🔵⚪ Wildcats Show Fight Despite Defeat

Woodside's women's football side was unable to break through for a goal on Friday night, going down to Lindenow South 5.7 (37) to 0.2 (2) under lights at Lindenow.

The home side controlled much of the opening half, with playing coach Brodie Harris proving a major influence around goal and helping Lindenow South establish a match-winning lead.

While the scoreboard favoured the visitors, Wildcats coach Amanda Hancock was encouraged by her team's determination after the main break. Woodside held Lindenow South scoreless in the second half and created several scoring opportunities of their own, finishing with four genuine shots on goal.

"We were most pleased with the resilience shown in the second half where we kept them goalless," Hancock said.

"We were able to get ourselves into a position where we had four good shots on goal but were unable to convert. Those players are only a few games into their football careers, so we're very proud of the effort."

Leah Soffels impressed through the midfield and forward line, showing signs she could develop into a key target inside 50, while 16-year-old Manawa Apiota battled hard through heavy attention from the opposition to collect more than 30 disposals.

Captain Jackie Chan was instrumental in turning defence into attack, Lydia Trotta provided plenty of run, Marley Johnston stood tall in defence, and Demi Radford was given important shutdown roles on several Lindenow South key players.

The Wildcats now turn their attention to an important stretch of four home games. Hancock is excited by the prospect of welcoming several players back into the side, with Mea Perkins, Laura Johnston, Laura Hanratty (Foat), Talesha Neill, Bek Poynton and Lexie Frances all expected to become available in coming weeks.

Woodside's have a bye this weekend and followed by a big one against competition heavyweights Boisdale-Briagolong on June 28.

The Wildcats are encouraging the local community to get behind the side as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.

Youth Girls

Woodside  1.0  6

Bairnsdale 11.0 66

 Woodside best: Esther Hinkley, Lexie Francis, Aroha Anderson, Emily Hustwayte, Zoe Hustwayte, Sydney Kee

Woodside goals: Tahlia Foat

 Bairnsdale dominated the Woodside youth girls with a clinical display of football The Bairnsdale team held the home side goalless in the first half while kicking five goals six points themselves. 

The Home crowd erupted when Woodside, through Tahlia Foat,  finally got on the scoreboard.