SANFLW Match Wrap | Round 7

We hosted ladder leaders, Eagles, at home for Round 7.

We had the exciting opportunity to debut Glenelg junior, 16 year old Charlotte O’Sullivan. Sully is a talented and determined junior, already selected as a leader in the U16 SA team for 2025. Sully is a much-loved teammate and her debut came off the back of hard work and determination.

Pleasingly, the first quarter was comfortably our best of the season so far. We forced Eagles to make turnovers through our pressure acts and tackling and were able to capitalise in the first two minutes of the game with a great snap by Kaitey Whittaker. Not long after, Jess Bates was able to convert off the back of a free kick earned from a great tackle, forcing holding the ball. Bates finished with 32 disposals, 6 clearances and a goal.

Our first half of football was some of the best controlled football we have played in 2025, chaining together possession by making good decisions by foot. Our backline was especially composed with ball in hand and connected well with our midfield and forward line between the arcs. Marie Martino (24 disposals, 8 marks) and Ella Quinn (15 disposals, 7 R50s) led the way, with Cassie McWilliam working hard all day across half forward to connect us inside 50.

Unfortunately a drop off in concentration and pressure allowed Eagles to convert several goals prior to half time. The class and pace of the Eagles was on full display in the last quarter as the margin blowed out significantly.

We learn more from losses than wins, and we have certainly done that in response to Sunday’s game, knowing we have showed great moments of what we are capable of, but reviewing the intensity and execution that is required for extended periods in League football.

We have a six-day break and look forward to facing Central District at home this Saturday at 11am, where we look to make amends for our Round 1 performance.

GFCW best: Jess Bates, Ella Quinn, Cassie McWilliam, Marie Martino, Lauren Edwards