Tag: Vic Metro

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 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.”



Six players make 16s Metro squad

The Calder Cannons Football Club would like to congratulate six of its Under 16 boys players for making the initial Vic Metro squad for 2019.

Noah Candotti (Airport West), Joshua Goater (Sunbury Lions), Jack Hebbard (Aberfeldie), Jack Newitt (Sunbury Lions), Zac Taylor (Pascoe Vale) and Ciaran Wrigglesworth (Pascoe Vale) were all successful in making the squad.

All six players were key contributors in our Under 16s program this year which unfortunately consisted of two losses against the Northern Knights and Oakleigh Chargers – Hebbard named in the best players on both occasions.

The Cannons were beaten at the death in their first contest against the Knights, while Matthew Gook was the only multiple goal scorer in their 48-point loss to the Chargers on Tuesday.