VFLW Round 11 vs Williamstown

Saturday 15th May 2021

Downer Oval

Darebin Falcons 2.4-16 drew with Williamstown 1.10-16

Darebin Falcons had a dramatic one this week, with a tightly fought contest against the Seagulls, and a last point levelling scores in the final minute. 

With a strong wind favouring the city end, the first quarter was played mostly in defence for the Falcons.  The resoluteness and strength of our backline and midfielders were on display as the team sought to control the ball, and nullify the advantage.   In the second quarter, there were more chances to go forward with intent, but all too often the ball was sent long rather than worked forward with precision.  Williamstown managed to kick 2 points against the wind but a late Darebin charge drove the ball up in the forward pocket.  On debut, youngster Trinity Mills read the ball well as it come off the hands, and hard against the boundary, kicked a beauty at chest high through the big sticks.  This goal brought the scores level just before half time. 

The 3rd quarter saw some good composure from the Falcons, keeping the ball in hand and restricting the Williamstown attacking game, forcing them to take some longer range shots.  With the blustery conditions, the Seagulls managed only 3 points scored in this quarter, but again the Falcons were unable to create sufficient scoring opportunities against the wind.  The last quarter started out with a bang with good attacking play, resulting in a second goal off the boot of Captain Simpson.  The Falcons continued to attack but only managed another 2 points.  It was just enough to let in the hungry Seagulls who got numbers around the ball and kicked 1 goal 1 behind against the wind.  The home side seemed to be heading for that all important win.  But the Falcons transitioned well from defence, with desperation, game awareness and commitment from players like Annalyse Lister driving the ball forward, and returning Falcon Georgia Hammond getting a crucial dribble kick with the ball rolling, rolling, rolling towards the line, only to be off line for a point.  The final siren sounded just moments later, ending the game as a draw.

Terminus Player of the Match Samara David worked hard all day as the extra player in defence, and surging forward with the ball.   Jess Dal Poss was the game’s leading possession winner, as well as the highest number of tackles for the Falcons.  Katelyn Hazelett also played a strong role as an impact player with 11 tackles and making the most of her time on the field.  Annalyse Lister put her body on the line, with strong commitment to the contest across the 4 quarters, finishing the day with cuts and bruises and perhaps a tweaked ankle.  Kathleen Roe was reliable and resolute in defence.

Coach Mitch Skelly was pleased to see the fight in the side this week, and acknowledged the younger players in the squad were taking their opportunities to step up to the VFLW competition.  “It is hard when new to this level, hard to get consistency across 4 quarters, let alone the season, but it has been good to see players taking their chances.” 

The club is now looking forward to an important match next week, – always a highlight of the season to be playing in the competition’s annual Pride Match.  Our 2021 Pride Dinner theme is Living Inclusion: Then, Now and To Be and will featuring Darebin premiership players & coaches, Jess Dal Pos & Jane Lange as well as guests from The Outer Sanctum Podcast.  There will also be an important one for 4 players who will be celebrating their 150 Game Milestones- Steph Simpson, Samara David, Nic Callinan and Jess Del Poss.  Facing one of the the competition leaders in Collingwood, all Falcons family are invited to get down to our home ground at Bill Lawry Oval and get around the team.  It is that support from the sidelines that will make the day.

Next game: Saturday 22 May, 12 noon, Bill Lawry Oval, Darebin v Collingwood

DAREBIN

Goal Kickers: T.Mills, S.Simpson

Best Players: S. David, K. Roe, T. Mills, K. Hazlett, J. Dal Pos, A. Lister

Full match centre:  SportsTG  

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