IT IS semi-final time in the VJBL Under-18 Girls VC Championship competition for 2025, with four teams looking to keep their title hopes alive following an exciting and unpredictable first week of the postseason.

A pair of teams have advanced through to the preliminary finals, while others saw their campaigns ended in elimination matchups. Last week’s results set up a pair of blockbuster semi-finals on Friday that will have a huge say in how the rest of the postseason will pan out. That includes two players who are also in the midst of Coates Talent League Girls action.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be highlighting a key player for each team, all of whom will play vital roles in the upcoming do-or-die matchups.

Kilsyth Cobras – Brylee Anderson

Last week’s loss to the minor champions in the Sandringham Sabres marked Kilsyth’s third consecutive loss, although two of those came against the title favourites. The Cobras pushed the Sabres at times throughout the match, but ultimately found themselves outclassed as the match wore on, and will now need to get the job done in the semi-finals. The Cobras do not post the biggest totals, but get the job done through defensive intensity and effort, although Anderson looms as the central figure of the match being the leading scorer. The sharpshooter has knocked down 20 triples on the season, and if she can catch fire behind the arc, it will go a long way towards Kilsyth securing the win.

Nunawading Spectres – Isabelle Godfrey

The Spectres were able to get the job done in their elimination final clash against the Keilor Thunder, delivering down the stretch to hold on for a two-point triumph last Friday night. Now, they will turn their attention to the Cobras, who will be looking to make it a scrappy affair and stop Nunawading from getting going offensively. A key to breaking this plan will be Godfrey, who is the equal-fourth best scorer in the competition for season 2025, and can score across all three levels. If she can replicate her feats from the elimination final where she dropped 29 points and led her team to victory, it will be massive for Nunawading’s chances against a top-four opponent.

Eltham Wildcats – Sophie Richardson

The most obvious answer of the lot, Richardson has put together a remarkable 2025 campaign, and remains vital to Eltham’s championship aspirations. The Wildcats were upset by the Dandenong Rangers in last week’s qualifying final matchup, falling by six points and now needing to take the long route to the ultimate prize. The Wildcats will be facing off against the Melbourne Tigers, and will be needing to get back to their best if they are to still reach the preliminary final. Richardson has been the best scorer in the competition this season, averaging 24.2 points per game and single-handedly turning matches with her shotmaking. If she can find her groove early in the match and get going on the scoring front, it is hard to see the Wildcats dropping two in a row.

Melbourne Tigers – Gabriella Conti

The Tigers were able to nail the upset win over Geelong United in the elimination final, remaining in the hunt for the title and setting up a semi-final matchup against the Wildcats. Conti’s form has been superb in her last five outings, averaging 15.2 points per game in that stretch, including two performances where she scored over 20 points. She has been looking much more confident in her own shot, and the Tigers have been reaping the rewards. The younger sister of AFLW and WNBL star Monique, Conti is looking more confident by the game, and has been able to take some of the scoring load off the shoulders of Laura Seiz. If the guard can continue to prove a reliable scoring option, the Tigers may just pull off another boilover tonight.