COACHES REPORT: Women’s R14

SANFLW – Round 14

West Adelaide (4.9.33) Vs Glenelg (2.3.15)

Our Round 14 clash saw us return home to Hisense Stadium to face Glenelg. Unfortunately, this was our final game of the 2025 season, with finals out of reach regardless of the result. However, the team had plenty of motivation heading into the match.

We welcomed back three of our State Under-18 representatives—Lucy Waye, Chloe Tonkin, and Emily Mableson—into the lineup. As a result, Nicola Biagi, Steph Tredwell, and Kayla Mudge made way. The match also carried extra significance, as it marked Nicole Hooper’s 50th and final league game for the club following her retirement announcement earlier in the week. Additionally, our long-time assistant coach Michael Sweatman, after five seasons with the group, was coaching his final game before taking up a senior coaching role at a local amateur club.

With all the emotion in the lead-up, the group came out focused and determined to finish the season on a high. It was also great to see a strong crowd stick around after the men’s match to support the team.

We started brilliantly. The first quarter was arguably our best pressure performance of the season, especially when Glenelg had possession. Our midfield, led by Zoe Venning, Hannah Button, Ruby Ballard, and Tess Huxtable, dominated the centre clearances, creating repeated forward entries. Just two minutes in, Sarah Campbell kicked our opening goal from a terrific running effort.

Our second goal came shortly after a quick transition from half-back, ending with a strong mark from Chloe Tonkin, who found Nicole Hooper. She passed to Sarah Deed, who slotted it home from close range. Soon after, a kick to the top of the square saw Nicole bring the ball to ground and soccer through our third.

Despite three shots hitting the post late in the term, we went into quarter-time with a commanding 3.6 to 0.0 lead—a fantastic opening.

At the break, we spoke about maintaining our pressure and using our short 45s to retain possession, especially against a slight breeze. To Glenelg’s credit, they lifted their intensity and made the contest far more even in the second quarter. They kicked their first goal at the nine-minute mark, reducing the margin to 17 points. Despite a few forward entries of our own, we couldn’t capitalise, and Glenelg kicked a second goal just before halftime. We went into the main break with an 11-point lead.

Our focus during the break was to lower our eyes and avoid bombing the ball into our forwards. Unfortunately, we lost Lucy Waye to injury early in the third term. However, the team kept battling hard. Statistically, we were on top in disposals, marks, and hit-outs, reflecting our control of the game.

The third quarter was another tight contest, but our backline stood tall. Madi Russell, Tiana Fernandez, Niamh Davis, and Emily Mableson held firm and kept Glenelg scoreless for the quarter. Our fourth goal came from a great link-up handball chain involving Zoe Venning, Chelsea Newitt, and Sarah Campbell, who kicked her second for the game, extending our lead to 18 points at the final change.

Heading into the last quarter, the message was simple—finish strong. Nicole Hooper’s final game remained a key motivator.

The final term was a grind, with both sides struggling to score. The ball rebounded from end to end, but neither team could find the goals. While we created opportunities, we couldn’t convert. Still, we held our ground and closed out the match, securing an 18-point win to end our season on a high.

After the final siren, there was a real mix of emotions—pride in the win and in farewelling two much-loved figures of the club in Nicole Hooper and Michael Sweatman, but also disappointment at not playing finals football.

There were plenty of strong contributors on the day. Zoe Venning was outstanding with 32 possessions and excellent midfield leadership. Hannah Button provided relentless pressure all over the ground, while Madi Russell was once again a rock in defence, continuing her consistent season. Other key contributors included Sarah Campbell, Sarah Deed, and Emily Mableson.

That wraps up our 2025 campaign. As we move into the off-season, we’ll begin our player reviews and set the foundations for improvement as we continue to strive for finals in 2026.

A huge thank you to everyone for their support throughout the season. We hope to see many of you at Presentation Night in early August.

Warm regards,
Bruce

Goals: Sarah Deed (2), Sarah Campbell (1.1), Nicole Hooper (1.1)

Best Players; Zoe Venning, Hannah Button, Madi Russell, Sarah Campbell, Sarah Deed, Emily Mableson