Rd.1 WAFLW & Rogers Cup Review

WAFLW & Rogers Cup Rd.1 Review

Excitement was high in the Women’s program after a big pre-season with the players and staff ready to kick off round 1, and it was especially important to the girls as we were playing Swans in the annual Madi’s day clash. 

WAFLW

With a young side running out featuring four debutants (Kate Newson, Bridey Jackman, Chelsea Hutchinson and Evie Cowcher) and 5 more having played less than 10 WAFLW games, the nerves were high. It took the girls a bit to settle after a strong start by Swans. Some clean ball movement on the outer wing set second gamer Holly Britton up to kick the first goal. We took the lead and seemed to settle before a sickening collision to Kaitlyn Srhoj rattled the group with Kaitlyn being stretchered from the ground. 

Kaitlyn is recovering well at home, thanks to our amazing medical staff who gave her the best treatment and support on the day.

A reset at quarter time was needed and while Swans dominated early, we remained composed and kicked a second major through Ebonee Hardie to take a 5-point lead into half time.

The entire game was tight and contested but it went to another level after half time.  We kicked the first goal of the third quarter, but Swans responded late with 2 goals of their own taking the lead by 1 point into the last break.

With it all to play for and against the breeze, we were desperate to do Madi proud and secure the points.  Swans dominated play early and the youngsters down back in Evie Cowcher and Anke Grove showed composure beyond their years, and with strong support from Abby Barnden and Ebony Dowson we held strong. Ebonee Hardie took a strong contested mark and goaled late in the game to take a 6-point lead with 4 minutes remaining. Once again our defence held strong in the remaining minutes, repelling multiple Swans forward entries to give us the win in the first game of the season, securing the Madi’s Day cup for the second year in a row. The Madi’s Medal was awarded to Ebony (Chippy) Dowson for best afield.

Thanks to everyone who turned out to support the girls and donated to such a great cause.

Final Result:

Peel         4.3 27

Swans     2.10 22

Best Players were Ebony (Chippy) Dowson, Evie Cowcher, Chloe Wrigley, Ebonee Hardie and Anke Grove

Goal Kickers were Ebonie Hardie 2, Holly Britton and Kira Phillips    

Rogers Cup

This week the Rogers cup team debuted 9 girls who are new to the club this year, including 2 bottom age girls who are still only 14. We were beaten by a well drilled and more experienced Swans outfit. There were promising signs from us though, especially from a number of first game players including Mia Pedrana, Emma Gundry and Sofia Fitzpatrick who helped the team to strike back in the second and final quarters, reducing the deficit to just a few goals.  Overall there is plenty to learn from and work on before Claremont this weekend.

Final Result:

Peel        5.4 34

Swans     7.11 53

Best Players were Mia Pedrana, Esther Amory, Sofia Fitzpatrick, Tessa Kongras, Emma Grundy

Goal Kickers were Kaydence Ryder 2, Esther Amory, Ashlee Norwood, Ava Jean Rowley 1

Round 2 sees both teams taking on Claremont at Revo Fitness stadium this Sunday afternoon 19th March:

Rogers Cup - 12:00pm

WAFLW - 2:00pm

We hope to see you all there supporting our girls.