GFCW back on winners list after Round 6

GFCW show growth and maturity as they put themselves back on the winners list after Round 6.

It was a big game for us against Norwood, especially considering our record against them wasn’t the best – just 3 wins out of 11 games. But today felt different. With Sam Franson leading the team for her 50th game, there was a special energy in the air. After having to make 8 changes in a chaotic week at the Bay, the team was able to play with the pressure and teamwork that has become our trademark over the years.

We started strong, kicking 4 goals and 2 behinds in the opening quarter, thanks in part to the breeze giving us a bit of a boost. +8 inside 50 count saw us capitalise well through great team plays and goals to Jess Bates to get us started. Bates went on to be her usual impactful self amassing 35 diaposals to go with her goal and whopping 19 tackles. Aided by Madi Freeman also made a strong return to league football, seamlessly transitioning back into the team and making her presence felt on the wing and through the midfield.

The second quarter saw us stall with our offense and scoring, but, our defense really stepped up holding Norwood to just one goal in quite a strong breeze. Particularly, our debutant Jo Miller held her ground in defense aided with stalwarts Martino and Morriss, showing real composure. We know that Norwood like to play uncontested surge style of football and so pressure at the source was our main focus leading into the game, particularly after a poor performance against South Adelaide.

Junior Jordan Horne was able to slot the first in the 3^rd quarter before Violet Patterson added another 6 mintues later. The last term was a seesawing affair, when Norwood had the strong breeze and kicked 2 quick goals to be within 4 points. The ball spent what felt like an eternity in their forward 50 with real hustle from our backline and midfielders. After a free in the defensive 50, and an undisciplined 25m penalty, Norwood took the lead with about 2 and a half minutes left on the clock.

In a real sign of maturity from a young group, the ball went back to the midfield before Glenelg cleared, and intercept saw the ball head to Norwood’s half back line where Bates and Edwards worked together to send the ball back towards Glenelg’s end. A good win from Renee Wurfel with a side step and handball to space for Jordan Horne who at 16 showed amazing composure to take the grass and hit Eloise Mackereth who took a great contested mark. Mackereth went back and slotted the goal right on 30m. With 30 seconds to go, one stoppage and the game was ours!

The match showcased the team’s growth and maturity as they displayed unwavering grit and determination, refusing to relent until the final whistle blew. These are the games you look back on as the season progresses to remind yourself, when you work as a team and trust in each other, you can accomplish anything.

– Lexia Edwards, Senior Coach