CAPPING off their best ever AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships carnival, the Allies defeated Western Australia in the second game of the Shepley Oval triple-header to end with a 3-1 record. The result meant the combined states side finished second overall, which largely was thanks to a strong three goals to nil third term during the 8.12 (60) to 4.7 (31) result.

Western Australia burst out of the blocks against the breeze with Shaya Yarran and Lexi Strachan helping the Sangropers race to a 13-0 lead in the first eight minutes. From that point though, it was all the Allies, and in fact, they had 20 scoring shots to eight for the remaining 70 minutes in the match. Majella Day and Billie Hamilton combined for 2.3 in the opening term and the Allies headed into the first break with a three-point advantage.

Incredibly against the breeze, the Allies further stretched the lead out to 16 thanks to majors from Rose Bell and Matilda Lange. While the Sandgropers did respond through Peel Thunder forward Mia Van Kleef, they still faced an 11-point deficit at the main break. The clearances were even despite Cara Dziegielewski was dominating through the ruck, and Strachan was continuing her great form with each game.

However the work of Lange, Aurelia Russell and Zoe Curry around hte ball was matching the West Australian duo, combining for 15 clearances throughout the match and ensuring they could get the ball to the outside where they were controlling play. Once the sides ran out from half-time, it was not too long before the Allies put the foot down and won the game, blowing the margin out to 33 points by the final break.

Bell booted her second goal just a minute into the term, and after peppering the goals with four behinds, Hamilton and Ava Horneman joined the party. By the last change, the lead was out to 33 points and the Allies were all but home. Western Australia also had some sore bodies with Strachan, Mia Carlshausen and Heidi Ireland all coming off late in the quarter to be assessed from various knocks. Fortunately each returned after an early rest in the fourth.

Western Australia did have the breeze in the final term and the bulk of the scoring chances, but only kicked 1.5 to the Allies’ 1.1. A nice second goal to Yarran in the 13th minute was the highlight, but unfortunately it was too little, too late for the Sandgropers who ended the national carnival with a 1-3 record.

The even spread across the board from the Allies was key, with Russell (23 disposals, four marks, five tackles, six clearances and two inside 50s) leading the way, while Curry (20 disposals, six tackles, six clearances, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s) was also fantastic. Lange won her side’s MVP and picked up 19 disposals, three clearances, five inside 50s and a goal in the last game, while the hard-running Charlotte Tidemann (19 disposals, five marks, five tackles, four inside 50s and five rebound 50s) was also lively.

Up forward, Bell proved the key target with three straight majors from nine disposals and six marks, while Hamilton (2.2), Horneman (1.4) and Day (1.2) all had multiple scoring shots in the win. Up the other end, National Academy member Morgan Stevens finished with 14 disposals, five marks and five rebound 50s.

Dziegielewski was best on ground – and for the carnival earning her state’s MVP – picking up 21 disposals, three marks, six tackles, 44 hitouts, three clearances, five inside 50s and four rebound 50s, while Strachan (20 disposals, six clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal paired well. Carlshausen (15 disposals, six rebound 50s) was her usual reliable self, while Hannah Seaborn gained valuable midfield minutes and worked well alongside Caitlin Bassett. Yarran’s two goals came with nine tackles and 13 disposals.

ALLIES 2.4 | 4.6 | 7.11 | 8.12 (60)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.1 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 4.7 (31)

GOALS:
Allies: R. Bell 3, B. Hamilton 2, M. Day, A. Horneman, M. Lange
Western Australia: S. Yarran 2, L. Strachan, M. van Kleef

RMC BEST:
Allies: A. Russell, Z. Curry, M. Lange, C. Tidemann, R. Bell
Western Australia: C. Dziegielewski, L. Strachan, M. Carlshausen, H. Seaborn, S. Yarran