After two weeks in a row at Bennettswood Reserve, it’s time for the Animalettes to leave home and spread their wings, at least for a day. Their destination? Basil Reserve, to right some wrongs and play arguably their biggest foes from their debut season in Prahran Assumption. Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team went down to the Hampton Rovers last week who left the ground winners after leading the game all day. Some gameday heroics during the last quarter saw the Animalettes at least finish with a score on the board, a reward for their consistent pressure. They’ll look to bring that into the game on Saturday.
It’s becoming the tale of their season with the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team being one rung lower on the ladder than Prahran who sit above them only by a superior percentage, both teams on 8 points. Prahran are coming off the back of their two wins of the season, with the Animalettes aiming to reset after three toughly-fought losses. It goes without saying but a win this weekend could provide a massive boost for the team going into the second part of the season.
At the selection table, which wasn’t a table at the clubrooms this week, but instead a table full of pork dumplings, there were some important names missing. Still, a formidable team named, with Bec Herne, Claire Anderson and Brooke Chapman starting back, and Dee Burden, Kayla Hetherington, and Soraya Jeanes, back from having the time of her life overseas, on the board to start at halfback. Kate Fletcher and Jess Dawson will be backing up Maddy Hogan, Shellby Lonie, Sam Hogarth and Tara Ingham on the wings, who will start in the middle. In front of the 50m line sits Amy Ronchi and Shanelle Blachford, with Bridget Monaghan and Jess Evans, who makes her return. Named to start deep in the forward line is Sheridan Harris, and captain Sally Hood. On the bench is Rhiannon Stute, Ashleigh Morley, Sarah Smith, and Shannon Harris. Notable outs include vice-captain Sam Bridgland, Kate Lucas and Shino Walsh, among others.
Their last win was an away game where all the pieces fell into place at exactly the right time, with everybody playing their role to enable a come-from-behind gold medal performance. The Animalettes will be bringing everything they’ve got when they make their way over to familiar turf for a battle of the B Reserves. Will they come out on top and break their losing streak? Will Hood kick a goal on her left foot and add another to her season tally? Get down to Basil Reserve for a 11:40am start and find out!
