U18 girls champs 2024: Geelong’s Sara Howley stars for Vic Country in loss to Queensland
Sara Howley showcased why she’s among this year’s top AFLW draft contenders during Vic Country’s opening U18 national championship game. See how the rest of Vic Country performed.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Geelong’s Sara Howley has enhanced her draft stocks even further with a classy first appearance for Vic Country at the Under-18 girls national championships.
Howley was a clear best on for Vic Country in a 21-point loss to Queensland in Springfield on Sunday, with her silky moves, speed and ball-winning ability highlights of the 18-year-old.
Vic Country, coached by Falcons’ head coach Mel Hickey, dominated in the first half by getting more numbers forward and winning possession 84-38, before maintaining their control in the second quarter with deeper forward entries, though Queensland gained a fraction of momentum by increasing their possession count.
But it was in the second half the home side unleashed, looking the more dynamic of the two sides and bringing increased pressure to kick four unanswered goals to walk away 7.11 (53) to 4.8 (32) winners, with tall Georja Davies (25 disposals, 16 hit outs) a standout for Queensland.
See how each Vic Country player performed.
#1 Seisia White (Geelong Falcons)
The Geelong Falcon worked hard up as a pressure forward and found a bit of ball though it was too little impact. A nice moment saw the 17-year-old burst through congestion and gather the ball on the run for a shot on goal which was ultimately unsuccessful.
#2 Zali Gallagher (Gippsland Power)
The Sale product played predominantly in defence and lay some strong tackles.
#3 Jemma Reynolds (Dandenong Stingrays)
Was one of Vic Country’s best in the first half with her in-and-under work and inside 50 attack (five). Faded to the background in the third quarter but popped up again in the last term with a few quality touches to finish with 18 for the day.
#4 Elise Cook (GWV Rebels)
The GWV Rebels showcased her booming kick off half back and won some ball early, but lacked some finesse with her disposals. Gave away a costly high free in the third quarter.
#5 Lucia Painter (Bendigo Pioneers)
A strong contributor in Vic Country’s midfield, Painter showcased her strength with her ability to break lines and tackles. The Bendigo Pioneer has a nice kick on her, highlighted by an effective inside 50 pass to teammate and forward Kayla Dalgleish. Made an equal-game high six tackles.
#6 Chloe Bryant (Geelong Falcons)
The Geelong Falcon didn’t factor much in the first half but popped up in the third quarter through the midfield and high half forward line.
#7 Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
The top AFLW draft prospect was a clear best on ground for Vic Country, running riot in the midfield with her ability to both win ball in congestion and took the game on with her run and carry. Finished with 27 disposals and six clearances, and danced around several opponents multiple times throughout the day and was able to attack inside 50 too. Had 10 possessions before quarter time and while the Geelong Falcon was quieter in the third, it was overall a classy performance.
#8 Mekah Morrissy (Geelong Falcons)
The Vic Country captain was tough at the ball playing mostly across the wing, including a ‘don’t argue’ in the first half. Showed smarts with her ability to read the play, and while not always effective, showed intent with each attack on the contest to lay four tackles.
#9 Holly Egan (Murray Bushrangers)
A standout in defence for Vic Country, the Shepparton product picked off plenty of intercepts at half back with her ability to read the play. Had 16 possessions and nine intercepts after two and half quarters — she finished with 20 disposals — and showed composure exiting Queensland's forward line.
#10 Olivia Wolter (GWV Rebels)
Had several strong moments in the first half with her ability to cover the ground. Steadied under pressure to kick Vic Country’s third goal in the first quarter and found some ball when pushing into the midfield.
#11 Lavinia Cox (Bendigo Pioneers)
Showcased her pace in defence and worked hard to make a contest for Queensland’s forwards.
#13 Jemmika Douglas (Bendigo Pioneers)
Attacked the ball well off half back and had good hands. Worked well in partnership with her Bendigo teammate Cox to make some contests.
#14 Kayla Dalgleish (Dandenong Stingrays)
The Dandenong Stingray small forward was Vic Country’s most dangerous target. Not only was Dalgleish the only multiple goal scorer with two but she was involved in a lot of forward play. Was a key link in their first goal before managing her first quickly after by winning 50-metre penalty. Took an uncontested mark early in the second and played the wind to perfection to convert her second. Showcased her speed and was good in the air.
#15 Jasmine Sowden (Gippsland Power)
The Gippsland midfielder didn’t have a stack of the ball but when she did get her hands on the ball, always made smart decisions and looked composed.
#16 Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)
Centra showed why she’s a top draft pick by enforcing herself on the contest from the opening bounce. Broke through multiple tackles to clear the ball and get forward to link up as part of Country’s opening minute goal. The Gippsland talent was clean by foot and had a great moment when evading defenders in the forward pocket to hit up a teammate. Came off briefly in the third quarter after colliding with her own teammate but was able to return.
#17 Claire Mahony (GWV Rebels)
The Bendigo tall took a couple good grabs and made a smart decision to hit up teammate Alexis Gregor in a better forward position but ultimately didn’t find too much of the ball.
#18 Stella Huxtable (Geelong Falcons)
The Geelong Falcons’ bottom-ager was among Vic Country’s best playing through the midfield and forward line. Her overhead marking (five) was a strength.
#25 Millie Lang (GWV Rebels)
The GWV Rebels talent was resolute as a key defender, particularly in the second half when Vic Country was under more pressure in their defensive line. Had 18 touches and five rebound 50s.
#26 Sienna Hobbs (Bendigo Pioneers)
Switched between playing ruck and forward, and was able to make a few contest in the air.
#27 Sasha Pearce (Bendigo Pioneers)
The Bendigo teen lined up in defence and was honest with her tackle pressure (four) and one-percent work.
#28 Zoe Besanko (Dandenong Stingrays)
Kicked Vic Country’s first goal within the first 35 seconds with a brilliant right foot snap. Spent most of the game on-ball and chopping out the ruck, and spearheaded some inside 50 attacks late in the game.
#31 Alexis Gregor (Bendigo Pioneers)
Played as a key forward who could pushed up into the midfield at times with her running capacity. The Moama talent was strong on the lead and was a good contested mark, while she had a nice turn of foot when playing on.
#32 Zahri Burn (Gippsland Power)
The 181cm Gippsland Power product played predominantly ruck before resting up forward. Was good at good level and worked hard for one percenters.
More Coverage
Originally published as U18 girls champs 2024: Geelong’s Sara Howley stars for Vic Country in loss to Queensland
VFL B&F winners among package of Rosebud recruits
The Buds are positioning themselves for a tilt at the MPFNL Division 1 title in 2025 after signing two VFL stars and an experienced midfielder.
What’s next for Star Dog after VFLW honour
Fresh off winning the VFLW league best-and-fairest, star Western Bulldog midfielder Dom Carbone has revealed what she’s aiming for next and why she’s eyeing off an AFLW return.