SANFLW Match Wrap | Round 11

It was great to be back at Stratarama Stadium for Round 11. Somehow, we evaded the rain falling in the 5pm Sunday night time slot, following a great win by our Men’s League team. It was exciting to welcome 17 year old League debutant Aleesha Robran, who has worked incredibly hard since preseason and improved her game each week as a versatile forward/wing.

The footy and the ground under foot was heavy, with blustery wind making conditions more difficult.

We began the first quarter by winning the territory battle and kept it locked in our forward half of the ground. Unfortunately we were not able to convert our clearance and possession dominance into scoreboard pressure. North Adelaide have risen significantly this year and they quickly scored the first goal of the game out the back as we turned the ball over.

Jess Bates put together another memorable trademark performance with 33 disposals, 11 tackles and 8 clearances. It has been pleasing to watch our young midfield continue to develop and grow each week, with 16 year old Georgie Fielder (25 disposals and 5 clearances) and 18 year old Asha Dufour (24 disposals and and a goal) both having impactful games and showing they have very bright futures ahead in our game.

Experienced duo Sam Franson (22 disposals) and Marie Martino (27 disposals) gave us great supply by winning 12 clearances between them and bringing their teammates along with them at every opportunity. Our backline worked hard to rebound and change angles, and this was led by recruit Maddy Zacher in her third Glenelg game after crossing from West Adelaide/Adelaide Uni.

We finished the game winning most of the statistical key indicators and it was pleasing to win the midfield battle. Our forward half efficiency was the key issue as we were unable to convert on goal and we were wasteful with the footy at half forward. North Adelaide applied strong pressure at our ball carrier and forced some of these errors. We are working hard on this at training and know it’s the next step in getting better as a group.

We also have a League-wide bye this week which is a great opportunity for a big week on the track.

GFCW Best: Jess Bates, Marie Martino, Sam Franson, Maddy Zacher, Asha Dufour

Talia Radan

Senior Coach