Footy’s finally back at Bennettswood Reserve for the second first time this year, and it’s an Emmaus St Leo’s traditional triple header, with the reserves and seniors welcoming Hawthorn, and the women taking on De Le Salle in the early morning slot. Elsewhere, the Animals Thirds are facing the Old Camberwell Grammarians at Gordon Barnard Reserve. The women’s team are fresh off a win, and are looking to take that form into Saturday’s game.
It was a round of firsts for Emmaus St Leo’s in round 7 when they took on Parkside, given it was their first game in division 4, they scored their first (of six) goal of the year and they came out victorious for the first time in season 2021. And while it’s been three weeks, that same Animals spirit that won them the game is alive and well, and very ready for the next challenge.
That next challenge is De La Salle, who come into Saturday’s game 3-2 after six games. Their most recent game against Parkdale was a 60-point loss, which means they’re on the hunt for a win and will be eyeing off knocking Emmaus St Leo’s off the winner’s list.
In selection news this week, Dee Burden and Sam Hogarth will start in the back pockets with gun Eilish Wallace taking up her usual spot at fullback, while centre halfback Bridget Crowe retains her position, and will be flanked by Eleanor Tunley and Emily Kerr. Ruck dynamo Molly Tancred will begin the game in the centre of the ground, and have Vic Holt, Maria Aloisi and Lilly Hutchison at her feet, and on the wings is Bridget Monaghan and Lilli Fogarty, with the latter making her return to football after a nasty shoulder injury. Susan Sohar and Ebony Ratcliffe will start at half forward, with the Animals’ favourite 2019 defender in Claire Anderson returning to club and to a new position in CHF. Deep in the forward 50 is Shannon Harris, with support in Emma Johnson and Ash Morley either side of her. On the bench is Taylia Hough, Dani Barton, Kiah Duncan, Sheridan Harris, Maddy Mazar and Megan Cheng.
For the first time this season, the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team is coming into a game off a win and even though it’s been three weeks, it’s still providing ample encouragement and excitement for those in the blue and blue. While spectators aren’t allowed at games this weekend due to strict COVID-19 policies, you can follow the Animals socials for all the information you need. The reserves and the seniors start at 11:40am and 2pm respectively, but it’s the women and the Thirds who open up proceedings for Emmaus St Leo’s at 9:20am on Saturday.