Page 20 - AFL Queensland 2014 in Review

Melbourne nabbed its second-straight win in the Women’s AFL match on June 29. In an enthralling contest, there was plenty of flowing, attacking football, particularly in the first half. The second half was more tightly contested, with a lot of congestion around the footy.
West Australian Chelsea Randall was named the best on ground, with 23 touches, 14 marks and two goals, while former Logan player now based in Victoria, Aasta O’Connor, was the Bulldogs’ best.
The match proved to be a fantastic exhibition of female football, featuring four Queenslanders.
Let’s take a look at how each of our Sunshine State reps went:
TAYLA HARRIS
Playing at Etihad Stadium in an AFL environment at just 17, you could forgive
Tayla Harris for being a bit overawed. However, fans needn’t have worried, AFL with the teen looking like a natural on the big stage. Picked at #17 in the
draft, she was a major steal for the Dees. Playing mainly at full-forward, Harris MATCH: was able to use her exceptional marking abilities to finish off her team’s
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QUEENSLANDERS
midfield dominance. She kicked three goals in the match, including one after taking a mark that would rival that of Melbourne specky specialist, Jeremy Howe. Had a run in the ruck as well, but proved far more effective in the attacking zone. Sensational game from the Zillmere Eagle.
STATS: 13 disposals, four marks, five tackles, six hit-outs
EMILY BATES
The only current Queensland player in Western Bulldogs colours, Bates was consistent for her team. She didn’t get her hands on the ball that often, but when she did, the 18 year-old had an impact. One of the youngest players on the field, Bates played above her years as Queensland has come to expect
of her. The Yeronga Devil showed plenty of composure in the match, helping her side’s attacking efforts. In her second year in the exhibition match, Bates will be looking for another crack next year to continue her rise as one of the state’s most promising players.
STATS: Six disposals, three marks, one tackle, two clearances, two Inside 50s, one rebound 50
LEAH KASLAR
A quieter game for Kaslar than she might normally like. The Coolangatta player ran hard all day but couldn’t find the footy as much as she normally does. Two clearances helped her team, but was probably outshone to an extent by some of Melbourne’s star-studded midfield.
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STATS: six disposals, two clearances.