NAB League 2021: Amanda Ling stars as Oakleigh Charger girls win flag

A star Chargers mid is being touted for higher levels of footy after a best afield display in the NAB League Girls grand final.

The Oakleigh Chargers coach says Amanda Ling deserves a crack at higher levels of footy following a starring display. Picture: NAB League

A stunning display from a star midfielder helped lift the Oakleigh Chargers to their first NAB League Girls flag on Sunday – and coach Jason Davenport says she deserves a crack at the next level.

The Chargers defeated the Geelong Falcons 11.5 (71) to 5.4 (34), reversing the pair’s Round 8 result to cap off a campaign which saw just one loss.

Amanda Ling took the honours for best afield following 21 disposals, 10 tackles, four clearances and three inside-50s – but the performance goes well beyond Sunday’s match according to Davenport.

“She’s worked hard all year and set the standard on testing day which feels like an eternity ago, but before we even played a game she was as fit as anyone in the competition and ready to have an impact,” he said.

“It’s amazing to see it all pay off for her individually.

“Balanced is the best word for her in so many different ways – her ball-winning ability, her ability to put pressure on and tackle, but also just plays her role for the team.

“We had a great conversation with her Thursday night, myself and (talent manager) Jy Bond and spoke to her about the type of payer that she is and if she plays her role and takes her moments, then she could every bit be the best player on the ground.”

The Chargers dropped just one match all season on the way to the flag. Picture: AFL Women’s

Higher levels of football should await Ling, Davenport believes.

“I think Sunday’s performance is an indication that she’s more than capable of it too – we don’t think it’s hopeful optimism, I think she deserves a chance at the next level and we’d love to see that opportunity,” he said.

Sarah Morley and Stella Reid each booted three goals for the Chargers, while Jasmine Fleming, Kalarni Kearns, Charlie Rowbottom and Erin Woodford finished among the best.

Davenport noted the “outstanding” performance of Kearns in the ruck, “well-supported” by Emily Harvey, with the duo working wonders for his side’s balance.

“We went with a two-headed dragon from halfway through the year going with the two rucks, and we felt that with our list it worked really well, and that gave Kalarni an opportunity to excel, because she was well-supported by Em Harvey as well,” he said.

Coach Jason Davenport and skipper Charlie Rowbottom hold the cup aloft. Picture: AFL Women’s

While Davenport believes the end result didn’t reflect the quality of the contest, he pointed to the midfield’s performance as the catalyst.

“I think at times the scoreboard probably flattered us, they (Geelong) played some really quality football and we obviously were just able to stand up on the last line with our defenders,” he said.

“Our midfielders were essentially the ones that generated a lot of scoring opportunities for us but the pressure of our forwards (was evident) once the ball went in there and we generated a lot of turnovers within our forward half.”

Davenport said it was “humbling” to lead the Chargers to a flag in his first season at the helm, but it was just-reward for a long line of hard-working club staff and volunteers behind the scenes.

“It’s one of those ones where I get the recognition as the head coach but collectively our staff has done an amazing job with their time and effort towards the girls’ program.”