Darebin Falcons 2.5-17 def by Port Melbourne 8.10-58
Photos by Rob Lawson
The Falcons faced competition leaders this week with VFLW finals just around the corner. While able to contest for much of the game, the Falcons were struggling to get reward for their efforts on the scoreboard. Port Melbourne were able to make the most of their momentum advantages, and getting the win over the Falcons has put Port at top spot on the VFLW Ladder with an upset and a draw in other matches in Round 12, .
The first quarter was tight with good full team pressure on the ball. The defenders working hard to rebound out of the forward 50 and the mids looked to win ball and send forward to advantage. A nice run resulted in Mikayla Plunkett kicking inside Falcs forward, and finding Piper Louey on a lead. Louey’s kick was accurate but just short on distance. The Falcons pressed to keep the ball locked in. Angelica Gogo’s kick at goal was smothered. In the next stoppage, Alyssa Mifsud roved well to get her shot on goal, but was just off line. A determined Falcons worked hard and restricted Port Melbourne to only one goal in the quarter. In the second term, the falcons built the pressure with good team work. Linking by hand and foot, and some great blocks in the contest created chances but Port defenders kept the Falcons pinned hard on the boundary line. From almost the same spot in the right pocket, Emma Mackay’s shot went wide, and then Stefania Velona’s kick was just the wrong side of the goals for a behind. Port extended their lead with 2 more goals in the second, and four goals in the third term.
At the final break, the coaches instructed the team to simply go out there to have fun and play for each other. The defensive unit continued to repel the attack, the stats showing their efforts with 26 rebound 50’s. The ball moved forward well, and put the Port defenders under pressure. This created an opportunity for Shannon Egan with a free kick next to the behind post. The kick bent back but not quite far enough. The forwards were dogged in defensive, creating stoppages. Velona under pressure got a kick away to bring the ball central and finding Sally Lynch on the bounce. Lynch reeled away and got her kick free to the top of the goal square. Mifsud took an excellent contested mark and kicked the first goal of the quarter. And some Gogos’ second efforts and beautiful skills resulted in a lovely hanging contested mark from Egan in a similar spot for the second goal. The Falcons winning the final quarter.
“It was good to see the team hang in there, and really work hard for each other,” coach Aasta O’Connor said at the end of the game. “Ange Gogos had another really good game, not only winning lots of the contest, but bringing her team mates into the game, she is really influential out there. Alyssa Mifsud was strong around the ground, finishing off well too. And also good to see players taking on new roles like Paije Kearney taking on the opportunities in the forward.”
The 20 kicks from this Round 12 match from Angelica Gogos takes her to the top of the competition’s leaderboard for kicks. She is in the league’s top rankings tackles as well as 2nd placed for overall disposals.
Next week Falcons play North on Saturday 24 June, 2pm, Arden Street.
In 2023, VFL Women’s matches are streamed LIVE on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Keep up to date through the 2023 VFLW app or through https://vfl.aflwstats.com/season/2023
Want to find out more about the Darebin Falcons?