Debutants shine, a skipper’s 100th: Div 3 Women’s R1 Review

The Division 3 Women’s season got underway early Saturday morning — a long pre-season for many clubs finally concluding.

Hathorn 5.10.40 def Mazenod 1.4.10

Celebrating their captain Tessa Bodin’s 100th game for the club, Hawthorn got off to a hot start against Mazenod kicking two goals to none in the first quarter. Mazenod clawed back to only be nine points down at the halfway mark however the Hawks kicked away in the second half winning by 30 points.

Hawks coach Aaron Miller lauded his teams group performance: “It was a terrific performance from my Hawks … I especially loved how it was solid team effort with contributions from every player.”

He also applauded the efforts of two debutants for the hawks. “Special mention to my bookends Genna (Krienke) at fullback who repelled a substantial amount of Mazenod’s inside 50’s and Molly (Goldsworthy) at full forward who has a ferocious attack on the ball… both players were on debut for the club.”

Mazenod coach Matt Foale mentioned how even the affair was off the scoreboard through the first three quarters. “Possession was shared equally throughout the first three quarters, with both teams having periods of control.”

“Hawthorn eventually kicked away from us in the last quarter on the back of their strong clearance work and outside run.”

Foale acknowledged Mazenod’s three debutants and their games. “Our three club debutants; Bec, Ash and Shelby all had significant contributions.”

Foale admitted there were plenty of learnings from the game to take forward. “Despite the margin, we took some real positives out of the match, and we look forward to seeing more improvement next week when we play our first home game of the season.”

Fitzroy 16.4.100 def Brunswick 3.1.19

Four-goal hauls from Olivia Phillips and Esther Boles helped Fitzroy off to a perfect start to the season beating Brunswick by 81 points.

Fitzroy coach Liz Olney was even more impressed with the win due to the large number of debutants that were part of it. “(We had) 12 girls playing first game for Fitzroy and five playing their first game of football ever.”

Brunswick coach Amy Dillon also applauded the Renegades own number of debutants. “An incredible nine debutants pulled on the Renegades jumper for the first time.”

Olney noted the way in which she is continuing a ‘fun footy” theme that has continued from last year, “making sure girls are enjoying their football, regardless of the scoreline by celebrating the small things.”

Olney also looked forward constructively: “lots of positives, but still lots to work on, after all it is still only Round 1 and it’s a long season ahead.”

Brunswick coach Amy Dillon mentioned some efforts from induvial players.

“A special moment came early with the return of Jolyn Collins, who made an immediate impact by kicking our first goal of the season… Co-captain Emily ‘Badsy’ Collins led from the front… Tahlia Hayes and Meg McNeel produced several standout efforts… debutant Cobie farmer (kicked) our third goal.”

“Fitzroy proved to be a strong and well-structured opponent”.

Dillon also thanked the whole Renegades team. “Everyone behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to get us on the park. Assistant coaches Andrew Keegan, Mae Lesley-Otti, and I are excited for what’s ahead now that the round 1 nerves are out of the way.”

De La Salle 8.11.59 def Old Haileybury 3.2.20

De La Salle got the win over Old Haileybury, on what was a huge day for the De La Salle Women’s program with a senior and reserves team running out for the first time.

De La Salle coach Andrew Donnison applauded the quality of the opposition as well as the way his team played. “Old Haileybury are a quality side. So, whilst we had the best of the first half on the scoreboard, we were made to work hard all throughout the game to combat their run.”

“It meant that our defence could get to work behind the ball and that the delivery to our forwards allowed them to get into space and create multiple scoring opportunities”.

Old Haileybury coach David Lappage acknowledged De La Salle’s experience against his team’s youth. “(De La Salle was) a bit too experienced for our young girls. They jumped us early, but it was an even second half with two goals each.”

He also mentioned two key contributors: “Shalyn Phillips and captain Jas Bettess battled hard all day on ball and key position players Zahra Clavarino and Ivy Compton were good too”.

Port Melbourne Chargers forfeit their Round 1 match against Albert Park, leaving Albert Park to take the points.