Weekly Review | WAFLW Round 2

WAFLW

Round 2 saw the WAFLW team travel to Revo Fitness Stadium to take on the reigning premiers Claremont.  As a team we set ourselves during the week for the big challenge with losses to key players Kaitlyn Shroj, Chloe Wrigley and Jaide Britton, our young side was full of enthusiasm and embraced the challenge ahead. Our focus was to be in the contest at every break.

Claremont dominated field position early but some clean ball movement saw Tanisha Anderson mark strongly up forward and kick the first goal of the game.  Losing Jade Briggs early in the game made the task even harder in the heat with one less rotation.  With a huge defensive effort and some exciting ball movement we lead at quarter time 0.3 to 1.0.

The second quarter was intense with hard hits and a lot of contested ball.  Our hard running and defensive pressure was very pleasing and managed to keep Claremont goalless for the first half.  However Claremont managed to wrestle the lead by half time 0.7 to 1.0.

With temperatures climbing everyone needed a break and needing to cool down we elected to find shade on the oval rather than in the rooms.  With confidence growing at how well we were playing and being right in the contest against a bigger, stronger opposition, we set ourselves for a big third quarter.  We started strongly and had a few opportunities to take the lead but fell just short of the goal line.  As the heat started to take its toll the bigger bodies started to stand up more in tackles and break through. It took 44 minutes for Claremont to kick their first goal and credit to our team defence.  Claremont lead at three quarter time 1.10 to 1.1

Entering the last with it all to play for we made some structural changes to get some fresh legs around the ball to try and break the game open.  Unfortunately the strong mature bodies and experience was too much and they managed to kick another goal late in the game to secure the win.  Claremont winning 2.13 to 1.1.

There was so much to like from our side with 11 players playing less than 10 games, including two debutants in Emma Grundy and Jess Ruland against a mature, experienced premiership side. I am very proud of the girls and the effort that was shown.  This proves we can compete against anyone in the league.  Always disappointing not to walk away with the points but the positives, experience and development that came out of this game will be invaluable going forward.

Our whole back line was outstanding but best players were Krystal Carter with 18 disposals and 19 tackles, young gun Evie Cowcher with 29 disposals, Anke Grove with clean ball use, Jorja Haines with 18 disposals and Emma Grundy with her tagging role.

Tanisha Anderson was the only goal kicker.

ROGERS CUP

This week the Rogers team came up against a well drilled and talented Claremont.  The opposition started quickly having two goals on the board in the first five minutes.  This is an area that we need to improve as we have let early goals through two games in a row.  

The midfield provided good drive again throughout the game with Ava Cristodero a standout with her hard ball gets. Tessa Kongras and Asha Cowcher were again working hard in and around the contests, ably supported by newcomers Michaela Peck and Esther Amory.  

The backline was put under a lot of pressure throughout the game with Abbey Westra a welcome return.  Dylza Geonzon and Mia Pedrana combining with Charlize Thompson to repel many tiger attacks.  

Up front we are yet to find a winning combination, but it was good to see Lucy Kane in for her first game.  

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect for us this game was the never say die attitude displayed though all four quarters.

Next week both teams take on East Perth at Leederville oval on Sunday afternoon.