Round 10 Rogers Cup Wrap up

The ninth round, which was the tenth-round fixture due to a bye week caused by a WA Covid lockdown, pitted our undefeated Rogers Cup team against Subiaco who sat 7^thon the ladder, so the message was beware the wounded lion.

The game played at 9:15am meant the ground was heavy with dew, so even though it was a fine day, it was going to reflect wet weather footy given the slippery conditions.

As expected, once underway both teams were keen to get first use but trying to be clean and find space was tough, the lions were showing early they were up for the fight and out to wipe the memories of the earlier round defeat. A fleet footed Caitlin Thomas struck first when jumping on to a loose ball and run through the first goal of the game 2minutes in.

The West Perth midfield were awake and even though it was hard to get a true clean possession were still able to keep the ball moving forward and inside 50, Sarah Henderson used her height and strength to intercept Subiaco’s attempt to clear their defence, got the ball across to Chanel Scott who kicked the second and when Caitlin Thomas received from a stoppage in the forward pocket and with her trusty left foot kicked her second the Falcons opened up a three goal lead. Subiaco were continuing to fight hard and keep within range in what was a slippery and scrappy affair, they did manage to claw back a goal late to keep margin to just two goals. West Perth 3.0 (18) to Subiaco 1.0 (6).

The second quarter resembled a rugby scrum for most of the time, except when Megan Norbury , who is having a great first year, used her signature speed to break from the middle, weave past an oncoming Subiaco defender, run inside 50 and kick truly. While Subiaco on the part were able to create a turnover just forward of centre, kick long and with the ball skidding across the turf return fire to keep the margin around 2 goals going into the long break. West Perth 4.1 (25) to Subiaco 2.0 (12).

With the fine conditions, the ground was starting to dry out, which meant a lot cleaner possession and less of a scrum to win the ball, this played into the Falcons hand known for their run and open play. The ball was camped in the Falcons forward half for the first several minutes and a great goal of the day contender by Chanel Scott who kicked her second with an outside the foot bender from deep in the forward pocket. Ebony Jackson skimmed along the boundary, to Molly Conroy, who manage to cut back inside to a waiting Chanel who converted the opportunity for her third.

The standard of the game was definitely rising as all players were able to hold marks, retain possession and be so much cleaner off the ground. Subiaco continued to hunt in numbers, but the Falcons relished the extra challenge and when Hayley Porter kicked the 7^thgoal of the game the margin blew out to a much more comfortable 30 points. West Perth 7.2 (44) to Subiaco 2.0 (12).

The ball in the last quarter lived inside the Falcons 50, who peppered the goals, just unable to get the major to put the game beyond doubt, until Jazmyn Barnes won a free from a good marking contest directly in front of goal and when the other Jasmine (Kolodynski) weaved her way out of a pack and kicked straight the game was done and dusted with a margin of 49 points. The special mentions go to Hayey Porter whose use of the ball in slippery conditions was fantastic, Sarah Henderson, who even though was the tallest on the ground did exceptionally well in and under all day to compliment her ruck work, Tayla Anthony, who was certainly the most sure handed and composed player all day, but the player of the day was Liliana Grassenis, who continually blocked any thought of Subiaco getting near the goals, consistently took on packs of three, four or even five opponents to either get it out to a teammate or caused stoppages.

The final scoreline West Perth 9.7 (61) to Subiaco 2.0 (12), which gives the Falcons a three game buffer on top from several teams on 6 wins.