Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review – East Coast Eagles V Manly Warringah Wolves

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Written by Lachlan Scott

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Early statement for the Eagles in Grand final rematch.

It was the Grand final rematch everyone was waiting for, and it certainly lived up to the hype. With East coast flying the grand final flag before the match, Manly Warringah set out to upset their start to the season.

The weather forecast called for wild winds and wily goals and fans at Kanebridge Oval were treated to plenty of both. The Eagles piled on 4 in the first quarter to break out to an early lead and looked in ascendance heading into half time. But the Wolves fought back in the second half to give the reigning premiers a scare, unfortunately leaving their run too late.

First Quarter

The Eagles struck while the iron was hot with Davidson goaling early after winning her 1-on-1 directly in front of goal. With the wind picking up marks became hard to come by and below the knees skills stood out for both side. Forward pressure for Manly paid off with a Holding the ball call giving Salmon Manly’s first.

But the Eagles broke out quickly from the bounce and drove the ball wide into the hands of Scriven who loaded up and sent the Sherrin soaring all the way through for a major from the 50m arc. The continued their early dominance, driving forward through repeat contests and forcing the ball into the 50, sending it back whenever Manly tried to clear. This eventuated in a free kick for Reid, converted on the goal line for a second goal to Davidson.

Tackling skills and pressure for Manly were very high throughout but East Coast continued to manage to break away and transition quickly. A massive 1-on-1 mark by Caitlin Reid running back to goal was converted with a meticulous run up and kicking motion, sending it through and never in doubt.

The defending premiers put their stamp on the contest early up forward with their backline, especially Bennett, displaying hallmark courageous defensive marking skills.

Quarter Time East Coast Eagles 4.0.24 – Manly Warringah Wolves 1.0.6

Second Quarter

East Coast came out firing again to start the second term, locking the ball in their forward line early. Intercept marks and pressure acts secured it there, Mundell capitalised with a quick pick up and kick from the pack directly to Moran, allowing her to line up for her first from 20m out.

Manly charged out of the centre bounce, driving it forward and out the back. Whickam burst through contact to kick from a difficult angle for Manly’s second.

The midfield battle turned the dial up to 11 with Tompkins’ and Hourigan’s intercept marking stopping the Wolves from transitioning up the ground. Johnson and Gilchrist strove against this, willing Manly forward and breaking through contact on all sides.

Both defences also stepped up in the second, Manly’s defence doing great under siege contesting in the air for every kick inside. Down the other end Martin joined the party spoiling Manly’s drives with 2 defensive efforts in a row stopping them cold. Cameron and McGain’s midfield efforts to drive the ball into the wolves 50 didn’t pay dividends but did showcase their rucking, roving and ability to gain metres.

To wrap up the first half, Reid ran 70m to get into the forward line and mark in front, kicking a minor.

Half Time East Coast Eagles 5.3.33 – Manly Warringah Wolves 2.0.12

Third Quarter

East Coast was once again quick out the gates, with Davidson kicking from about 40m out in the pocket, striking the ball to perfection and scoring. Almost immediately Davidson scored again, this time from a free kick directly in front taking her to 4.

Manly responded by driving down the field, Salmon’s snap kick from the pack looking like a certain goal but was touched off the boot for a minor. Madi Hyde sent Manly inside 50 after a bone crunching tackle where they locked it in with repeat contests but were unable to capitalise.

East Coast then had their turn with multiple switches and downfield transition utilising precise kicking all the way but were unable to connect with the forward line. The Wolves took note and moved the ball swiftly in the exact same all the manner back to the other end where Bull tuned and snapped truly to keep Manly in it.

Three Quarter Time East Coast Eagles 7.4.46 – Manly Warringah Wolves 3.1.19

Fourth Quarter

With the rain threatening a comeback, so were the wolves. With high-octane physicality over the ball, both sides threw themselves at the contest to try and will their team over the line. Bumps, thumps, and shoves were the currency of the midfield, and the Wolves came to collect.

Against the flow of play a Jess Whelan quick wheel and snap on a loose ball popping out of the contest resulted in the Eagles only goal for the quarter.

The Wolves drove down the field and forced a contest in the forward line. Salmon nabbed it out of the melee and goaled, starting a run for the wolves.

From the bounce Manly’s defence threw everything coming their way back out to the midfield who powered forward. Kaitlyn Manning stood tall with a massive smother and kick inside 50. She backed that display up moments later with a silky turn and burn to score Manly’s second of the quarter.

The Wolves left their run too late however and were unable to catch up with Lauren Bull closing out the match with a textbook set shot and goal.

Full Time East Coast Eagles 8.4.52 – Manly Warringah Wolves 6.1.37

Final Scores:

East Coast Eagles 8.4.52

Goal Kickers: C. Davidson 4, T. Germech, L. Moran, C. Reid, J. Whelan

Best: Caitlin Davidson, Abbey Martin, Annaleise Barton, Caitlin Reid, Chloe Arndt, Shiarna Tarasenko

Manly Warringah Wolves 6.1.37                                                   

Goal Kickers: L. Bull 2, K. Salmon 2, K. Manning, H. Wickham

Best: Molly Woods, Ashleigh Carter, Kate Salmon, Hannah Woolf, Caitlin Johnson, Shannon Fraser