Tenacious Tigers make a statement at the Ponderosa

In another display of resilient football, we were able to stick firm and trust the process and win against Central Districts, running away winners by 32 points.

It took us a little while to find our feet and get used to the expanse of  X Convenience Oval. We knew that Central Districts were 3 and 0 there this year, and we knew that they would want to use the oval to their advantage. In a physical outing, we were started off slow, with Centrals scoring a quick goal before we managed to get more of the ball to equalise a little while later. Again losing a player in the first quarter, we were able to grind out the quarter with a great snap from Madi Freeman and were able to lead at quarter time.

Throughout the second quarter we were able to get the ball moving forward, with chains of uncontested marks and strong clearance work. However, it was a challenge to work through the congestion Centrals were placing in front of the goal. With a heavily skewed inside 50 count for the term (16-3), we just weren’t able to find a way through this, and we remained goalless for the quarter.

We know that opposition are going to try and stop our attacking brand of football, and heavily outnumber us behind the ball, but we are prepared for this and our ability to stick to the plan, albeit with a few adjustments, is testament to the training and systems that we have in place. Our ability to move the ball to space allowed us to run and carry and send the ball forward, where Matilda Scholz has found her groove to kick the two goals for the term – one from a superb mark on the goal line. It was the confidence we needed heading into the three quarter break, being leaders by 13 points.

The last quarter saw us with some positional changes to ensure we could work through the numbers behind the ball. A pre season emphasis has been placed on all players in the squad to be flexible and work through multiple positions, and this showed with a strong marking performance from Piper Window who was able to kick 2.1, and the support of a great defensive pressure from debutant Jordan Horne, who was able to set up the important final goal.

The team should be proud again, as I am, running out the game with four on the bench, with the tenacity they approached the second half. The team are really showing that they can work for each other to highlight each others’ weapons and to play their role for the team to allow others to shine. We know heading into next week, there are a few things to tighten for a fast start as we again go into another top of the table clash against South Adelaide.

– Lexia Edwards, Senior Coach

Goal kickers: M. Scholz (2), P. Window (2), M. Freeman, T. Kohn, C. Swanson

Best: Sarah Goodwin, Madi Freeman, Piper Window, Tessa Kohn, Brooke Tonon, Popy Scholz

Final Score: CDFC 3.3-21 def by GFC 8.3-51

Goal kickers: E. Mackereth (3), J. Searle (2), M. Walker, H. Conlon, J. Hill

Best: Demi McCarthy, Hayley Conlon, Amy Jones, Rani Grant, Casie Coombe