Darebin Falcons 2.1-13 def by Collingwood 11.2-72
Photos by Rob Lawson
The Falcons created a great contest this week for much of the game, but were not able to finish off some great attacking play. Collingwood were able to take advantage of inconsistent moments in each quarter to hit the scoreboard, and run out comfortable winners.
The Falcons were lively from the start, getting on the scoreboard first and getting seven inside 50’s in the first quarter. Alyssa Mifsud was dangerous in the forward with her excellent read of the game. She roved off the pack, and snapped over her shoulder towards goal. The kick was offline but Zoe Larkin took the mark deep in the forward pocket. Larkin’s angle was too tight and her kick was through for a behind only. Collingwood made a bit more of their attacking opportunities and took a 3 goal lead in the first break.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle with both teams only adding one goal each. The defensive efforts from the whole team created the opportunities for the Falcons. Vic Blackwood read the ball best coming in for a defensive intercept, ball spilling free for Steph Simpson to pounce and drive forward. Piper Louey put her head over the ball and was collected from both sides, winning the free kick. Simpson sweeping around the back was tripped by her opponent. With the 50 metre penalty, Louey was taken to the goal square and kicked the Falcons first goal. The Falcons continued to press but the half time siren sounded with the ball in the forward 50.
The second half started well, with a quick goal of the boot of captain Steph Simpson closing the margin even further. Darebin’s pressure was lifted with fierce tackles and strong contests at the ball. Collingwood did have a strong attack, and were able to respond.
Ange Gogos led the game with 19 kicks, 10 tackles and Alyssa Mifsud finished up with 11 kicks, 7 tackles. In defence, Mikayla Plunkett was persistent with 12 tackles. This week’s Falcon of the Week Karly McNiece had a strong game with 12 disposals. In good form this season, Karly is a valued member of the squad’s leadership group. As someone who always puts her teammates above herself, Karly exemplifies what it means to be a falcon, and plays with pride week in, week out.
Coach Aasta O’Conner knew that the squad had a tough task with the Collingwood side with their eyes on the finals in a few weeks. “This squad does take pride in our defence, and it was just that loss of concentration across the ground that allowed the opposition to pile it on those goals in the 3rd quarter. Ange Gogo’s leadership around the ball was impressive this week, and it was great to see Vic Blackwood back to her best. And at half forward- Sacha Kenna and Piper Louey were good. It’s a testament to the extra work put in with forwards coach Elise Casamento, and those extras before and after training. Zoe Larkins returning from injury also played an important role for us around the ball. I think that the bye has come at a good time for the squad, giving us a bit of time for injuries to recovery and a good time to refresh.”
With the long weekend bye, the next Round will be the last home game of the season at La Trobe University on Sunday 18 June, 2pm, Darebin v Port Melbourne.
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