Geelong Falcons have strung back-to-back wins together after defeating a much-improved Gippsland Power outfit by 70 points in the third game of the triple-header at Highgate Recreation Reserve yesterday. From the first bounce, the Falcons looked to be in control, with stronger players across the field. They raced out to a 35-point lead early in the second term with five consecutive goals, as Elizabeth Dowling and Analea McKee looked dominant. Unlike in previous first halves though, the Power refused to give in with back-to-back goals of their own to trim the margin back to five goals, and eventually headed in with a 42-point deficit by the main break.

Another five unanswered goals to the Falcons either side of the break brought the lead out to as much as 56 points, before the Power’s Under 16s star Ash Centra kicked her second from a ridiculous contested mark and set shot. From there, the Falcons kicked 5.1 to 1.5 and it was the story of the tape in the last third of the match. Despite the lob-sided scoreboard by the final siren, the Power had pushed the Falcons towards the end of the match, and with a bit more luck could have reduced the eventual final score of 15.11 (101) to 4.7 (31).

Gippsland had a number of standouts lead by Centra who slotted two goals and took five marks to go with her 16 touches. Ella Stoddart again stood tall in defence with 20 disposals, six tackles and seven rebound 50s, whilst Macie Gilmour (17 disposals) and Indiana Makai (16) were also busy. Elise Molesworth and Yasmin Duursma continued to provide plenty of drive through the middle.

Excerpt taken from match review published by Rookie Me Central. Full article can be found here.

SCOUTING NOTES

#5 Yasmin Duursma

Returned to the side after a week off and did some nice things without having the time or space to be as dominant as she could be. Her hands are clean on the inside, but she was only able to manage the four kicks, credit to the Falcons on-ball brigade. Trying hard throughout the contest, she would pop up at stoppages with some quick-fire handballs, but was overall outmuscled against stronger opponents.

#16 Ash Centra

Gippsland has had some incredibly promising players as Under 16 talents coming through in their first seasons, but at 173cm and capable of playing any role, Centra might just be the most promising yet. Three games in and the birthday girl – she turned 16 on gameday – put on a show with (fittingly) 16 touches, as well as five marks, four inside 50s and 2.2. Her marking is just so clean and her timing of leaps, and technical skill great. Though she missed a couple of chances, her goals were equally as eye-catching, intercepting one early and running into an open goal to put it straight over the umpire’s head. Then came a ridiculous contested mark and set shot goal from 40m out to complete the day.

#19 Ella Stoddart

The talented defender only turned 15 last week, and is already fitting into defence with ease the last fortnight. She has amassed back-to-back games of 20-plus disposals and averaging 8.5 rebound 50s from those games, though it does mostly come from the kickouts. In saying that, trusting a 15-year-old with the kickout duties says a lot about the faith the Power have in Stoddart, and with what she is showing already, it is going to be an exciting few years as she develops.

#20 Indiana Makai

One of the top-age talents at the Power, Makai’s big moment came with a nice goal from the pocket which got her teammates up and about. She had a pretty solid game all-round and was one of Gippsland’s better players, continuing her consistent season. She can win the ball in close or on the outside and pump it long, giving her teammates a chance to apply scoreboard pressure.

Excerpt taken from article published by Rookie Me Central. Full article can be found here.

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