The Eastern Devils have defied predictions of a tough 2015 season with an upset victory over Melbourne Uni in Round 1 of the VWFL.
Inspired by six goals from Sarah Perkins and a dominant ruck display from Elizabeth Kearney, the Devils charged to a 35-point win 11.8 (74) to Melbourne Uni 5.9 (39).
Perkins was super impressive playing one-out in the forward 50 and changing in the ruck, part of three-pronged forward set-up.
With Sarah D’Arcy and Steph Carrol presenting across half forward, Perkins was able isolate her opponent and win the one-on-one battles.
New captains Jessica Foster and Meg Hutchins also played crucial roles, a point coach Brendan Major was keen to highlight.
“Meg and Jess were voted in as joint captains last week and after losing our long-time skipper last year to retirement, it was great to see them take charge,” Major said.
“Jess has swapped from defence to attack this year and is a really smart footballer who put on plenty of defensive pressure, while Meg was great at centre half back.”
But it was Perkins and Kearney who received the biggest wrap from their coach.
“Beth and Sarah have both put in huge pre-seasons and their hard-work really paid off on Sunday,” Major said.
“It was a really important win for us and to learn while you’re winning is a massive positive.”
After a tight opening term, the Mugars struggled to match the Devils’ intensity after quarter time despite the best efforts of Kaitlyn Ashmore and hard nut Emma Kearney.
Catherine O’Bryan was also outstanding, while the explosive Elle Blackburn booted a team-high two goals.
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Darebin outmuscles Diamond Creek
The Grand Final rematch proved to be another engrossing encounter despite Darebin eventually overcoming Diamond Creek by 39-points.
The Falcons increased their lead at every change but struggled to shrug off a dogged Diamond Creek for much of the afternoon.
Jess Dal Pos and Jane Lange booted three goals each, while Aasta O’Conner managed two, to be one of the Falcons’ best.
Elise O’Dea and Daisy Pearce were also in fine form in the engine room, driving the Falcons to comfortable win at the final siren.
Kirby Hicks starred for Diamond Creek and was well supported by talented tall Laura Corrigan.
Sharks overpower St Albans
Gun forward Moana Hope has wasted no time in stamping her authority on the 2015 season with a haul of nine goals in the St Kida Sharks’ Round 1 thrashing of St Albans.
Hope marked everything that came her way to lead the Sharks to emphatic victory, capitalising on the work of Phoebe McWilliams and Brittany Bonnici in the midfield.
The dynamic duo also bagged two goals each in the battle for best-on-ground honours.
Young gun Rebecca Quigley showed promising signs for St Albans, kicking her side’s only two goals, while captain Bree White proved why she is one of the best leaders in the female game with a four-quarter performance.
Last Modified on 14/04/2015 12:30