Big names star in opening round of Coates Talent League
Future AFLW stars have emerged in the opening round of the Coates Talent League season. Here are the key talking points.
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It might have been a reduced start to the Coates Talent League season but there were plenty of talking points across the weekend.
With four matches played, the future stars of AFLW were able to put their names up in lights.
REMEMBER THE NAME SARA HOWLEY
She isn’t eligible to be drafted until 2024 but Sara Howley is a name for AFLW fans to keep an eye on.
The Geelong Falcons bottom age star racked up 26 disposals – including 21 kicks – and kicked three goals in her side’s nine-point victory over the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Saturday.
After spending the 2022 season across halfback, Howley is expected to spend more time through the middle and up forward.
Her leg speed and silky skills are set to be one of the keys to her game.
Joining among the Falcons better players were Seisia White, Johanna Sunderland, Chloe Adams, Maddy Seebeck and Tash Wilson.
The Rebels best were Jessica Rentsch, Lily Jordan, Molly Walton, Chelsea Jew, Millie Lang and Elise Cook.
KEEP AN EYE ON THESE TASSIE FORWARDS
Georgia Clark looks set for a big season with the Tassie Devils after leading her side to a 14-point victory over the GWS Academy.
The key forward finished with 19 disposals as two goals in an impressive display.
Meanwhile, Grace White put together an impressive display which is sure to catch the eye on AFLW scouts.
She finished with two goals of her own after previously spending more time in defence.
“I’ve had an ACL injury in the past and this is my first real full season. It should be a good year but we have to play a lot of football before that (draft),” she said.
“It took a while to get my confidence back from that (injury), but it’s good to see the hard work paying off.
“Naturally I’ve got a good mark, but it’s about taking opportunities which I probably should have done better today.”
WHAT WIND? PARKER’S IMPRESSIVE MASTERCLASS
It’s a coach’s dream when a player can offer a bit of everything just as Ella Parker did in the Sydney Swans Academy’s win against Dandenong.
She finished as the leading disposal winner on the ground with 23 and backed it up with three goals in breezy conditions at the Hastings club.
Parker’s dash out of contests caused plenty of headaches for the Stingrays too.
Jemma Reynolds found plenty of the footy for the Stingrays while Kayla Dalgleish gave an insight into her ability.
KECK SET TO GO TO ANOTHER LEVEL
We might just be one game into the season but Lila Keck already appears to have gone to another level.
The Bendigo Pioneers skipper starred in her side’s one-point win over the Murray Bushrangers with 24 disposals and two goals.
Playing predominantly as a midfield-forward hybrid role, Keck’s ability to hit the scoreboard will make her one of the most exciting players in the competition this season.
Other strong Pioneers performers included Sasha Pearce and Stephanie Demeo.
Alice Voss and Kloe Mcelhinney impressed for the Bushrangers.
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