Wildcats Hold Off Fast-Finishing Lindenow South

Demi Godenzi and her Lindenow South oppenent battle for possession during a tense first quarter of football at Woodside.

THE Woodside Wildcats senior women continued their unbeaten start to the season on Sunday, holding off a fast-finishing Lindenow South to record a 5.4 (34) to 3.2 (20) victory in front of their home crowd.

Woodside set the tone early, controlling much of the opening half to build a handy lead before Lindenow South charged back into the contest after the main break. Despite the pressure, the Wildcats stood firm to improve to 3-0 for the season.

Coach Amanda Hancock said the side could not have asked for a better start to the year.

“We couldn’t be happier with the start we’ve had to the season,” Hancock said.

“Obviously on paper it looks great — three wins from three games — but we are more impressed with the connection amongst the group, the engagement in the program and the incremental improvements they are showing individually and as a group.”

The match marked the Wildcats’ first home game of the season, with Hancock saying the players had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to play in front of local supporters.

“We’ve been looking forward to playing at home for a while now and it was pleasing to show our local community what we are all about and for the girls to play in front of their families and friends,” she said.

“Whether we play away or at home the effort hasn’t changed, but you could certainly see the girls were very proud to play in front of their families and friends.”

Woodside’s improved finishing in front of goal proved important, with Hancock pleased to see the side capitalise on its opportunities.

“It was pleasing to see us convert a lot better in front of goal,” she said.

“One of the highlights was Kayla Bowden taking a great mark and kicking her first goal, which was super exciting for her.”

Teammates celebrate Kayla Bowden’s (no 10) first goal for the Wildcats.

Hancock said her players showed strong composure against quality opposition, particularly as Lindenow South lifted its intensity in the second half.

“We felt we took control of the game early but into the second half Lindenow South worked themselves back into the contest and dried up our ability to score, which is no surprise as they are a formidable opponent,” she said.

“For the group to stand up under the pressure of a side such as Lindenow was really promising. We know if we can at minimum stay right in the contest with these good opponents, that we will always keep ourselves in the game.”

The Wildcats again received strong contributions across the ground, with Marley Jonston influential in defence while Klaudia Miller worked tirelessly around the field to support teammates. Chloe Barlow and Jacqui Kohn both took important contested marks, while the midfield group continued to impress with its work rate and ball movement.

Jackie Chan was another standout for Woodside, with Hancock describing her as “solid as a rock” and capable of doing “what the game requires so we can stay in control.”

Kara Askew also made an immediate impact in her first game for the side, using her speed and pressure around the midfield.

Woodside also unveiled four youth girls during the match, with Hancock praising their performances.

“Aroha Anderson was strong down back, Lexie Frances was faultless, Emily Husthwaite is electric in the forward line and Sydney Kee is solid as a rock on the last line of defence,” she said.

Despite the strong start to the season, Hancock said there was still improvement left in the group.

“We are continually looking to improve our disposal efficiency as a team and how we link up when we head into our forward line,” she said.

The Wildcats now turn their attention to a major challenge against Moe this Sunday as part of Gather Round at the Traralgon Showgrounds.

“Moe are a strong opposition and we expect it to be a tough game, which we are really looking forward to as our next step in our journey,” Hancock said.