FOR the first time in their history, Central District recorded the highest South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s score of the round, booting 8.5 (53) during a win against Woodville-West Torrens Eagles to wrap up a huge weekend of action. The Bulldogs showed why they will be a tough team to beat this season, scoring one more point than an equally impressive Glenelg outfit that raced to the top of the table with a 32-point win over Sturt. In the Saturday games of last year’s finalists, North Adelaide won by 21 points over South Adelaide, while West Adelaide defeated Norwood by 14 points.

NORTH ADELAIDE 1.0 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 (33)
SOUTH ADELAIDE 0.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.6 (12)

GOALS:

North: K. Barltrop 2, T. Gordon 2, C. Castle.
South: N. Campbell.

DC BEST:

North: H. Ewings, T. Radan, E. Sundstrom, K. Harvey, L. Daniel, J. Tabb
South: G. Schirmer, C. Cavouras, N. Campbell, R. Moon, M. McKinnon. S. Flanagan-Sjoberg

Reigning premiers North Adelaide kicked off the 2021 season in style, with a 21-point victory over their grand final victims, South Adelaide. The Roosters kicked the only goal of the first term through Cristie Castle after three Panthers behinds to lead by three points at the first change. A Kelly Barltrop goal straight out of the blocks in the second term saw the Roosters extend the lead out to ads much as 10 points, before Nicole Campbell scored what would be the only South goal on the day. From there, it was all North Adelaide as Barltrop and Tayla Gordon booted three goals in the next 19 minutes, and by the two-minute mark of the third term, the Roosters were out to a 23-point lead. The 24-point final break advantage would be the most of the match, with three behinds to a desperate South in the final term not enough to overthrow the result.

The stats were fairly even in terms of ball-winning, but the Roosters were more efficient, running at 70 per cent compared to 63 per cent, whilst laying 12 more tackles (79-67). The five goals from eight scoring shots was far higher for the home side over the Panthers’ one from seven, but it was the Roosters’ defence that stood tall. South Adelaide dominated the inside 50s (34-26), hitouts (29-14) and clearances (22-17), but the reliable Roosters rebounded the ball 32 times to 21 to ensure they were able to hold up against the Panthers’ advances.

Young gun bottom-ager Hannah Ewings was unbelievable to kick-off the season, racking up 22 disposals, two marks, five tackles, five clearances, eight inside 50s and three rebounds in the win, whilst Kristi Harvey (12 disposals, five rebounds), Talia Radan (17 disposals, four rebounds) and Poppy Waterford (nine disposals, six rebounds) were among the steadfast defenders for the winners. New recruit Jaimi Tabb fitted in seamlessly with 14 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances and three rebounds, while Lauren Daniel (17 disposals, three rebounds) and Erin Sundstrom (17 disposals, three marks and four tackles) also found plenty of the ball.

For the Panthers, AFL Women’s Academy member Gypsy Schirmer had a day out driving the ball forward with 21 disposals, seven inside 50s and a whopping nine tackles in the loss, as Renee Moon came in and stood out thanks to 23 disposals, five clearances and three inside 50s. Campbell (16 disposals, three marks, five tackles, three clearances, three rebounds and a goal) was sensational once again, while Czenya Cavouras‘ tackling pressure (18 disposals, 11 tackles and three clearances) were crucial around the stoppages. Young guns, Tahlia Buethke (12 disposals, three inside 50s) and Montana McKinnon (11 disposals, 20 hitouts), and Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg (19 disposals, five marks and three inside 50s) also shone.

North Adelaide face Glenelg in the second of three games at Hisense Stadium next Saturday afternoon, while South Adelaide host Norwood on Friday night at Flinders University Stadium.

NORWOOD 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 2.4 (16)
WEST ADELAIDE 1.2 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.6 (30)

GOALS:

Norwood: E. Drake, K. Fenton
West: A. Considine, M. Newman, B. Owen, G. Ramsay

BEST:

Norwood: L. Cutting, E. Clark. E. Drake. E. Gallagher, S. Armitstead, T. Maher
West: L. Young, M. Newman, A. Considine, Z. Venning, S. Whiting,. B. Owen

A remarkable performance from 15-year-old debutant Lauren Young, and a defence that was hard to penetrate has led to West Adelaide grabbing an important 14-point Round 1 win over Norwood on Friday night. The Bloods were consistent throughout the game, booting a goal in each of the four quarters, and whilst the Redlegs were never out of the contest, could not put enough on the board to surpass them, going down 4.6 (30) to 2.4 (16).

Adelaide AFL Women’s player Ailish Considine suited up for the Bloods and immediately made her presence felt with the first goal of the match seven minutes in. The reply came from Norwood’s Kate Fenton to put her team a point up midway through the term, before a couple of late behinds in favour of the Westies levelled the scores. After near misses from both sides in the second term, Madison Newman kicked truly and the visitors led by seven points at the main break. A low-scoring third term again saw West boot the one goal with Gretel Ramsay adding her name to the list of scorers, whilst an early final quarter goal to Elizabeth Drake cut the deficit to within seven points and give the home team a sniff, only for Bec Owen to kick truly five minutes later and shut the door on the contest.

Norwood’s ball use was strong, winning 13 more disposals at 68 per cent efficiency compared to West Adelaide’s 59 per cent. The Redlegs also dominated the hitouts (35-13) and inside 50s (34-21), but the defence of the Bloods was unbelievable, with 29 rebounds to 16, and scoring almost 50 per cent of the time they went inside 50. Norwood on the other hand could not fully capitalise on their dominance, and managed to score in less than 20 per cent of occasions the ball went inside 50.

All eyes were on the highly-touted Young coming into the side for her first League game, and she did not disappoint, recording a match-high 23 disposals, as well as nine marks – three contested – seven tackles, two clearances, five inside 50s and five rebounds to genuinely do it all for the Bloods. Considine showed why she can play at the highest level with 18 touches, three marks, five tackles, two inside 50s, three rebounds and a goal, while boom recruit Sharnie Whiting was symbolic of the Bloods’ defence with six rebounds from 16 touches and two marks. Newman (13 disposals, four marks, nine tackles and three rebounds), Zoe Venning (13 disposals, four tackles, two clearances and two inside 50s) and Owen (11 disposals, two tackles, two clearances and four inside 50s) were others who stood out.

Leah Cutting used all of her experience to dominate the ruck for the Redlegs with 33 hitouts and five clearances to accompany her 11 disposals, nine tackles and three inside 50s. Emma Clark (12 disposals, four marks, four tackles and five inside 50s) and Drake (11 disposals, four marks and four inside 50s) were busy in the front half, while Elisha Gallagher (16 disposals, three clearances and four inside 50s) and Sophie Armitstead (14 disposals, five tackles, six clearances and two inside 50s) were strong on the inside. Ex-Eagles talent Tesharna Maher also made a solid debut in Redlegs colours with 11 touches, two marks, three tackles, two clearances and two inside 50s.

Norwood head to Friday night lights once again when they take on South Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium, while West Adelaide play in the final of three games at Hisense Stadium on Saturday when they take on Woodville-West Torrens Eagles.

STURT 0.0 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 3.2 (20)
GLENELG 3.1 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 8.4 (52)

GOALS:

Sturt: G. Swan, A. Gepp, K. Harris.
Glenelg: C. Packer 3, C. Swanson 2, M. Freeman 2, S. Franson.

DC BEST:

Sturt: Z. Prowse, I. Kuiper, H. Prenzler, K, Mueller, A. Gepp, L. Schenscher
Glenelg: S. Franson, C. Packer, J. Bates, E. Kellock, M. Freeman, C. Swanson

Glenelg has kick-started its 2021 season with an impressive four-quarter performance against the Double Blues, defeating Sturt by 32 points at X Convenience Oval. The Bays booted five goals to one in the opening half to set up the win, and either levelled or won the four quarters to put together a commanding performance.

The first 30 minutes belonged to Glenelg as they piled on 5.1 to 0.0 in a complete domination. By the 12th minute mark of the second term, Chelsea Packer had two goals, as did Caitlyn Swanson, of whom the latter slotted back-to-back majors in the opening term. Madisyn Freeman also kicked an early goal in the second quarter, while Sam Franson was looking dangerous with a couple of behinds. It took until the 16th minute of the second term for Kate Harris to break the drought for Sturt.

Less than two minutes into the second half Franson added more pain to the Double Blues, then stretched the lead out to 33 points midway through the quarter. Georgia Swan responded late in the term, but Sturt was on the back foot, trailing by 26 points at the final break. Any chance of a comeback was soon stuffed out by Freeman three minutes into the final term, and then Packer slotted her third midway through the quarter for a game-high 38-point lead. Alisha Gepp scored a consolation goal in the dying minutes to reduce the final margin to 32 points, but the Tigers were too good with Glenelg securing the 8.4 (52) to 3.2 (20) victory.

Glenelg dominated possession with 41 more disposals, and also lifted the defensive intensity to lay 64-37 tackles in the match. Despite being overwhelmed in the hitouts (Sturt won 40-17), the Bays managed to shark the clearances (29-20) and absolutely smash the Double Blues in the inside 50s (37-12). To Sturt’s credit the defence held up best it could with 28 rebounds to eight, while the forwards managed to score five times from the 12 entries, while Glenelg scored 12 times from 37 entries.

Franson starred for the Bays, picking up 21 disposals, four marks, four tackles, three clearances, eight inside 50s and booting 1.3, as she and the likes of Packer (13 disposals, four marks, four inside 50s and three goals), Freeman (eight disposals, four tackles, two inside 50s and two goals) and Swanson (eight disposals, two tackles and two goals) all hit the scoreboard multiple times. In midfield, Ellie Kellock (17 disposals, five clearances and three inside 50s), Jess Bates (14 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances and three inside 50s) and Tessa Kohn (10 disposals, three tackles and five clearances) were all strong.

For Sturt, it was no surprise to see Zoe Prowse dominating through the ruck with 20 hitouts to go with 13 touches, six tackles, four clearances and three inside 50s, teaming up well with Isobel Kuiper (18 disposals, four clearances) and Gepp (11 disposals, three marks and three clearances). Helping out in defence, Larissa Schenscher (11 disposals, four rebounds), Hannah Prenzler (seven disposals, four rebounds) and Maya Rigter (seven disposals, five rebounds) all tried hard to keep the game alive.

Sturt and Glenelg both head to Hisense Stadium in Round 2, with the Double Blues taking on Central District, while Glenelg face reigning premiers North Adelaide.

CENTRAL DISTRICT 3.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 8.5 (53)
WWT EAGLES 2.1 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 4.3 (27)

GOALS:

Central: C. Reynolds 3, L. Huynh 2, P. Allan, N. Biagi, L. Breguet.
Eagles: E. Gianakis, A. Gooley, C. Whitington-Charity, J. Zecevic.

DC BEST:

Central: N. Biagi, L. Smith. C. Teague, L. Huyhn, C. Richards
Eagles: A. Falkenberg, N. Holmes, J. Zecevic, K. Lee, C. Dolan

Central District showed just how good it could be these season with an impressive performance against Woodville-West Torrens Eagles to notch up a Round 1 win by 26 points in front of home fans. Whilst the Eagles challenged the Bulldogs throughout the contest, a three goals to one final term saw the home team kick away and win, 8.5 (53) to 4.3 (27).

The Bulldogs signalled their intentions early with two quick goals – to Chantel Reynolds and Lauren Breguet – in the opening three minutes of play to race away to an early lead. Eli Gianakis was looking dangerous for the Eagles with an important goal midway through the term, before speedster Laitiah Huynh responded for the bulldogs. A late goal to Jovanka Zecevic saw the Eagles cut the quarter time margin to less than a kick. When Astrid Gooley kicked truly just 47 seconds into the second term, the Eagles had hit the front.

They would not kick another goal until the final term, as ex-Rooster Paige Allan kicked her first in Doggies colours, while Huynh scored a second for the home team to lead by 13 points at the main break. Neither team could put through a major in the premiership quarter, with the Eagles only cutting into the deficit by one point, but back-to-back goals to Reynolds – making it three for the day – and Nicola Biagi put the final nail in the coffin as a consolation goal to Chloe Whitington-Charity only reduced the final margin, with the Bulldogs getting up by just over four goals.

Central District dominated the disposals, with 50 more touches than their opponents, but it was their kick-first mentality (70.3 per cent kicks to Eagles’ 63.2 per cent) that made their efforts more effective. They also had more marks (47-39), tackles (48-37), hitouts (33-20), clearances (24-21), inside 50s (26-25) and rebounds (20-17) in a complete performance. A promising aspect of the Eagles’ play was the fact in many of their statistics they broke even, and had better ball efficiency (74 per cent to 69 per cent).

Lauren Smith led all-comers with 17 disposals, three marks, six tackles, three clearances, two inside 50s and two rebounds, while Caitlen Teague (16 disposals, four marks, three tackles, three clearances and two inside 50s) and Biagi (16 disposals, three marks, five tackles, four inside 50s and a goal) also won plenty of it. Youngsters, Huynh (12 disposals, five tackles, two clearances and two goals) and Breguet (11 disposals, five marks, two inside 50s and one goal) both hit the scoreboard and looked dangerous. Reynolds (eight disposals, three goals) managed to make the most of her chances, while Katelyn Rosenzweig (12 disposals, five marks and three behinds) could have been an equal threat with greater accuracy.

For the Eagles, Anastasia Falkenberg had 17 touches, four marks, five tackles, three clearances, two inside 50s and three rebounds, teaming up well with Zecevic (18 disposals, three clearances and one goal) through midfield. The Eagles’ youngsters in Kiana Lee (14 disposals, six marks – four contested – two inside 50s and two rebounds), Charlotte Dolan (12 disposals, three marks, two tackles, three clearances and two inside 50s) and Jamie Parish (nine disposals, four marks, four tackles, two clearances and two rebounds) held their own in the match.

Next week the Bulldogs head to Hisense Stadium where they face Sturt in the opening game of a triple-header, while the Eagles meet West Adelaide in the final of the three matches there on on Saturday afternoon.

Picture credit: On The Ball Media