Scouting notes: VFLW – Round 9
ESSENDON has finally recorded its first Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s victory, getting over the line against Richmond in Round 9. At the other end of the table, Geelong suffered its second consecutive loss, this time at the hands of a rejuvenated NT Thunder outfit. This leaves the red-hot Collingwood remaning at the top of the ladder, looking unstoppable at the minute. James Halley and Carly McClen watched two of the big games on the weekend.
NT Thunder vs. Geelong
By: James Halley
NT Thunder:
#3 Angela Foley
She was able to cap off a good game with two goals late in the last term, which were both great majors on the run. She had a wonderful captains game as she led from the front with 18 touches of her own as well.
#20 Jasmyn Hewett
She convincingly won her ruck duel against Maddy McMahon. She scored a goal in the last quarter after being able to penetrate a long kick out of a pack on the arc.
#22 Jenna McCormick
McCormick was a presence up forward with three goals. Her second goal was a monster of a kick with a set shot from 50 metres out making the distance. Her third was a case of her being in the right place at the right time, highlighting her good positioning on the day.
#28 Renee Forth
Forth was instrumental in the back line with many intercept possessions and beating her opponent convincingly. This was evident as she was able to pick up 17 disposals and with 14 of them being kicks, It shows that the team trusts her to distribute the ball from the back half.
#31 Jessica Sedunary
Sedunary was the difference between the two sides with her brilliance up forward. She kicked three first-half goals and one final term major with all differing difficulty. Her fourth was a real highlight as she managed to stream down the centre and kick a beautiful running goal.
Geelong Cats:
#2 Danielle Orr
After a 50 metre penalty, she was able to convert from a set shot for Geelong’s first goal of the game. She has really strong hands and presented hard all day at the midfielders distributing the ball forward.
#6 Maddie Boyd
Boyd fought really hard in the guts along side Keryk. She was serviceable and got her hands to the ball 16 times. She could have been a multiple goal scorer but could not manage to score a major with two behinds to her name
#30 Richelle Cranston
Cranston was able to finish with a goal in a passage of play in which she took the initial clearance. She was able to use her football smarts and dribble the kick along the ground to avoid oncoming opponents. She gathered her fair share of the ball as well as she finished with 20 disposals.
#36 Evelyn Dhamarrandji
Her leg speed was utilised over and over by Geelong, as she was not afraid to take the game on time after time. Being the 23rd player will give her some experience and confidence that she will hopefully be able to build on in the future.
#51 Madeline Keryk
Keryk was Geelong’s best midfielder for the match finishing with 23 disposals. She was at the bottom of packs all day trying to win the ball for Geelong.
Collingwood vs. Darebin
By: Carly McClen
Collingwood:
#2 Chloe Molloy
Became the first Collingwood women’s player to kick a goal at Victoria Park in the opening minutes of the match. A class above player with often two players on her; her ability to dart past them easily and do what she wants to do makes her look head and shoulders above the rest. Had a solid performance in the black and white
#3 Nicole Hildebrand
Shone in her club debut with two goals in the second half. Showed poise in losing her opponent to take strong marks and nail a set shot that never looked like missing from a difficult angle. Set up a goal with a clever pass to half forward, Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster for the Pies’ final goal.
#4 Sarah D’Arcy
Took strong marks at the right times and was able to read the movement of play well. Got into good defensive positions to block the many inside fifty attempts by the Falcons.
#5 Emma Grant
A strong player who took marks at crucial times when Darebin were pressing hard in the first quarter. Made an impact to hold Falcons scoreless in second term.
#11 Eliza Hynes
Played a solid ruck role. Delivered a goal from just inside 50.
#13 Jaimee Lambert
Talented player to watch. Read the play well and got space to take important marks and hit targets in kicking.
#18 Ruby Schleicher
Took important marks and was pivotal in absorbing Darebin’s pressure, particularly in first half.
#50 Grace Buchan
Hunted the footy all day and was pivotal in her role in stopping the Falcons movement, particularly in first half.
Darebin:
#1 Esther Honybun
Kicked a goal late in the first quarter and is a talent to watch. Was well held by Pies defence.
#8 Nat Exon
She was busy in the first half and able to absorb pressure from Collingwood to hold them scoreless in second term.
#11 Kate Tyndall
Kicked a goal late in the third quarter. Played her role well under immense pressure from Collingwood.
#20 Maddy Guerin
Busy for four quarters and played her role well.
#30 Elise O’Dea
Won a lot of the ball by applying consistent pressure and chasing all day
#40 Lauren Pearce
Another player who was pivotal in holding back the Pies’ attack in first half.