In the Victoria 1 game at Domain Stadium Friday afternoon, Western Australia handed the Vic’s their first ever loss. The Victorian side had been unbeaten since the introduction of state representative football in the women’s game.
Two Sharks featured in the game with last years VWFL leading goal kicker Moana Hope kicking four for the Vic’s and long time Shark Phoebe McWilliams kicking one.
Congratulations to both Moana and Phoebe, the Sharks are super proud of your achievements.
FULL MATCH REPORT FROM VWFL WEBSITE
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They say all good things must come to an end.
Tonight Victoria’s unbeaten run at state level in women’s football was challenged and conquered by WA.
In a thrilling contest that saw the lead never extend further than 12 points, WA inflicted the first defeat on the Victorian women’s scoresheet, with a 8.4 52 to 7.6 48 win.
Daisy Pearce received best on ground honours for the Victorians with a never give up four quarter performance. She was joined in the best by defensive combination of Meg Hutchins, Emma Kearney and Kaitlyn Ashmore, and the tireless midfield work of Darebin Falcons pair Aasta O’Connor and Vic captain Mel Hickey.
Victoria got off to the best start possible with Ellie Blackburn opening the scoring and Moana Hope finishing the term with back to back goals to give the Vics an eight-point lead at quarter time.
Emma Kearney and Meg Hutchins were patrolling the back line helping restrict the WA movements forward.
After a promising start, a goalless second term saw Victoria trail by six points at half time.
Phoebe McWilliams quickly levelled the scores early in the third term, but back to back goals extended the WA lead to a match high 12 points, 16 minutes into the quarter.
Hope added her third goal just before three quarter time to set up a thriller at Domain Stadium, with only six points separating the two sides again at the final break.
After Premier Division leading goal kicker Moana Hope kicked her fourth goal of the game early in the final term, Victoria had regained the lead for the first time since a goalless second quarter.
An intense defensive period followed, with neither team able capitalise on entries inside forward 50.
WA however took the advantage when it counted, with back-to-back goals to Emma Swanson and Jessica Wuetschner to give the home side a 10-point lead with just four minutes remaining.
Victoria was staring down the barrel of its first ever defeat, but the Big V spirit that had seen them unbeaten at state level year upon year helped the team rally.
Kearney goaled to cut the margin to just four points with two-and-a-half minutes remaining in the game, and the unbeaten run was still a genuine chance to continue.
Entering the final minute Victoria once again pushed forward, but the WA backline was resolute in clearing the ball to help claim a memorable victory.
Well done to all players, coaches and support staff that represented the VWFL in WA.
Attention now turns to the Victoria versus NSW clash this Sunday (June 7) and Punt Road Oval.
WA 2.0 4.3 6.3 8.4 52
VIC 3.2 3.3 5.3 7.6 48
Goals:
VIC Moanna Hope (St Kilda) 4, Emma Kearney (Melbourne Uni) 1, Ellie Blackburn (Melbourne Uni) 1, Phoebe McWilliams (St Kilda) 1
WA Bowers, Wuetschner 2, Swanson, Frederick-Traub, Randall, Phillips 1
Best: Daisy Pearce (Darebin Falcons), Meg Hutchins (Eastern Devils), Emma Kearney (Melbourne Uni), Mel Hickey (Darebin Falcons), Aasta O’Connor (Darebin Falcons), Kaitlyn Ashmore (Melbourne Uni)