Goodlife Round 2 Women’s Match Report V West Adelaide

After 7 debutantes in Round 1 we went into Round 2 more settled with the return of AFLW player Renee Forth and the inclusion of debutant Marlie Fiegert (Henley).
Unfortunately, we once again had a slow start, allowing Westies to get the first points on the board on the back of a free and a 25m penalty. West were first to the footy early and peppered the goals throughout the quarter, generating 5 scoring shots before we had entered our FWD 50. Shineah Goody showed run and poise off the half back but we were unable to maintain possession. Late in the quarter Zahn Anthony took the game on and we were able to transition the footy quickly for our first entry. Astrid Gooley took the opportunity kicking a running goal and keeping us in touch, heading in trailing by only 4 points.

The second quarter saw West Adelaide once again attack hard and get first hands to the footy. We were slow to react and lost some confidence moving the footy, allowing West to break away and open a 4 goal gap. One highlight of the quarter was seeing first gamer Marlie Fiegert win the footy inside, creating a deep forward entry which finished with a snap goal to Amie Blanden.

In the third quarter, the Eagles picked up the pace and physicality of the game. Captain Annie Falkenberg led from the front, notching up five possessions and several 1%ers across the quarter. Amie Blanden was also influential with six possessions and 3 inside 50s. Youngsters Gooley and Goody once again showed pace up forward but were unlucky not to be rewarded for their work. Gooley weaved through traffic and managed to hit Nicole Collie on the chest in the goal square to kick the only major for the quarter.

On the back of winning the third quarter we moved into the fourth with some confidence that we could push for the four points. Shineah Goody kept the game alive, creating a scoring opportunity and slotting a goal from distance. Steph Walker worked herself into the game and Renee Forth created plenty of run out of the backline. Jamie Parish used her body well up forward and Megan Andresan laid a goal saving bump down back but West Adelaide once again got on top in contested possessions. We managed to get within 13 points but West were able to regain control heading into the final minutes, slotting 2 goals late to run out winners.

Next week we take on Glenelg at Hisense Stadium. We look forward to seeing the Eagle Supporters out there.