Wildcats show plenty of fight against reigning premiers
Woodside's Open Women's side produced another determined performance despite going down to reigning premiers Boisdale-Briagolong 1.6 (12) to 1.2 (8) in a hard-fought North Gippsland Football-Netball League clash.
The Wildcats matched the competition benchmark from the opening bounce, with both sides locked at 0.1 (1) apiece at quarter time. The defensive pressure remained intense throughout the opening half, with Boisdale-Briagolong holding a slender three-point advantage at the main break, 0.3 (3) to 1.2 (8), after Manawa Apiata kicked Woodside's only goal.
The visitors' defence continued to stand tall through the third quarter, restricting the premiers to just one behind, but Woodside was unable to add to its half-time score. Boisdale-Briagolong's experience eventually proved the difference in the final term, with the home side kicking the game's only goal to seal a four-point victory.
Coach Amanda Hancock praised her side's commitment against one of the league's toughest opponents.
"It was a very hot contest from the first bounce and our message to the group was to stay in the contest and keep the pressure high, knowing that we would create opportunities forward," Hancock said.
"Our defence stood strong again and while some of our defenders are first-year players, we were assisted with the experience of Demi Radford and Talesha Neill.
"Boisdale have some excellent experienced players who stood strong behind the contest all game and that definitely assisted them in the last quarter."
Kara Askew, Laura Johnston, Laura Foat, Demi Radford, Mea Perkins and Marley Johnston were named among Woodside's best.
Hancock singled out several players for their outstanding efforts, highlighting Perkins' relentless defensive pressure.
"Mea Perkins has our highest tackle count in most games," she said.
"Laura Foat went through the ruck and despite giving up height to Elliana Edwards and Zan McCall, she contests incredibly well and then becomes a pressure midfield option for us.
"Kara Askew is becoming one of the hardest-working players in the competition and is crucial to our future success."
Despite now enduring a four-game winless run, Hancock said the group remained focused on long-term improvement rather than short-term results.
"It's not easy going four games now without a win for the girls; however, we remind them it's part of the journey to success," she said.
"While we may not be coming away with the wins against these top sides, we continue to grow and develop as individuals and as a team."
The Wildcats will also use next week's match to further develop their playing group.
"The focus next week is on the players who didn't get the opportunities in game time against Boisdale. We want to continue to develop our whole squad and give all players the ability to impact the final few games," Hancock said.
Final score
Boisdale briag 1.6 12
Woodside 1.2 8 - -
Woodside Best: Kara Askew, Laura Jonston, Laura Foat, Demi Radford, Mea Perkins, Marley Jonston
Woodside goal Manawa Apiata
Youth girls
Woodside 5.6 36 Boisdale Briagolong 1.3 10
Woodside best: Esther Hinkley, Manawa Apiata, Zoe Hustwayte, Lexie Francis, Tennille Leadoux, Emily Hustwayte
Woodside goals Zoe Hustwayte 1, Manawa Apiata 2, Tahlia Foat 2.
