SANFLW Match Report – Round 13

Round 13 saw another crucial game where we needed everything to go right in order to keep our finals hopes alive. The first thing we needed to happen was to get a win on the board. We had a few key outs, with Lucy Boyd missing due to her selection in the AFLW Academy game, Jess Macolino was away and Chloe Tonkin came out late due to illness. In the side we welcomed Sarah Campbell for her first league game for 2024, we also brought in Nicola Biagi for her West Adelaide debut and Jemma Ellis returned for her first game from injury.

Despite getting the first score on the board, we were able to dominate the early play. Emma Kilpatrick kicked the first goal of the game with a sensational run off the wing, which was quickly matched by the Eagles shortly after, a couple late behinds meant we took an early lead at the first break. Zoe Venning was her usual self with 9 first quarter possessions, Asha Dufour was also everywhere with 8 first quarter possessions.

The 2^nd quarter we seemed to get on top again in all areas. We dominated disposals (+42), contested possession (+20) and despite being +16 in Inside 50’s, only managed to kick 1.5 in a wasteful quarter in front of goal. However, it was enough to give us some breathing room and take a 11-point lead into half time. Asha Dufour had another 8 disposals to take her half time total to 16.

The 3^rd quarter was a turning of the tide. Eagles kicked the first 3 goals of the quarter to regain the lead at the half way point and were able to get on top around the midfield. We were able to slow them down and managed to wrestle a bit of control. A late Sarah Campbell goal (her second of the game) gave us a 1-point lead to close out the 2^nd quarter.

While we were prepared for a fight, and with our season on the line, we were fortunate enough to be able to get a sealer halfway through the quarter (Sarah Campbell’s 3^rd for the game) and hold on to win the game by 10-points.

Iilish Ross, Zoe Venning and Asha Dufour through the midfield were able to get on top throughout the day and gave us every opportunity to move the ball forward. Emily Mableson, with 17 disposals was also very solid playing off a half back and Tess Huxtable battled all day against a quality opposition ruck.

We now turn our attention to Norwood, who coming off a loss to Sturt has kept our season alive. We again need results to go our way to lock in a finals series, but the girls are determined to give it a red hot crack and give ourselves every opportunity to play finals.

Best Players: Iilish Ross, Zoe Venning, Asha Dufour, Emily Mableson, Tess Huxtable

Goals: Sarah Campbell (3), Lucy Waye, Emma Kilpatrick (1)

Bruce Dawes – SANFLW Coach