AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Grand Final Review – Manly Warringah Wolves v East Coast Eagles

Image: Steve Markham

 

Written by Lucas Holmes

 

Previous meetings

The Manly Warringah Wolves were defeated by the East Coast Eagles by 30 points at Gore Hill. In the return fixture in round 15, the Wolves were victorious by 37 points

 

First quarter

The Eagles’ pressure around the football was high from the opening bounce. It wasn’t long before they were in their forward half.

Sarah Burns had a tough set shot from the right-forward pocket, but the Wolves’ defence transitioned the ball from their defensive 50.

Kaitlyn Manning had an identical set shot at the other end, with a similar result. On this occasion, Caitlin Johnson roved the contest and broke a tackle. Her kick was to the near side for a minor score.

East Coast kicked the first goal after eight minutes of elapsed time.

From a rushed clearance in the Wolves’ defence 50, Erin Naden collected the ball on the half-forward flank.

Naden handballed to herself (as Burns applied the shepherd) as she ran into the right forward pocket. Naden screwed the kick around just enough to beat the Manly Warringah defence on the line.

Rylee McGartland missed a tough chance in the same pocket a minute later as the Eagles looked sharp early in the match.

The Wolves had a chance to reply late in the quarter through Isabella Rudolph.

Rudolph was taken to the ground after she disposed of the football. Rudolph’s set shot from 20 metres out directly in front clattered the right goal post.

The Eagles made Manly Warringah pay for their missed opportunity.

Lucia Mundell kicked a check-side goal from the right forward pocket a minute before the quarter time siren.

Quarter time Manly Warringah Wolves 0.2.2 East Coast Eagles 2.2.14.

 

Second quarter

After a slow start, Manly Warringah didn’t waste any time early in the second term.

Emily Goodsir broke out of the front of the stoppage. Goodsir kicked long inside the forward 50. A rushed clearance was marked by Manning close to the intersection of the arc and boundary line. Manning’s shot was juggled over the line for a minor score. The Eagles’ lead was 11 points.

Another behind went the way of the Wolves, East Coast’s defence held firm.

The Eagles’ back line continued to chop off any shallow entries from Manly Warringah. Both Renee Tomkins and Emma Scriven had taken intercept marks.

After another quick clearance from the Wolves, Bryany Parker drove East Coast back into the attack.

Martin collected the football at centre-half forward and immediately kicked it to the pocket. Maddi Finch roved and finished from the tightest of angles.

Bailee Hourigan then saved a certain goal as Manly Warringah had a two-on-one inside the goal square.

The Wolves continued to press but only added minor scores.

McGartland had a late chance from a set shot. From 20 metres out directly in front, McGartland pushed her set shot for a behind.

Half time Manly Warringah Wolves 0.7.7 East Coast Eagles 3.5.23.

 

Third quarter

East Coast lifted once again early in the third term.

Parker took an intercept mark between the wing and half-forward. After Brooke Bailey couldn’t work the football back enough from the forward pocket, McGartland smothered the free kick.

Wolves Captain Holly Graham almost kicked their first goal.

Graham intercepted Scriven’s attempted clearance and then had a shot on goal. Parker raced back and got a touch on the goal line.

Naden then ran down Ashleigh Carter as the Eagles continued to suffocate the Wolves’ forwards.

Manly Warringah spent time with the football locked inside the forward 50. East Coast swept it away once more. On this occasion, Tamaryn McGregor brushed Andrea Roditis away and cleared to the centre wing.

After 11 minutes of elapsed time, the Eagles kicked their fourth goal.

Martin got a boot to the ball at centre-half forward. McGartland marked but was forced to play on. Rylee straightened and kicked from 35 metres.

McGartland then set up Martin.

McGartland’s long kick got over the back towards the goal square. Martin propped and kicked with check side just outside the goal square.

The Eagles led by 26 points at the last change.

Three quarter time Manly Warringah Wolves 2.11.23 East Coast Eagles 5.5.35.

 

Fourth quarter

Manly Warringah made a tactical change in an attempt to resurrect the match. Carter moved into the ruck to begin the final term.

However, McGartland added her second after three minutes of elapsed time.

Hurley sent the football inside 50 with the outside of her right foot. McGartland expertly protected the drop of the football, then kicked from 20 metres out.

The Eagles continued to create chances inside the forward 50. The Wolves’ defence showed why scoring was so difficult against them throughout the season.

After 15 minutes of elapsed time, London Ashcroft kicked Manly Warringah’s first goal.

Tomkins’ kick-out was turned over inside the centre square. Ashcroft collected the football, ran through the 50 and kicked a long goal.

Manning added a second consolation.

East Coast dominated from the outset, winning their first premiership in Premier Division. The margin was 18 points.

Full time Manly Warringah Wolves 2.11.23 East Coast Eagles 6.5.31.

 

Andrea Roditis provided run and carry for Manly Warringah. Hannah Woolf racked up possessions (and clearances) on the inside, whilst Caitlin Johnson continued her impressive form.

Emily Hurley was superb in the ruck and worked hard when rested forward. Bryany Parker put her body on the line and received the Deb Rogers Trophy as player of the Grand Final. Renee Tomkins was an anchor of the defensive unit whilst she spent time in the ruck.

 

Manly Warringah Wolves 2.11.23

Goal kickers: L. Ashcroft, K. Manning

Best: H.Woolf, A. Roditis, C. Johnson, L. Ashcroft, J. Green, K. Manning

 

East Coast Eagles 6.5.41

Goal kickers: R. McGartland 2, M. Finch, A. Martin, L. Mundell, E. Naden

Best: B. Parker, E. Naden, R. Tomkins, S. Burns, C. Arndt, N. Gray