GWF - Wildcats record another win

singing the club song after another win. Photos courtesy Amanda

THE debut season of the Woodside Wildcats Open Female Football team could hardly have started better, with the side celebrating back-to-back wins and yet to concede a goal.

The Wildcats announced themselves in round one with a commanding victory over MDU on a rain-soaked track, keeping their opponents scoreless in an impressive first-up performance.

Confidence was high heading into round three as the team travelled to Nar Nar Goon, and the Wildcats again delivered a dominant display, returning home with a convincing 45-point win.

Coach Amanda Hancock said she could not be prouder of the effort and commitment shown by her players in the opening rounds.

“One of our key focus areas yesterday was two-way running,” Hancock said.

“We made it clear to the group pre-game that the side willing to run offensively and defensively all day would win the game, and the players responded really well.”

Hancock singled out Laura Hanratty, Jackie Chan, Annie Head, Klaudia Miller and Lydia Trotter for their relentless work rate across the ground, while Laura Johnston, Demi Godenzi and Kayla Bowden were influential in attack.

“Our forwards helped us achieve our highest score for the season so far,” Hancock said.

The Wildcats’ defensive unit has been a standout in the opening rounds, with the side holding opponents goalless through eight quarters of football.

“Our defence is standing strong and hasn’t conceded a goal in eight quarters now,” Hancock said.

Despite the unbeaten start, Hancock said there was still plenty for the side to improve on.

“We need to work on conversion because in the first two games we’ve kicked seven goals and 27 points,” she said.

The Wildcats now face their toughest assignment yet when they host league powerhouse Lindenow South in what will also be the club’s first-ever home game for the women’s side.

“Lindenow South has been a heavyweight in our league for several years now, so it will be a great challenge for the group,” Hancock said.

“Our backline will certainly be tested and our midfielders will be playing against some of the best players in the league.

“This week we’ll be focusing on goal conversion under pressure and lots of contested work.”

Hancock also called on the local community to get behind the team for the historic occasion.

“We certainly welcome the challenge of this next game and invite the community to come down and support the women’s team in this historic event being our first ever home game,” she said.

Results from their Round 3 match

Nar Nar Goon 0.1  1   Woodside  5.16  46

Woodside Best : Laura Foat, Laura Jonston, Demi Godenzi, Emily Hustwayte, Lydia Trotta, Demi Radford

Woodside Goals: Demi Godenzi 3, Laura Jonston, Emily Hustwayte  1 each