Winners’ decisive plays and strong statements
WINCHELSEA made a strong start to its GDFL match with systematic attacking and hard work through defence, finishing with a 49-34 win over Bell Post Hill.
Eliza Cole was strong all game in goal shooter, a familiar face in an otherwise new attacking line-up.
Sarah Todd fed the goalers well from wing attack and Sandy Carroll continued to maintain a strong work rate through wing defence.
With the pace of the game not slowing down, the Panthers had a number of promising plays and intercepts to keep the pressure on Winchelsea, but could not convert all opportunities, despite the best efforts of Lauren Turley and Molly Neeson.
Werribee controlled the game from the outset, leading from start to finish.
A highlight was Ellie Vincent’s strong presence and movement in the goal circle, shooting 18 goals in a best-oncourt performance. Amanda O’Malley and Brigitte Ardossi were also influential.
For North Geelong, Taleea Drever in her first A grade game worked hard and was competitive and Cody Dixon, Shae Rowbottom and Romy Gras were among the Magpies’ best.
Geelong West recovered from a seven-goal deficit at quarter time to win by six goals over Inverleigh.
Stacey Smith in goal keeper led the defence and lifted her side with instrumental intercepts and crucial rebounds.
Jaclyn Verbeek and Kristie Marsh were the Giants’ best.
Carling Southall battled well in defence for Inverleigh and Teagan Madden provided some well-timed intercepts in goal keeper, but the Hawks couldn’t capitalise on the turnovers.
Shannon Pietsch and Emily Rankin worked well in the goal circle for East Geelong, with Alanna Cottrill consistently feeding the shooters with drive and aggression.
In the defensive end Tahlia Billows, Alex Cole and Justine Radford had numerous intercepts and rebounds, sending the ball back towards East goals, and goalers Nikki Slaven (GS) and Cassidy Nelson (GA) were a dynamic duo in the ring for Anakie.
Nelson’s accuracy and Slaven’s reach allowed Anakie to keep within the game throughout. Bridget Byrnes (GD) and Clare Sutton (GK) played well and, with their best efforts, kept the margin to within 11 goals.
Georgia Duncan had a day out with 55 goals in Bannockburn’s big win over Belmont. Nicole Osborne and Abbie Avery were also influential.
Tracey Heyward was brilliant for Belmont in defence alongside Phoebe Steinfort as they worked relentlessly in the last quarter, capitalising on missed goals resulting in positive gains for the Lions.
Thomson made a statement against Corio, starting strong and never looking back.
With great passages of play starting with great intercepts from defenders Allie Drake, Bek Lebish and Lauren Conroy, Thomson moved the ball with ease down the court, scoring on most occasions.
Thomson led at halftime 32-16 and continued to keep the foot down.
Corio has shown its potential this year but got taught a lesson about the importance of playing the whole 60 minutes.