Anakie coach struck by a bolt from the Blues
ANAKIE coach Jady Brkic says injuries and poor preparation contributed to her side’s disappointing loss at home to lowly-placed Winchelsea.
After a tight contest early where the Roos trailed 18-17 at the first break, Winchelsea flicked the switch in the second quarter and had a comfortable seven-goal lead at the main break.
It set the tone for the rest of the match as Winchelsea outscored Anakie 36-24 in the second half, before running away a strong 72-53 victor.
For the Blues, Eliza Cole was a dominant presence in attack, finishing with 50 goals, while Ebony Berg chipped in with 22.
Anakie’s Nikki Slaven tried hard for her side, finishing with 40 goals.
“It was a very high-scoring game and Winchelsea just played much better on the day,” Brkic said.
“Their defence was on point.”
The Roos lost their goal attack and wing attack to injury during the match, but Brkic maintained there “was nothing to worry about”.
“We were short of players, a girl was missing due to family matters and we lost our GA who is always a key presence,” she said.
Brkic also said the build-up to the game could have been better.
“It wasn’t the greatest leadup to a big game, but that won’t happen next week,” she said.
Thomson set off from the first whistle with speed, accuracy and intensity.
Many defensive intercepts created plenty of opportunity under the post for Thomson to gain a 20-4 first-quarter lead.
Errin Lang’s work rate in the second quarter through the attacking thirds was pivotal for Thomson to score.
Chloe McBain and Allie Drake performed well in the defensive circle, taking many clean intercepts to help create a 41-12 lead by half-time.
Thomson made several changes in the third quarter, bringing on some juniors to get experience, and the lead grew to 57-24.
Shannyn Leach, in wing defence, closed down lots of space and got clean intercepts, and was supported through the midcourt by Jo Couch and Jess Lowe.
The Panthers struggled to match Thomson’s attack and goaling accuracy in the first half, but Bell Post Hill steadied and improved, headlined by Abby Croft who played an outstanding game.
Corio let itself down with a slow start and a lack of defensive intensity.
North Geelong put pressure on from the start and led by five goals.
Some great defensive work from Sigrid Mills and Brittany Chapman made life tough for the Corio goalers.
Stephanie Hillman, Ashlee Roach and Shayne Pitman were the difference in the midcourt with their accuracy in feeding to the goalers.
Shae Rowbottom and Chelsea Websdale had an outstanding game in goals, with Websdale scoring 46 of North’s 62 goals.
East Geelong started strongly and outscored Belmont in every quarter.
Nicole O’Brien’s intercepts in goal defence were a feature of the game.
She was covering both her defensive end and centre court for the full four quarters, shutting down the flow of the Lions.
Belmont has been struck with injuries in recent weeks, with almost half of the regular starting seven out.
Jess Rethus worked tirelessly for Belmont through the midcourt for four quarters, reading the ball perfectly and displaying some exceptional intercepts.
Alex Rodaughan and Tracey Hall worked hard for Belmont to free up space through the midcourt.
Jess Higgins played a tight and aggressive three quarters in defence, allowing the Lions to remain within 15 goals for most of the match.
But East’s accuracy in the ring was a dominant force.
Werribee’s strong performance was made all the more impressive given it had several key players missing.
Centurions played a strong first quarter, which set up the win.
C-grade player young Ellie Vincent had an outstanding game in goals for Werribee.
Captain Brigitte Ardossi was a tower of strength, controlling the defence end.
Hailey Sildatke controlled the centre court and steadied the game when needed.
Inverleigh regrouped after the first quarter and played more consistent netball after making positional changes.
Kate Poole was best on court for the Hawks and Steph Burns shot well in GA.
Bannockburn was happy with the intensity shown throughout the four quarters.
Celeste De Munari had a standout performance, providing the patience that has been missing in previous weeks.
Bannockburn stepped up its defensive pressure in the second half, limiting West to seven goals with Chloe Reardon and Leigh Masek combining well to create a number of turnovers.