A competitive Wattle Park Women’s squad has fallen short against a well-drilled Old Carey side, ultimately going down by 43 points on an early and cold Melbourne morning. With notable absences and three debutants, the Animals held up well but weren’t able to capitalise on their moments of dominance.
The women in blue and blue got off to a good start in the first quarter, with a roving Paige Hill in the forward 50 kicking truly to get the first goal of the game, before the away side got their own major to make it equal going into quarter time. A goal to Sheridan Harris after a high free kick inside 50 was the only bright spark for the home side in a second term otherwise dominated by Old Carey, their nine scoring shots giving them a 15-point lead at the main break.
Despite the Animals’ best efforts, the second half of the game saw their opposition spend much of the time with the ball in hand and the Women were unable to match their speed through the middle of the ground and structures in the forward line. Four more goals were kicked from eight scoring shots to Wattle Park’s zero.
Coming up against a good side was always going to challenge the Animals but the silver lining for the Women was that it gave them the opportunity to figure out what they need to work on for the next game.
Jas Adern continues her impressive debut year for the Animals with a best-on-ground performance, while the ever-improving Ash Curtis joins on her on the list after a fierce four quarters on the field. Rounding out the best players is Ashton Billing, captain Eb Ratcliffe, Maddy Mazar and Lilly Hutchison.
Six rounds in, the Women sit sixth on the ladder with their two wins, four losses and a percentage of 51.80%.
WP 2.2.14
CAR 8.9.57