Sunday 18th April
Bill Lawry Oval
Darebin Falcons 4.0.24 def by Western Bulldogs 14.9.93
It was a frantic start to the game this week, with the Western Bulldogs very quick out of the blocks. Midway through the quarter, Alice Caddy took a strong contested mark directly in front, and was able to go back and kick a goal, getting Darebin on the board. The Bulldogs showed a lot of speed and lead 6 goals to one at quarter time. The second quarter was more of an arm wrestle, with both teams only adding a goal each to their tally. It was a great team effort resulting in a goal off the boot of Samara David. Falcons defenders kept up the pressure for the 3rd quarter and was able to hold the Bulldogs to 2 goals, while David kicked her second. Despite some spirited defence, the Bulldogs speed brought about another flurry of 5 goals in the last quarter, although a third goal off the boot of David was great reward for her efforts.
Ashleigh “Gunner” Gunn had a brilliant game playing against her former side. She worked hard to disrupt and lay spoils, and create pressure, as well as showing some clean hands and good disposals. Captain Simpson always looked dangerous, but often the ball just was not getting down her way. David played a bit higher, running up the ground to lay tackles and put pressure on in the midfield, and was awarded a Terminus Best on Ground.
Peppa Poultney made her VFLW debut in fine style, getting some great touches and some good forward entries with her long kicks. Poultney has come up through the Falcons junior program and has been selected for the Calder Canons in the 2021 NAB league. She is eligible to play up to 3 VFLW games, so supporters can look for a return later in the season.
Coach Mitch Skelly said that the Falcons will need to continue to work hard to meet the challenge of all the players returning from AFLW sides for the rest of the VFLW season. It was great to see the midfield working hard to give ourselves the best chance in the forward, and the clearance stats were reflective of those efforts. The team continues to battle hard and working together, to play some good passages of footy. This week the VFLW squad trained with the U18 Falcons, building pathways and strong links with the next wave of athletes. It has been great to have Jess Dal Pos at training, but just waiting on a niggling injury before returning to the VFLW competition.
Next week Darebin Falcons will take on Geelong Cats, and to celebrate our supporters, the Falcons will be hosting special post game function for sponsors and supporters.
Saturday 24th April at 12pm, Bill Lawry Oval
DAREBIN
Goal Kickers: S.David 3, A.Caddy
Best Players: S.David, A. Gunn, P. Poultney, K. McNiece, M. Huta, V. Smiljanic
Full match centre: SportsTG
FULL REPLAY
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