Vic Metro vs Vic Country: Champions Top 10

 

Managed to make it down to Geelong on a cold day to witness Vic Country and Vic Metro do battle at the GMHBA stadium. Most of the big names stood out, and then there were some who did not. Here I have chosen 5 girls from each team to make a top 10. Keep in mind this is just what I’ve seen some others may have a completely different opinion.

Vic Metro

Maddison Prespakis: All the hype is true, Prespakis is an absolute clearance machine and incredibly dangerous around goal. She was the leading goalkicker with 2 goals on Saturday proving why she is the fancy for the number 1 pick of the 2018 draft. She seems like a genuine leader of the future, possibly the next Patrick Dangerfield for the women’s competition.

Daisy Bateman: Bateman has flown under the radar, but one thing for sure despite her size she is a fantastic contested mark. She played on Lauren Butler on the day and seemed to get the better of her early, one other thing that stands out is her footwork Bateman is very good at dancing around her opponent. She finished with one goal one, she should have finished with two but she sprayed her shot at point-blank range. A correction that needs fixing but still had an outstanding game.

Georgia Mcpherson: This girl led the defence for Metro and was unflinching in intercepting most marks in the backline.  Without a doubt the best defender on both sides she reads the ball coming in better than anybody. Her decision making kicking out is second nature, she will no doubt end up somewhere at the end of 2018.

Katie Lynch: Lynch looks like the ultimate utility with a height of 179cm it’s incredible how well she can cover the ground. She can play midfield, push forward, pinch-hit in the ruck, and has a don’t argue that would make Dustin Martin proud. No other girl her size can do half the things she can do in this competition.

Georgia Patrikios: She can’t be drafted just yet, but for her age her kicking is elite. She links up with the midfield better than most and unlike most players that seem to bomb the ball in she will instead find the sure option. Patrikios and Michaela Long where the front girls for promoting Essendon’s AFLW team. Essendon still doesn’t have a team and if they don’t get one by next year a star of the future could slip through their fingers.

3 Honourable Mentions: Mikayla Cann, Maddy Brancatasano, and Laura McClelland

Country

Nina Morrison: This girl was probably the best for Vic Country, she knows how to find the ball can play both inside and out. inside shes as good as any midfielder, but outside is where she’s ahead of curve. She normally finds her target even in heavy congestion, was an inspiration for Country and could easily go number 1 or 2 in the draft. Geelong would be keen to draft one of their own.

Tyla Hanks: When looking for good midfielders there are two names that pop out Prespakis and Hanks. What happens when we play them head to head, we have a dilemma. The problem was the two were so good they two seemed to negate each other’s skill. When she wasn’t playing on Prepakis, Hanks showed how good she really is. On the inside, she was Country’s best, clearance work, marking ability, tackles are all essential to what makes her elite talent. However, the one thing she has possibly better than any other player, kicking efficiency. When it came to finding a target inside 50 she knows how to find a needle in a haystack.

Sophie Van De Heuvel: Van De Heuval played in the midfield mostly and showed a great reading of the play. Her intercept marks were that of a true defender even in the contest her marking was fantastic. This was shown in the second half when Metro chose to panic kick out of their backline Van De Heuval sent it straight back in.

Lucy McEvoy: Early in the game when Metro was slamming the ball inside 50 McEvoy was marking most of them. She was one of the more influential defenders for Country with the likes of Rebecca Webster and Jordan Allen. Like Patrikios she must wait one more year before she can be drafted.

Olivia Purcell: Purcell was in the clinches of the midfield, hard and tough and though she may not have had the influence of Hanks and Morrison, she still played well. She was not the standout that we are used to seeing, but when her moment came and she marked inside 50 in the last quarter, she put the ball right through the big sticks. She was only one of the two goal-kickers for Country the other was Amy Dunn.

3 Honourable Mentions: Renee Caris, Jordyn Allen and Rebecca Webster.

 

Round 5

Darebin vs Carlton

The Falcons destroyed Carlton by 59 points on Saturday, but one could argue that the team selected by the Blues could only result in one way. No Darcy Vescio, no Nicola Stevens, no Gabrielle Pound, no Maddison Gay. It should be noted that Maddison Gay just recently got traded to Melbourne in the AFLW, but it is unclear if she will stay at the Blues VFLW team. Yes. they are only 4 names missing but if you want to stand a chance at this Darebin outfit, you better bring your best. Mouncy continues to dominate kicking 3.2, Lauren Pearce owned Briann Moody and the midfield is in TEAM Of THE YEAR form. Mithen 19 disposals, Guerin 17 disposals and 2 goals, Exon 16 disposals 1 goal, Dal Pos 19 disposals, this midfield of AFLW stars is wrecking havoc in the VFLW.

 

Hawthorn vs Collingwood

Chloe Molloy may not have had her kicking boots on, but she is definitely one reason that the pies held off a late charge by Hawthorn and won by 7 points. Molloy kicked 1.3 goals but was not the hero of the day, that belonged to Sarah D’Arcy who finished with 20 disposals and swept up everything across halfback. One thing that did stand out was the usual well organised defence Hawthorn normally have was absent on Saturday. Michelle Hutchins and Peppa Randall did not have the intimidating presence they have shown in the last 4 rounds. But they were not the only stars that had a poor day, Sarah Perkins was hardly sighted, the defensive efforts of Mua Laloifi kept Perkins quiet all day. Unfortunately, Laloifi went down in the third quarter with a knee injury suspected to be an ACL tear. Laloifi has been Collingwood’s best defender since the start of the competition, she will be missed in the weeks to come. On a positive note for Hawthorn Olivia Flanagan had her best game for the year, Flanagan received TAC CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR honours last year but was not drafted. More performances like that and she will be.

 

Richmond vs Essendon

Richmond finally responded to their poor form with a win over the Bombers by 34 points. It was the first time ever that Richmond played all their AFLW players and it was Lauren Tesoriero who led Richmond to victory with 17 disposals and two goals. Jaqueline Graham and Phoebe Monahan were two ball magnet finishing the game with 44 disposals between them and a goal. Emma King returned for her first game kicking a goal being played in the forward line, I’m sure she would prefer to be playing permanent ruck rather than having only 2 disposals in the forward line. On Essendon side, there was one player who tried her guts out and was for the second week in a row was the best on the ground. Haley Bullas continues to impress even though she managed 13 disposals, she landed 18 tackles. For this round the next closest was 12, Bullas could easily be the most important player at Essendon.

 

Nt Thunder vs Western Bulldogs

It just seems to happen week after week, Thunders poorest score this year is 83, no other team has come even close to that amount of dominance on Saturday in Darwin it was Thunder by 36 points. The Bulldogs were valiant in defeat with the return of Angela Gogos showed a much more competitive team. Combined with Libby Birch, Brooke Lochland, Bailey Hunt individually they were the most influential players on the ground. Yet it seems that it’s always the snior players pulling their weight and the VFL  girls seem to have no standout. NT Thunder on the othert  hand have the perfect mix not just the senior girls, or the delisted AFLW girls making an impact, it’s pure bred talent from the Territory. Lisa Roberts has been outstanding playing halfback and Kylie Dugganin in her first game kicked 2 goals from 10 disposals. Angela Foley, Jasmine Hewitt, Eloise Jones etc will perform week after week, but it’s what make up the 10 posistions that can’t be touched by AFLW players is what makes Thunder so dangeroues.

 

Casey vs Williamstown

 

On Sunday it was Casey with their first victory in a tug of war that had them the victor by 13 points. Darcy Guttridge was strong at halfback while Aleisha Newman had a career high 17 disposals. Casey Sheriff was their best with 22 disposals but it was the scoring power of Kaila Benzelzen with 5 majors that sealed the game. Williamstown best yet again was Jess Duffin, Jasmine Garner and Jenna Brutton. Chloe Portelli may have a new role in the forward line finishing with 2 goals for the day. One thing that has stood out for Williamstown is that Garner has been working up and down the ground but they don’t have her where they need her. She should have an experienced VFL midfield led feeding her so she can do some damage. Meggan Williamson is desperately needed back, she may have her duties to the U18 championship, but she is vital to the output of this team.

 

Melb Uni vs Geelong

 

If I was  a MUGARS fan I would be heartbroken from the result on Sunday that saw them lose by 1 point. This was the game of the week, the ultimate nailbiter, the MUGARS had them by 11 points in the last quarter, then up comes Kate Darby goal, 5 points the margin with barely any time a hack kick lands in Rrachelle Cranstons lap inside the goal square. Emma  Kearney was oustanding with 32 disposals and 2 goals, Ashleigh Riddell and Kate Gillespe Jones had 53 disposals between the pair and were hard at the ball all day. For Geelong Rechelle Cranston, Renee Garing and Mia Rae Clifford were all solid but their best was ruckman Madeline McMahon, who was dominant around the ground all day. I’m sure Madison Prespakis would have made a differance if she was in that midfield but sadly she wasn’t. Geelong still remain undefeated, but will have to face the test this week against Darebin. Are they a serious finals contender, or have they just been skimming by.

Collingwood: Cultural Problems

 

It has to be said, to lose 4 of your best players Moana Hope, Emma King, Jasmine Gardner and Jessica Duffin to the expansion signings, and then lose Christina Bernadi the All-Australian from this year as well as Amelia Barden (Their only true inside midfielder), Collingwood must face the fact that something is very wrong. What is it that has these girls so spooked? The Coach, the staff, the direction, the leadership group? 8 players of their best 22 have just left the team, and fans are flabbergasted as to why.

Last year the pies lost Nicola Stevens their best and firest as well as the runner-up Alicia Eva. To make matters worse, Eva was prepared to go interstate just to get away from Collingwood, now Barden has done the same. Stevens, on the other hand, has resigned with Carlton even though they are at the bottom of the ladder.  carlton have resigned all their A graders, Vescio, Harris, Davey their best players are ready to commit to their team showing a strong culture even though they are this year’s wooden spooners.

Unfortunately, it gets even worse, the compensation for the expansion clubs was only one second-round pick, which as appalling by the AFL, but Collingwood can’t do much about that. However, if Christina Bernadi wants to leave the club, she is easily worth much more than Picks 11 and 19, the negotiators for the Giants are probably laughing about it right now. Barden was only worth pick 21, and the only girl Collingwood managed to recruit was Nicole Hildebrand. Eddie Mcguire must do a thorough inspection of the women’s division because right now their list is in tatters.

Draft Picks: 5, 11, 13, 18, 19, 29, 32, 51.

Re-signed: Brazill, Stratton, Guttridge, Parker, Hynes, Schleicher, Kuys, D’Arcy, Bonnici, Grant, Lambert, Chiochi, Daragan, Whitford, Ross, Dargan, Molloy, Livingstone, Casey, McIntosh.

18 of 30 stayed.

Damage assessment

Backline: Surprisingly fine, McIntosh, Brazzell, Guttridge, Ross, Livingstone, Schleicher and Hildebrand show a well-balanced defence.

Midfield: Collingwood were the poorest team for centre clearences last year, they really need an inside midfielder. Maybe Parker and Lambert could help fill the void, but they really need another A-grader. On the outside Chiochi, Kuys, are great and Bonnici seems to have fit well into that tagging role, but the question is can Whitford and Dargan step up after a poor 2018?

Forward: Molloy, that is it, the damage has been so severe that they have only one forward left who played in the backline last year. Lambert may be able to help in that area but ultimately it hurts the midfield. This year’s draft pool for forwards is slim, perhaps Alyssa Mifsud who was delisted from Melbourne may be able to play a role in a very vacant forward line.

Ruck: Hynes is going to find it very difficult to fill the shoes of Emma King. The pies will definitely be looking for another ruck in the draft to help out.

Prognosis: Full rebuild, you cant lose 8 A graders in two years and expect to make the finals. When comes to players you can’t afford to lose, Collingwood seems to have lost all but one of them.  They desperately need forwards, a dominant ruck, and inside mids. They might as well through next years draft picks away next year to bring players in. This will be difficult with 4 more clubs coming in, but they will get the top picks anyway.

 

VFLW Team of The Year: The First quarter

 

For those of you who followed my last phantom draft, I told you that I could not complete it without the completion of the VFLW. However, I have decided to make a best 22 for each quarter of the VFLW. This means every 4 rounds I will make my own best 22 VFL women who have the potential for this year’s draft. Since there are 16 rounds it all rounds up to a quarter each, my next update will be Round 8. Keep in mind I will not be selecting any AFLW players as they have already made it to their destination but I will select delisted players from the AFLW.

 

B: M.Hutchin                        E.Coventry                       S.Hogan

Hawthorn                           Geelong                           Darebin

 

HB: J.Graham                       M.Mcdonald                      V.Laloifi

Richmond                          Darebin                      Collingwood

 

C: S.Simpson                            A.Brown                      L.Williams

Darebin                          Southern Saints                 Essendon

 

HF: T.Luke                            S.Abbatangel                   K.Mcqueen

Hawthorn                       Melbourne Uni             Southern Saints

 

F:   K.Dixon                            D. Laurence                       C.Munn

Richmond                          Southern Saints             Southern Saints

 

R: R.Watt                                  A.Drennan                        S.Caroll

Southern Saints                  Southern Saints                 Hawthorn

 

Int: L.Roberts              H.Bullas          C.Fitzpatrick         M.Williamson

NT. Thunder         Essendon         Melbourne Uni      Williamstown

Round 4

NT Thunder vs Melb Uni

 

You wouldn’t notice that Maddison Prespakis had a blinder on debut with 23 disposals, 5 marks and 5 tackles. That is because of the carnage that the NT Thunder brought last Saturday smashing the Univerity by 69 points. Rajcic has to be the in-form forward of the competition she’s averaging 3 majors a game and there another wrecking havoc up forward named Jessica Sedunary. Ebony Marinoff was originally on the list for NT Thunder, Sedunary was her replacement after she busted her ankle. Sedunary also bagged 3 along with Jordan HIckey. Ashleigh Riddel had another solid game with 23 disposals and a goal, but her efforts proved futile against a rampaging Thunder.

 

Darebin vs Casey

 

Ever since their defeat in round one Darebin has been on the warpath. 64 points were the margin as Casy had 1 goal by Kasey Guttridge. From there it was Hannah Mouncy 5, Guiren 3, Gardner 2, Hammond 1. Some people question the unfairness of Mouncy being able to play, but one thing is for sure, she’s hard to stop. Darebin has returned to near full strength, Paxman, Calinan, Mithen all returned and were solid contributors. Elise O’Dea is the only one they’re missing from this powerhouse.

 

Collingwood vs WB

Collingwood: AFL win, VFL win, VFLW win. Western Bulldogs: AFL loss, BFL loss, VFLW loss.  It simply was not the Bulldogs weekend as Collingwood withstood a late charge to win by 8 points. Collingwood controlled most of the game never feeling threatened until late. Debutant Daisy Bateman was outstanding in her first game for the pies kicking 3 for the game. Batman has finished with the Oakleigh Chargers and is now making an impact at Collingwood. It was a rough day for returning Bulldogs champion Brooke Lochland, only touching the ball 8 times with no goal. Libby Birch, on the other hand, hasn’t lost her touch with 20 disposals and 5 marks. Returning for Collingwood was Brittany Bonichi but unfortunately, her right arm ended up in a sling after a hard tackle. yet to know the extent of the damage, but with Hawthorn this week, they may want to bring in the heavy artillery (Molloy, Chiochi, Grant, D’Arcy).

 

Geelong vs Carlton

This was the match of the round, a real nail-biter, but in the end, Geelong remained undefeated escaping with 7 points. But it was not all bad news for Carlton as debutant Tayla Hanks started and finished the game in great form. Hanks kicked her first goal in the first quarter and finished with 20 disposals. Darcy Vescio was dangerous all day kicking 4, showing Geelong how good she really is. yet Geelong still managed to hang on with the presence of Kate Darby in the forward line, Mia-Rae Clifford down back, and Renee Garing in the midfield, who all had standouts. Geelong’s expansion signings may have finished but two women keep popping up with good form, Mia-Rae Clifford and Elise Coventry. They may want to take a look again in the draft later on this year.

 

Southen saints vs Essendon

Saints continue to fly under the radar, with Essendon now at the bottom of the ladder. Alisson Drennan keeps putting her hand up each week to prove that she is at an AFLW standard. Drennan kicked 1 goal and 27 disposals, but there was a new debutant in Eleonar Brown who just finished with 2 disposals less. Ruckman Rhiannon Watt has also been a standout in the ruck smashing the hit-outs in the centre. On Essendon’s side, it looks pretty grim, but one girl that is starting to get more of the ball is Hayleigh Ballas. Bullas finished best on the ground with 19 disposals and 19 tackles. Lisa Williams was not far behind with 18. The two seem to be the sole of the centre but they need more effort from the rest of their midfield.

 

Williamstown vs Richmond

Rejoice Seagulls fans for you are finally on the board, you have crushed the Tigers by 31 points. Jessica Duffin is again the standout no surprise with 1 goal and 33 disposals, Brutton and Garner returned to show their class with 37 disposals and one goal. Harris also showed how missed she was in the Geelong game kicking 2 of her own. On the other side, Richmond is in real trouble. Tesoriero was their leading goalkicker with 2 and Amelia Barden was in their top 5 players but with only 24 disposals between them, they are in desperate need of Emma King to return.

Damage Repair Phantom Draft: How your club can repair the damage done by the expansion signings.

 

Wow how the draft has changed, this will be an updated Phantom Draft following the completion of the trade period.

If you’re Western Bulldogs, Melbourne or Carlton you must be appalled by the compensation left by the AFL, and if you’re a Collingwood fan you’re wounding how the hell you’re going to repair the loss of an entire forward line. Here I will show you the best case scenario for your club with expert opinions on the top talent coming through the draft. Unfortunately, I can only use the girls from the TAC Cup since the VFLW is still going. After it’s finished I will write another, but for now, let’s try and fix the damage. (Just a theory of mine, I could be completely wrong and keep in mind I’m only doing Victorian clubs).

 

1. Geelong: Olivia Purcell
2. Geelong: Nina Morison = Reason: The Geelong Falcons were undefeated this year, and knowing two of their own may get snatched up by the Victorian clubs the temptation of choosing their homegrown talent may be enough to overlook Prespakis and Hanks.
3. Carlton: Tyla Hanks = Reason: Carlton has signed Hanks with Their VFLW team which will make her familiar with the team before the AFLW 2019 season starts. Carlton is desperate for good midfielders, Hanks will slot right in after she’s picked.
4. Collingwood: Maddison Prespakis = Reason: Prespakis is touted to be the number one pick much like Chloe Molloy was last year but that was not the case. I believe  Prespakis will be a similar situation. Collingwood desperately needs clearance players and Prespakis is it. Too many outsiders, not enough insiders, Prespakis will fix that problem immediately.
5. Melbourne: Georgia Clarke = Reason: With the loss, if Mellissa Hickey, Clarke can fit right into the halfback. Clarke has been outstanding playing halfback in the TAC cup and will fit right in at the Demons.
6. Geelong: Denby Taylor = Reason: Taylor will go straight into the backline if selected, she is one of the more experienced key position players. She was best-on-ground in the TAC Cup Grand Final when she pushed forward.
7. Western Bulldogs: Kodi Jaques = Reason: Outside of Purcell, hanks, Prespakis, Jaques has had an outstanding year in the midfield. With the loss of Kearney and Brutton, the Bulldogs will want to replenish their midfield (Emma Mackie has been killing it as Hawthorns captain and could help fill the void in the centre).
8. Collingwood: Holly Bate = Reason: With the loss of Jasmine Garner, the lead gaol kicker of the TAC Cup could fill the void. Supported by Molloy, the Magpies will start a long journey to replenish their forward line.
9.  Collingwood: Daisy Bateman = Reason: Bateman finished equal second for goal kicking in the TAC CUP girls and kicked 3 goals in her VFLW debut game for Collingwood. Since she’s already in Collingwood, they might as well keep her there.
10.  Geelong: Sachi Degiacomi = Reason. Degiacomi finished equal second in the TAC Cup with 14 goals she will slip straight into the forward line.
11. Collingwood: Rebecca Webster = Reason: Webster was pushed into the midfield this year and was possibly ranked in the top 5 in that position. Webster was in the Team of the Year last year for the TAC Cup girls in the backline as well as All Australian in the u18 state leagues in the same position. A handy utility for Collingwood if she makes it this far down the draft.
12. Melbourne: Jordan Allen = Reason: She would be the best player available, Allen can push into the midfield and play halfback giving her ample opportunity in dual positions. Melbourne will find it hard to replace Rachelle Cranston, but Allen would be a suitable candidate. Allen had u18 all Australian honours and was selected for Team of the Year TAC Cup’s backline in 2017.
13. Carlton: Grace Egan = Reason: With Daria Bannister leaving for North, Egan could fit in the backline nicely with Stevens, Kennedy and Davey.
14. Collingwood: Eleonor Brown = Reason: Adds to midfield depth that has been damaged by expansion. Brown has the ability to push forward and could easily fit into the half forward as well.
15. Collingwood: Emerson Woods = Reason: Woods may have flown under the radar this year but has still been a consistent half-forward/midfielder throughout the comp. Woods was selected in the Team of the Year 2017 for the TAC Cup. Woods would fill the gap left by Bernadi who departed to GWS.
16. Geelong: Zoei Inei = Reason: This far into the draft Geelong may want to pick the premiership ruckman of the TAC CUP. Western Bulldogs and Collingwood need to fill the gaps of their departing ruck. Geelong may want to make sure they can’t get her.
17. Carlton: Caitlyn Grieser: Grieser kicked 10 goals in the TAC Cup and will add support to Harris and Vescio.
18. Western Bulldogs:  Sarah Kendall = Reason: She has been the best ruck in the comp, but has one flaw that is her height. She is only 178cm when the rest is 184cm. She must have a big leap to be ranked so high.
19. Geelong: Emily Haesler = Reason: With the recruit of Denby Taylor, Haesluer will fit right into Geelong’s backline. has been solid all year for Gippsland Power.
20. NorthMelbourne: Will be reserved for a Tasmanian player. North was aiming to fill the club with 50% of Tasmanian players. They are already over their limit.
21. WesterBulldogs: Meggan Williamson = Reason: Aside from Kodi Jaques, Williamson is the other stand-out that make up the Bendigo Pioneers midfield. Williamson will definitely fill the void left by Kearney and Brutton.
22. Geelong: Shelley Heath = Reason: Heath has been fantastic down back for the Dandenong Stingrays. She has slipped under the radar but would fit in nicely at Geelong.
23. North Melbourne: Will be reserved for a Tasmanian player. North was aiming to fill the club with 50% of Tasmanian players. They are already over their limit.
24. Western Bulldogs: Sophie Van De Heuvel= Reason: Van De Heuvel is a forward/midfielder archetype. Kicked 6 goals and has been a thorough contributor to GWVR. the handy utility will feel right at home at the kennel.
25. Carlton: Tamara Smith = Reason: Midfielder, a hungry midfielder who would be perfect in Carlton centre where they have been terrible all year.
26. Collingwood: Alex Pronesti = Reason: Pronesti is the only talent from the Northern Knights that is eligible to be drafted. She finished the season with 10 goals.
27. Melbourne: Sharnie Whiting = Reason: The Western Jets don’t have too many standouts, but Whiting was definitely one of them. She will add depth to Melbourne’s backline.
28. Collingwood:  Olivia Flanagan = Reason: Flanagan was in the Tac Cup Team of the Year Forwards line last year, but was not drafted. She is currently playing in the VFLW for Hawthorn and looks ready.
29. Western Bulldogs: Georgia Mcpherson = Reason: Builds the backline to an already formidable powerhouse.
30. Geelong: Samantha Atkins = Reason: Atkins may not be as distinguished as her teammates, kind of like Sarah Dargan for Collingwood was in the Calder Cannons. One of those players who can slip under the radar, but is still one of the top five players in the team. Atkins could easily fit into half forward.
31.  North Melbourne: Will be reserved for a Tasmanian player. North was aiming to fill the club with 50% of Tasmanian players. They are already over their limit.
32. Carlton: Katie Lynch = Reason: Lynch just adds more depth to that half-forward line. Lynch was ranked in the top 3 Oakleigh Charges team this year.
33. Carlton: Courtney Jones = Reason: Adding more danger to a very scary looking forward line.
34. Melbourne: Renee Caris = Reason: Caris was the ruck for TAC Cups Team of the year, but was overlooked by Melbourne clubs who were happy with their ruck stock. Caris has been battling injury through this year’s TAC Cup but could find form playing for Carlton in the VFLW. Caris will provide extra backup for Laren Pierce since Kate Hoare has left. 
35. Western Bulldogs:  Georgia Ricardo = Reason: Much like Flanagan, Ricardo was in the forward line of the 2017 Team of the Year but was not drafted. She is currently playing for the Southern Saints and could add some depth to the Dogs.
36. Geelong: Molly Warburton = Reason: Warburton was in last years Team of the Year, but has been overlooked this year due to a poor effort by the Calder Cannons. Warburton would provide great run and carry if Geelong chooses her.
37. Carlton: Aisling Tupper = Reason: Another player overlooked despite her 2017 Team of the year credentials. Tupper was touted by experts that she would be picked up by somebody, unfortunately, that was not to be. Tupper plays with Melbourne Uni now trying to prove draft selectors wrong. If she’s available Carlton should take her, just another midfielder to help a problem Carlton has been having.
38. Collingwood: Bridi Winbanks = Reason: The pies have a strong connection to the Oakleigh Chargers and with Winbanks nominated for the best and fairest in her team she could be the ruck to replace Emma King.
39. Melbourne: Mikala Cann = Reason: Cann will help stock up the midfield depth left by Cranston. Cann has been solid in the midfield for the Eastern Rangers and is known for her bone-crunching tackles. Might be the new Rocky.
40. North Melbourne: They were aiming to have 50% of their team from Tasmania, they will draft less than that if they choose any more TAC cup girls  
41. Western Bulldogs: Jorja Borg = Reason: Borg is the last member of the 2017 Team of the Year Snubbed. Borg is a ruck now playing for Carlton, this late in the draft they might as well add some height.
42. Geelong: Eloise Ashley Cooper = Reason: Possibly the last defender on the list that is TAC Cup.
43. North Melbourne: They were aiming to have 50% of their team from Tasmania, they will draft less than that if they choose any more TAC cup girls  

 

 

 

Round 1 Interview With Lisa Roberts

 

 

Just want to thank Amy Blake and Lisa Roberts for giving me the time to make this happen. It is my first post-match interview with a footballer so I hope the girls from NT Thunder like it and have a successful season.

Round 2

Darebin vs Richmond

Saturday Darebin answered their critics with a thumping 40 point win over Richmond holding them to just 3 points for the day. It was the Hannah Mouncy show in the first quarter, the big forward kicked 3 majors and was threatening all day. Darebin’s backline lead by Meghan Mcdonald and Shevaun Hogan were an impenetrable wall that Richmond could not break. To make matters worse Lauren Pearce smashed the hit-outs for the Falcons feeding overwhelming midfield that dominated with new recruit Nat Exon. It was a poor display from the Tigers with no real standouts, the team was thoroughly beaten in every aspect of the game. The Tigers were on top of the ladder after the first round and looked like a force to be reckoned with. They will need to show more if they are going to be contenders for this year’s flag.

 

Melbourne Uni vs Essendon

With both teams coming off a loss, both clubs were eager for redemption. In the end, it was the MUGARS winning a tight contest by 8 points. The University welcomed back Emma Kearney, and on return, the best and fairest finished with the games high of 25 disposals. But she was not the star of the day as the skipper Ashleigh Ridell would claim best on ground finishing with 22 disposals and three goals. The skipper responding to an average game the previous week proving why she was selected in 2017’s “Team of the Year”. On Essendon side,  the Bombers put up a valiant performance from the start to finish, they were never out of touch with the MUGARS till the very end. The reason they fell short was that of a lack of ball winners. The MUGARS midfield finished with 48 disposals more than Essendon. The one Essendon player who stood up in the midfield above all others was the skipper Lisa Williams. Williams finished 19 disposals for the game. Despite the loss, Essendon has responded well from last week.

 

Casey vs Hawthorn

Casey started off Well against a formidable Hawthorn kicking 3 of the first 4 goals, Casey Maintained the lead until the last quarter which saw Hawthorn win by 8 points. Casey had the chance to steal the win in the final quarter, but the missed opportunities by Eden Zanker and Sophie Phillips sealed the fate of the game. Phillips was lively in the forward line but only converted 1 from 3. On Hawthorn’s list, Emma Mackie continued on her good form, finishing the game with 21 disposals and one goal. Lou Wotton had control of the ruck, and with the support of Tamara Luke, the Hawks come home strong in the final term. Meg Hutchins has proven she’s not done yet, will she come into another AFLW side, possibly, but one thing foresaw she’s making one hell of a contribution to the club of Hawthorn.

Carlton vs Western Bulldogs.

Emergency, Emergency the Dogs need help immediately. That’s the response to the AFLW players taking a vacation while their side gets pummeled again for the 2nd week in a row by 46 points. Despite Kimberley Renne and Hayley Wildes efforts finishing with a combined 33 disposals and one goal, they were the clear standouts of the game. However, the interesting thing is the players for Carlton that stood up weren’t their senior players. Names like Kate Shierlaw, Katelyn Cox and Matilda Lucus Rodd were the best for Carlton. Shierlaw ended the game with 13 disposals and 2 goals, Cox had 1 goal with 15 disposals and Lucus Rodd had the third most disposals finishing with 19. Clearly, Carlton has a lot of depth on their side, sadly the same could not be said for the Bulldogs. It seems without their A grade players such as Blackburn, Scott, Conti, Lockland they appear helpless. Carlton is cruising at the moment comfortably sitting second on the ladder.

Williamstown vs Southern Saints

If Williamstown thought they could rest players like Jasmine Garner and Jenna Brutton because the Saints might be a pushover think again Seagulls. One name that pops up for a second week in a row is Alison Drennan, this girl is a ball magnet, she finished the game with 35 disposals and 1.1 goals. Drennan will definitely be looked at in this year’s draft if she keeps up this effort. She was originally from the Cranbourne Eagles with 11 VFLW games under her belt, now she’s a proud saint. Drennan was the disposal queen of the match but it was the goal accuracy of Danielle Laurence that resulted in the 30 point win over Williamstown. For the Seagulls Jessica Duffin kicked 3 goals and had 20 disposals, she was the shining light of Williamstown. The only other women that scored for the Seagulls was Morgan Lowe with 1 goal. There’s an old saying that sometimes it’s not the biggest dog that wins the fight but the hungriest, and the Southern Saints with no AFLW players were hungrier than any Seagull on that football field.

 Collingwood vs Geelong

Mick Malthouse use to say “Bad kicking bad footy” that is what cost Collingwood that win. I attended Olympic Park Oval, which was a great day for footy with not a drop of rain on the day. Unfortunately, it might have well been, the game was a slow start with stoppages every minute that dominated the first quarter. The second Geelong picked up the pace with Kate Darby and Hannah Burchell kicking one a pice. Geelong definitely looked cleaner in the first half, with a strong defence led by Amy Mcdonald and Mia-Rae Clifford Collingwood scores were scarce. Not that the pies didn’t have their chances 8 scoring shots were all behinds. In the third Jamie Lambert broke the ice kicking their first Geelong responded with Danielle Orr and Alisha Habib. The game looked over until Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster showed some classy footwork to keep the pies in contention. Eliza Hynes would kick the last goal of the day having Collingwood lead by one point, a rush behind for Geelong saw the first draw of 2018. Collingwood must improve their accuracy in front of goal, the girls were spraying it all over the place. As for Geelong, it’s not over till it’s over, they are very lucky to walk away with the draw.

Carnage Erupts in the AFL Women’s with North Melbourne and Geelong Poaching Star Players

You would not like to be Collingwood or Melbourne right now, as 6 players have signed up for the new expansion clubs. Jasmine Garner and Jessica Duffin have just signed with North Melbourne, other recruits Moana hope and Western Bulldogs Jenna Brutton are also poised to join the Kangaroos.

Collingwood also has concerns with a handful of players not signing with their VFLW team. Joining the Richmond Tiger’s are Emma King, Amelia Barden and Lauren Tesoriero.  King has been highly linked to North Melbourne but she has yet to make anything official. Radio reports believe Tesoriero is or will be delisted while Ameilia Barden has had nothing reported on her at all? Collingwood may only have enough influence to retain Barden.

On Geelong’s side early this week, 4 Melbourne players were snatched out of the Demons grasp (Melissa Hickey, Rachelle Cranston, Erin Hoare, and  Anna Teague). The Demons were valiant in managing to hold on to Lily Mithen, who thanks to a close relationship with Daisy Pierce will resign with Melbourne. On the bright side, rules state that no team can poach more than 4 players from an individual club, so for Melbourne, the worst is over.

Western Bulldogs seem to have built a combined front, signing most of it’s A-graders to the VFLW list. The loss of Brutton hurts like Kearney, but with only 2 more names that can be taken, the likely candidate is Jessica Anderson. Anderson has played for the MUGARS for the last 3, she will most likely sign with North.

As for Carlton, these names do not appear on any VFLW list, Georgia Gee, Tayla Harris, Allison Downing and Brianna Davey. Davey is out for the year with an ACL, was approached by Collingwood but after the club expansions were announced she has reconsidered. May still want to get out of Carlton, don’t be surprised if she lands at North or Geelong.

Harris didn’t have the impact that Blues fans were hoping for, and after all, they gave up for her, they would be shattered if she ended up at an expansion club. Downie has seemed to be replaced in the ruck for Breann Moody, Geelong has a ruck in Erin Hoore, but if North Melbourne can’t acquire the services of Emma King, Downie would be the next best thing. Georgia Gee was the surprise package for Carlton draft last year,  but with no signature anywhere, she could be considering her future.

Other Players interstate in danger of losing players. Kaitlyn Ashmore is a former Melbourne University player, you would expect her to have a call from Arden St, likewise with Louise Stephenson, and Alicia Eva. Good luck in holding onto your players.

There are still a few questions left unanswered

• Will there be compensation for clubs that have lost A-grade talent? If so what will the compensation be?
• Will North Melbourne and Geelong be placed at the top of the draft giving them access to the first two picks?
• Will we have the same club expansion design for next year when Gold Coast, St. Kilda, Richmond and West Coast join the competition?

Round 1 Reveiw

Southern Saints vs Carlton

I find the saints well undermanned, the only player they have close to an AFL Women’s player is Georgia Walker, and she was delisted from Collingwood in her first year. That being said to lose to Carlton by 22 points with the A graders they had such as Darcy Vescio, Sarah Hosking and Breanne Moody isn’t the worst loss they could have. Definitely, a learning curve for the Saints as they rebuild for next week. The Blues pulled off a solid victory in the end, showing the experience of their star players against an inexperienced Saints. They still have more senior players to come back. Carlton will be looking for redemption after a very poor AFLW season.

 

NT Thunder vs Darebin

I wrote a column before saying beware the Thunder, how right I was. I attended the game at Darebin to see the Thunder make history, and I must admit I’m surprised they don’t have there own AFLW team. Granted they have a host of Adelaide players at their disposal which helped pick Darebin apart on Saturday. It was one-way traffic from the start the midfield dominated by Chelsea Randall Angela Foley who had a hopping 61 disposals and 3 goals between them. Sarah Allan had the honour of feeding a hungry Thunder midfield smashing the opposition ruck. The forward line set up with Marijana Rajcickicked 3.4, Emma Swanson 2, and Jasmine Hewett 1.2 looked intimidating all day. By the end the Falcons got smashed by a record of 53 points, this hasn’t happened since 2011. One thing’s for sure they better call Karren Paxman and say we need you now!

 

Collingwood vs Williamstown

At first, I was a little sceptical of Collingwood going in with just a hand full of senior players, but to their credit, they pulled off the win. Jamie Lambert was the hero of the day finishing with 16 disposals and 2 goals. But it seems Collingwood have found another Forward by the name Erica Fowler who stands at 180cm. Fowler kicked two for the day looking like a handy forward partner for Chloe Molly in the coming week.  The standouts for the Seagulls where Jasmine Garner, Jess Duffin and Jenna Brotton. Surprisingly only one goal was kicked from the three. Williamstown will need to regroup after their 18 point loss to the Pies. Collingwood, on the other hand, can welcome back some of its star players next week, they’re off to a good start.

 

Western Bulldogs vs Richmond

This game put Richmond on top of the ladder, and they deserve it for one very important reason. They had not one of their AFLW playings in this game, which saw the Tigers smash the dogs by 38 points. The Bulldogs could not produce a goal for the entire match. Premiereship stars Kristen Mcleod and Hayley Wildes were two of three senior girls playing for the dogs the rest are still taking a break. New Richmond recruit and former Creeker Jacqueline Graham finished the game with 21 disposals, but it was the presence of Kate Dixon who kicked 4 majors alongside Jenna Colwell 2 that says it all. I hope the rest of the Bulldogs premiership players saw that because they need their star players back desperately.

 

Melbourne UNi vs Geelong

How the mighty have fallen, unable to resign even 3 quarters of last years team, the MUGARS are in a world of hurt. Geelong on the other hand with the help of Rachelle Cranston are making their presence known. Danielle Orr kicked with  Alisha Habib contributing two of her own. One each from Kate Darby and Madison Janssen and Geelong were finished with Melbourne Uni. The Universities highlight was just a pair of goals kicked by Asha Price and Lucy Watkin. Ashleigh Riddell formerly of Diamond Creek has been appointed the captain of the MUGARS. Riddell was named in the Team of the Year for the VFLW in 2017. If she can rally her team for a four quarter effort next week, the following week the TAC Cup girls will finish and reinforcements will arrive. Maddison Prespakis of the Calder Cannons is touted to be the number 1 in the AFLW draft. Prespakis has signed with the MUGARS along with Rebecca Webster of the Murray Bushrangers. Webster has had All Australian Honours last year in the u18’s and TAC Cup level. The only hero missing is Emma Kearney.

 

Essendon vs Hawthorn

The Easter Devils mafia (Sara Perkins, Meg Hutchins, Pepa Randall and Lou Wotton) has returned, only this time it’s in brown and gold. Perkins looked more dangerous than ever forward but only converted half of her shots resulting in a tally of 2.2. Hutchins and Randall led the defence, which only conceded 3 goals late in the game. The midfield led by Emma Mackie saw Hawthorn run over the Bombers by 39 points. The surprise packet of the Brown and Gold Claire Diet, she may look small but her tackles stick. On the other end, it could have been much worse for Essendon if it wasn’t for a player named Daniele Ponter. Ponter originally tries out for NT Thunder but failed to make the cut, Essendon was her next choice and the Bombers should be very happy. Ponter was nominated for the All Australian u18’s last year but fell short. She was the only player from the Nothern Territory to be nominated. Ponter kicked the last goal for Essendon snapping it around the body, showing the class she can bring to this team. But unfortunately, that was Essendon’s only real highlight. The talent lead by Lucy Williams may be there but failed to execute against an experienced side. They will be anxious to bounce back this week.