleigh Chargers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS
<\/strong>1 Grace To
2 Chloe Thorn (c)
4 Zara Neuwirth
6 Leni Lockyer
7 Emily Rundle
9 Chloe Bown (vc)
10 Eliza Klein
11 Isabella Mazzei
13 Zoe Curry (dvc)
14 Chloe Potts
15 Lara Brown
18 Bailee Martin
21 Amelie Gladman
23 Ava Philpin
26 Teagan Murtic
27 Poppy Lawrance
32 Scarlett Bown
33 Storm Johnson
34 Tatyana Perry
46 Molly Phillips
47 Elizabeth Wotherspoon
50 Cleo Barbakas
63 Lucy Edwards
30 Grace Sharkie (emg)
53 Ruby Douglas (emg)<\/p>\n\n\n\nBrisbane Lions Academy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Ameleia Murray
2 Jules Martin
4 Zoe Petrides
7 Maya Bovalino
8 Molly Ferguson
11 Sienna Wilson
12 Stella Scott
13 Jemma Foley
14 Kaiya Hides
15 Sophie Schulze
17 Annabel Peacock
18 Freya Ross
19 Mia Geere
20 Neva Bell
22 Francesca Davy
23 Ayla Airdrie
24 Edie Fraser
25 Harlee McIlwain
26 Aiyana Pritchard
27 Isabella McDonough
28 Niamh McCarthy
30 Jade Brazier
32 Monique Corrigan
Lillie Thirkill (emg)
Lyla Harrison (emg)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ONES TO WATCH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The key to knocking off Oakleigh has plenty of requirements, but the two names that will be undoubtedly circled on the Lions Academy’s whiteboard are Bailee Martin<\/a> and Chloe Bown<\/a>. Both potential top Victorian picks over the next two years, Martin is simply dominating in front of goal with her second four-goal haul last week adding to her 16 goals across the other two matches. To be 11 goals clear of the next best forward is bonkers, and the Lions defence will need a Plan A, B and C in that regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bown is the quintessential modern day midfielder who can do it all and go forward to either hit the scoreboard or set her teammates up. An incredible booming kick on both sides of her body, she can burst from the stoppage, use her taller 173cm frame to win it in the air or at ground level and cover the ground exceptionally well. She had a ‘down’ week last round and still racked up 24 disposals, five marks and seven inside 50s to be one of the better players on the ground still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Lions top talent is primarily of a younger core, with the marking talent of Harlee McIlwain<\/a> potentially the closest rival to Martin in next year’s draft crop when it comes to key forwards. She can do it all which is what is so exciting, with her marking and set shot conversion obviously a huge tick, but her defensive pressure for a key forward really stands out. Alongside the incredibly raw yet talented Aiyana Pritchard<\/a> and elite footy IQ medium forward Edie Fraser<\/a>, made no mistake the Lions can equally test the Chargers’ defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a top-age perspective, recruiters will get a first look at ruck Monique Corrigan<\/a> in Lions colours this year, largely considered the top prospect from the Brisbane Academy in 2025. She has the athleticism and upside to pose some problems through the mdidle and get first hands to the likes of Molly Ferguson<\/a> and Mia Geere<\/a>. Another top-age draft prospect is defender Jemma Foley<\/a> who has strung together a couple of consistent performances, and alongside Under 16s MVP Ameleia Murray<\/a> will provide run out of defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For AFLW clubs looking for an available option now, the incredibly versatile Kaiya Hides<\/a> reminded recruiters what she can do last week with a best on ground performance for the Lions. She is the one in that regard for her side, while for the Chargers, former National Academy member Tatyana Perry<\/a> in defence, and crafty forward Amelie Gladman<\/a> were a couple in the mix last year who are playing their role in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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PREDICTION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oakleigh Chargers have the experience edge and are a ‘winner’ in the sense that even when down they just find a way to pull off a remarkable victory. That is what has made them so strong over the last few years, the most recent being that come-from-behind stunner against the Ranges earlier this season. The Lions Academy key is winning it out of the middle and giving their forwards a chance as if they can win the clearances and inside 50s, then it should give that potent front six more than enough chances to do damage. However if the Chargers get on top in those areas, then the like of Martin could be in for another big day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AROUND THE GROUNDS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The round kicks off and ends at Windy Hill with the GWS Giants Academy taking on the Western Jets in the first match of Round 6. With pouring rain on and off throughout the morning predicted, it will make for some tough viewing. Isla Wiencke<\/a> will love the conditions considering her contested ball-winning nature, while Majella Day<\/a> is coming off a six-goal haul and could go ahead-to-head with the Jets’ top-age draft prospect Alex McBride-Loane<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other Saturday game takes place across town at Box Hill City Oval where the rampaging Ranges are slowly ticking off Northern Academy scalps. Following wins over both Queensland Academies, they now take on the unbeaten Sydney Swans Academy, who have the height inside 50 of Alex Neyland<\/a> and Grace Parsons<\/a> to worry the home side. Eastern just have so much depth through the middle and all over the ground with Tayla McMillan<\/a> and Jordyn Allen<\/a> both in ripping form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the border, Bendigo Pioneers welcome GWV Rebels for a special clash at Swan Hill. The Pioneers are yet to pick up a victory in season 2025, and though they had a competitive outing against Calder Cannons last week, face a GWV Rebels side smarting from a loss to the Swans Academy. Pioneers tall Ava Bibby<\/a> was simply sensational in the loss last round, while Isabella Davies<\/a> has not put a foot wrong all season. It is good to see talented bottom-ager Milly Shortal<\/a> return for the Rebels in the clash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Running at the same 10am timeslot down on the Apple Isle, Tasmania Devils play host to Geelong Falcons at North Hobart Oval. The Devils are 0-3 for the season, though finally play a Victorian team which might help their familiarity and cause to get on the board in season 2025. Priya Bowering<\/a> and Matilda Lange<\/a> are a master and apprentice duo on the inside for the Devils and the potential head-to-heads against Stella Huxtable<\/a> – coming off a 35-disposal game against Gippsland Power – and Georgia Tyrrell<\/a> are tantalising propositions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back in Victoria, the Northern Knights take on a severely depleted Gold Coast Suns Academy who come to the end of the four-game stint with just one of its four National Academy members and one of its All-Stars players available. A suspension to Georja Davies<\/a> last week meant she joins Ava Usher<\/a>, Dekota Baron<\/a> and Bronte Parker<\/a> (all injured) on the sidelines, which makes the role of utility Alannah Welsh<\/a> and intriguing one. We have seen outside ball-winner Sunny Lappin<\/a> move inside last week, and Welsh has been kicking goals but could be a candidate to move around. The Knights midfield is a strong one, though are minus Marlo Graham<\/a> and Olivia Gorman<\/a> who were great form, while Scarlett Johnson<\/a> has been consistent every week from half-back and the wing and has the chance to step up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gippsland Power and Calder Cannons have met halfway in Dandenong for their Round 6 clash as the Power look to make it three on the trot following wins over Western Jets and Geelong Falcons, while the Cannons got past Bendigo Pioneers last week to also make it two wins in season 2025 following a tight victory over the Jets in round 1. Chloe Baker-West<\/a> is running hot for the Cannons as expected, while Shauna McElligott<\/a> is proving a valuable player in the forward half. Gippsland’s Abby Hobson<\/a> and Ava Deszcz<\/a> have both had their big games at times this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concluding the weekend and running simultaneously to the Chargers-Lions Academy clash is Murray Bushrangers’ home fixture against the Sandringham Dragons at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton. The Bushrangers started the season strong but have found tougher opponents the last fortnight, while the Dragons produced a remarkable performance against a Dandenong Stingrays side last week and had every chance to win. Rose Bell<\/a> up forward is a key for teh Bushrangers, while Nikhita Spiteri<\/a> and Dragons midfielder Macy Watkins<\/a> are both profound tacklers and could go head-to-head. Watch for Sandringham excitement machine Maya Duane<\/a> who is coming off a three-goal game last round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ROUND 6 FIXTURE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tips in Bold<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday, May 17:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Western Jets vs. GWS Giants Academy<\/strong>
Windy Hill | 10:30am<\/p>\n\n\n\nEastern Ranges<\/strong> vs. Sydney Swans Academy
Box Hill City Oval | 10:45am<\/p>\n\n\n\nSunday, May 18:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tasmania Devils<\/strong> vs. Geelong Falcons
North Hobart | 10:00am<\/p>\n\n\n\nBendigo Pioneers vs. GWV Rebels<\/strong>
Swan Hill Showgrounds | 10:00am<\/p>\n\n\n\nNorthern Knights<\/strong> vs. Gold Coast Suns Academy
Genis Steel Oval | 10:30am<\/p>\n\n\n\nGippsland Power<\/strong> vs. Calder Cannons
Shepley Oval | 11:30am<\/p>\n\n\n\nOakleigh Chargers <\/strong>vs. Brisbane Lions Academy
Windy Hill | 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n\n\nMurray Bushrangers vs. Sandringham Dragons<\/strong>
Deakin Reserve | 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n\n\nBye:<\/strong> Dandenong Stingrays<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Season Tips:<\/strong> 25\/34<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mentions<\/span><\/span><\/div>- Bailee Martin<\/a><\/div><\/li>Chloe Bown<\/a><\/div><\/li>Harlee McIlwain<\/a><\/div><\/li>Aiyana Pritchard<\/a><\/div><\/li>Edie Fraser<\/a><\/div><\/li>Monique Corrigan<\/a><\/div><\/li>Molly Ferguson<\/a><\/div><\/li>Mia Geere<\/a><\/div><\/li>Jemma Foley<\/a><\/div><\/li>Ameleia Murray<\/a><\/div><\/li>Kaiya Hides<\/a><\/div><\/li>Tatyana Perry<\/a><\/div><\/li>Amelie Gladman<\/a><\/div><\/li>Isla Wiencke<\/a><\/div><\/li>Majella Day<\/a><\/div><\/li>Alex McBride-Loane<\/a><\/div><\/li>Alex Neyland<\/a><\/div><\/li>Grace Parsons<\/a><\/div><\/li>Tayla McMillan<\/a><\/div><\/li>Jordyn Allen<\/a><\/div><\/li>Ava Bibby<\/a><\/div><\/li>Isabella Davies<\/a><\/div><\/li>Milly Shortal<\/a><\/div><\/li>Priya Bowering<\/a><\/div><\/li>Matilda Lange<\/a><\/div><\/li>Stella Huxtable<\/a><\/div><\/li>Georgia Tyrrell<\/a><\/div><\/li>