Ex-pats playing the Aussie Game

2011 Matchday Comments

2011 Matchday Comments


27th May - Round 5 vs Balmain Dockers:

Playing against the current leaders was always going to be a tough one, especially a team with the height they have for our team of many leprechauns.

Despite this we had a teamlist of 24 which got many excited, well until matchtime.  Only 18 were able to take the field, and put on a solid effort.

We took the first quater to find our feet, and though we lacked some tight makring in defense, had only let in 4 goals from a team containing last years golden boot winner.

A bit of a rark up from the coach at quarter time and we showed some of the flair and skill that we really do have, playing our style of footy.  A well worked goal through Mags, and a better defensive effort had them only scoring 1 goal, 2 behinds.

After the break, we again took our game to them.  All players stood up, and even young Alex on debut made a great atckle after chasing down a state player and dislodging the ball from her hands.  Too quick and effective was the tackle that even the umps had no time to award the free kick.  We attacked in numbers, thoguh were unlucky to not score, while the defense held strong and only a couple of goals slipped through.

Not having a bench to rotate players again took its toll, and the fourth quarter saw us run out of legs.  Sadly we lost Nini in a terrible incident on one of the now many sandpatches (anyone for beach volleyball?).  Grabs stood strong against a very tough opponent time and time again, but it was not enough, as their legs had more run in them and they exposed the gaps in defense and slotted over another 5 goals, which made the scoreline look very much in their favour but did not reflect the closeness of the game that went on actually on the field. Anotehr highlight was a great mark from our other debutant, Maria in the middle of the pitch.  Exciting youngsters, now joining the ranks.


Ninin did take the trip to the hospital, and the good news is that she is not as bad as we thought, though will still be out of action for a few weeks.  We wish her a most speedy return, and she will certianly be missed on the pitch, such has been her contribution so far.


Final score 84-6.


For a team as experienced as Balmain are, and with the talent they have to rotate through positions, we really took it to them, and our never say die attitude is inspiring.  They are a team worthy of kicking 8-10 goals a quarter, so that shows just how much pressure we applied, and how well our girls did, regardless of the score.  Tops Effort Lads.


Best n Fairest: Rikki, Sandra, Carol...and some. Will get stats very soon.

Goals: Mags 1-0.



30 April  -  Round 1 vs UNSW Eastern Stingrays:

We have had the toughest start to a season on record.  With there being only 15 players available, a quick ring around to gain some interest from retired players to pop back for another match saw us turning up with only 17 players for our round one match against our 2010 foes Easts.

The new rules and playing structure in SWAFL means all teams must match numbers for the first 9 rounds.  That was some consultation, as we thought but after discussing playing numbers we then took to the field missing one who had slept in and thus the task in front of us grew bigger.

Playing one man down and without a bench, and with a few players on debut was no easy feat, though we did hold steady for the first half, and showed some of the irish style of play we did get the ball into our forward line.  Birthday girl Rissy came very close to scoring early on and managed to bag a goal in the second quarter to start her celebrations for a most memorable day.  Yes the cut lip and bump on the head will never be forgotten.

Fatigue set in during the second half and things got even tougher in the last quarter as we finished the match with only 15 players, due to Cara's prior engagement, and hence the score did blow out a little, not showing the grit and determination of all the players invovled.


Final score was 67-15.


Carol and Gil were again standouts in the damp conditions, supported by some class acts around them, and teamed up well with our new Irish players, to show how much potential we have, if we can get all players there on the one day.


A big well done to the new players who did turn up, (Donna you do owe us all a beer for your sleep in), and a huge thanks to Cara and Woody for dusting off their Shamrock gear and making sure we did not have to forfeit the first match of the year.


Best n Fairest Results: Carol 29, Gil 18, Woody 8, Mags 4, Ricki 3, Dani 3, Cara 2, Nini 1, Kiwi 1, Tara 1

Goal scorers: Riss 1-1=7, Gil 1-0=6, Stax 0-1=1, Kiwi 0-1=1