VFLW Match Report – Round 5 vs. Essendon

As the aeroplanes flew over our heads at The Hanger, Tullamarine, the Borough girls were getting ready for their game against Essendon. Conditions were perfect for both teams and the Borough girls were eager to get out onto the field.

It was only 6 minutes in when Essendon had one goal and one behind on the scoreboard. The pressure was on for the girls as they had met their match.

“We really knew Essendon had a similar side to us and we knew that they were going to be really strong in the contest.” Coach, Lachlan Harris explained to Port Melbourne media post-match.

Although Essendon are a strong team, it wasn’t long until Emily Harley kicks her contested mark straight through the goals.
The girls were back in front when Holly Bailey hands it off to Clair Dyett allowing her to kick a great goal. Emily Harley adds to the score by being back in front of the goal square to score the girls their third goal of the day. The girls had the lead. 18-7

Lachlan Harris also expressed his thoughts on the first quarter to Port Melbourne Media.
“The way we moved the ball inside forward 50 was pleasing compared to what we have done previously. We were able to get deeper entries and retain inside which gave us more opportunities from there. And our defensive method improved as the game went on.”

Second quarter led Essendon to score the first goal of the quarter putting the Borough girls back on their toes, but the Borough backline was still holding up well. With help from Sarah McNamara, Cleo Saxon-Jones was able to get the mark and add another goal to the score. With only a minute left in the quarter, Kate Adams kicked the ball off the ground and straight through the goals, bringing the girls total score to 5.1.31 and Bombers 2.1.13

At half time Lachie Harris talks to the girls about the game plan, ensuring the girls know what to do when they get back out on the field. Lachie Harris was happy with the outcome.
“For the most part our game plan did go to plan. We continue to work on a consistent method and how we move the footy, how we defend and how we turn defence into attack.”

The girls get back out onto the field when the siren sounds for third quarter. Bombers were able to sneak another goal at the start of the quarter but with our front line pushing forward we were able to grab the ball again and bring it down our end. Cleo Saxon-Jones marked the ball that Sarah NcNamara assisted with and she bombed her second goal of the day. As the third quarter comes to an end the fight and pressure from both teams was at an all-time high as Lachie Harris explained to the Port Melbourne Media.
“Pressure was phenomenal at both ends so we knew they like to drive through the contest to be able to stay composed and take tackles as they are coming towards you, it’s really pleasing for them to be able to apply that back physically through our ball use and make them work back the other way.”

As fourth quarter comes around both Bomber and Borough girls are starting to look tired. With our midfield players pushing forward and applying great pressure, the Bombers were still able to break through and kick their fourth goal of the day. Pressure stays strong throughout the whole quarter and the Borough girls just couldn’t get a goal.

With the girls not being able to score in the last quarter Lachie takes time to talk about the critiques that could be made in the game.
“The way we move the footy at times, we didn’t make decisions that were beneficial for the team. To play good oppositions and to learn how to win in a competitive environment is a massive thing for us.”

The final siren sounds and with help from all the Borough girls on the field, we are able to secure yet another game, five for five!!

With the girls thrilled along with Lachie Harris, we thought we would ask Lachie who he thought were the standout players for the day.
“Pip Peschke was awesome, her ability in the midfield to stay composed in there. Thought Clair Dyett was really good, Hannah Mclaren and Cleo Saxon-Jones gave us a really good target up forward and Sarah McNamara in forward.”

With the pressure and fight from both teams, it was a great game to watch. Nothing can stop these girls!

A special thanks to Lachlan Harris for taking time after the game to talk to the Port Melbourne Media and giving us a great insight.

Article: Rhayne Philipson.

Image credit: Ben Johnstone (Gallivant Photography).