Howarth sees it as a Suns win
THE scoreboard may have shown a 28-28 draw in the inaugural AFLW QClash though three-goal hero Kalinda Howarth believes it was the Suns who walked away winners.
Down by 15 points at halftime, the Suns staged a thrilling comeback before Howarth levelled the scores with a goal from the pocket in the dying stages, bringing the Suns within touching distance of a second victory.
“We felt like we had a win because we managed to fight back,” she said.
“You always want to have bragging rights. It was just good to see the Lions not win.”
Just three points stand between the fledgling Suns and an undefeated record after falling to Greater Western Sydney by one point in Round 1 and then drawing with the Lions.
Irrespective of the reality, the 20-year-old Howarth said the Suns could only take confidence from their comeback.
“It sums up the season a bit in terms of what could have been because we could be 3-0 by now so I didn’t really know how to feel but we were pumped with our second half,” Howarth said.
“It was an amazing game to be a part of and I think every single person on our team had one of their best performances so we’re really excited about what we can achieve.
“I have confidence that we can get it done next time around.”
Howarth, who played a crucial role in the Suns’ bid for an AFLW licence, said her first goal in Suns colours was one of the highlights of her career just two years after she was delisted following a season at the Lions.
“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” she said. “Being embraced by my teammates, it felt like a long time coming”