By ZAC MILBANK
South Australia begin its U16 AFL Girls National Championship defence in ominous fashion with a comfortable 63-point win against Victoria Metro at Prospect Oval.
Leading at every change, the Croweaters – coached by last year’s title-winning mentor Bek McMahon – only conceded one goal for the entire match such was their dominance.
Forwards Polly Turner (four goals) and Charlee Brooksby (three goals) did plenty of damage on the scoreboard for the hosts but it was West Adelaide’s Emily Mableson wh0 made a strong impression.
Mableson, who made her Hostplus SANFLW debut this season, was the best player afield as Central tall Miyu Endersby and Norwood ruck Kate Alexander lent valuable support.
South Australia will now turn its attention towards tackle Western Australia in Game 2 at Thebarton Oval on Sunday April 14.
South Australia 3.3 7.3 9.8 10.12 (72)
Victoria Metro 0.1 0.3 1.3 1.3 (9)
BEST – SA: Emily Mableson (West), Charlee Brooksby (Norwood), Polly Turner (North), Miyu Endersby (Central), Kate Alexander (Norwood), Demi Holloway (Central)
GOALS – SA: Polly Turner (North) 4, Charlee Brooksby (Norwood) 3, Jyearah Newchurch (Central) 2, Lucy Reddaway (North).
At Prospect Oval