Rogers Cup update with Coach Steve Markham

It has been a very exciting start to the season for the Rogers Cup team with 14 premiership players from last year being promoted to the WAFLW squad.  This has allowed a new generation to come into the Rogers cup squad and our average age is 16 in an 18 and under competition.  To date we have debuted 14 players in the first 3 rounds as well as a couple of players getting an opportunity in the senior development team where they have held their own. 

Round 1 saw us have a bye. 

Round 2 saw us travel to East Fremantle and they got the jump on us early.  With 12 new players nerves and experience was a big factor but after half time the girls showed real character and the style of football they are capable of.  As good as our second half was we can’t give a quality team a big head start and East Fremantle were able to take the points.  Lots of positives to come out of the game with some of the new players making their mark on the on the competition. 

Round 3 had us up against Subiaco in our first game at home.  Subiaco came in to this game after a big win against East Fremantle and then the bye.  After a very tight first quarter, the girls settled into the game in the second quarter and started to get on top all over the ground.  The third quarter produced some outstanding footy and not only allowed us to secure the game but also take real confidence in each other and the way we moved the ball.  Our pressure at the ball carrier was particularly impressive.  

Round 4 had us taking on the top of the table East Perth at Alone Park.   The first quarter was a tight affair with the scores level at quarter time.  In the second quarter and aided by the wind East Perth broke away and got out to 13 point lead before we got one back late in the quarter which saw us trail by 7 points at the main break.  After half time the girls responded well to the challenge East Perth were giving us and piled on 5 goals to nothing to take a hard fought victory that showed real character when challenged.  

After 4 rounds we sit with a record of 2 wins and 1 lose and the bye out of the way.  Our real focus at the moment is not the result (which are very pleasing) but getting a really young side playing well together and producing consistently quality football and get continued improvement and development in to every player.  This week see us travel up to Whitfords to take on West Perth in what is expected to be another challenging game.

Steve Markham

Coach