Dusties conquer Gather Round

Ten games of youth girls and women's football were played at Morwell this week for the first women's football 'Gather Round.'

The initiative, hosted by Female Football Gippsland in conjunction with AFL Gippsland and AFL Victoria, provided a great opportunity to see other teams competing and socialising after the games, celebrating the progression of women's football.The Warragul Industrials youth girls took the field against Moe, with good weather and a dry ground making for an evenly contested game despite the final score.

The Dusties' strength in keeping the ball in their forward half for majority of the game resulted in points on the board.

Although Moe were relentless in their defence, they were unable to stop the Dusties from winning 5.5 (35) to 0.0 (0).

Several good plays by the whole team contributed to the final score, with a long kick from Rianna Jinnette putting the first point on the board, quickly followed by a lucky point from Stella Kittelty.

A valuable goal from Ella Edney was the result of an interception in Moe's backline, a clever run and carry quickly landing the ball in the Dusties forward half.

A skilful turn of play had Jamie Chapman take on a Moe player, turning and evading her opposition to kick a goal.

A clean tap from Charlize Dent to Molly Schuurmans was passed off to Kira Wilson, with Jinnette managing a lucky goal, the ball just passing through untouched.

Again Wilson, who seemed unstoppable in the centre, fed the ball to the forward line resulting in a further goal by Jinnette.

The most spectacular play of the day, however, was by the Dusties' smallest player, Chelsea Richardson, who dynamically took on and tackled one of Moe's biggest players - twice - earning her a player's award for her grit and determination.

Never giving in, Moe played determinedly until the final siren, but the Dusties, who have this season established excellent play and team cohesion, won comfortably.

Best on ground for the Dusties were Kira Wilson, Hayley Wilson, Charlize Dent, Stella Kittelty, Amy Boote, Molly Schuurmans, and Chelsea Richardson.