Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review – Inner West Magpies v Southern Power

Written by Lucas Holmes

 

The Inner West Magpies looked to bounce back after a round 8 loss to Macquarie University whilst the Southern Power were held scoreless by North Shore.

 

First quarter

The Magpies surged forward from the opening bounce as they looked to make the most of the ideal conditions under lights at Waverley Oval.

Jasmine Smith’s dominant tap went straight into the path of Eilish Sheerin. Sheerin fired a handball to Kiara Henry who sent the football inside the forward 50. Sheerin was front and square to the contest, but her shot went across the face of the goal for a minor score.

Sheerin made no mistake minutes later.

Henry intercepted from the Power’s kick out just inside the arc. A short handball was met by Hannah Mathews who kicked quickly to Elliston. Not having the time to take full possession Elliston cleverly tapped the ball onto Sheerin and Eilish ran into the open goal.

After Inner West had all of the football and territory in the first five minutes, Southern Power ground their way back and had their first soon after.

With the football in the left forward pocket, Kyla Tracey kicked the ball to herself along the ground. A quick handball from Madeline Parker enabled Tracey time and space to get a kick away. From the boundary line on her left side, she managed to sneak the football through.

Sheerin added her second before a 50-metre free kick gifted Clare Caitcheon a goal late in the first term.

Quarter time Inner West Magpies 4.3.27 Southern Power 1.1.7.

 

Second quarter

Southern Power made a tactical change at the quarter time break with the impressive Emily Eaves tasked to quell the influence of Sheerin at stoppages.

And after a strong finish in the first term, the Power picked up where they left off. A short clearance was collected in stride by Tracey who sent the football to space inside the forward 50. Tiana Marie was first to the contest, but her centring ball was swept away by the Magpies’ defence.

Inner West made the most of the first trip forward of the centre after four minutes of elapsed time. Sarah Tutt took a mark just outside the forward 50, a marking infraction led to a 50-metre free kick. Tutt converted from point-blank range and the Magpies had their fifth.

Smith continued to dominate in the ruck and Inner Wests’ defence held firm as they kept the Power scoreless in the second quarter.

Half time Inner West Magpies 5.5.35 Southern Power 1.1.7.

 

Third quarter

It was a fast start to the third term for the Magpies as the forced repeated entries inside the forward 50. However, the Power defence held firm only giving up a minor score in the opening four minutes of the second half.

This was until Elliston added her second.

A strong tackle was applied on Brodee Mowbray who was unable to dispose of the football. Elliston converted the set shot from 25 metres in the forward pocket and Inner West had their sixth major.

The Magpies made it two goals in quick succession, and it was once again due to their forward pressure.

Madeline Convery was awarded a holding the ball free kick just outside the goal square and just snuck the football inside the right goal post.

Just as Inner West looked like they could put the result beyond doubt, the Power roared to life.

Southern Power created countless repeat entries inside the forward 50, with both Emily Rohr and Amy Kowski proving impenetrable across half-back.

Despite this, the Magpies defence held firm as the Power registered six consecutive behinds as the margin was 35 points at the last change.

Three quarter time Inner West Magpies 7.6.48 Southern Power 1.7.13.

 

Fourth quarter

The Power’s half back line was up to the task once more as the last term got underway.

The Magpies kept the football in their forward half but only registered a minor score through Sheerin.

Southern Power didn’t waste any time at the other end of the ground. The third 50-metre free kick of the game was paid to Tracey, and she kicked her second goal from inside the goal square.

Parker kicked her first from a tight angle in the forward pocket minutes later as the Southern Power continued their charge in the second half.

Jessica Whelan made it three goals for the quarter from a set shot from close range with only 3 minutes left in the match.

Despite Southern Power’s strong finish, the Magpies held on by 19 points.

Full time Inner West Magpies 7.8.51 Southern Power 4.8.32.

 

Eilish Sheerin was outstanding for Inner West, her run and carry along with her ball use propelled the Magpies forward. Jasmine Smith dominated in the ruck and impacted the contest in general play, whilst Freya Taylor’s speed in contested situations was a feature.

Both Emily Rohr and Amy Kowski denied Inner West inside their forward 50, with intercept marking a feature. Kyla Tracey provided the spark in the midfield whilst also efficient when she rested forward of the football.

 

Inner West Magpies 7.9.51

Goal kickers: D. Elliston 2, E. Sheerin 2, C. Caitcheon, M. Convery, S. Tutt

Best: E. Sheerin, E. Jenkins, J. Smith, F. Taylor, K. Henry, A. CausleyTodd

 

Southern Power 4.8.32

Goal kickers: K. Tracey 2, M. Parker, J. Wheelan

Best: K. Tracey, A. Birdsall, E. Rohr, A. Kowski, B. Mowbray, D. Mason