Saturday 1st May 2021
Bill Lawry Oval
Darebin Falcons 5.4-34 def by Port Melbourne 8.10-58
Photos by @Rob Lawson Photography
Darebin Falcons put in a great performance this week against to one of the competition leaders Port Melbourne. Some great attacking play got the Falcons out to a half time lead, with Alice Caddy kicking 3 goals, Angelique Reibelt getting into the action in the 2nd quarter. But Port Melbourne, sitting second place on the VFLW ladder, were able to make adjustments and putting on more defensive pressure. Falcons were limited to just the one goal off the boot of Jess Dal Pos in the third quarter. The final quarter Port kicked away with two unanswered goals, but the Falcons fans were very appreciative of the efforts this week from our team.
It was an exciting VFLW debut for 18 year old Katelyn Hazlett, who had a fantastic game in the midfield. Vic Blackwood back in the side, had a strong game at full back. She picked up the most disposals for Falcons, and nullified one of the best forwards on the league. With 6 clearances each, Jess Dal Pos and Alysa Mifsud worked hard all day to get the ball forward. On the wing, Nic Callinan again showed her class with another great performance. AFLW Giant, Annalyse Lister was impressive in her 2021 return to the Falcons. Lister’s passion and leadership in the game continues as she became just the fourth woman to join the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) Board earlier this year.
Coach Mitch Skelly said that he was extremely pleased with Saturday’s game, “it was one of our best 4 quarter efforts of the season, we worked hard and won or broke even in most of our KPI’s such as forward 50 entries and centre clearances” With Cubasch and Camilleiri still out after a pair of painful ankle injuries last game and some potential injuries needing assessment after Round 9, there may be a few changes for next week’s side. The Falcon’s fans will be looking forward to the return match against Hawthorn this week after a tight encounter in Round 2.
Next game: Saturday 8 May, 10am, Box Hill City Oval, Darebin v Hawthorn
DAREBIN
Goal Kickers: A Caddy 3, A Reibelt, J. Dal Pos
Best Players: V. Blackwood, K. Hazlett, J. Dal Pos, N. Callinan, A. Lister, A. Caddy
Full match centre: SportsTG
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