ANYONE can beat anyone else on their day in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s competition, as Round 6 saw last placed Central District topple the previously unbeaten Sturt. In other results, North Adelaide thrashed Norwood, Glenelg broke away from a brave West Adelaide side in the final term, and South Adelaide had a similar late surge to grab the two points against Woodville-West Torrens.

Reigning premiers Glenelg broke away from a brave West Adelaide outfit in the final term to record an impressive 26-point victory at Hisense Stadium on Friday night. The Bays flew out of the blocks to lead by 18 points at quarter time, but the Bloods slowly pegged them back and got to within seven points at the final break, before Glenelg slammed home the last three goals of the match to win 7.5 (47) to 3.3 (21).

Though the first term would belong to Glenelg, it was West Adelaide’s Paris Francis who scored the first behind on the run. It would belong before the Bays strung back-to-back goals together though, wiht Jess Searle getting to the right spot to receive the Madisyn Freeman and snap around her body, then Jessica Bates managed to get to an equally perfect spot to boot the ball off the deck in the square. Boasting an 11-point lead, Bates was having a terrific battle with Crows-listed Abbie Ballard, who levelled the pegging on the scoreboard with a trademark snap off the left to slot home West’s first – and only goal of the quarter. Two more goals – one to captain Ellie Kellock and a second to Packer – had the Bays up by 18 points at the first break.

Many of the experienced talents in the game were impressing, with Ballard, fellow Crows-listed returnee Madison Newman and hard nut Zoe Venning working hard for the home side, whilst Freeman, Dayna Cox and Bates were standing out for the Bays. It would be the Bloods who would kick the only two goals of the next two quarters, with Venning having a terrific running effort after finding space and marking 45m out, then State Academy member Lucy Boyd got to the right spot in the goalsquare midway through the third quarter. That brought the margin back to seven points at the final break, with the Westies coming hard despite not being able to make to making scoring chances. Vice-captain Ashlea James got taken off on a stretcher after a head knock in the second term leaving the home side one down, but the leader was reported in good spirits.

The final term saw the Glenelg class come to the fore as the Bays booted 3.2 to 0.1 to secure the contest. Molly Scott took a strong mark in the goalsquare three minutes in to get them going and break the goal-drought since the first term. But though the final margin ended at 26 points, the Bloods were right in the contest for the last few minutes, with Venning having a chance in the 17th minute which would have cut the deficit back to nine points and given them the faintest of hopes. Instead, it veered to the right, the Bays went end-to-end, and Piper Window got on the end of one. Then with the last kick of the game, captain Kellock kicked her second and the reigning premiers had won, 7.5 (47) to 3.3 (21).

Bates was simply outstanding, amassing 27 disposals, three marks – one contested – 11 tackles, six clearances and eight inside 50s, whilst Kellock (21 disposals, four marks – two contested – four tackles, five clearances, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s) was not far behind. The youth of Window (13 disposals, nine tackles, four clearances, three inside 50s, two rebound 50s and a goal), Brooke Tonon (16 disposals, two marks) and Sarah Goodwin (17 disposals, three marks – two contested – three tackles and three rebound 50s) all impressed, with Cox (16 disposals, four marks, four tackles, two clearances and three rebound 50s) clearly amongst the best.

Newman had an outstanding return game as expected for the Bloods, amassing a game-high eight rebound 50s to accompany her 25 disposals – including a nine-disposal last term – with six marks – three contested – five tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s. Ballard (15 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and a goal) and Venning (17 disposals, two marks, seven tackles, five clearances, four inside 50s, two rebound 50s and a goal) and young gun Keeley Kustermann (15 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances and two inside 50s) were good in midfield. Beatrice Devlyn (12 disposals, two marks – one contested – five tackles and two clearances) was outstanding in defence.

Glenelg takes on North Adelaide next week in the second of two games at Coopers Stadium on Saturday, whilst the Bloods will be looking to take advantage of a Norwood side coming off back-to-back heavy losses in the earlier game.

WEST ADELAIDE 1.1 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 3.3 (21)
GLENELG 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 7.5 (47)

GOALS:

West: A. Ballard, L. Boyd, Z. Venning
Glenelg: E. Kellock 2, C. Packer 2, M. Scott, J. Searle, P. Window

RMC BEST:

West: M. Newman, A. Ballard, Z. Venning, B. Devlyn, K. Kustermann
Glenelg: J. Bates, D. Cox, E. Kellock, P. Window, S. Goodwin

A clinical North Adelaide has produced its best performance of the season to put an understrength Norwood side to the sword in a huge 62-point win at The Parade. In shades of the Redlegs’ loss to Glenelg earlier in the year, the team was competitive early – and even slotted three goals in the third term to mount a mini-comeback – but the Roosters slammed home the last five goals of the match to run away with the contest, 12.10 (82) to 3.2 (20). The result marked the Roosters highest score and biggest winning margin, and the second biggest league-wide in both, with only the Glenelg victory over Norwood in Round 1 beating it.

Though the result ended up lopsided, the first term was fairly tight despite the ominous signs from the red-hot Roosters. In a different move, Morgan Johnston started forward, and the home team was without captain Alison Ferrall meaning neither of the Redlegs biggest drivers from defence were in the back 50. Though Johnston would go back there eventually, North had the run early, with Hannah Ewings producing a solo forward effort to boot the first two majors of the game. The first gam off some eye-catching run from Katelyn Pope – who burnt off fellow speedster Sarah Branford no less – to hit up Ewings for the contested mark. The second goal from the talented State Academy member saw her attack it hard and just shrug off Sachi Syme, to compose herself and slot the major.

Ewings had Johnston for company at the first centre bounce of the second term, but that did not worry her, as she won a crucial ball at half-forward and set up the speedy Elaine Grigg who kicked the Roosters’ third of the game. The half-back pairing of Jamie Parish and Amelie Borg had done well to weather the Redlegs attacks, whilst Jade De Melo and Doreena Hansen were looking dangerous inside 50. Soon De Melo converted a major with a great mark protecting the drop zone, and then Ewings burnt off Grace Mulvahil on the lead and made good on her set shot, the half-time margin was out to 35. Though the Redlegs were down, Alana Lishmund had tried hard, with fellow teenager Lana Schwerdt doing her best in midfield, but the Roosters were well on top.

When De Melo kicked her second major four minutes into the third term, the danger signs were there as the lead blew out to 41 points. Luckily for the home fans, there would be some cheer, though it came from a gift. Co-captain Kristi Harvey opted to push over debutant Celestina Dona when she was lining up for a set shot on a tight angle, so it brought the Redleg to the goalsquare and she duly delivered. Up the other end, the other co-captain Erin Sundstrom would reply with a nice running play, before the Redlegs had their best purple patch of the match. Lishmund kicked a ripping goal from the pocket, and Jade Halfpenny – who was quiet by her standards this season – made no mistake from the set shot, and brought the deficit back to 28 points. It would not be that easy though, as Brianna Arthur goaled either side of Cristie Castle and Ewings misses, for the Roosters to head into the final break with a 36-point lead again.

The final term was a procession as the Roosters simply dominated the final quarter. Arguably the Roosters best in the game, Jessica Edwards hit the scoreboard with a great running goal, whilst Pope got on the end of one to nail one off her left, before Hansen came good, and Ewings capped off her performance with her fourth goal of the match. The final siren rang with the Roosters getting up by a massive 62 points, 12.10 (82) to 3.2 (20).

Edwards racked up 24 disposals, four marks, six inside 50s and a goal in the win, with plenty of contributors, including Pope (17 disposals, seven tackles, six inside 50s and a goal), Arthur (16 disposals, three tackles, three clearances, two inside 50s, two rebound 50s and a goal) and Megan Ryan (19 disposals, three tackles, nine hitouts, three clearances and two inside 50s) all getting amongst it. Up forward, Ewings was the dominant player with 4.1 from 15 disposals, four marks and three tackles, whilst De Melo (10 disposals, tow marks and two goals) also stepped up. Borg (15 disposals, five marks – one contested – two clearances, two inside 50s and four rebound 50s played her best game of the year as well.

For Norwood, Schwerdt recorded the 23 disposals, five marks, seven tackles and five clearances to be their best, whilst Tesharna Maher had some eye-catching moments with 17 disposals, five clearances and three inside 50s, whilst Syme (17 disposals, five marks, three tackles, two clearances, four inside 50s and two rebound 50s) and Johnston (17 disposals, five marks, five tackles, three inside 50s and four rebound 50s) also stepped up. Nicola Burns worked hard in defence on her way to 13 disposals, three marks and seven rebound 50s, similar stats to Ashlee Gould (12 disposals, seven rebound 50s).

North Adelaide tackles Glenelg in a blockbuster top three clash at Coopers Stadium next Saturday in the second of the double header, as Norwood hosts West Adelaide in the earlier game.

NORWOOD 0.1 | 0.1 | 3.2 | 3.2 (20)
NORTH ADELAIDE 2.2 | 5.6 | 8.8 | 12.10 (82)

GOALS:

Norwood: C. Dona, J. Halfpenny, A. Lishmund
North: H. Ewings 4, J. De Melo 2, B. Arthur, J. Edwards, E. Grigg, D. Hansen, K. Pope, E. Sundstrom

RMC BEST:

Norwood: L. Schwerdt, T. Maher, N. Burns, M. Johnston, S. Symes
North: J. Edwards, K. Pope, J. De Melo, H. Ewings, A. Borg

In arguably the upset of the season, last placed Central District stunned the previously unbeaten Sturt by six points to secure its second win of the 2022 SANFLW season. The Double Blues came into the home game with a 5-0 record, whilst by contrast, the Bulldogs had 1-4 win-loss column. For the most part, Sturt looked in control, leading at each break, and even having a 14-point buffer at the last change. But an incredible last term from the visitors saw the slot 3.2 whilst holding the Double Blues scoreless, to run out 6.6 (42) to 5.6 (36) winners.

The day started off well for the home side, with the returning State Academy member Tahlia Walker taking a good mark and converting the set shot 30m out straight in front, Two minutes late, Alysha Healy saw a free Georgia Swan dead in front and the former State Academy member made no mistake with the Double Blues racing to a 12-0 lead. Out of the blue and against the momentum, the Bulldogs roared to live midway through the term, with back-to-back goals in the space of a minute through Shannon Murphy and Caitlin Wendland to level the scores. Then before the blink of an eye, Sturt had another one out of the next clearance, with Ally Ladas converting one with a snap across her body for a ridiculous goal. Within 15 minutes, five goals were on the board.

A late couple of misses to the home side had them nine points up at. the first break, with Swan, and Georgia Bevan very lively early, whilst Shelby Smith was having herself a game through midfield. The Bulldogs showed they were not going to make life easy for the unbeaten Double Blues, with Laitiah Huynh breaking the lines and set up scoring opportunities, with Lauren Breguet pulling down a contested mark in the oalsquare and kicking an important major. Georgia McKee had an uncharacteristic miss from straight in front that would have given her side the lead, and Sturt made them pay up the other end as Healy slotted out against the flow. Charlotte Riggs had performed strongly in defence with Jovanka Zecevic racking up the ball through the middle for the underdogs. Ally Ladas was looking likely up forward, and Hannah Prenzler was a rock out of half-back.

Central started strongly in the first term, but missed a number of possibilities with Murphy looking dangerous, and Huynh continuing her line-breaking capabilities – and even had a flying shot on goal – though Isobel Kuiper was playing a kick behind the ball to help sweep any rushed kick forward. Swan continued her great start and was being creative in the forward half, whilst Sturt controlled the possession. It took until the final few minutes of the quarter for Healy to slam home her second getting on the end of one after McKee and Caitlen Teague both missed chances for the Dogs. When the siren sounded for the final break, the double Blues lead by 14 points and looked likely to keep sway in the game.

Except then the Dogs tore up the script. In one of the most dominant quarters against the Double Blues all season, Central District took control, set up well and pumped inside 50 after inside 50. Though more often than not the likes of Prenzler and Jaimee Wittervan were able to clear, the home side really missed the marking ability of Alex Ballard and mopping up of Kiera Mueller. Eventually the damn wall broke and Sonneman snapped a great goal thanks to work from Huynh and Smith. In fact the captain’s last quarter was outstanding, and then with a few minutes on the clock, Murphy became the hero, marking 35m out and converting the set shot to win the game. Though Sturt did everything they could to hold on, the Bulldogs stayed in control and secured the nail-biting 6.6 (42) to 5.6 (36) victory.

Captain Smith was outstanding throughout the contest racking up 25 disposals, eight marks, 11 tackles and three inside 50s, whilst Zecevic (22 disposals, five tackles, seven clearances and three inside 50s) and Huynh (21 disposals, two marks, two clearances and two inside 50s) also finding plenty of it. In defence, Riggs made the most of her nine touches and four marks – two contested – whilst Demi Sonneman had 10 disposals, three marks and five rebound 50s, and Madison Lane finished with 13 disposals, thee tackles and four rebound 50s. Isabelle Starmer had another big game in the ruck, amassing 24 hitouts to go with 12 disposals and three marks – one contested – and three tackles.

Swan finished with 16 disposals, seven marks, two tackles, six inside 50s and a goal to be the best on the losing side, whilst Bevan (17 disposals, five marks, three tackles, two clearances and six inside 50s) and Gepp (16 disposals, three marks and three clearances) also found plenty of the ball. Wittervan (15 disposals, eight marks and five rebound 50s) and Prenzler (11 disposals, five marks and six rebound 50s) were both strong in defence, whilst Healy slotted 2.3 from 13 disposals and three marks.

Central District plays host to Woodville-West Torrens back at X Convenience Oval next week, whilst Sturt will look to bounce back against South Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium.

STURT 3.3 | 4.4 | 5.6 | 5.6 (36)
CENTRAL DISTRICT 2.0 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 6.6 (42)

GOALS:

Sturt: A. Healy 2, A. Ladas, G. Swan, T. Walker
Central: S. Murphy 2, L. Breguet, G. McKee, D. Sonneman, C. Wendland

RMC BEST:

Sturt: G. Swan, G. Bevan, J. Wittervan, H. Prenzler, A. Healy
Central: S. Smith. L. Huynh, C. Riggs, I. Starmer, J. Zecevic

In a topsy-turvy match, South Adelaide maintained its composure to steady in the final term and run over the top of a brave Woodville-West Torrens outfit at Flinders University Stadium. The victory saw the Panthers move into the coveted fourth spot, percentage ahead of Norwood, and string together back-to-back victories for the first time this season coming off three consecutive losses.

The Panthers stated their intentions early with a goal to 16-year-old Shae Archbold who marked at the top of the goalsquare and made no mistake. The very next clearance the Eagles responded with Jessica Sedunary producing a ripper pass inside 50 to Natasha Holmes who kicked her first SANFL Women’s goal, and the sides maintained a level pegging through the first half of the quarter. But it was about to break open as dynamic forward Jess Waterhouse broke the game open with a goal of her own and set one up to Brooke Boileau, whilst Archbold also kicked her second for the Panthers to head into quarter time with an 18-point buffer.

Coming out fired up from the break, the Eagles immediately got on the scoreboard with a long bomb from McKenzie Dowrick finding Jasmine Simmons who slotted it running in, only for South to respond through Courtney Barry a couple of minutes later. From there though, it was all the Eagles, as Shineah Goody – who had been quiet to that point – got it to both Blanden, and then Dowrick who goaled herself, then Simmons slotted her second to cut it back to one-point. Waterhouse had a chance to give the Panthers some breathing space, but her set shot from 40m fell short, and Dowrick soon slotted her second from a set shot, making it five Eagles goals for the term, including two each to Dowrick and Simmons.

Leading by a handy four points at half-time in what was a 22-point turnaround, it looked like the Eagles were firmly in control to snap their three-game losing streak. But the Panthers did well to not let the game get away from them. A rare turnover from ex-AFLW captain Leah Kaslar landed in the lap of Nari Wright who hit-up Kaslar’s direct opponent Lucy Northcott to run in and kick an easy one and put the Panthers back up by two points. That would not last long though, as debutant Chantelle Mitchell – who had a few good minutes – snapped around her body to give her side the lead again. Despite both teams making a number of turnovers, the Eagles only increase their lead by one, when Sedunary missed a very gettable shot to the right.

Defender Renee Forth had pieced together a really consistent effort alongside captain Annie Falkenberg, with Esther Schirmer doing well for the Panthers. In the middle, 50-gamer Nicole Campbell, and State Academy member Cher Waters were standing out for their respective sides. With the game on the line, the Eagles came out hard, though a Sedunary miss from a rushed shot via a free kick make it a square six-point lead. A couple of minutes later, Archbold popped up for her third, snapping around her body and got a ridiculously lucky bounce to bounce over defenders and into the goal. Soon it would be Layla Rogers turn to put the nail in the coffin for the Panthers, she found Lisa Whiteley with a sizzling pass inside 50 who goaled, and then by the time she got on the end of it and nailed a major on the run with three minutes left, the margin was 11 points, and South would get home by exactly that, 9.3 (57) to 7.4 (46).

Campbell would star in her 50th game, racking up 23 disposals, five marks, eight tackles, two clearances, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s. Waterhouse (18 disposals, two contested marks, two tackles, three clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal) and Barry (16 disposals, two marks, three tackles, five inside 50s and a goal) both found plenty of the ball and hit the scoreboard. Jaslynne Smith (18 disposals, five marks, two tackles, three rebound 50s and two inside 50s) and Esther Schirmer (16 disposals, four marks, seven tackles, three clearances and two inside 50s) stood out, whilst Archbold’s three goals from 10 touches and four marks – three contested – extended her lead at the top of the SANFL Women’s goalkicking table.

Forth was consistent throughout the match with 18 touches, two marks, two tackles, two inside 50s and three rebound 50s, as Sedunary looked the most damaging across the four quarters with 16 disposals, three marks – two contested – three tackles, four clearances and two inside 50s. Falkenberg (17 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s) and Waters (16 disposals, two marks, five tackles and two inside 50s) also looked good, whilst Sophie Zuill and Ella Little combined for 20 tackles.

South Adelaide hosts ladder leaders Sturt coming off its first loss, next week at Flinders University on Saturday night, whilst the Eagles head to X Convenience Oval to tackle Central District on the same day.

SOUTH ADELAIDE 4.1 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 9.3 (57)
WWT EAGLES 1.1 | 6.1 | 7.2 | 7.4 (46)

GOALS:

South: S. Archbold 3, C. Barry, B. Boileau, L. Northcott, L. Rogers, J. Waterhouse, L. Whiteley
Eagles: M. Dowrick 2, J. Simmons 2, A. Blanden, N. Holmes, C. Mitchell

RMC BEST:

South: N. Campbell, J. Waterhouse, E. Schirmer, S. Archbold, C. Barry
Eagles: J. Sedunary, R. Forth, A. Falkenberg, M. Dowrick. C. Waters