WAFLW ROUND 14 REVIEW

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 11:40 AM

WAFLW

Round 14 saw the WAFLW team travel to Leederville to take on Subiaco. We were excited to have Krystal Carter, Ebony Bilcich and Emma Grundy back from injury alongside Jordain Thompson for her first league game for the year after dislocating her leg during preseason.

The whole game was a tight contest with the girls keeping their work rate and effort high but unfortunately unable to penetrate Subaico’s solid defence who only allowed us 11 inside 50’s for the game.

The first quarter was a cracker of a contest with Subiaco dominating field position early and kicking a goal. Then we gained control and had several deep entries but were unable to trouble the scoreboard. Subiaco led 1.1 to 0.0 but felt we were right in the contest and starting to play our best football.

The second quarter was even tighter with the ball moving between both backlines, unfortunately, Subiaco’s entries were deeper and ours were just outside 50. Subiaco finally managed to break through our solid defence with a goal and we were unable to hit the scoreboard. Subiaco leading 2.4 to 0.0

While we hadn’t scored we were happy with the intent we were playing with and thought if we could clean up our ball use and switch the play more we could open the game up and challenge Subiaco. Unfortunately we weren’t able to execute as well as we would have liked with Subiaco kicking another goal and holding us scoreless. Subiaco was in control at three-quarter time 3.9 to 0.0

The girls fought hard again in the last but Subiaco’s defence held up yet again and they managed to kick 2 more goals to run out winners 5.11 to 0.0

While it’s extremely disappointing and embarrassing to not score, the effort and work rate was outstanding and the score doesn’t reflect the game. The development of the young players was the highlight with Evie Cowcher again dominant down back, Dakota Sexton worked hard all day through the midfield, as did Bridey Jackman on the wing. Jordain Thompson was starved of opportunities but looked dangerous near the ball and it was pleasing to see her get through her first WAFLW game this year.

This week we take on East Perth at home on Saturday at 3.45 pm. We would love everyone’s support to try and get us over the line this week in our second last game of the year.

Best Players; Evie Cowcher, Krystal Carter, Ebony Dowson, Greta Mckinley and Dakota Sexton

ROGERS CUP

Difficult conditions greeted us at Leederville this weekend in our clash against Subiaco. We welcomed back Lara Thomas, Ashlee Norwood and Abbey Westra to help our team. The plan was to move the ball wide to avoid the central marshes. The midfield dominated early and at the first break we had 10 forward entries to their 3 but frustratingly, we trailed on the scoreboard 2:0 to 0:2.

Inaccuracy at critical times was the theme of the day, both in our shots at goal and our forward entries. On many occasions, we moved the ball beautifully down the field only to hit a Lions defender deep in our forward area. It is a credit to our girls that after half-time we outscored them. In the last quarter we came with a rush scoring 2:4 but failed to secure the victory and went down by 10 points.

As a coach I was happy with the persistence and belief shown by the team in the last quarter, getting to within 4 points of Subiaco. We must learn to lower our eyes and hit those targets at important moments. Keep working and believing girls.

Subiaco 6.1 37

Peel 3.9 27

Goal Kickers: Nakia Jilley, Arnya Pickston, Mia Van Kleef

Best players: Arnya Pickston, Mckayla Peck, Abbey Westra, Sofia Fitzpatrick, Lucy Kane