Development League Match Review – R1 v Glenelg SANFLW

Our reserves team was looking to start the 2023 season off with a strong performance against Glenelg and show how well the players have prepared over the last 4 months.

On paper we had a very balanced side with a mix of experience and youth with a number of new players to the squad this year playing their first game for West Adelaide.

We started the match strongly, generating numerous inside 50’s but unable to score before Glenelg posted the first goal. We responded quickly with a major of our own, we lead by 1 point at quarter time in what was an entertaining first quarter.

The second quarter was a continued even battle. Both teams had opportunities but numerous skill errors due to continued pressure limited effective disposal and goal scoring. Glenelg hit the front early before a late goal to Tabby Saville saw us peg back the margin to 2 points at the main break.

The match was evenly poised and we knew it was going to be a tough battle all day. Ella Maxwell and Annie Brearly were working hard on ball, Chelsea Frost and Tabby Saville were looking dangerous up forward and our defence was holding well with Astrid Powell and Grace McNicol amongst our best. It was wonderful to see our young players in Lucy Waye and Molly Petersen handling themselves so well in their first senior games.

The third quarter was a hard fought affair and Glenelg again missed opportunities to build some scoreboard pressure scoring 0.4 for the quarter while we were able to score an important goal from Tabby Saville to grab the lead going into the last quarter.

Glenelg came strongly at the start of the last quarter, hitting the lead. We needed to settle and maintain composure and not allow Glenelg to dictate the pace of the game. At that moment Tabby Saville had a 3 minute purple patch and created repeated forward opportunities and Chelsea Frost snapped a great goal to put us in front with five minutes left on the clock. Our experience in defense with Maddy Zacher and Niamh Davis stood strong in the dying moments and were able to hold off Glenelg to capture a hard fought 3 point win, a great way to start the season.

Final score: West 5.5 – 35 defeated Glenelg 4.8 – 32

Best players: Astrid Powell, Ella Maxwell, Grace McNicol, Lucy Waye, Tabby Saville, Chelsea Frost

Goal Kickers: Tabby Saville 2, Kendell Saffin, Chelsea Frost, Michaela Lappin 1