It was a glorious footy afternoon on Sunday 28 March for the first 2021 NFNL Falcons home practice match, and the Falcon’s Nest was once again a hive of footy activity. After a successful summer season, the cricket pitch was removed, and in preparation for an exciting 2021 season, the footy goals posts were back up at each end. The boundary lines were freshly painted, the canteen and merch store stocked and primed with volunteers, the BBQ was fired up, and the community was invited back to watch some terrific footy.
After a committed preseason, both the NFNL teams lined up to play the first game in so long against our neighbours West Brunswick and Fitzroy Stars. The first game focused on the Div 1 team, with the support of Div 2 players. The team showed some great passages, with strong running, accurate passes and good contested mark ups. The Falcons showed commitment to the structures, as well as an insiders knowledge to how to move the ball well on our home turf. The West Brunswick team kept up the scoreboard pressure throughout the game, forcing the Falcons to dig deep and learn how to recover momentum, as well as keep that concentration throughout the full four quarters.
The second match was a truly unique moment for the club with the Div 2 players in focus, supported by extra players from the U18s and the Masters teams. It was a side featuring many players who had never played footy before, although it was noted that the rookie Div 2 players were bolstered by the confidence of being involved in that first game. The U18’s showed some great spread, very clean heels and a lovely touch on the ball. The Masters players were enthusiastic and trying to bring in some strategic input. The team looked lively and dangerous in attack, confident and supportive in defence.
Adding to the historic moment of Sunday’s matches, Darebin were especially pleased to welcome the Fitzroy Stars; as the club’s first ever Senior Women’s Football to compete in the NFNL. With lots of club support on the sidelines, the Stars put out some exciting and unpredictable footy. Some players were cross coders with the Fitzroy l Stars netball program, some more experienced footy players, there were recruits from the Koori Carnivals, and players travelling down from Shepparton for the opportunity to play this season. The team showed commitment to the ball and each other, with some great marking and accuracy in front of the goals.
Both games brought lots of fun- with huge smiles from all 4 teams. It was an excellent first outing for our rookies and a great return for our more experienced players, and so good to have our family and friends cheering us all on from the sidelines. The NFNL season will start with several grading rounds, fixture to be released here
Round 1 at Plenty Park Oval on Saturday 10th of April will be:
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 vs Darebin 2 @ 1:30pm
Diamond Creek Women’s 1 vs Darebin 1 @ 3:00pm
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