SOUTH Australia did not mess around during its massive 52-point win over Western Australia to kick off the AFLW Under 18 Championships, setting up the opening day victory with a 57-0 first half. To the home side’s credit, the Sandgropers rallied in the second half, but it was far too late by that stage, as South Australia cemented a 12.6 (78) to 4.2 (26) victory.

KEY TALKING POINTS

First half domination

It was 40 minutes of power from South Australia, who continually put Western Australia’s back half under pressure and had more than 30 inside 50s while keeping the Sandgropers to just 10 in the first half. Even when the home team got it forward, the South Australian defence was up to the task and cleared the ball from danger and then usually found a way forward that was effective.

Brave defensive trio

The only thing stopping the 9.3 (57) to 0.0 (0) half-time score being even larger was the work of defensive trio, India Bonadeo, Mia Carlshausen and Bella Nelson. Between the three, they intercepted in the air, mopped up at ground level and thumped the ball to safety, finishing as three of the top five players on the day. By the time the final siren had sounded, they’d combined for 56 disposals, 29 marks and 15 rebound 50s.

Moves like Mableson

You could raffle it between a host of South Australians for best on in the game. But in what was an even team performance, the work of Mableson coming out of defence and streaming down the ground was enormous, finishing with 23 disposals, seven inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a classy goal. But more than that, it was her ball user to hit those riskier passes down the corridor or on the switch to open space that really caught the eye. Her impact-per-possession is enormous.

Nuss’ goal spree kicks off her national carnival in style

Sturt forward Madeline Nuss has been no stranger to kicking multiple goals in a game this season through the SANFLW. Against Western Australia, she had her first on the board within four minutes, had two by quarter time, three by half-time and capped off with a fourth in the premiership quarter. A couple of behinds stopped it being an even bigger haul, but she was the standout forward, working well alongside Chelsea Newitt and Elke Cameron who also kicked a couple of nice ones.

Dziegielewski dominates in shining light for WA

Western Australia’s top draft prospect put a sore hamstring that resulted in her resting from the AFLW Academy behind her to be her side’s standout around the ground, racking up 34 hitouts to go with 14 disposals, seven marks, five tackles, five inside 50s and three rebound 50s. Playing another first-round prospect in Miyu Endersby, Dziegielewski really took the chocolates, and continued to do so even when the South Australians shuffled the magnets. Will have far easier tasks this national carnival to come as well so another All-Australian spot beckons.

Fantastic Faulkner

Julia Faulkner might have the highest impact per involvement in the entire draft crop. By her own admission she’s not flashy, but nearly every moment she goes near it, something good comes of it. Be it a crucial one-on-one win to release a teammate, a clean handball off the deck amongst multiple opponents, a deft tap to a teammate opening up a goal-scoring opportunity, or a shepherd allowing a teammate to run on and eventually score. Her ability to assess what is needed to win a situation even if it means she won’t get a touch or stat is off the charts. Incredible footy smarts, and in the end recorded 18 disposals, six marks, four clearances and two inside 50s.

Small but mighty

South Australia might have one of the smallest midfields running around without Taya Maxwell or Ruby Lynch taking a spot, but the work of Emma Charlton, Lani Cocks, Lucy Moore and Layla Vizgaudis was ultra-impressive. The tallest of the group, Maia Freemantle also stepped up, spending time forward and kicking a nice goal too.. Charlton and Cocks in particular impressed, while Moore had more control in the second half and Faulkner rotating on-ball late only further strengthened the side’s work around the ball.

Bassett bold in defeat

One West Australian midfielder who never stopped trying was Charli Bassett, and while the East Perth small only had the 12 touches, finished with seven clearances as well. Her pressure around the ball was superb, she battled from contest to contest to try and get her side on top, and finished with one third of her team’s entire clearance tally. They were beaten around the ball and in front half possession time, but Bassett refused to throw in the towel and it was an admirable effort.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.1 | 4.2 (26)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4.1 | 9.3 | 11.4 | 12.6 (78)

GOALS:
Western Australia: A. Nomlatyu 2, K. Fawcett, M. Kelman
South Australia: M. Nuss 4, E. Cameron 2, C. Newitt 2, E. Mableson, M. Freemantle, D. Holloway, I. Beaumont

RMC BEST:
Western Australia: C. Dziegielewski, M. Carlshausen, I. Bonadeo, C. Bassett, A. Nelson
South Australia: E. Mableson, M. Nuss, E. Charlton, L. Cocks, E. Cameron