The Darebin Falcons faced a formidable task this week, playing a considerably more experienced squad at home.  Without the services of some key senior players, the Falcons dug deep to show considerable spirit and determination, battling hard all day.   The score line indicates the impact of the changing structures in women’s football and impacts on the VFLW competition.  Last year saw an unusual 2 AFLW seasons, and dates are yet to be set on the AFLW season this year.  While not the result that the fans were hoping for, it was an opportunity for our 2023 squad to show their mettle under pressure.

Round 2 saw 2 new Falcons take to the park.  In an emotional moment for the squad before the game, Sacha Kenna’s family presented her jumper, and celebrated Sacha’s pathway with junior football with the Falcons, and the opportunity to compete at the state level.  Also making her debut for the Falcons in Round 2, Bec Goring makes a welcome return to football balanced with a successful music career. Goring who captained Geelong’s inaugural VFLW team in 2017, as well as playing over 3 seasons with the Cats at AFLW played an important role for the Darebin squad in her first game, with 8 kicks, 6 tackles and a lost voice for her efforts.

This week saw another great contribution from Vic Blackwood, consistently contesting aerially and working hard to bring the ball out of defence.  Blackwood also responding well to the challenge of executing her skills in a new role, when moved to the midfield in the last quarter.  Shannon Eagen showed her athleticism and hard work around the ball, as well as creativity in contesting the ruck against Casey’s more experienced players.  Karly McNiece led the disposals with 5 marks and 23 kicks, Ange Gogos and Steph Simpson finished the game with 11 kicks each.

Coach Aasta O’Connor said it was a difficult score line.  “As coaches, we could see the effort, and the way that the whole team was prepared to stick at the task.  We could see that things that had been identified at training were being addressed in today’s game, such as tackle technique, or different ways to use the ball, especially coming out of the backline.  Often when teams are tested like this, fractures can appear.  But the character of these players was really pleasing in the supportive conversations across the squad, and constructive way that the team went about things. ”.

This week the Falcon of the Week was awarded to Nikki Clare for the care she shows for her work and for the VFLW players.  As the VFLW program’s property steward, nothing is too much trouble, and she is always supportive of the program goals and processes.

Next match will be Saturday 8 April, Darebin playing Geelong at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, 12noon

In 2023, VFL Women’s matches are streamed LIVE on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

Keep up to date through the 2023 VFLW app or through https://vfl.aflwstats.com/season/2023

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