Wildcats Celebrate Milestone and NAIDOC Round in One-Sided Victory
Woodside's Open Women's side celebrated vice-captain Jackie Chan Tie's 100th game in style on Saturday, producing its highest score of the season with a dominant 10.14 (74) to 0.0 (0) victory over Nar Nar Goon.
While the scoreboard reflected Woodside's superiority, the result was underpinned by a strong show of sportsmanship after Nar Nar Goon made the trip with just 11 players. The Wildcats, who had a full squad available, loaned seven players to ensure both sides fielded 18 players throughout the match.
Coach Amanda Hancock praised the visitors for their commitment and the spirit in which the game was played.
"We have huge appreciation for Nar Nar Goon for making the trip over with 11 players," Hancock said.
"Thankfully we had a strong squad available, so we were able to ensure they fielded 18 and so did we. The game was played in great spirit."
The day also featured a moving NAIDOC Week celebration before the opening bounce, with local Elders Ray Young and Aunties Bonnie and Tracey addressing both teams about the significance of the occasion.
"We felt some importance in connecting with female Aunties local to the area," Hancock said.
"Both were gifted Woodside merchandise, which they wore with pride."
On the field, Woodside focused on improving its forward connection and conversion, with Hancock pleased to see the side produce its most potent attacking performance of the season.
"Our main goal was to work on our forward connection and finish, which we felt we did. We kicked our highest score for the year," she said.
Laura Jonston led the scoring with three goals, while milestone player Jackie Chan Tie celebrated with two majors. Emily Hustwayte, Lydia Trotta, Demi Godenzie, Tahlia Foat and Emily Robertson each added a goal.
The unusual circumstances of sharing players created some entertaining moments, with Hancock laughing that at times the Wildcats found themselves battling teammates.
"It was a little bit comical as often the opponents were our own defending, such as Holly Jonston smothering her sister, or Laura Jonston driving through her own mother, Narice," she said.
Woodside's best players were Laura Jonston, Leah Stoffels, Tennille Leadoux, Lydia Trotta, Lexie Francis and Jackie Chan Tie, while Nar Nar Goon was best served by Aoife Benson, Ella Duncan, Mackenzie Lane, Lara Duncan, Bethanie Studd and Kate Penny. The Wildcats also presented a best-on-ground award to Nar Nar Goon's Tameka Schroen.
Attention now turns to a crucial clash with Moe this weekend, with plenty at stake for the finals-bound Wildcats.
"We next look forward to a very important game against Moe at home, which will precede our Reverse Raffle event," Hancock said.
"If we win this game, we put ourselves into an opportunity to potentially finish second on the ladder, which gives us a second chance in the finals."
