Women go down, but into Finals

 
The Rovers Women were defeated by Mazenod last Saturday evening at Boss James Reserve but have still qualified for the Finals which commence this Sunday. Meanwhile, Sarah Cleary has been named this week’s rising star.

The girls played their first twilight match at the Boss, running out onto the ground following the Seniors clash against Marcellin. In a low scoring affair, the Rovers went down by six points.

The game was almost split in two: the first half a windy affair in the Saturday arvo twilight, the second a prime-time thriller under lights. This really reflected how no team ever really was down for the count, the game was always there for the taking, and it felt like everyone was always on the brink of doing something great.

And the Rovers girls did! Nicky Clarke, Chloe McLaren and Gabby Samkova had some magnificent long kicks out of the centre. Sarah Cleary had some fabulous Jesaulenko ‘you beauty’ marking moments as our fearless and fabulous half back and Alia Slamet put in a best on ground performance as a constant source of impact at half forward! Lizzie Dingledei was also an absolute force to be reckoned with on the wing, sending one precariously close Hampton Rovers water runner sprinting for the hills to get out of the way in a sudden turnover.

In general, the ball movement across the ground was the swiftest it has ever been, and the girls should be really proud of how far they’ve come since the first home game under lights. The talk and team work at rucking contests was also fantastic.

With Melbourne Uni going down to Ajax, the Hampton Rovers have secured a spot in the inaugural VAFA Women’s Finals Series! What a great result for a flagship team, especially one emerging from a rough few weeks with numerous injuries to key players.

FINALS ACTION THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, the Rovers Women take on Old Mentonians away at the Mentone Grammar Playing Field in Keysborough, commencing at 11:00am. The two teams have met three times this season with the Rovers winning two and Old Mentonians one.

It’s an historic moment for the Hampton Rovers Football Club with the first girls team in our almost 90-year history playing finals which is a fantastic achievement. With no Senior action this weekend, we encourage all supporters to get along to Keysborough on Sunday to cheer on the girls.

We also invite all supporters to the club this Thursday evening for training and selection night. The bar will be open and dinner available. Hear what the team will be for Sunday!

CLEARY RECEIVES RISING STAR NOMINATION

Congratulations to Rovers defender, Sarah Cleary, who was named the Week 14 Anytime Fitness Rising Star nominee on the back of her outstanding display against Mazenod.

Sarah is a fast, agile, utility player who has the gift of being able to read the play, consistently putting herself in strong defensive positions from her regular post at centre half back or on the flank. Although her debut season has her playing as a backman, her future may be as a power forward due to her strong contested marking and textbook kicking technique.

Read the full story about her nomination on the VAFA website here >

PLAYER PROFILES & SPONSORS

The club takes this opportunity to thank our inaugural Senior Women’s Player Sponsors – listed below. A number of player images have now been added to the player profiles – click here to view them >