Category: Girls

Patrikios, Petrevski realise AFLW dream

Calder Cannons captain Georgia Patrikios and midfield counterpart Krstel Petrevski are ready for the next challenge.

The talented duo were selected at yesterday’s NAB AFLW Draft – Patrikios with pick No. 5 (St Kilda) and Petrevski with pick No. 78 (Melbourne).

It caps off an exciting year for the budding AFLW stars, who were both instrumental in leading the Under 18 girls program to the 2019 NAB League grand final.

Patrikios was long touted as a top prospect at this year’s draft after averaging nearly 23 touches, three clearances and five tackles per game in the 2019 NAB League Girls competition.

The classy mid was this year named Vic Metro and AFLW Under-18 Championships MVP and was also selected in the NAB AFL Women’s Under-18 All Australian team.

Patrikios went on to play four matches for Essendon’s VFLW side following her NAB League success and was named in the best players on all four occasions, averaging 19 disposals and five tackles per outing.

The 18-year-old will go down in history as the Saints’ first ever female draftee, with the club entering into its inaugural AFLW season in 2020.

“Georgia’s speed, agility and natural skillset is going to hold the Saints in good stead,” Female Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

Petrevski is a talented on-baller who plays with an exciting, innate ability to make something from nothing.

Her clean hands at ground level, precise kicking and poise with the ball in hand stuck out to the Demons when their final selection came around.

Petrevski also featured for the VFLW Bombers this season and led the club for total 2019 goal assists despite playing just three matches.

“The club was thrilled to learn of Krstel’s drafting by the Demons,” Humphrey said.

“It’s a testament to the constant hard work and commitment she showed throughout the season.”

Humphrey said the club was proud to see both girls realise their AFLW dreams.

“Congratulations to both girls, we are immensely proud to have two girls drafted,” he said.

“It’s a great effort by the coaching staff this season and it’s finished off what’s been a very successful year for us.

“Both girls have the qualities to make an impact at AFLW level and will be handy additions to their respective lists.”

Cannons fire at combines

While the 2019 NAB League seasons have well and truly concluded for our boys and girls, the hard work continued for several draft hopefuls.

Calder had 12 players attend last week’s NAB AFLW, AFL and state combines, putting their mental and physical skills to the test in front of on-looking recruiters.

The high performance team had been working with all combine-bound Cannons post season, to best prepare them for the testing days.

It started with the AFL Women’s Draft Combine where Cannons graduates Georgia Patrikios, Alana Barba and Felicity Theodore spent two days at the MCG, Margaret Court Arena and Collingwood’s Holden Centre to undertake several tests and interviews.

The four-day AFL Draft Combine – attended by midfielder Daniel Mott and key forward Harrison Jones – was also split across several venues.

Club interviews were held at the super boxes at Rod Laver Arena, medical screenings took place at the MCG and Margaret Court Arena housed the athletic tests, such as the agility, speed, yo-yo and jump tests.

The 2km time trial was held at the Holden Centre.

Mott recorded the equal-third highest standing vertical jump (70cm), while Jones registered a top 10 finish in the running vertical jump (83cm), 20-metre sprint (2.963 seconds) and yo-yo test (21.4).

On Saturday, seven Cannons – Curtis Brown, Brodie Newman, Sam Ramsay, Jeremy O’Sullivan, Nathan Stewart, Lachlan Gollant and Francis Evans – attended the Sate Combine at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, with three of them recording top-five numbers for the running vertical jump.

See some of the results from the AFL and State combines below:

AFL DRAFT COMBINE

STANDING VERTICAL JUMP

Miles Bergman (Sandringham Dragons): 77cm

Brady Rowles (Bendigo Pioneers): 73

Ben Johnson: 70

Daniel Mott (Calder Cannons): 70

Cody Weightman (Dandenong Stingrays): 69

Sam Flanders (Gippsland Power): 69

Lachlan Williams (Dandenong Stingrays): 69

Sam Philp (Northern Knights): 69

Nick Bryan (Oakleigh Chargers): 69

RUNNING VERTICAL JUMP

Brady Rowles (Bendigo Pioneers): 98cm

Miles Bergman (Sandringham Dragons): 90

Sam Flanders (Gippsland Power): 88

Cian McBride: 87

Lachlan Williams (Dandenong Stingrays): 86

Hugo Ralphsmith (Sandringham Dragons): 86

Jaxon Prior: 85

Nick Bryan (Oakleigh Chargers): 85

Oscar Lewis (Sandringham Dragons): 83

Kysaiah Pickett: 83

Cody Weightman (Dandenong Stingrays): 83

Will Day: 83

Brady Rowles (Bendigo Pioneers): 83

Cooper Stephens (Geelong Falcons): 83

Harrison Jones (Calder Cannons): 83

20-METRE SPRINT

Sam Philp (Northern Knights): 2.867 seconds

Ben Johnson: 2.885

Malcolm Rosas: 2.924

Mitch Georgiades: 2.925

Noah Cumberland: 2.931

Finn Maginness (Sandringham Dragons): 2.957

Harrison Jones (Calder Cannons): 2.963

Jeremy Sharp: 2.966

Brady Rowles (Bendigo Pioneers): 2.968

Dylan Stephens: 2.972

YO-YO TEST

Jay Rantall (GWV Rebels): level 21.8 

Cooper Stephens (Geelong Falcons): 21.8

Connor Budarick: 21.6

Chad Warner: 21.6

Oscar Lewis (Sandringham Dragons): 21.5

Sam Philp (Northern Knights): 21.5

Lachlan Ash (Murray Bushrangers): 21.4

Harrison Jones (Calder Cannons): 21.4

Finn Maginness (Sandringham Dragons): 21.4

Trey Ruscoe: 21.4

Riley Baldi (Gippsland Power): 21.3

Sam Flanders (Gippsland Power): 21.3

Matthew Rowell (Oakleigh Chargers): 21.3

Jeremy Sharp: 21.3

STATE COMBINE

RUNNING VERTICAL JUMP

Jeremy O’Sullivan (Calder Cannons): 96cm

Andrew Courtney (Sandringham Dragons): 94cm

Jake Riccardi (Werribee): 92cm

Bigoa Nyuon (Dandenong Stingrays): 92cm

Brodie Newman (Calder Cannons): 92cm

Nathan Stewart (Calder Cannons): 92cm

The AFLW Draft will be held on Tuesday October 22, while the AFL Draft is on Wednesday and Thursday, November 27 and 28.

The Calder Cannons Football Club wishes all aspiring draftees the best in the upcoming drafts.

Patrikios earns All-Australian honours

Calder Cannons graduate Georgia Patrikios has been named in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Under-18 All Australian team.

The announcement comes just two weeks after being named Vic Metro and AFLW Under-18 Championships MVP after a stellar campaign representing the Metro.

The 2019 NAB League Girls captain was one of 10 players from the NAB League competition to be selected in the squad.

Patrikios, a prolific ball-winner who led the Cannons to this year’s grand final played at Ikon Park, averaged 22.8 disposals, 2.8 clearances and 4.5 tackles during the carnival – justifying her spot as one of six midfielders.

The 18-year-old is also set to make her VFLW debut tomorrow for Essendon in its clash against Williamstown at Downer Oval.

The club would like to congratulate Georgia and wish her all the best as she dons the sash for the first time tomorrow.

Patrikios continues to lead the way

Written by Jarryd Barca

Calder Cannons graduate Georgia Patrikios has been named Vic Metro and AFLW Under-18 Championships MVP after a stellar campaign.

The 18-year-old averaged 23.3 disposals and led both the tackle and rebound 50 count in two of the representative side’s three matches played against Vic Country, Queensland and the Eastern Allies.

Patrikios was also named captain in Day 2 where Metro ran away 18-point winners.

It’s the second year in a row a former Cannon has achieved the same accolade, with Madison Prespakis taking the top honour in last year’s carnival before being drafted by Carlton.

It’s another feather in the cap of the young gun who was runner-up in Calder’s best and fairest award two years straight, while also captaining the Cannons to the 2019 NAB League Girls grand final.

Fellow Cannons Felicity Theodore (captain against the Allies) and Alana Barba also played every game for Vic Metro throughout the championships.

“Were extremely proud of the three girls that represented the state in the metro squad. All the girls played in every game which is just fantastic,” Calder Cannons Female Talent Coordinator Russel Humphrey said.

“Georgia and Felicity both being given a chance to captain the side is a great accolade for them both, while Alana also had a great carnival.

“As a football club we’re proud of Georgia’s achievement in winning the MVP award for both metro and the championship – it’s fantastic and well deserved.”

Patrikios, whose run and carry and composure with the ball in hand protruded her NAB League opponents, told nableague.com.au that she benefited from her also skilful teammates in Metro’s 2019 campaign.

“I’ve been able to pick up different qualities from all the leaders, putting all their skills together, gaining knowledge from them and working together,” Patrikios said on the Gold Coast.

“Ellie McKenzie (Northern Knights) just looks like she has so much time. She has a nice sidestep and is really composed for a bottom-ager. Gabby Newton (Northern Knights) has unreal hands, is really smart with the footy and covers the ground really well. Izzy Grant (Western Jets) is quick and agile and does the little things like tackling and winning ground-balls.

“Just getting to meet all the girls and create closer bonds with them is probably the most important thing. You only get to play with each other in three or four games for the year, so to make those new friendships is pretty special.”

Patrikios, Theodore and Barba will now all shift their focus on the VFLW competition where they’ll represent the Essendon Bombers for the remainder of the season, along with Gloria Elarmaly and Krstel Petrevski.

Cannons teammate Terira Fry also played in a development game for Essendon against GWS on the weekend and held her own.

Cannons fall short in big danceï»ż

Calder Cannons girls show bravery in grand final heartache

Written by Jarryd Barca 

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls lost no supporters when they fell 33 points short of the Northern Knights in the 2019 NAB League grand final. 

A large crowd flocked to the Ikon Park stands to watch the first edition of NAB League grand final since the competition underwent a name change from the TAC Cup in previous years.

Calder cruised to the big dance after a massive win against the fancied Geelong Falcons in last week’s preliminary final in Dandenong.  

But that momentum couldn’t continue.  

The undefeated Knights kicked with a slight breeze advantage in the opening quarter and managed to kick three unanswered goals in what proved to be match-winning. 

Despite the Cannons’ brave efforts to neutralise the contest thereafter, they were unable to make the most of their forward opportunities in the 6.3 (39) to 0.6 (6) result.

Cannons Laura Cocomello and Georgia Patrikios embrace after the final siren. Photo by AFL Photos.

“Despite not winning the premiership cup in the end, the girls’ efforts over the course of this season has been worthy of much more than that,” Female Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

“Just to make the grand final and being a part of the occasion was a fantastic effort, they all played to the best of their abilities and that’s all we could ask of them.

“The better team won on the day.”

Captain Georgia Patrikios was her usual self and worked tirelessly up and down the ground to lead the entire field for total disposals (24) and inside 50s (six). 

Terira Fry (seven disposals and three rebound 50s) tried hard in defence all game, while Georgia Sampson’s improvement over the course of the season continued in another impressive performance in the ruck.

Zoe Hardiman (nine touches and six tackles) and Georgie Prespakis (20 disposals) were also named in the best players.

Calder limited Northern to a solitary goal in each term after quarter time but inaccuracy again plagued the side as they sent the ball forward on countless occasions but to no avail.

“The coaching staff was proud of the way the girls managed to battle out the entire game and never give up – that’s the Cannons way,” Humphrey said.

“We would like to congratulate them on a great achievement this season. To all the girls graduating – you’ve done the whole club proud and all the best with your footballing future.

“We look forward to seeing the bottom-age players continue their improvement.” 

Cannons looking forward to big dance

The Calder Cannons booked a ticket to the 2019 NAB League Girls grand final after comfortably cruising past the Geelong Falcons in the preliminary final last Saturday at Shepley Oval. 

The 7.4 (46) to 1.5 (11) triumph means the undefeated Northern Knights await at IKON Park this Saturday – where the two will do battle in the final game of the year at 2pm. 

Calder was able to maintain possession across the field and deny Geelong any access forward for the majority of the contest, while their pressure (83 tackles – their highest tackle-count of the season) was also crucial in the final result.

The collective buy-in from the entire playing group impressed the coaches and supporters on the day.

Captain Georgia Patrikios’ drive through the middle of the ground (29 touches and six inside 50s) paved the way for her side’s forward entry flurry in Dandenong, while one of the league’s best tacklers, Alana Barba, was again a stand out in the clinches laying 13 tackles. 

Three goals in the opening 10 minutes of the game to Alisa Magri, Emelia Yassir and Barba helped set up an early 20-point lead to the Cannons.

And from there they were hardly challenged.

The momentum continued – albeit with less scoreboard impact – as the Cannons went into the main break with a 19-point lead.

Impressively, the away side never rested on their laurels. A goal within two minutes of the second half to Zoe Hardiman was the only major of the premiership quarter.

Knowing the Falcons wouldn’t give up, the Cannons continued to put the foot down in the final stanza.

Hardiman’s second meant the grand final was all but finalised, before Magri put the nail in the coffin with a quick snap in the dying seconds.

The massive win means the Cannons now have the chance to claim their second premiership.

“Every single player played their role for the team and that’s what gives us this chance that we have,” Girls Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

“If we can play with the same intensity we applied in the Geelong game then we will give ourselves a chance to win this weekend.

“We’re all looking forward to it – the players, the coaching staff and all of the parents.”

Cannons trio selected in Vic Metro squad

Written by Jarryd Barca

Three Calder Cannons Under 18 girls players have been selected in the Vic Metro squad for the upcoming 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships.

Alana Barba, Georgia Patrikios and Felicity Theodore are three of 59 NAB League girls in line to potentially represent their state.

This year’s Under 18 Championships begin for Country and Metro on Saturday, June 22 at Avalon Airport Oval (starting at 2pm).

They will then travel to the Gold Coast for three more games from July 8-12 against Queensland, Western Australia and the Eastern Allies (NSW/Tasmania).

Former AFL champion Nathan Burke, who played 323 games for St Kilda, will take the reins of Vic Metro.

Last year’s Country and Metro squads contained several players subsequently selected towards the top of the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, including joint Championships MVPs Nina Morrison (Geelong Falcons to Geelong AFLW) and Madison Prespakis (Calder Cannons to Carlton).

It’s the third time Cannons captain Georgia Patrikios has been selected in the squad, while Barba and Theodore will represent Metro for the first time.

“Congratulations to all three girls for making the Vic Metro squad, it’s an amazing effort on their behalf,” Calder Cannons Girls Talent Coordinator Russell Humphrey said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all three girls to showcase their skills on a bigger stage and the club wishes them all the best.”

State Talent Manager Paul Hamilton said the Championships give Victoria’s best emerging female footballers the chance to highlight their skills on a big stage.

“The NAB AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships have the potential to put our up-and-coming female players firmly on the radar of AFL Women’s clubs,” Hamilton told nableague.com.au.

“Our Vic Country and Vic Metro girls will have access to some of the best coaching resources in women’s football in order to develop their games and will be able to experience playing at elite-level venues against the best talent the rest of Australia has to offer.

“Travelling to the Gold Coast in July will also provide them an extra opportunity to bond with girls who share a common goal of furthering their careers within the elite talent pathway.”



Powerful win sends Cannons to finals

Girls show poise, eminence against Gippsland

Written by Jarryd Barca 

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls jumped into third spot on the ladder at the conclusion of the 2019 NAB League season following a dominant 31-point win over the Gippsland Power on Mother’s Day.

The 5.7 (37) to 1.0 (6) result at Morwell Recreation Reserve sends Calder into the finals series on a two-game winning streak, now bracing for a clash against the Geelong Falcons in one of two preliminary finals to be played in Dandenong this Saturday.

It was a must-win game for the Cannons with the Oakleigh Charges breathing down their necks heading into Round 9.

With the Northern Knights and Geelong Falcons having the top two spots sewn up, a Chargers victory against the Bendigo Pioneers means the Cannons qualified by two points and percentage, with the Eastern Ranges closing out the four finals spots. 

“It’s a true testament to the way these girls have handled themselves over the course of the season,” girls talent coordinator Russell Humphrey said post-game.

“Their form over the course of the year really does warrant a finals spot and I know that we have what it takes to be really competitive.

“They just have to believe in themselves, stick to what they’ve been doing and play with the confidence that they have in the past two weeks and much of the season.” 

While the away side recorded just 20 more disposals, their pressure around the ball meant the Power only managed to send the ball inside 50 on 10 occasions – the fewest the Cannons have conceded this season. 

Calder took 75 marks and took full control of the ball to dictate all four quarters. 

Sixteen-year-old Georgia Sampson, Terira Fry, Zali Friswell, Alana Barba, Zoe Hardiman and Makeisha Muller were named as the Cannons’ best players.

“I thought Sampson was terrific in the ruck and around the ground as well,” Humphrey lauded the young ruck. 

“Zali Friswell is another that stood out to me on the day and Terira Fry – particularly her tackling pressure – was fantastic, it was a significant aspect that helped us win the game.”

Captain Georgia Patrikios led from the front foot from the opening bounce and kicked the entire first quarter score of 2.1 – the behind a poster.

Further majors to Muller and Georgie Prespakis meant the Cannons took a commanding 27-point lead into half-time.

The game took a slow turn in the second half. Zoe Hardiman booted the only goal for the Cannons, whose 10 points for the half was enough to consolidate a spot in this year’s finals series. 

“Our chances of making the finals seemed quashed a couple of weeks ago when we let a couple of games slip through our fingers,” Humphrey said.

“While we may have been buoyed by other results going our way, all we could control were the games in front of us.

“The girls had two must-win matches and won them both. We’re all very proud of where they’ve come but there’s more work now to be done.” 

The preliminary final will take place from 2:15pm at Shepley Oval immediately following the clash between the Northern Knights and Eastern Ranges.

The winner of both matches will meet in this year’s grand final to be played at IKON Park on May 25. 

NAB League Girls finals fixture announced

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls will play in a do-or-die preliminary final against the Geelong Falcons this Saturday, May 18 at Shepley Oval, Dandenong in a preliminary final.

The match will be played at 2:15pm, directly after the Northern Knights and Eastern Ranges also do battle.

The winners of both matches will face each other in the 2019 grand final at IKON Park on May 25.

It is the first time in the competition’s three-year history that preliminary finals will be played involving the top four teams.

All games will be live video streamed via the NAB League app.

Geelong bodes as a tough match-up for the Cannons after losing just one match this season.

But a brave showing by Calder in the side’s gallant Round 7 loss against the Falcons means the spot in the big dance is well and truly up for grabs.

The Cannons were inaugural girls premiers in 2017 and leap-frogged their way to third spot on the ladder on the weekend with a win over the Gippsland Power.

In the lead-up to the finals, NAB League girls supporters can now watch replays of every home-and-away match up to Round 8, with Round 9 to be uploaded during the week. Champion Data stats feature for all games as well. Download the NAB League app.

Calder Cannons girls keep finals dream alive

Ball in Cannons’ court

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls have kept a finals berth in sight after downing finals aspirant Bendigo Pioneers by 21 points at Highgate Recreation Reserve in the NAB League. 

The stakes were high in the Round 8 contest with both sides locked away on 16 points for the season – with the winner to be the only finals hopeful remaining outside of the top four. 

The Pioneers managed to score the only goal of the first half, but their slender advantaged was short-lived as a rampant Cannons outfit piled on the only four goals of the second half to leave their destiny in their own hands. 

The 4.6 (30) to 1.3 (9) result means the equation is now simple for the 5-3 Cannons – now fourth; defeat Gippsland Power this weekend and qualify.

Female talent coordinator Russell Humphrey said he was proud of the girls’ strength to come back from a dour first half. 

“At half time, even though we hadn’t scored a goal and Bendigo were on top, we were only a goal down so it wasn’t panic stations,” he said.

“The coaching staff were very positive with the girls telling them that they needed to work a bit harder and open the game up a bit more.

“Bendigo were really good early in the match to keep it crowded and not allowing us to open it up.

“Once we did we were able to play more free-flowing footy with plenty of run and the result looked after itself.

“Our ability to keep the ball moving forward, to take the game on a bit more by running and ball use really stood out to me.”

The Oakleigh Chargers were on 18 points going into the weekend, but a loss against the GWV Rebels means Calder remains two points clear in fourth position heading into the final round of the home-and-away season. 

“With one game to go it’s important that our second half momentum from the weekend continues going into the next four quarters of footy,” Humphrey said. 

“We want to finish the home and away season off strongly against Gippsland down at Morwell which is always a hard place to win.” 

A serious foot injury to half-forward Gloria Elarmaly in the second quarter ensured that it was a bittersweet feeling in the dressing rooms post-game. 

The 18-year-old, who last week signed with Essendon’s VFLW side, unfortunately broke her foot in a tackle and required surgery on Sunday. 

“The resilience of the girls to play like they did after seeing their teammate go down with a serious foot injury was really impressive and showed they held the values of the club close to their hearts,” Humphrey said. 

“The club wishes Gloria the best in her recovery.” 

Midfielders Laura Cocomello (17 disposals and five tackles) and Georgia Patrikios (27 and a goal) led from the front with young ruck Tamsin Crook also named in the best players. 

Krstel Petrevski, Isabel Young and Neve Crowley also caught the coaches’ attention with solid performances. 

Humphrey said he is looking forward to taking on the Power this Sunday. 

“We appreciate the mums coming down to Morwell on Mother’s Day and we hope that the girls’ performance is a tribute to their fantastic support over the course of the year,” he said.