PENNANT Hills cruised to a 62-point win over a young Southern Power outfit in Round 1 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier League competition. In an impressive performance to open the season, the Demons were minus six of their top players from their 2022 line-up, while the Power were rejuvenating their side through the youth, with 13 of their players being juniors. In the end, the extra experience of Pennant Hills won out, 10.10 (70) to 1.2 (8).

In what was challenging conditions and heavy underfoot, the Demons were fast onto it, piling on five goals in the opening term to race out to a 32-point lead at quarter time. Brianna Wade was unstoppable up front, even kicking an over the head execution finish goal.

The Demons new ruck Rebecca Ives was dominant and their structures through the middle of the ground were very strong early. AFLW Academy member Olivia Morris played a strong game continuing her rise into senior footy. Among the other impressive players were Jesse Smith who stepped up to Premier Division and attacked the ball hard all day working hard at the contest, while Kaitlyn Quinlan was strong across half-back, reading the ball well.

Southern Power managed to stem the flow in the second quarter and kept the Demons to just another five goals for the remaining three quarters after conceding that same amount in the opening term. Captain Laura Kent and Amy Kowski were very solid in defence, while young talent Ellie Veerhuis showed a great deal of potential.

Southern Power put their only goal on the board in the third quarter through a quick kick outside the contest from Stephanie Matthew. In response, Pennant Hills kicked multiple behinds after continued forward fifty pressure and multiple repeat entries.

Pennant Hills is looking to build up to finals contention this year with the win a nice way to start the season. Southern Power can expect a very hard year upcoming as they build the very young and inexperienced side into the top level football expectations, but they would be proud of the four quarter effort first up, especially in defence around the immediate contest.

PENNANT HILLS 5.2 | 7.2 | 9.9 | 10.10 (70)
SOUTHERN POWER 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 (8)

GOALS:

Pennant Hills: B. Wade 5, C. Creusot, L. Donohoe, H. Lowe, Meaghan MacDonald, N. Pajor.
Southern Power: S. Matthew

BEST:

Pennant Hills: B. Wade, E. Gordon, R. Ives, J. Smith, K. Quinlan
Southern Power: L. Kent, A. Kowski, E. Veerhuis, A. Martin, G. Crittenden

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Macquarie topped Sydney in the battle of the University sides, with the home team getting up by eight points in a nail-biter. Trailing by eight points at quarter time, the Goannas booted four goals to two over the next three quarters, coming from two points down at the last change to win, 5.6 (36) to 4.4 (28).

Former GWS GIANTS skipper Amanda Farrugia was one of five goalkickers in the win with current GIANT, Jasmine Grierson. Swans teenager Emily Hurley and top-age talent Kendra Blattman both kicked goals for Sydney Uni. Elisha Williams (Macquarie) and Emma Walsh (Sydney) were named their sides respective bests.

In another tight contest, UTS Bats kicked away from North Shore Bombers with a two-goal win. Trailing by one point at the last change, the Bats found their kicking boots to go from 1.9 to 4.10 and ran over the top of the Bombers, 34-22. April Devine kicked a goal in the win, while Georgina McDonnell and Charlotte Owen were among the Bats’ best. Elle Carroll and Louise Anderson were the better Bombers.

In the final match, a five goals to two opening half set up the East Coast Eagles to post a 15-point win over Manly Warringah Wolves. Leading by as much as 27 points heading into the last quarter, the Eagles looked home and hosed, but conceded three goals to one in the final term as the Wolves cut the final margin back. Caitlin Davidson was a clear best-on for her four goals in the win, with Lauren Bull and Kate Salmon each kicking two goals for the Wolves.