Photo credits: Yvette Fitzpatrick
Saturday 23 March, La Trobe University Bundoora
Darebin Falcons 0.2-2 def by Williamstown 11.12-78
An enthusiastic crowd of Falcon friends and family gathered in the late afternoon sunshine at La Trobe University for the 2024 VFLW season opener this Saturday. Darebin started strong wind advantage in the first quarter, but were unable to convert their opportunities, scoring only 2 points. Williamstown on the other hand were more efficient in the second term and took a six goal lead into the main break. Although always working hard at the contests, Darebin struggled to execute their game plan. Williamstown taking the match with a more accurate performance.
It was very much a new look side for the Falcons, with an amazing jumper presentation event held this week to welcome in the 2024 squad. In the Round 1 side, 10 players took the field in their first game as a Falcon. This includes co-captain Caitlin Bunker (Collingwood VFLW), Sam Baisis (Beaumaris), Jasmine Farrugia (Port Melbourne), Ali Gottliebsen (Boronia), Chloe Kodagoda (Fitzroy/Northern Knights), Katie Lee (Collingwood VFLW), Emily Rayment (Parkside Devils), Ella Southgate (Collingwood VFLW), Olivia Storer (Collingwood VFLW), and Casey Wright (Yarra Junction).
Several injuries kept others from taking the field, with key outs including team leaders Stef Simpson and Riley Christgoergl, as well as the 2023 competition’s high goal scorer Monique De Matteo.
The highest possession winner from the game Ange Gogos battled hard all day, with 14 handballs, and 9 kicks, and her trademark great read of play at stoppages. Caitlin Bunker was also in everything with 10 tackles, and 13 kicks, and consistently looking to bring team mates into the play. In defence, Katie Lee was staunch, contesting well all game and finished with a huge 20 kicks for the day. Across the field, there were sparks of excellent one on one work, creativity and effort, with good passages and bursts from Alyssa Mifsud, Simone Ruedin, Emma Mackay, Emily Rayment, Shannon Eagan and Sabine Cowley du Parquet. The team will be looking for these efforts so be translating to accurate, consistent football for the scoreboard pressure needed in Round 2.
Next Round, Darebin play St. Kilda on Sunday 31 March, 9.45am at the Trever Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
In 2024, VFL Women’s matches are streamed LIVE on AFL.com.au and the VFLW Official App.
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