Wrest Point TSLW Round 8 Wrap
Round eight of the Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s season saw Burnie register their first win and Glenorchy defeat Clarence in tough playing conditions, writes TSL W Digital Reporter Olivia Clayton.
Sunday 17th June
Burnie v. Tigers (Wivenhoe Showgrounds) – 1:00pm
Burnie registered their first win of the season in round eight at Wivenhoe Showgrounds, defeating the Tigers 8.4 (52) to 4.3 (27).
In a tough contest, both sides managed one goal and two behinds in the first quarter before Burnie broke the game open in the second to take a 25-point lead into the main change.
The Tigers were the only team to score in the third quarter, managing a behind as the contest tightened up again.
Both teams kicked two goals in the fourth term, but the damage had already been done, with the Dockers recording a 25-point win and getting on the winners list for the first time in 2018.
Burnie’s goal scorers were Hannah Martin and Emma Humphries with three, and Lauren Stevenson and Kaytlyn Johnson with one each.
Emma Humphries and Emily Doig led the way for the Dockers, with coach Richard Mulcahy particularly impressed by the leadership and skillful presence of AFLW star Emma Humphries.
“It was a great team effort by the girls, they all did their bit on the day. Emma Humphries was the standout, her elite kicking and running ability is an inspiration to the girls from both teams.”
In what has been a difficult season results-wise, Mulcahy was delighted for the playing group.
“It was a fantastic result for the young group after the year we have had so far.”
“Sunday’s game was a good even contest for the most part. We kicked five goals to one with a two-three goal wind in the second quarter. [It was a] great effort to keep them goalless with the wind in the third.”
Tigers coach, Brad Willis, agreed that the Dockers were the better side on the day.
“[Burnie] made better use of the wind, particularly in the second quarter and deserved their victory.
“Normally there isn’t much between the two sides, but the inclusion of AFLW player Emma Humphries and some talented Ulverstone youngsters was enough to tip the scales on this occasion. Humphries used her pace to break the lines,” Willis said.
“For us, Marla Neale won a heap of contested football and tackled strongly. Liarna Reid rebounded brilliantly from centre half back and Gilly Millar was a reliable target up froward. First gamer Meg Wilkinson showed great promise in the ruck and was very composed with ball in hand.”
The only injury for the Tigers was Roxann Tyler. Willis stated that “Roxy Tyler was concussed in the first quarter and took no further part in the game – she will be assessed on Wednesday.”
The Tigers remain in fourth position on the ladder, after having played one extra game, and having a slightly higher percentage than Burnie who is currently sitting fifth after their first win of the season.
Burnie will take on Clarence at Geilston Bay in round nine, while the Tigers host reigning premier Launceston at the Twin Ovals.
Burnie Football Club 1.2 6.3 6.3 8.4 (52)
Tigers Football Club 1.2 2.2 2.3 4.3 (27)
GOALS
Burnie Football Club: H. Martin 3, E. Humphries 3, L. Stevenson, K. Johnson
Tigers Football Club: M. Green, G. Millar, M. Neal, J. Mather
BEST
Burnie Football Club: E. Humphries, E. Doig, K. Johnson, H. Martin, S. Sanderson, C. Chandler
Tigers Football Club: L. Reid, M. Neal, L. Ellis, K. Baker, G. Millar, J. Murphy
Sunday 17th June
Glenorchy v. Clarence (KGV) – 2:00pm
Glenorchy made it two from two over rival Clarence in season 2018, running out 4.2 (26) to 2.5 (17) winners in tough conditions at KGV – backing up a 20-point win over the ‘Roos earlier this season.
In tough, wet conditions, neither side kicked a goal in the opening term, with Clarence ending the first term with a slight two-point advantage.
Clarence went on to kick the opening goal of the day via recent North Melbourne AFLW signing Maddy Smith, who was playing in her first match back after spending time on the sidelines due to injury.
Nietta Lynch scored Glenorchy’s first goal after being awarded a free kick soon after before Zabreena Manjerovic dribbled the ball through on the eve of the half time siren to hand the Magpies a slim four-point lead heading into the third quarter.
Sandy Eaton increased that to a ten-point lead less than 90 seconds into the third quarter before Gemma Terry kicked her first, and what would eventually be the Magpies’ final goal for the day later in the third term.
Maddy Smith chipped away at Glenorchy’s 15-point lead in the final term, booting her second – and the only goal of the final term.
Two behinds to Glenorchy and a Jacinta Limbrick minor score eventuated in the Magpies holding on to record a nine-point victory.
Clarence coach, Andy Smith, noted that “it was a very poor standard due to weather and ground conditions, [but we were] just happy to get through injury free.”
Rachel Archer and Hannah Scott were the Roos top two best players for the match, while Smith was also impressed by young gun Tahlia Bortignon, who was named in the ‘Roos best.
“Tahlia Bortignon who is in the under 18 Allies team played well; her first game in the TSLW,” Smith said.
Bortignon impressed for the Allies in the AFLW Under 18 State Championships earlier this month, being named in the best players for both games against NSW/ACT.
Glenorchy coach, Craig Grace agreed that although the match was hampered by the conditions, it was a good hit out for both sides.
“Sunday’s match was played in very wet conditions and was a real slog for both teams. It was a very physical game but played in the right spirits.
“The game was close for most of the day and it was pleasing our players stepped up at the right time to get the win. As pleasing as the win was we understand the season is only at the half way mark and grand finals are not won in June,” Smith said.
Grace said the team have only “a few minor injuries but with the bye this week we expect to have everyone available for our next game, including arguably [our] best player this year in Sarah Skinner who missed the match against Clarence.”
The top two best players for the ‘Pies were Zabreena Manjerovic and Tahlia Strong. Manjerovic scored her first goal of the season after only playing four games so far, while the performance of Tahlia Strong also stood out to Grace.
“Tahlia Strong a first year player, coming up from Claremont under 17’s, really impressed and showed she has a great future for someone so young,” he said.
Thomasa Corrie also played her 50th game for the club in round eight.
Glenorchy retain top position on the ladder, two wins clear of Clarence who is currently sitting in second.
Round nine will see Clarence play Burnie at Geilston Bay, while Glenorchy has a week off with the bye.
Glenorchy Football Club 0.0 2.1 4.1 4.2 (26)
Clarence Football Club 0.2 1.3 1.4 2.5 (17)
GOALS
Glenorchy Football Club: Z. Manjerovic, S. Eaton, N. Lynch, G. Terry
Clarence Football Club: M. Smith 2
BEST
Glenorchy Football Club: Z. Manjerovic, T. Strong, N. Lynch, R. Siely, G. Terry, B. Barwick
Clarence Football Club: R. Archer, H. Scott, B. Scott, K. Johnson, J. Farrow, T. Bortignon
