Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review – Sydney University V UNSW-ES Bulldogs

Written By Lucas Holmes

 

Recap

AFL Sydney returns after the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. In round 9 Sydney University was defeated by the ladder-leaders East Coast Eagles. Whilst UNSW-ES Bulldogs was defeated by premiership contenders Manly Warringah.

Considering the conditions, a highly physical yet entertaining match was played out. Despite having fewer chances inside their forward half, Sydney University made the most of their chances.

The Bulldogs didn’t give in all afternoon, their half-back line was particularly impressive as were some of their younger players.

 

First quarter

Sydney University started strongly at a windswept Sydney University Number One and had an opportunity to strike first. Clare Lawton sent University high inside the forward 50. After some defensive pressure by their forwards, Lauren Maneschi’s quick snap registered a minor score.

After some repeated forward 50 entries for the Bulldogs, they were rewarded with the first goal of the game after ten minutes. Teena Campbell roved a ball up a sent UNSW deep inside the forward 50. Xanthea Krochmal was rewarded for putting her head over the football and kicked the first from point-blank range.

The Bulldogs had a chance of kicking two goals in less than a minute, Emelye Blades punch found Campbell in stride. Campbell’s kick to a contest was roved but the quick kick was pulled for a minor score.

Quarter time Sydney University 0.2.2 UNSW-ES Bulldogs 1.1.7.

 

Second quarter

The Bulldogs picked up where they left off to begin the second quarter, but it was Sydney University who kicked the opening goal of the term.

A long kick from Louise Stephenson on the centre wing was able to get over the back inside the forward 50. Laven picked the ball up in stride and kicked low into the open goal square for the opening goal.

The rain started to take effect just after the Laven goal. Both sides had some opportunities inside their forward 50’s, although the majority of play was between the arcs.

Half time Sydney University 1.3.9 UNSW-ES Bulldogs 1.1.7.

 

Third quarter

After a deep inside 50 for the Bulldogs, Sydney University didn’t take long to hit the scoreboard to begin the third quarter.

Stephenson ran inside the forward 50 and attempted to find the vacant goal square. Kara Durante was first to the offline kick and was rewarded a free-kick as the Bulldogs defence attempted to rush the ball through. Durante converted the set shot from the acute angle as University had the opening goal of the second half.

UNSW had the opportunity to answer back straight away, Rachel Maenpaa sent the ball high to a contest looking for the impressive Blades. Blades who bought the ball to the ground was awarded a free kick for a push in the back. However, her set shot from just inside 40 metres fell short.

The middle part of the quarter was almost exclusively played in the Bulldogs forward half, Although University made the most of their opportunities as the third quarter drew to a close.

Isabella Gray intercepted the ball on the centre wing, her quick kick found Maenpaa in the middle of the ground. University was able to work an overlap inside their forward 50, a backwards handball to Georgia Mann who kicked off three steps to kick Sydney University’s third on the stroke of three-quarter time.

Three quarter time Sydney University 3.3.21 UNSW-ES Bulldogs 1.2.8.

 

Fourth quarter

The weather continued to wreak havoc as the fourth quarter got underway.

The Bulldogs had the first chance with no more than 90 seconds elapsed. Kohlrusch, who had been important to this point in the match, sent the ball to centre half-forward. A quick kick from Krochmal put the ball into the path of Campbell whose snap fell out of bounds on the full.

University then had two back-to-back entries inside their forward 50. Multiple strong tackles from Bulldogs defender Sera Kaukiono denied University from extending their lead.

Sydney University only added two minor scores in the fourth quarter, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the process.

Full-time Sydney University 3.5.23 UNSW-ES 1.2.8.

 

For Sydney University Louise Stephenson use by foot gave University the field position they needed. Laura Maneschi was also important around the ground.

UNSW-ES almost had the two best players on the ground, Emelye Blades was outstanding in the ruck but also gave the Bulldogs a target when she rested forward. Whilst Teena Campbell was superb around the stoppages, Sera Kaukiono was also crucial on the half backline.

 

Sydney University 3.5.23

Goal kickers: K. Durante, A. Laven, G. Mann

Best: C. Lawton, L. Stephenson, I. Gray, G. Mann, R. Kenny, A. Laven

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 1.2.8

Goal kickers: X. Krochmal

Best: T. Campbell, S. Kaukiono, K. Huybers, G. Voura, P. Tier, I. Hardwick