SANFLW Match Wrap | Round 5

Round 5 saw us play our first game at home at Stratarama Stadium, where we faced last year’s Premiers in South Adelaide and looked forward to the challenge. Our Reserves set the tone with a fantastic win by 13 points and cemented their place in the Reserves Grand Final this Sunday at 2:30pm at Stratarama Stadium.

We were very excited for the debut of Millie Clarke – a hardworking midfielder with speed and leadership in spades. Millie looked comfortable at League level, nullifying her opponent who last week earned best on ground honours. Congratulations to Millie – we look forward to a long and successful career in the Stripes.

Pleasingly we took charge in the first quarter, dominating South Adelaide in possession and territory. Kaitey Whittaker put us on the board with a strong set shot after Asha Dufour hit her up inside 50. Our young midfield was led by Asha, our 18 year old recruit, who stepped up and was especially strong for us (21 disposals, 5 tackles). Lakeisha Sheffield, in just her second League game, looked strong with 9 disposals and 3 Inside 50s in the first quarter alone. Georgie Fielder showed strength around the contest and finished with 19 disposals and 6 clearances.

We allowed South Adelaide to work back into the game during the second quarter off the back of turnovers and not maintaining control of the football.

We wrestled the momentum back our way in the third quarter, again winning possession and keeping South Adelaide scoreless. Chloe Harding looked right at home as a League forward and had some important touches for us that led to scoring opportunities. Jess Bates was instrumental for us providing connection for us between the midfield and forward line and finished with 34 disposals and 6 clearances. Willing us forward at every moment was Sam Franson, who applied immense pressure and determination to keep the ball in our forward half. Sam finished with 20 disposals and 7 tackles from the wing position and demonstrated what a ‘Captain’s Game’ looks like.

Unfortunately South just toppled us in the last quarter, but we know it was our best performance of the season, and we stay focused and positive about what we are working towards. It’s been a tough start for us from a win-loss perspective but we have plenty of positives that we are focusing on internally, and we will continue to focus on doing the small things well.

We are looking forward to facing Norwood this Friday at 5pm, immediately after the League Men’s game.