VFLW Round 6 vs North Melbourne – Saturday 10 April, 2021, Arden St Oval
Darebin 6.6.42 def North Melbourne 4.6.30
Darebin Falcons kicked away to their first win, defeating the Roos at home in wintery conditions. The game got off to a very quick start, with both clubs on the board within the first 2 minutes. But the Falcons worked hard to control the game, setting up the win in a ripper of a game. Ruck Sidney Cubash continued her fine form with 30 hitouts, while skipper Steph Simpson led from the front with four goals and 13 possessions. Samara David had a team-high 28 touches, nine marks and five tackles, and in just her third VFLW game, Alice Caddy impressed in the win with 20 disposals, five marks, two tackles and a goal, winning the Terminus Best On Ground.
The Falcons looked hungry for the ball and the midfield group was putting a lot of pressure on their opponents and were cleaner in their ball handling use. In her first game back with the Falcons after her AFLW retirement in 2020, Nic Callinan brought some great run and calmness bringing the footy out of defence. Paije Kearney was also impressive with 5 rebounds from the defensive 50. It was a positive first half but Falcons were perhaps ruing some missed chances, trailing by 2 points at half time.
In the 3rd quarter, Falcons came out storming. Alice Caddy was rewarded for her hard work with getting into the right position, and marking directly in front, kicked the team’s 3rd goal. The full team pressure and better ball handling created some good chances. Falcons could have added more scoreboard pressure with better use of the ball, and there was also a very unlucky touch off the boot. Late in the quarter, Riebelt kicked the ball forward and Simpson made sure it was off the boot for the full 6 points. Simpson’s footy smarts also came into play for her 4th goal in the last quarter, and Cherelle Byrne got in the action, kicking a goal off a 50 metre penalty, as a good return for her hard work.
Coach Mitch Skelly was really happy with the performance, commenting that it was very pleasing to get reward for all the hard work on the training track. Despite having less forward 50 entries, the Falcon backs did really well to hold North to 4 goals, and down the other end our forwards took advantage of their opportunities. “Obviously, everyone was very relieved to get that first win. We’ve been working really hard, so we enjoyed it,”
It is great to be training back at the Bill Lawry Oval and Round 7 Darebin will take on the Western Bulldogs, 12.00 noon, Bill Lawry Oval.
DAREBIN
Goal Kickers: S. Simpson 4, C.Byrne, A. Caddy
Best Players: A. Caddy, S. David, N. Callinan, S. Simpson, V. Blackwood, M. Huta
Full match centre: SportsTG
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