It’s a brand-new challenge for the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team in the form of Parkside in their first game in their new home of Division 4. Final confirmation came through from the VAFA and after a few back-and-forths with the Red Devils themselves, the Animals will make their divisional debut at McDonell Park at the unusual time of 10:40am. Elsewhere, the Thirds are the only Animals at home at Bennettswood Reserve this weekend as they take on the Old Camberwell Grammarians at the 9:20am, and the reserves and seniors will head to Canterbury Sportsground in some good form to face Canterbury.
Coming into the game is fresh start for an Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team who couldn’t find their footing in Division 3 despite showing sparks of potential in the five games they played to begin the year. Parkside have spent their year in Division 4 already but remain in a similar boat to the Animals, despite having two wins on the board already.
Team selection has Eilish Wallace at fullback, with Dee Burden and Sam Hogarth providing support on the flanks, and Eleanor Tunley, Bridget Crowe and Taylia Hough at halfback. Susan Sohar and Ash Morley will run the wings, while inside Mel Barlow, Maria Aloisi and Vic Holt will be at Molly Tancred’s feet. At half-forward sits Emily Kerr, Aisha Fairweather and Bridget Monaghan, while Maddy Mazar, Allie Lemchens and Brooke Bishop will start deep in the attacking 50. Rounding out the team is Emma Johnson, Shannon Harris, Sheridan Harris, Dani Barton, Celine Khong and Lilly Hutchinson who will all start on the bench.
The Animals are back in the blue and blue this week as their bye meant that the last game they played was in the annual pink guernseys for Mother’s Day. Parkside are going to present a challenge, but Saturday’s game is a huge opportunity for the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team to prove their capabilities in a new division. Will a new division finally make the Animals click? Who will kick the first goal of the year? Get down to McDonnell Park to watch your favourite Animals and find out! First bounce is at 10:40am.