Coaches Report SANFLW Round 2

Rd 2 West Adelaide 7.3 (45) Def Eagles 6.6 (42)

Another round and we met another team new to the competition this season. Although the Eagles were well beaten in Rd 1 we knew they would be a different proposition after getting the nerves of their first game out of their system and the inclusion of AFLW Crows player Sarah Perkins into their team.

For us we were also dealt the blow of losing our skipper Lauren Rodato, last seasons league leading possession winner Rachelle Martin and the Round 1 SANFLW leading goalkicker Mel Elsegood prior to the game through injury and illness.

We started slowly and were well beaten in the first quarter with the Eagles dominating possession in their forward half. We were fortunate our defence held up well, led by Tekira Hoffman who played beyond her 17 years. We went to the break 3 points down.

At the quarter break we sought our midfield to be stronger in the contest and apply more pressure to their opponents. The midfield led by acting captain Bec Owen, Abbie Ballard and the vastly underrated Kasia Culhane who does a lot of the bullocking work that goes unnoticed, responded well and seized control which gave our forwards opportunities. Chelsea Biddell got the scoreboard rolling, marking a lace out pass from Alex Mason. She followed up with a mark overhead, converting both shots. Chelsea finished with 3 for the quarter and was ably supported by her fellow forwards. We went to half time with a 12 point lead.

The 3rd quarter saw every player play their role. The defenders closed down space and avenues to goal, the midfielders and wingers spread the field supplying the forwards with plenty of ball. Emma Smith was able to convert a contested mark and Biddell took control of the game kicking a further 3, on her way to an SANFLW record 6 goal haul. We went to the 3/4 time break with a 28 point lead.

The final quarter was one to forget. We made a number of errors, giving away clumsy free kicks and missing tackles. An anti density rule free kick that saw the ball travel from one end of the field to the other for a goal, proving costly. Marie Martino was a shining light in this quarter with her attack on the ball and body, doing everything she physically could to get the team over the line.

Despite losing in every major statistical category our efficiency in ball movement and accuracy in front of goals allowed us to come away with a well deserved 3 point win.

Again this game showed we have a lot to work on, particularly our last quarter fade outs, however, to be sitting with 2 wins from 2 games, playing only patches of our best football, is pleasing and shows the potential that this group has.

Best Players : C. Biddell, A. Ballard, T. Hoffmann, M. Martino, K. Culhane, M. Newman