SANFLW Development League Match Report – Round 5

In perfect conditions we headed to Maughan Theim Oval to face the Eagles as the first match of the Good Friday fixtures.

We were keen for a more consistent performance over four quarters, something we had found difficult to deliver over the first few rounds. We made five changes with Kendall Saffin getting a league call up and some players returning from injury. Notably we saw the first appearance of Bec Hansen for her first game of 2024.

We began the first quarter well, winning contested ball and displaying better ball use enabling us to score a couple of goals and keep the Eagles scoreless. The second quarter was much the same with us controlling the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalise on our dominance by only scoring one goal in the second quarter but again holding the Eagles scoreless and leading comfortably into the main break by 22 points.

Our defence was led well by Niamh Davis and Milli Gentle whilst our midfield was performing strongly, having Molly Petersen, Lucy Waye, Nicola Biagi and Gracie Sim finding plenty of football. The return of Bec Hansen added another level of skill and leadership across the ground and Emma Chapman and Jasmine White were competing well.

The third quarter was a more even one with both sides scoring one goal despite us controlling most of the play. We finished the game well with another two goals in the last quarter to extend our lead to a convincing 35-point win. It was pleasing to see a four-quarter display for the first time this year and having Bec Hansen return with an excellent performance and Lucy Waye finish with 3 goals resting forward.

We next play North Adelaide on Monday night April 8^th in the catch up game that was postponed earlier in the season looking to build on this solid performance.

Final scores: West 6.7 – 43 defeated Eagles 1.2 – 8

Best players: Hansen, Waye, Davis, Petersen, Sim, Biagi

Goal Kickers: Waye (3), Chapman, Biagi, Petersen (1)