The top two teams of the Swisse VFL Women’s competition will do battle this Saturday, in a fight for first place.
Darebin, who sit undefeated on top of the ladder, will look to continue their 22 game winning streak, as they face second placed Melbourne University.
Melbourne Uni, the last side to beat the Falcons back in Round 2 last year of the VWFL Premier Division season, have lost just one game this season. Their six wins, by substantial margins, have stamped themselves as one of the heavyweights of the competition and a real contender for the inaugural VFL Women’s flag.
Darebin coach Jane Lange says her side are very aware of the talent the opposition possesses but wouldn’t draw upon the last time the team were defeated in the lead up to the game.
“We probably wouldn’t mention a loss that occurred last year, we just make sure we are talking about their strengths like we would any other game,” Lange said.
“I think every time we play Melbourne Uni they’re a really physical team. They have a strong midfield and love to play on and run and carry.
“So we’re probably going to look for those type of things - that are likely to occur again this weekend.”
Melbourne University coach Andrew Jago was also quick to praise his side’s opposition, dubbing them as the “yardstick” of the competition.
“They’re an exceptionally talented side – well coached, well drilled – they’ve been beaten once in the last three years so it’s a definite challenge,” Jago said.
“They’ll move the ball very smoothly, they keep possession of the ball and they work to their forwards very well. They’ve also got a very strong leading forward line.”
The top of the ladder clash will feature an array of high class talent, with 19 players from the recent AFL Women’s Exhibition games set to run out for both Darebin and Melbourne Uni this weekend.
Ten players – six from Darebin and four from Melbourne University – were teammates on the weekend for the Western Bulldogs, with Darebin’s Lauren Arnell and Karen Paxman leading the way with most disposals (27) for the match.
Melbourne Uni duo Emma Kearney and Nicola Stevens were also impressive – with both players racking up 17 possessions and working hard all day for their side.
The fact that players from both Melbourne University and Darebin have played alongside each other on a number of occasions has also impacted the preparation for the game from Lange.
“We just talk about it in the general sense – ‘this is what they’re good at, they’re really good at using both sides of their body, they love to run and carry or they’re great on the inside’ – whatever it is,” Lange said.
“The girls know each other - they’ve played for the state and in the Academy with each other. I’ve also coached with the Bulldogs and at the Academy, so I’ve had the opportunity to see those girls.”
While Jago also believes knowing the opposition players can be useful, he has a different outlook on the advantages.
“I’ve spoken to the girls about it – everything we’ve learnt about them, they’ve learnt about us,” Jago said.
“That will probably balance it out. So it certainly helps, but it helps them as much as it helps us.”
The Melbourne University coach says his side still has a lot of improvement to make before they are considered a top-two side, having gone down to St Kilda in Round 6.
Jago said he looks forward to the challenge of taking on the top team and using it as a crucial learning opportunity to see where his team is really at.
The Round 8 blockbuster kicks off at 11.15am this Saturday June 11 at Casey Fields. It is part of a double header with the peter Jackson VFL clash between Casey Scorpions and Collingwood.
The game will be broadcast on Girls Play Footy Radio.
CLICK HERE for the Round 8 Swisse VFL Women’s teams
Last Modified on 10/06/2016 15:16