The Senior AFLW footy squad consisted of one Year 12, ten Year
11s, six Year 10s and three Year 9 students, of whom only four were experienced
club players with a working knowledge of the rules, positions, and tactics.
Dakota was appointed coach and Phoebe captain.
To prepare for the Interschool tournament, we had four Wednesday
lunchtime training sessions where we focussed on our kicking and marking
skills.
On the day of the competition, our first opponent had clearly got
wind of the enormous distances that our players were hoofing the footballs at
training and didn’t show up.
They hadn’t heard that our gun Year 11 club players Dakota and
Chantelle were unable to play due to injuries.
This meant that Surf Coast SC had to take the field at a moment’s
notice and although they had many skilful clubbies, they underestimated not
only our enthusiasm and vigour, but our kicking range.
With our on-ball ruck Phoebe dominating and our speedy midfielders
Chloe L, Eloise and Jewelea sprinting clear of the packs, Surf Coast were
bunching up too close to the packs and we were able to clear the opposition to
find our forwards in space.
We continued to rack up scores for a handy halftime lead before
Surf Coast regrouped, got their team game going and started to get on top in
the second half.
Phoebe and our speedy midfielders continued to dominate the packs,
but as Surf Coast rallied and surged forward, they were held up and repelled
time and again by our wonderful marking defenders Abby, Georga and Emily who
kicked the ball clear, great distances into our attack. Half backs Shea and
Katelin read the play well and intercepted some promising attacks.
Every one of our players excelled at tackling and chasing and our
victory was well deserved.
It was a fantastic team effort with Phoebe the standout “best on
ground”.
As the game concluded we were notified that due to a redraw of the
fixture we were required to play again immediately after a break of only 5
minutes.
Our second opponent, Oberon SC was generally bigger, classier, and
even more experienced than Surf Coast.
Undaunted, our players launched into the game with gusto and great
team work.
The speedy Chloe L impressed again with her ball winning and chase
down tackles and Millie took some nice marks while Eloise was an effective,
dangerous forward. Millie passed to Remy, who took a great mark and kicked truly,
through the centre of the big sticks, well over post high. Our great start saw
us level at a goal apiece. Then Oberon’s superior skills, fitness and
experience saw them take over and run out easy winners, even against our
valiant efforts, with everyone playing at their very best.
Phoebe was heroic, dominating the ruck by winning all the hit outs
and racking up many possessions all over the field.
After a long wait for a final consolation game, the team drawn to
oppose us pulled out, claiming that they had too many injuries and so we played
the strong Surf Coast team for a second time.
Our Goal Umpire support students Emma and Mia had a run and while
it was a competitive and close game Surf Coast played very well for the narrow
win.
The weather was perfect, and a great time was had by all. Many
students reported to school the next day stiff and sore, but happy.
Mr Curnick and Ms Muir
