Welcome to the start of the 2017 Northern Rivers season and what a long wait it has been. After a dramatic previous three weeks with the club having to go through a major flood recovery which it did in miraculous timing, the Swans were ready to hit the field for the Round 1, April 22 ANZAC Cup.
Round 1 was away to Ballina at Fripp Oval, and apart from the normal hustle and bustle of pre-game, the paperwork, the coaches instructions, players getting the feel back for another season, there was something else that was in the air that made the day ahead feel very different.
It wasn't the Dean Webb Cup Memorial guernseys the men were sporting as a temporary replacement till the new guernseys arrive, which by the way we were very grateful to Sean Webb for allowing us to use, it wasn't flash new footies hot off the delivery truck to replace the flood-damaged Sherrins used during pre-season, nor was it the return of Joey Mitchell to the coaching box after two years away, though it is great to have him back. So what was it?
Ahhhh of course, it was our women. Yes, our very own women's team who were starting to arrive prior to the men's starting time of 2 pm. Their arrival to our game has brought with it much fun, joy, hard work, dedication and a refreshing feel to the footy air, and we couldn't be more proud and happier to welcome our women onboard to this footy journey. Welcome to the Lismore Swans, and welcome to this world of Australian Rules Footy.
The Swans have worked for the last two years to make this day happen and we led the region in progressing this women's opportunity, and now was the day to put all that hard work onto the footy field. And boy, oops I mean girl did it live up to expectation. More on that game later.
Men's Game
Fielding a relatively new side than the Swans of the last two years with new Captain Shaun King, and Vice Captain Angus legoe, it was exciting to watch this new Swans outfit of 2017 take to the field for the first time. Although going down by 45 points, there was plenty of promise and positives to take out of the game. A lacklustre 2nd quarter which saw Ballina kick 5 goals to 1 was what ultimately lost us the game, however, the 2nd half was much better with the Swans piecing together some great defensive footy and transitioning well forward.
A fantastic goal from Andy James from the pocket from 45 metres out was a huge highlight of the day, and it was also his 50th goal for the club. Congratulations Andy.
Our two new Irish recruits in Eoghan and Tom were outstanding and will get better as the year goes on, plus not to mention all our other new recruits, plus those from the Casino Lions u17's team, who have shown some serious skills and have deservedly made the starting 22.
Women's Game
The best way to describe this game is 'intense'. From the first siren to start the game, to the final siren, it was edge of the seat stuff.
We led the entire game by only a few points with Elsa kicking our first and only goal, with others such as Captain Laura aka Turbo coming close.
There were plenty of highlights with so many fantastic defensive efforts from so many players, restricting Ballina's fresh legs with a full bench of 6 players, while we only had one player on the bench, with many players choosing to stay on despite injury. Ballina was relentless in attack peppering our goal for almost the entire second half, but our defensive stood strong, especially with a desperate match saving mark on the goal line by Emma E with only 30 seconds to go which saved the game from being stolen by Ballina.
We won the first ever Northern Rivers Women's League game and what a way to do it. No bench, under enormous pressure, and never giving up in producing amazing defensive efforts. This was a moment to savour and celebrate, and something which will definitely build enormous character in this squad.
Round 2 is at Mortimer Oval, Lismore on April 29.
11 am- Women's Game vs Ballina
1.20pm- Tribute to a Club Legend Neil Winterbon
2 pm- Men's Game
Our club welcomes everyone to join us for round 2 where we will remember the work and life of a club legend, friend and great family man Neil Winterbon.
Last Modified on 28/04/2017 14:19