Playing with six new players against a very physical Ormond line-up, the Tiger Girls made a solid start matching their stronger opponents throughout the first quarter, The unfortunate loss of centre half back Brydie Steinfort who suffered a badly broken leg as a result of a crude tackle ten minutes into the first quarter seemed to take their momentum away. After the injury time interruption the Tigers found it difficult to get their systems and structure back, conceding three goals whilst adding a solitary behind. After the long break some of our least experienced players started to influence the game with Paige Knapton breaking through packs and gaining valuable possession. She was supported by her sister Taylor pushing out of defence and creating opportunities for Mikala Sykes to keep the ball moving and matching Ormond for scoring opportunities. On a day where we had no tall players and lost all but two ruck taps, the discipline and system of the Tiger Girls meant they won almost 60% of clearances.
The last quarter the Tigers were asked to stop the opposition momentum and players put forward some suggestions in the huddle, which they followed and slowed the physical Ormond girls to a few opportunistic shots on goal early in the last quarter. There were a few highlights with Dani May taking a great overhead mark deep in the defensive 50metres, The smallest player on field, Monica Tran, laying another of her trademark run-down tackles. This game has given the girls something to learn from and take into next week’s final Grading Round against an unbeaten Beaumaris, Saturday 29th April at Southern Road Reserve with the game starting at 11:40
Goals: Kate Dempsey, Bek Dee, Beth Hearn-Amy
Best: Paige Knapton, Beth Hearn-Amy, Mikala Sykes, Kate Dempsey, Taylor Knapton, Laura Summers