Oakleigh Chargers claimed the 2023 Coates Talent League Girls premiership with a seven-point Grand Final victory over Eastern Ranges at IKON Park on Saturday.

Scores were tied at the half-time break before the Chargers broke the game open in the third term with three unanswered goals.

They were then able to hold off a late fightback from the Ranges in the final term to prevail 6.7 (43) to 5.6 (36).

The victory handed the Chargers their second Coates Talent League Girls premiership following their 2021 success.

Oakleigh Chargers finished the home-and-away season in second spot on the Coates Talent League Girls ladder and advanced to the premiership decider with finals victories over Calder Cannons and Dandenong Stingrays.

Bottom-age star Sienna Tallariti claimed the best on ground medal for a dominant performance across half-back. Tallariti finished with a game-high 32 disposals, 12 marks, five tackles and six rebound 50s.

Tallariti was well supported by fellow bottom-age teammates Charlotte Brewer, Sarah Poustie and Abbey Vicino.

Captain Lara Hausseger also impressed, while the Chargers’ six major were shared by six players.

Grace Baba was exceptional in defence for Eastern Ranges, offering great rebound and finishing with 23 disposals. Alyssia Pisano booted a match-high three goals, while Laura Stone was again prolific with 30 disposals.

Final score
Eastern Ranges           1.2        2.4        2.5        5.6 (36)
Oakleigh Chargers       2.3        2.4        5.5        6.7 (43)

Best
Eastern Ranges: Grace Baba, Indigo Linde, Laura Stone, Ava Campbell, Alyssia Pisano, Jordyn Allen
Oakleigh Chargers: Sienna Tallariti, Charlotte Brewer, Chloe Thorn, Lara Hausegger, Mikayla Lee, Marlo Cockerill

Goals
Eastern Ranges: Alyssia Pisano 3, Mackenzie Bourne, Emma Stilve
Oakleigh Chargers: Jacinta Baxter, Alessia Dunn, Alessia Dunn, Lily Hart, Mikayla Lee, Emily Tassiopoulos

Best on ground medal
Sienna Tallariti (Oakleigh Chargers)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Sienna Tallariti of the Chargers kicks the ball during the Coates Talent League Girls Grand Final match between Eastern Ranges and Oakleigh Chargers at Ikon Park on September 23, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/AFL Photos)

COATES TALENT LEAGUE BOYS GRAND FINAL

The 2023 Coates Talent League Boys Grand Final between Sandringham Dragons and Eastern Ranges will be played at IKON Park on Sunday, September 24 from 11:15am.

The match will be played prior to the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final between the Gold Coast Suns and Werribee, which commences at 3:10pm.

Sandringham Dragons will be looking to defend their 2022 premiership following last year’s 43-point Grand Final triumph over the Dandenong Stingrays. It was the club’s fourth premiership win following triumphs in 1999, 2011 and 2016.

The Dragons finished this year’s home-and-away season in third position on the Coates Talent League Boys ladder and won through to the Grand Final with finals victories over the Northern Knights and Geelong Falcons.

Eastern Ranges have progressed to the Grand Final from sixth place on the ladder, having beaten the Oakleigh Chargers in the elimination final before accounting for minor premiers the Tasmania Devils in the preliminary final.

The Ranges have previously won premierships in 2002 and 2013.

TICKETING: Entry to the Coates Talent League Boys Grand Final will be free until the commencement of the half time break. Smithy’s VFL ticket prices will apply from half time of the Coates Talent League Boys Grand Final on Sunday, September 24.

BROADCAST: The 2023 Coates Talent League Boys Grand Finals will be streamed live and free at AFL.com.au and the Coates Talent League App.