Here is a wrap up of all the games and other news from the Aussie Rules National Championships in Adelaide.
Day 1: Richmond Oval, the home of SANFL club West Adelaide.
WA first up promised to provide an exciting opening match of the Championships. Both sides’ endeavour at the contest showed that the team prepared to work harder for longer would prevail.
Every member of the Big V created and worked hard for what felt like endless scoring opportunities, but we were unable to convert through the big sticks for much of the game.
With Sammy and Shivs making their much awaited debuts in the treasured navy and white Big V, all the Falcons girls were pumped to run out together in a slightly darker shade of jumper.
The Big V won by 32 points.
VIC: 2.5 3.6 6.9 8.10 (58)
WA: 1.0 1.1 2.1 4.2 (26)
Day 2: Unleash Solar Oval, home of SANFL club Woodville Eagles
It wouldn’t be unfair to question the focus of the Falcon girls leading into Day 2. With Schwager shuffling, Daisy’s room in dialogue with Asian restaurateurs for half the night, Loz wondering what time the next meal would be and Aasta planking/shuffling/facebooking we had a game on our hands against a much improved and determined South Australia.
The Big V began to show signs of the game plan Coach Searle had implemented, using quick hands to feed behind and delivering long and quick into the tall and talented forward line. Sammy was at the foot of every contest, and with Wood and Pearce in the best, and Habs hitting the scoreboard things were just warming up!
Dr. A. Schwager had everyone fooled in Adelaide playing part time shuffler, part time chiro and full time Victorian ruck she was everywhere! O’Connor was still trying to count exactly how many Facebook friends she had amassed and how many hours it had been since she joined…
VIC: 4.4 6.5 9.9 10.10 (70)
SA: 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 (14)
Day 3: Rundle Mall!
Being the only rest day of the week long champs, organisers thought it a good idea to keep the players moving with a Flash Mob at what is now affectionately known as Run Dal Mal.
Habs rocked out with a best on ground performance and Dais, well only she knows what she was doing, (let’s call it freestyled) through a fun and entertaining performance. Well done girls!
Day 4: Adelaide Uni Oval (possibly hosts reserves SANFL games despite not having a fence.)
It was a beautiful day in the city of churches and the Big V were rested up and ready to come out strong against old rivals QLD. Although handball receives and clearance numbers were up, we were again wayward early inside 50 with only a 12 point lead at quarter time.
The remainder of the game showed the Vic’s class, kicking 16.4 in the final 3 quarters to blow the maroon Sunfires away.
Special mention to Aasta for falling over mid-celebration after a maiden goal against her home state.
VIC: 2.1 7.2 12.3 18.5 (113)
QLD: 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5 (5)
Day 4: Gliderol Stadium, home to SANFL club Glenelg Tigers
Grand Final time against WA was sure to bring out the best in both states. Having Bobby provide the pre-match entertainment on the drive to Glenelg, we had the perfect lead in to the biggest game in women’s footy. Did I mention the famous #22 was in town to show that Falcon Love? No names necessary. Who are you?
As expected, the first quarter brought a tough and skillful brand of footy from both teams. Going into quarter time, Victoria held a slim 5 point lead and WA had their hopes high.
Not to be troubled, the Big V continued their relentless running and lifted another gear in the second and third quarters to kick 7.4 and keep WA scoreless. The final quarter was the icing on the cake of an outstanding week as Victoria booted 6.1 to run away with the game and a National Championship in style.
VIC: 3.0 5.3 10.4 16.5 (101)
WA: 2.1 2.1 2.1 3.1 (19)
An awesome week was had by all and a big ‘thank you’ must go to the coaches and additional staff for their endless support and hard work. Congratulations to Daisy, Aasta, Woody, Shivs, Sammy, Loz and Schwager on a brilliant week! And Coutta on a fine performance running water!