Territory girls fall to SA outfit

INDIVIDUAL Territorians shone, but South Australia won the night in the first clash yesterday since their budding football partnership was announced last month.

The Territory — cocoached by Andrew McLeod and Wally Gallio — led by a point at quarter-time in the 16a-side format, but failed to add to its goal tally as it lost 6.5 (41) to 2.2 (14) at Adelaide Oval.

“The girls held their own and it was a good insight for them to see what’s required,” McLeod said.

“The SA girls have been together for a fair while, so they’re probably a bit more experienced in that regard, but the Territory girls could walk away with their heads high.”

AFLNT and Adelaide Football Club have lodged a combined bid for one licence in next year’s inaugural women’s national league.

They are likely to find out in mid-June if they were successful. That meant there was more than just state pride on the line, with players also fighting for limited spots.

Abbey Holmes, Angela Foley — fresh from representing Melbourne against Brisbane in an AFL exhibition match last weekend — teenage star Tayla Thorn and Sue Nalder all impressed. Jaylene Chevalier kicked the Territory’s two goals, with Danielle Ponter setting up both.

“There’s enough talent there and that’s what’s exciting for Territory women’s footy,” McLeod said.

“They are around the mark and it’s important we recognise that. There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done, but it’s a good starting point.

“I’m really glad to be a part of it and it was really exciting to be able to work with Wally and it was a really enjoyable experience.”