SANFLW Development Squad Match Report

SANFLW Development League – Round 6 vs Glenelg, Hisense Stadium
Friday March 18^th 

Our reserves team was looking to bounce back after two recent loses and faced the top of the ladder team in Glenelg on a warm Friday night at Hisense.

We had significant inclusions and 13 changes this week, with many players returning from Covid and injury related matters. It was pleasing to welcome back Gretel Ramsey for her first game after 12 months off with injury and a number of experienced senior players looking to find some form.

Ins: Astrid Powell, Jess Chyer, Tash Christophers, Sadie Lienert, Erin Horsnell, Tiarna Harfield, Ella Summers, Alex Mason, Georgie Pater, Grace McNicol, Melanie Elsegood, Gretel Ramsey, Harriet Rowe

Outs: Sam Ramm, (Covid), Scarlett Griffiths (Covid), Ebony Barranger,(Inj), Lauren Hoffmann (inj), Renee Holmes (inj), Ashley Biddell, Izzy Spooner, Chloe Tarasenko, Sienna Manser, Kelly Barltrop, Ruby Ballard, Charlee McDonald, Simi Dhaliwal.

We lost the toss and kicked into the breeze as both sides battled hard, but found it difficult to find space. It was a contested and scrappy affair which saw no team able to find the goals.

Georgie Pater unfortunately suffered a concussion with a courageous smother so we were down one rotation early.

QT: West 0.1 – 0.1 to Glenelg 0.2 – 0.2

The second quarter was probably our best quarter of football for the year as we looked to move the ball with speed and composure. We controlled the quarter scoring 3.5 and created many opportunities while we also kept Glenelg scoreless.

Our midfield in Chyer, Horsnel, McNicol and Fernandez were finding the football and forwards in Elsegood and Lappin gave us some key targets. Our backline in Harfield, McKay, Christophers, Summers and Rowe were holding strong.

We unfortunately lost Abbie Butler at half time with illness after she had marked and goaled so were down to three on the bench for the last half.

HT: West 3.6 – 24 to Glenelg 0.2 – 2

The 3^rd quarter was a hard fought affair and saw Glenelg kick 1.3 with the wind to narrow the margin to 13 points leading into the final quarter.

3QT:  West 3.6 – 24 to Glenelg 1.5 – 11

With Glenelg being top of the table, we knew they would come home hard in the last. Despite us having the wind, Glenelg controlled possession for most of the quarter. They closed the gap to 6 points and with seconds remaining they obtained a free kick 30m out as the siren sounded. Fortunately for us, their kick fell short and we held on for a 6 point win. A satisfying win which sees us equal on top with Glenelg and Norwood on a 4 -2 win loss record for the year. We play Norwood in the final round next week aiming to finish the season off in the top two.

Final scores:
West 3.7 – 25
Glenelg 2.7 – 19

Best players: Jess Chyer, Mikaela Lappin, Tiarna Fernandez, Tash McKay, Saraid Kustermann

Goal Kickers: Mel Elsegood, Abbie Butler, Alex Mason  1