NEW West Adelaide recruit Alana Lishmund showed exactly why the Bloods recruited her, with the 2022 SANFL Women’s leading goalkicker booting two last quarter goals to seal her side’s come-from-behind win over North Adelaide yesterday. Lishmund finished with the last three goals for her side in the 5.7 (37) to 4.8 (32) victory.

The Bloods and Roosters engaged in a see-sawing battle that was heavily wind-affected all game. However when North Adelaide debutant Iris Newman converted her first ever SANFLW goal three minutes into the quarter, the Roosters lead by eight points. Even with the Bloods relentless attacking in the final 15 minutes, North was able to keep ahead with the home side needing at least two straight kicks.

Luckily for West Adelaide, it had a straight kicker in the form of Lishmund whose deadly left foot created multiple scoring chances throughout the match. She kicked her first in the third term from just an opportunistic situation at the top of 50. With no one forward of the ball her dump on the boot with the right smarts bounced its way inside the goal post to provide a spark for the Bloods against the breeze.

However her biggest moment came in the last. Having just converted a set shot from 35m out straight in front midway through the quarter, Lishmund found herself streaming back to goal unopposed. North aimed to protect the goalline from a quick shot but due to that left Lishmund in the clear 20m out. After West forced a turnover at half-forward the ball bobbled out to Chloe Tonkin in the pocket.

Tonkin is best known for her booming kick, but on this occasion rather than blasting away, she saw the loose Lishmund in a far better position and just chipped it to her. Going back with great composure, the former Redleg did what she does best and slotted her third major with ease, putting her side back in front by five points, 37-32.

While there were still chances throughout the last couple of minutes, ultimately West established front half field position and got the win. Both teams had their moments, but when push came to shove, it was the composure off the boot of Lishmund that sealed her side’s fate.

The win was made much more impressive by the fact the Bloods were down skipper Madison Russell who sat on the bench the majority of the game, while Tonkin was clearly hampered after hurting her herself during the second term. But the experienced duo of Zoe Venning and Hannah Button controlled the play, combining for 56 disposals and 10 clearances, as well as kicking a goal apiece.

They had great support from the plethora of teenagers out there, with bottom-ager Emily Mableson having some nice moments between defence and midfield, Ruby Ballard providing fierce attack on the ball around the stoppage, and forward Lucy Waye adding pressure up and down the ground.

With a stack of debutants on show, Chelsea Newitt – who was highly touted by coach Bruce Dawes in the preseason – had 12 touches on debut, while North Adelaide duo Polly Turner and Iris Newman would be among the contenders for Breakthrough Player after kicking threw goals between them from 23 toucheS.

Without a doubt though it was the run of Laela Ebert who showed her class, picking up 24 disposals, nine marks, six inside 50s and four rebound 50s to be best afield for her side. Aprille Crooks was so eye-catching with her runs that even the umpire might have been impressed on one occasion as she took closer to 30m. Her run was vital in getting field position, while Julia Clark – patched up after an early knock – also worked hard all game.

The win marked yet another Round 1 victory for West Adelaide, and their second where a last goal of the game sealed the win following Emma Kilpatrick‘s incredible major 12 months ago in the victory over South Adelaide. There was plenty to take away from the match from both sides, as they prepare for last year’s grand finalists next week.

West Adelaide faces Norwood at Coopers Stadium on Saturday, before North Adelaide closes out Round 2 with a massive game against the reigning premier Panthers at Magain Stadium on Sunday.

WEST ADELAIDE 0.0 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 5.7 (37)
NORTH ADELAIDE 1.4 | 1.5 | 3.7 | 4.8 (32)

GOALS:
West Adelaide: A. Lishmund 3, H. Button, Z. Venning
North Adelaide: P. Turner, S. Jensen, I. Newman

RM BEST:
West Adelaide: H. Button, Z. Venning, A. Lishmund L. Waye, S. Campbell
North Adelaide: L. Ebert, A. Crooks, P. Turner, I. Newman, J. Clark