Resilient GFCW triumph Bloods in Round 9

Glenelg triumphed over West Adelaide in a thrilling encounter, securing a hard-fought victory by 10 points. The match was a testament to our team’s resilience and determination for season 2024 as we overcame a slow start to run out eventual winners.

The game kicked off where we seemed to start in the back foot. Trailing to the ball often, aided with some undisciplined play from our side, saw West Adelaide to seize an early lead. However, our players quickly rallied, with Demi McCarthy kicking a great goal from a forward stoppage. West were quick to reply with 2 more majors for the quarter to lead by 13 at the break. We were able to reset in the second, with the dynamic duo of Jess Bates and Jo Miller in the midfield. Bates once again showcased her prowess, dominating the centre with her exceptional ball-winning abilities, while Miller wreaked havoc at clearances, disrupting West Adelaide’s rhythm. Despite winning more of the ball, we only edged the score back to 5 points through a goal to Mackereth.

Third quarter saw us break even with West in a hot contested affair. Meanwhile, Poppy Scholz emerged as an offensive powerhouse, providing invaluable run and drive from the backline, igniting our attacking movements. Captain Sam Franson and debutant Kiahni Russell kicking the majors for the quarter.

The last quarter we seemed to find our rhythm and style of play we had been looking for the first 3 quarters. Kiahni Russell made an impressive debut, showcasing her goal-scoring prowess with another long range shot to her name. Our small forward, Jordan Horne, was a defensive marvel, amassing a whopping 11 tackles, showcasing her tenacity and commitment to pressure the opposition relentlessly. Additionally, Shay’lee Dayman continued her stellar form in the ruck, dominating with 24 hitouts, 3 contested possessions, and an impressive 11 tackles. Doubling the uncontested possessions saw us take West Adelaide’s strength away from them, allowing us to run out eventual winners by 10 points.

Despite facing challenges early on, our team displayed remarkable composure and resilience to secure yet another win as we focus on the long term goal. I think a huge learning in this squad this season has been to stick with the plan, play to our strengths as individuals and a team and to just find the grit to get the win on the day. As we sit atop the table, clear by two games, we are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks against some quality opposition.

– Lexia Edwards, Senior Coach

Goals: Russell (2), Franson, Mackereth, Horne, McCarthy