ALTHOUGH the scoreline and trends turned out exactly as predicted and recent patterns have shown, St George Dragons were gallant in a 52-point defeat to Sydney University on the weekend. Perspective is important to gain a true grasp of what happened in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division match, with the Dragons much improved despite scoring just the one behind to the Student’s 8.5 (53).

Defensively, the Dragons are no longer timid and they were able to athletically match the Students’ pressure. St George still lacked almost all offensive concepts required at the level, especially for linkage and line-breaking footy, but it was a marked improvement on past performances.

Sydney University looked to be getting way to a big win with four goals in the first term, but the Dragons kept the Students to just four goals in the last three quarters, including keeping their opposition goalless in the third term.

At three quarter time, the Students were very frustrated with the way the game was going and the lockdown St George had put on their scoring. It had descended into a massive swarm of players around the ball, and the visitors were keen to find space and regain some structures.

The game had was descending into a twenty five player around the ball Arm wrestle…. And whilst the Dragons were proud of their efforts – the students were filthy and wanting to regain some structures.

The game started with a three minute total defensive draw, as the tackling was great from both teams and the ability to advance the ball was almost non existent from both teams.

The only thing that then differentiated the rest of the quarter was Saskia Johnson. When the heat was on, she was just everywhere, and the only person advancing the ball. Her class and experience in and around tight contests was too much, and eventually the Dragons’ dam wall of hard, scrappy defence broke for the first goal.

Then the likes of Stephanie Ball had joined in the attacking play with nice bursts out of the middle, Kendra Blattman was sweeping up balls in the defensive half of the ground and Jasmine Smith was able to get clear inside 50 and checksided a clever goal.

Just when it looked like the Students were about to fun away with the game, Ashleigh Walsh and Angelique Hudson stepped up for the Dragons and impacted the game on multiple occasions. The defence developed and the home side consistently intercepted at half-back.

Johnson was a clear best on ground for her work across the three quarters, while Blattman, Amelia Causley Todd and Sarah Tutt (two goals) were also named among the best. Lucy Gilfedder kicked a game-high three goals in the win too.

Hannah Phillips was a standout from the Dragons, displaying overhead marking and effective kicking skills, causing the opposition to try and quell her in some way, shape and form. Madeline Parker ran hard all day to support Walsh and Hudson.

Overall Sydney Uni got the expected win, but not in a way they will be pleased with. On the other hand, St George will be pleased with their effort and glimpses, but need to constantly focus on offensive football improvement.

ST GEORGE DRAGONS 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 (1)
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 4.1 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 8.5 (53)

GOALS:
St George: Nil.
Sydney University: L. Gilfedder 3, S. Tutt 2, J. Smith, E. Van Den Borne, F. Walsh

BEST:
St George: H. Phillips, A. Walsh. A. Hudson, C. Edmonds, M. Ritchie
Sydney University: S. Johnson, K. Blattman, S. Ball, A. Causley Todd, S. Tutt

AROUND THE GROUNDS

The other three games were equally one-sided with reigning back-to-back premiers East Coast Eagles far too strong for UTS Bats in a second grand final rematch. The Eagles won 11.9 (75) to 4.1 (25) at Waverley Oval, booting eight goals to one in the second half to storm to victory. Caitlin Reid was best on ground through the ruck as the Eagles had eight individual goalkickers.

North Shore Bombers shook off a determined Pennant Hills Demons outfit to win by 35 points on the road. The Bombers trailed by a point at half-time, but kept the Demons scoreless after the main break, kicking 5.6 (36) themselves in the process. Youngster Lucy Yates was named best on ground in the win.

Manly Warringah Wolves continued their great form to storm to a 51-point win over UNSW-ES Bulldogs. The Wolves kicked six goals to one after half-time to turn a 20-point lead at the main break into a comprehensive win. Ashley Carter was named best-on, as Kate Salmon and Peggy Stanbury both kicked three goals apiece.