Another compelling win from the Rovers Women this week, who recorded a three point victory against Old Mentonians away.
It was a very evenly matched contest with heroes across the ground from both sides. We held them off for three quarters, but a dip in momentum as a result of some horrendous injuries had our lead slipping going into the fourth quarter. After a solid pep talk from Ned, we returned in the fourth ready to put our bodies on the line for the ladies who now couldn’t and came back with a roaring Rovers’ vengeance that meant all they got was a sniff.
Best on ground was Bec Stephens, a Prahran-based Interior Designer who absolutely slayed the house down with her speedy running efforts and confident kicks under pressure. She also showed some impressive versatility in different positions and I’m unsure if there’s anything she can’t do both on and off the field. Go Bec!
A special shout out to our midfielders who glided into battle like a tribe of fearsome Amazonian Wonder Women. Kristy Ebbott, Alba Skellern, Lizzie Dingledei and Emma Checkley were particularly unstoppable, barrelling through the packs and somehow coming out with the Sherrin in contest after contest. Steph Rogerson, Tarryn Hurst and Grace MacArthur were always there to greet them at half forward and, regardless of how many Mentonian defenders lapped at their heels, were always able to kick long under pressure with accuracy and pizazz. Catherine Devola kept up the pressure in the forward pocket and Sheedi Ferrari Brown used her height to dominate defenders.
Mentone were a quality side, and our defenders had their work cut out for them, but the practice we’ve been doing in marking contests really paid off. Bree Hurst spoiled the day for many a Mentone forward and Vic Cleary helped to change the pace of the game when turnovers happened in the back.
With only a couple of months of game day experience under our belts, both sides have already improved so much, and this was a point the Mentone captain reflected on when we all circled together at the end of the game.
It was a lovely moment of sportswomanship and unity, and just goes to show the new type of sisterhood the opportunity to play has created.
On that note, something that makes Women’s Footy really exciting is this feeling of being part of a story that’s still being written. Week-to-week our game is constantly evolving and new women are standing up and making their mark in a big way.
Who knows what type of team we’ll be, come Finals footy?
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.2 4.2 4.2 5.2 (32)
OLD MENTONIANS 0.0 1.1 2.4 4.5 (29)
Goal Kickers: S. Rogerson 3, S. Mihelyi, B. Hurst
Best Players: R. Stephens, S. Rogerson, K. Ebbott, C. McLaren, K. O’Brien, Z. Phillips
Report by Holly Clark
Meanwhile, the first ever VAFA Women’s Big V squad was announced on Monday evening with two Rovers players featuring. Congratulations to Sarah Cleary and Amy Cullen who’ve been named in the initial squad. The final team will take on AFL Goldfields in North Ballarat on July 9. View the full team here >
