Valiant effort against crack Hawks squad
WHEN a Kookaburras hockey legend makes a point of individually congratulating the opposition’s players after beating them, you have a fair idea your program is on track.
Such was the gesture from four-time Olympian Jay Stacy after his crack Hawthorn outfit beat Geelong 2-0 in women’s Premier League at Stead Park on Saturday.
The reigning premier and unbeaten top side travelled down the highway averaging five goals a match in the opening eight rounds but were made to work hard for their win by the Premier League newcomer.
A brace from Hockeyroo Emily Hurtz (21 and 32 min) proved the difference, but the Hawks could not add to their tally in the second half, held out by several saves from Geelong goalkeeper Morgan Gould.
Geelong had limited chances, but was unlucky not to score when a deflected shot bounced off the helmet of Hawks keeper Niki Bosman.
“Considering they’re the top side, we’re happy with the result and the way we went about it again,’’ Geelong coach Shane Walters said. “The big focus for the moment is making sure the teams earn everything they get against us.
“It was really positive. We always knew the defensive part of our game had to be spot on today and it was.”
Walters said his team was continuing to improve each week and was full of praise for the effort in the past four to five weeks. “We’ve just been speaking about the second half of the year and taking that form into the second half of the year, we can turn some results around, I reckon,’’ he said.
As well as Gould, Emmaline Moore and Elise Webster were strong throughout, while skipper Emma Hatton continued her excellent form.
“Hatts is such a workhorse through the middle and she shifted lines today and went to a defensive mid and in that role she was spot-on,’’ Walters said.
With no state league hockey next weekend, Geelong plays on Wednesday night against KBH Brumbies in Melbourne.
Geelong’s reserves lost 5-2 to Hawthorn, with youngsters Puck Klassen scoring both goals. The men’s Vic League 1 team showed vast improvement from the previous week despite a 5-0 loss to KBH Brumbies on Saturday.
Coach Terry Moore described the performance as an honourable loss against the unbeaten top side.
“Compared to last week they were a completely different team in endeavour and attitude,’’ Moore said. “They actually came off the ground disappointed but pleased with their effort.
“All it comes down to is we haven’t quite got the polish (to match with the top sides).”
Moore said Mark Jackson was again Geelong’s best player patrolling at halfback. The reserves lost 3-0. The men meet Casey on Wednesday night at Altona in a catch-up game.