Cannons knocked out 23-36 in their elimination final. Geelong Falcons won their final, easily. This may play into selection next week…
P.S. Bring HER in.
Yassir and Prespakis discuss what they should do next week.
Both photos are from the final. A few more at the below link:
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OK, we’re at the pointy end now. Here’s DraftCentral’s comments on the EFC Cannons in their final game last week (Crowley is not mentioned: she had 7 disposals and failed to score).
AFLW ACADEMY:
#41 Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons)
Unsurprisingly Prespakis lead all comers for disposals for the day. She often sharked first possession off the rucks’ hands and then followed up with her classic long kicks forward, or the drew in opponents to handball it off to a teammate she just relieved of pressure. The real highlight of her game was how well she competed on the inside against one of the strongest midfield groups in the competition, racking up a game high 12 tackles and showing she wasn’t letting the Chargers mids walk it out of stoppages easily. Spectators were fortunate enough to see her and fellow AFLW Academy star Charlie Rowbottom go head-to-head at times, with each of them getting a few bragging rights moments through the contest.
#18 Tahlia Gillard (Calder Cannons)
Started the day as the deepest Calder forward, with the coaching staff looking to take advantage of the Chargers’ lack of height in defensive 50. She competed well when the ball entered attacking 50 and interestingly, despite being 190 cm, she looked at her best when the ball hit the ground as she followed up extremely well to get quick hands up to teammates. Unfortunately she dropped a few marks she would’ve usually held, perhaps due to the increased pace and pressure of finals.
TOP PERFORMERS:
#3 Emelia Yassir (Calder Cannons)
Consistently found ways to show off her burst of speed and agility, weaving through packs and getting away well weighted kicks forward, or handballing to teammates under less pressure. The hard working midfielder provided plenty of spark around stoppages. She found her way around the ground as well, with a defensive focus to her game, getting down back to help out her team under siege, where she even managed an impressive intercept mark which led to a dangerous piece of transitional play that almost resulted in a goal.
#8 Zali Friswell (Calder Cannons)
Has possibly flown under the radar this season with Prespakis and Yassir arguably flashier, but Friswell’s contribution to the strong midfield trio has been monumental throughout 2021 and the game against Oakleigh was no different. She returned a rounded game where she did everything well; unselfish with her ball use, looking to find teammates in space to spread Oakleigh’s defence, and switching the ball across the forward 50 often to create a bit of chaos. Similar to other teammates, her hybrid style of play in the midfield made Calder dangerous, able to crack in and win the contested ball and clearances, but also just as capable at holding her space and receiving a handball out the back or when running past.
#4 Kasey Lennox (Calder Cannons)
Putting in arguably her best performance for the year, Lennox had a game to be proud of as a key defender. Usually playing on Oakleigh’s resting midfielders like Charlie Rowbottom or Amanda Ling, she adjusted to each opponent promptly and looked assured throughout the contest, not conceding a goal at any point. Taking the kick-ins for the day, she’d always run the ball out 15-20 meters and then kick a long bomb well out of the defensive 50 in an attempt to get Calder moving quickly in transition.
ELIMINATION FINALS (all four games) STAT LEADERS:
Tackles:
Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons) – 13
Inside 50s:
Zali Friswell (Calder Cannons) – 6
(tied with two others)
Rebound 50s:
Kasey Lennox (Calder Cannons) – 8
2021 SEASON STAT LEADERS:
Disposals:
Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons) – 207 total / 23.0 average
Handballs:
Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons) – 100 / 11.1
BRING. THEM. IN.
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Who is controlling our jumper numbers?
- At the start of the year we gave #47 to Emilia Yassir.
- In round 7 & 8 we played Zali Friswell (never given a number) in #47.
- In round 9 we brought in Ruby Scarc and gave her #41.
- In round 10 we are debuting the original owner of #41 (Jemma Finning). She is to wear #47.
- On form Friswell is an excellent chance to play again. Yassir also a good chance. Argh.
At least they gave Lauren Ahrens the un-used #39.
DraftCentral’s girls team of the year has two of our players in it: Gillard as the ruck and Prespakis as ruck-rover and captain.
And when I say “our” players… um, please turn up like everyone else?
They cheated and also named three emergencies: two of them were Snell and Yassir.
They then further cheated and named a second team of the year as well: that included Friswell in the middle, Snell on the HFF, and Yassir as the rover. All playing today!
Note: Footscray have the FB of the year, Nyakoat Dojiok, playing against us today. The seconds’ CHF is lining up in that position versus us today.
In relation to the mention of the upcoming Vic Country match below: that is this Sunday. Vic Metro will play the last U19 game the weekend after (when we are playing Willy).
(Both of those games were delayed by Queensland being a filthy COVID pit.)
Elizabeth Snell
Having come back as an over-ager, Snell put together a strong season through the midfield and up forward. She did only play the five NAB League Girls games due to Essendon VFL Women’s commitments, but she also impressed for Vic Country when getting the chance. Possessing some elite athletic traits and great defensive pressure, Snell is not afraid to step up to senior level in the VFLW and once the AFLW Under 19s Championships are over, expect her to return to the Bombers and be a key player in their strong midfield group.
Jemma Finning
Another over-ager who unfortunately missed games due to injury, Finning made it back to represent Vic Country, and then made her debut with Essendon a fortnight ago. Another one gunning for another chance for Country when they take on Queensland on the weekend, Finning is capable of playing in multiple roles, be it on the wing or half-back. She reads the ball well in flight and gets to the right spots, and lifted her ball-winning numbers early in the season.
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I haven’t found any named squad for Vic Country, but based on the second quarter neither Snell nor Finning are playing today.
Whoops.
I think we know these by now, but DraftCentral’s 2021 assessment of the Calder Cannons makes the point that all of the best draft-ready players are all on the EFC list… for another month or so!
On my limited viewings, it’s harsh putting Lennox as an aside at the bottom though: maybe only mids and forwards qualify as sexy draft fodder.
DRAFT-ELIGIBLE TOP PERFORMERS:
Neve Crowley | Tall Defender/Forward
23/06/2003 | 175cm
Well known for her work as an intercept marking defender, Crowley was able to swing up the other end with great success a few weeks into season 2021. She translated a similar aerial dominance to her forward craft, presenting as a dangerous option up the ground and linking Calder into attacking 50. She was also utilised in that role for Vic Metro, showcasing a good amount of potential with her flashes of brilliance in each game.
Zali Friswell | Midfielder
30/12/2003 | 165cm
Friswell quickly became one of the competition’s most consistent midfield performers, combining well with the stars in Calder’s engine room to provide solid ball winning power and defensive work at the stoppages. A no frills type of talent, the 17-year-old ticked over 20 disposals in each of her last three outings. She has been tried in a couple of different roles for Essendon VFLW and Vic Metro, but looks most at home among the centre bounce rotation.
Tahlia Gillard | Ruck/Key Forward
12/12/2003 | 189cm
Pegged as one of the most promising key position options coming into the season, Gillard was another to hint at her potential as she waxed through the ruck and forwardline in 2021. She was difficult to beat in the ruck due to her sheer height, and proved just as potent aerially in her time up forward – showcasing good contested marking ability. Her athleticism is another big tick, and it is easy to see why she was selected in this year’s AFLW Academy intake.
Georgie Prespakis | Midfielder
13/03/2003 | 168cm
Arguably the best player available in this year’s draft pool, Prespakis enjoyed another stellar season in Calder colours, as captain. Having already set a ridiculously high standard, the midfielder was able to meet it each week and was a reliable asset at each level she played. Her understanding of the game and ability to win the ball is unmatched, with the defensive acumen to go with that penetration going forward. She is a superstar in the making and will quickly shake the ‘Maddy’s sister’ tag – if she hasn’t already.
Emelia Yassir | Midfielder
25/09/2003 | 160cm
Another important and constant figure in Calder’s midfield mix, Yassir was the speedy ground level type who helped set her side on the front foot with good run-and-carry away from the contest. A tough competitor, the 17-year-old is also not afraid to compete for and win her own ball, but benefitted from being released onto the outer via hand. In seven of her nine outings, Yassir notched over 15 disposals and that form was more than enough to warrant Vic Metro selection.
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From last week’s huddle photo:
I had not picked up that Marianna Anthony = MEZ.
Snell, Friswell, Yassir, Prespakis, and Gillard invited to the AFLW Combine (that’s 5 of the 35 Victorians invited – there is also 1 Tasmanian who has played for Norf VFLW).
The date for the Combine has not been announced but given the draft is July 27th and the VFLW Grand Final is presumably pushed backwards from July 11th there may be overlap.
We desperately needed to get an AFLW team this year and be allowed to keep those already on our list. Our existing squad has 5 of the top 30 Victorian prospects (including #1), and 2 of the 12 “honourary mentions”.
For this Power Rankings, we have focused purely on the Victorian pool, so does not include those likely to zone to other states due to the limited teams and selections in those states. We have also not included any players who have previously been on an AFLW list, just undrafted or now draft-eligible players. Please note the rankings are the opinion of the author.
#1 Georgie Prespakis (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
13/03/2003 | 168cm
Balanced Midfielder
Key strengths: Ball-winning, tackling, quick hands, footy IQ
The most consistent prospect across the board and has been touted as a star from her debut as a 15-year-old two and a half years ago. There she dominated up forward with 13 goals in 10 games, averaging a massive 22.6 disposals and 5.6 tackles to win the league best and fairest at just 16 years of age. Her numbers have remained consistent going into the middle, and whilst she almost always gets close attention from the opposition, Prespakis is a renowned tackler with 8.8 per game in her top-age season. Her ball winning ability and strength to win the pill at the stoppage and extract it away, as well as have an impact forward of centre, are among her strengths. In terms of improvements, sometimes she can rush the kicks around her body, but she is able to get to enough repeat stoppages, to have more influence than most others.
#14 Emelia Yassir (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
25/09/2003 | 160cm
Balanced Midfielder
Key strengths: Contested work, aggression, disposal, high impact
Bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old during Calder Cannons’ run to the 2019 NAB League Girls Grand Final, Yassir played 11 games in her debut season to hold her own against much older opponents. In her top-age year, Yassir lifted her numbers to 16.7 disposals, 3.9 tackles and 3.1 inside 50s to be a crucial player in the Cannons’ forward half of the ground. Her contested work and aggression around the football makes her a player that would do anything to win the football and shows a high level of football nous, along with high impact in the games. She will generally use it well going forward, and whilst she might only be the 160cm, could settle as a midfielder or defensive forward with her traits and skillset.
#19 Tahlia Gillard (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
12/12/2003 | 190cm
Ruck/Key Forward
Key strengths: Mobility, versatility, size, athleticism
The towering ruck/forward AFL Women’s Academy season makes it into the top 20 on the back of a solid overall season. Whilst she still needs to work on clunking more grabs above her head, Gillard’s work around the ground and ability to get to repeat contests for a ruck and running as a midfielder is really impressive. Often towering over her opponents, Gillard moves incredibly well, and is a tall that teammates are not afraid to use in transition, as she rotated between the ruck and full forward to average 11.3 disposals and 14.1 hitouts, as well as a couple of inside 50s per game. A December birth, Gillard has plenty of upside that with time could develop into a damaging tall.
#25 Elizabeth Snell (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
14/03/2002 | 165cm
Inside Midfielder/ Medium Forward
Key strengths: Tackling, speed, evasion, forward craft
After not getting a Draft Combine last year, Snell stepped up to have a huge season with the Bendigo Pioneers, showing off the traits she has always had, but with greater consistency week to week. The thing with Snell has always been having some seriously top-end traits when it comes to her athleticism – particularly her speed and evasion – and tackling pressure, but it is about building on other areas of her game such as her accumulation and kicking. Whilst her kicking is still an area to keep building on, her numbers went through the roof this year, averaging 20 disposals to go with her 8.8 tackles per game, prompted by a move into the midfield. She showed she can handle any level, averaging 16.5 disposals and 8.5 tackles for Vic Country, and 12.8 disposals and 8.0 tackles for Essendon VFLW. Simply a tackling machine.
#29 Zali Friswell (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
30/12/2003 | 165cm
Inside Midfielder/Forward
Key strengths: Kicking, balance, footy smarts, defensive pressure
A well-balanced midfielder who thrives on the inside of the contest, Friswell has been thrown around all over the field across multiple levels. She has played as a forward for Essendon VFLW and as a back pocket during her game with Vic Metro, but the midfield role is where she is best suited to. The impact difference is noticeable, with Friswell genuinely among the better midfielders in the draft crop, averaging 15.6 disposals, 6.9 tackles and 2.9 inside 50s for the Cannons in the NAB League Girls. Only two days away from being a bottom-ager, Friswell has nice balance, uses the ball well and good footy smarts to hit pinpoint passes down the field. If drafted to be a midfielder, then Friswell is an exceptional talent.
OTHERS IN CONTENTION:
… versatile talents Neve Crowley
From a VFLW standpoints, Casey Demons’ forward Imogen Milford, Collingwood’s Matilda Zander, and Essendon’s Alana Barba are also considered as ones to keep an eye out for in the upcoming draft.
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Ruby Svarc has been delisted by the Bears after one year of not getting a game.
(Jessica “#1” Trend ex-EFC ex-North ex-Big Brother maybe-still-Hawthorn has been delisted by Freo.)
Series of AFLW draft articles continue at Draft Central. They rate Gillard as #3 of the potential rucks on offer (Australia-wide, not just Victoria).
BRING. HER. IN.
Peter Williams of Draft Central rates Yassir the best available small in the country.
If we’re going to be playing finals (plural), we of all finalists are likely to have the most to lose from a Vic Metro clash.
The League is working through its options for that game next week, as well as the NAB AFLW under-19 championships clash between Queensland and Vic Metro that was scheduled for next week.
“The details of arrangements for these games will be confirmed shortly,” it said.
Ruby Svarc has been restored to the Brisbane AFLW squad???
She delisted wasn’t she?