Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review- UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Inner West Magpies

Written by Lucas Holmes

 

The UNSW-ES Bulldogs were defeated by four points in a tight contest by bitter rivals Sydney University in Round 1. Whilst Inner West had a convincing 62 point win over the UTS Bats in their round 1 matchup.

 

First quarter

Under the sun-drenched Marrickville sky play got underway and Inner West didn’t waste any time in going forward.

Georgina McDonnell received a handball from ruck Deanna Darwell and launched the ball inside the forward 50. However, Mattison Ball laid a strong tackle on Gillian Behan and the Bulldogs comfortably transitioned the ball out of defence.

The Magpies continued to apply pressure in their forward half and finally took advantage six minutes into the quarter.

From a stoppage between the half-forward flank and centre wing, Inner West moved the ball back into the centre corridor through Eloise Carey and Leanne Behan. Behan’s kick found Rebecca Pritivelli on the half-forward flank who looped a handball to Gillian Behan. She changed direction and kicked to the advantage of Jasmine Smith at the top of the goal square. Smith made no mistake with the set shot from point-blank range.

An act of ill discipline led to the Bulldogs’ first goal. UNSW- ES surged forward from a boundary thrown in on the centre wing. Willow Smith claimed a mark on the half-forward flank where Darcy Elliston ran over the mark giving the forward/ruck an easy chance at goal.

Goals to Eleri Morris and Senna Gulden rounded out an even first quarter.

Quarter time UNSW-ES Bulldogs 2.1.13 Inner West Magpies 2.0.12.

 

Second quarter

It didn’t take long for Inner West to strike in the second term.

They were able to manufacture a turnover in the middle of the ground. Smith took a contested mark just inside the forward 50 and immediately went short to Gillian Behan in the pocket. Despite the greater angle, Behan finished with class, and the Magpies were back in front.

Behan had her second moments later. From a ball up deep inside the forward 50 Smith’s double-handed tap found Behan in stride, who got rid of one opponent then snapped from the top of the goal square.

Just as Inner West threatened to take the game away from the Bulldogs Smith kicked her second goal of the game from another 50-metre free-kick.

UNSW-ES for the first time had repeat entries inside their forward 50, but it was the Smith, Gillian Behan combination doing the damage at the other end once more.

In almost identical fashion to earlier in the quarter, Smith’s tap found Behan who busted through two tackles and snapped from 25 metres out.

A goal to the Bulldogs closed the margin to an even goal at the main break

Half time UNSW-ES Bulldogs 4.2.26 Inner West Magpies 5.2.32.

 

Third quarter

Just like the finish to the second quarter, UNSW-ES started with a major with only two minutes on the clock.

Privitelli (who spent the majority of the time as a high half-forward) drifted back to help the Magpies in defence. Her attempted switch inside the defensive 50 was intercepted by Gabrielle Anthony. Anthony’s short pass found Georgia Voura who converted from 30 metres out.

The Magpies did extremely well through the middle period of the quarter, as they soaked up waves of Bulldog pressure. As they only conceded four behinds.

However, Inner West would ultimately kick the last goal, deep into the quarter.

Following a short kick on the centre wing, Gillian Behan followed up and smothered a UNSW-ES kick. McDonnell kicked high and another display of athleticism by Smith as she took a diving mark just outside the goal square.

For all of UNSW-ES momentum through the third term, Inner West wrestled that back (and the lead) as the final quarter arrived.

Three quarter time UNSW-ES Bulldogs 5.6.36 Inner West Magpies 6.2.38.

 

Fourth quarter 

The early part of the final term was played between the arcs, as Sera Kaukiono and Erin Lorenzi swept for their respective teams.

But it was Kaukiono’s error by foot that led to an Inner West goal.

Leanne Behan chopped the ball off on the attacking side of the centre square. Chain handballs from Siobhan Greevyv and Lael Kassem opened the space for Gillian Behan who strode in and kicked her fourth goal.

The game was not over yet, however. As the Bulldogs struck back with 16 minutes elapsed. Xanthea Krochmal floated across a marking contest and bought the ball to ground level. Matilda Friend swooped on the loose ball, firing a handball back to Gulden.

Gulden’s rushed kick inside the forward 50 was to the advantage of Maddy Hendrie who drew in the last defender leaving Smith to kick her third goal.

Clare Caitcheon added Inner West’s eighth goal late in the term to seal what was a highly entertaining contest at Henson Park.

Full time UNSW-ES Bulldogs 6.7.43 Inner West Magpies 8.3.51. 

 

After a slow start to the match, Sera Kaukiono was arguably the Bulldogs’ best with her work across half-back. Maddy Hendrie impressed as a tall target whilst Hayley Stanford made a solid all-round contribution.

For Inner West, Erin Lorenzini played a similar role to Kaukiono at the other end. Gillian Behan was electric in the forward half as Jasmine Smith impressed both in the ruck and whilst she rested deep in the forward 50.

 

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 6.7.43

Goal kickers: W. Smith 3, G. Wendelin 2, G. Voura

Best: S. Kaukiono, G. Voura, S. Gulden, S. Phillips, E. Blades, M. Friend

 

Inner West Magpies 8.3.51

Goal kickers: G. Behan 4, J. Smith 2, C. Caitcheon, E. Morris

Best: K. Henry, L. Behan, G. Behan, G. McDonnell, J. Smith, K. Singleton