Women’s Premier Division Major Semi Final Review – East Coast Eagles v Manly Warringah Wolves

Written by Lucas Holmes

 

Recap

During the regular season, the Manly Warringah Wolves were defeated by the East Coast Eagles 4.4.28 to 8.10.58 in round 3. In the penultimate round, the Wolves defeated the Eagles 7.11.53 to 2.4.16.

 

First quarter

Leding goal kicker Rylee McGartland started further up the ground at centre-half forward as the first term got underway. Also, Renee Tomkins started on the ball.

It was a physical start to the contest from both sides. The football was trapped on the far side of Henson Park.

The first scoring opportunity came the way of East Coast.

From the half-forward flank, Sarah Burns cleared the football inside the forward 50. Brooke Bailey stayed front and centre and roved the contest, her snap just to the near side for a minor score.

Bailey then made a last-ditch tackle deep in defence which prevented the Wolves from opening their account.

From a stoppage on their half-back flank, Manly Warringah transitioned the football into their forward half.

Jacqueline Green got over the back of the Eagles’ defence and was taken high. Green converted the set shot from 35 metres out, directly in front.

East Coast continued to have their chances. McGartland went to full forward and was picked up by Jayme Saggers.

The Wolves continued to counterattack but the Eagles’ defence held firm.

Quarter time East Coast Eagles 0.2.2 Manly Warringah Wolves 1.3.9.

 

Second quarter

East Coast didn’t have to wait long into the second term for the opening goal.

Burns laid a strong tackle inside the forward 50.

From the resulting ball up, Emily Hurley took the football directly from the ruck and kicked off a step from the forward pocket. The margin back to a solitary point.

Kaitlyn Manning began to impose herself physically in contested situations as the arm wrestle on the inside of the contest continued.

A deft handball from the Wolves’ Captain Holly Graham allowed Isobella Rudolph the chance to kick the game’s third goal. Her snap on the run was to the near side.

Rudolph didn’t need a second sighter.

Manning applied a strong tackle inside the forward 50. Her defensive effort was followed by a shepherd. This enabled Rudolph enough time and space to convert from 20 metres out in the opposite pocket.

McGartland kicked her first goal of the afternoon following a push-out in a marking contest. Rylee converted the set shot from 30 metres out, directly in front.

Kahli Gilchrist replied almost instantly as both sides lifted before the main break.

Half time East Coast Eagles 2.2.14 Manly Warringah Wolves 3.4.22.

 

Third quarter

Erin Naden and Tomkins looked to continue their strong starts for East Coast. Whilst Green and Hannah Woolf impressed for Manly Warringah in the first half.

McGartland was left one out inside the forward 50. She created separation on Saggers but pulled her snap to the near side for a behind.

Rylee had another opportunity minutes later. Her long set shot was intercepted in the goal square by Ashleigh Carter.

The Eagles dominated the territory battle as 10 minutes had lapsed, but as it has been the way all season, the Wolves defence stood tall.

Manly Warringah made the Eagles pay with their first trip inside the forward 50.

After they created repeated stoppages in their forward half, Asha Turner Funk was paid a free kick. Turner Funk just had the required journey from the set shot. The Wolves’ lead was extended to 13 points.

Three quarter time East Coast Eagles 2.3.15 Manly Warringah 4.4.28.

 

Fourth quarter

Manly Warringah continued from where they left off early in the final term.

Amee Dawson got the centre clearance, the football rolled into the forward pocket. Molly Woods’ centring ball (her second effort) found Green just outside the goal square. Green converted on the angle. The Wolves had a goal inside 60 seconds.

Woods had a shot on goal herself (a minor score) as the Wolves looked to put the result beyond doubt.

Abbey Martin’s courage was on full display. On the centre wing, Martin backed into a pack with the flight of the football and marked.

Andrea Roditis’ centring ball set up Rudolph’s second from just outside the goal square as McGartland’s second was a consolation.

Full time East Coast Eagles 3.4.22 Manly Warringah Wolves 6.6.42.

 

Erin Naden put her body on the line all afternoon for the Eagles. Tomkins spent some time on the ball and across half-back. Her ball use was a feature. Emily Hurley fought well in the ruck and contributed when she rested forward.

 

Jacqueline Green was a target inside 50 for the Wolves, whilst she bought pressure in defence. Hannah Woolf racked up possessions whilst using her speed. Kaitlyn Manning gave Manly Warringah a presence in contested situations.

 

East Coast Eagles 3.4.22

Goal kickers: R. McGartland 2, E, Hurley

Best: C. Arndt, M. Ferguson, E. Hurley, R. Tomkins, E. Naden, M. Finch

 

Manly Warringah Wolves 6.6.42

Goal kickers: J. Green 2, I. Rudolph 2, K. Gilchrist, A. Turner, Funk,

Best: J. Green, A. Roditis, H. Woolf, E. McEwan, J. Layton, J. Saggers

 

East Coast will play Sydney University at 11:10 AM next Sunday at Henson Park. Manly Warringah goes straight through to the Grand Final on August 28.