SANFLW Match Wrap | Round 2

The first quarter saw us rise to the occasion in the contest, and our stoppage clearances began to look better connected with ruck Shaylee Dayman providing good first-use to our midfield. Ellie Kellock put us on the board after a strong mark and set shot, and we headed into the first break one goal down. Eagles play a very strong contested brand of football, and our first quarter demonstrated we were confident we could match this, and control the football once we had won possession.

The second quarter did not go our way – we conceded three goals from turnovers, and our backs were under immense pressure with repeat forward 50 entries from the Eagles. Marie Martino (14 disposals, 3 contested marks) and Tessa Davis (17 disposals, 9 rebound 50s) down back were able to intercept and pick off several aerial entries, winning their 1v1s on multiple occasions. With two minutes remaining in the first half, Jordan Horne cleverly snapped from the pocket and gave us much-needed momentum heading into half time.

The third quarter demonstrated what we are capable of when we execute well. Tamsyn Morris converted from a set shot with poise, and a few minutes later, quick transition on offence saw Jess Bates (34 disposals, 7 tackles) kick an impressive goal on the run. Our backline held up extremely well, with second-gamer Lucy Weatherald picking off three intercept marks from half back, ensuring we were able to keep the opposition goalless.

We headed into the final quarter 12 points down. A composed set shot goal from the boundary line by Ellie Kellock (22 disposals, 2 goals, 6 clearances) put us within one kick. A few minutes later, determined work from our midfield to provide repeated forward 50 entries allowed Tamsyn Morris to take a strong contested mark just 10 metres out from goal. She converted, equalling the scores. By this point, we had closed a 27 point deficit. The determination and resilience of our group is evident.

Unfortunately, Eagles scored twice within the last 8 minutes of the game. We learn some important lessons from this contest but move forward to Round 3 confident that our trajectory is on the right path.

We look ahead excitedly about heading up to Mt Barker to The Summit for a Saturday night game under lights versus Sturt.