Football is finally back for Emmaus St Leo’s this weekend after a VAFA-wide bye due to the Queen’s birthday and it’s the women’s team kicking off proceedings as always with a game against Oakleigh away from home.
The Animalettes are feeling fresh and ready to attack the latter part of the season the only way they know how, with Animals spirit. Oakleigh headed into the bye off a 76-0 thrashing by UHS-VU at home and will be looking for redemption. It’s a new venue for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, who haven’t been to W.A Scammell Reserve before, and they’ll look to make it their own this coming Saturday.
It’s becoming the tale of the season, with Oakleigh sitting on 12 points and one rung above the Animalettes on the ladder. Oakleigh’s last win was against Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team at Bennettswood Reserve, and they’ll be hoping to use that to their advantage. A big win here for the Animalettes will have them jump the ladder and serve them well for team belief.
Another tale of the season seems to be the fact that the Animalettes are once again without a bench this week, with only 17 players named. In the backline is Bec Herne, Kayla Hetherington at fullback and Amy Ronchi, with support from Jess Dawson, Sally Hood and Dee Burden at halfback. Grace de Cesare and Ashleigh Morley will share the wings, Maddy Hogan is in ruck, with Shellby Lonie, Sam Hogarth and Shanelle Blachford at her feet. In the attacking half of the ground, Jess Evans, Shannon Harris and Kate Lucas are sitting at half forward, with Bridget Monaghan and Sheridan Harris sharing the full forward role deep. Among the notable outs are Claire Anderson, Sam Bridgland and Tara Ingham.
Passion is high for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team. There’s a clean slate with no history at Oakeigh’s home ground and the Animalettes will be looking to leave with the battle firmly won on their side. Is the lack of players likely to inspire some on field heroics? Will another backline player score a goal? Get down to W.A Scammell Reserve and find out! First bounce is at 9.20am.
