A record-breaking year for the Women has been anything but soured by a 12-point elimination final loss to Preston on the weekend at W.R. Ruthven Reserve. Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreboard, the Animals still left the field winners and with their heads held high after an incredible season to be proud of. 

With the support of the men’s squad and a whole Animals contingent filled with family, friends and past players, the Women were out of the blocks early. Impressive work was done in the midfield as the forward line saw much of the ball, but they were unable to capitalise, until a textbook Paige Hill play saw her attack the ball at full speed, tap it to advantage before steadying to kick the Animals’ first goal of the game, and just quietly, their first goal ever in a final. The Women’s backline unit held up strong to take a three-point buffer into the first break after limiting Preston to just three behinds.

After such an intense first term, lapses in concentration during the second saw Preston take full advantage, getting two quick goals on the board, with the Animals struggling to match their speed through the middle. With a ten-point difference between the teams, much of the third quarter was spent on the far wing, as throw ins and ball ups signified the amount of pressure both teams were matching on the opposition’s ball carriers, with one behind to the home side the only score. 

Aware that it was potentially the last time they’d take the field for 2023, the Animals dug deep in the last quarter as all 25 players left nothing in the tank. Taking things into her own hands, an Ashton Billing bomb from 40m out bounced in front of Preston’s tactical goalkeeper to trickle in for the Women’s second goal of the game, but ultimately the deficit proved too large after another opposition goal allowed them to keep their noses in front until the final siren. 

Familiar names in Billing, Ash Curtis, Elli Haylock, Sam Hogarth, Tegan Murphy and Clover Hart make up the best players list, all six of them playing their roles to perfection as they have done all season. 

With strong foundations well and truly built in 2023 through connections on and off field, there is no telling where this Wattle Park Women’s side can go next year. 

WP 2.0.12

PRE 3.6.24