WAFL R12/WAFLW R13 MATCH REPORT

WAFL League & Reserves Round 12 Match Report

Written by Clint Rudd (Head of Senior Men’s Football)

City of Joondalup WAFLW Round 13 Match Report

Written by Naomi Gianoncelli (Women’s Operations Coordinator)

Delta Lithium Rogers Cup Round 13 Match Report

Written by Naomi Gianoncelli (Women’s Operations Coordinator)

Marlee Resources Colts Round 12 Match Report

Whilst we ask the Peel Thunder lads to make perilous journey before the sun arrives – We knew that for our young falcons, the game was going to be an uphill battle against a Peel side who have found their grove, and are very much improving each and every week.

Whilst both sides were equal in expectation heading in – The Falcons had 2 x new debutants – 16 year olds Jed McGuane and Travis Clarke, who join Deacon Seumanu, the other 16 year old who debuted for us against the Sharks a few weeks back – 3 x 16 year olds together in the front half posed questions – But they were well and truly answered when all 3 played their roles and impacted early.

Whilst Co-Captain, Luca Boczar was on the receiving end of much attention by the Thunder boys, he stood tall with 27 touches, providing much needed D50 transition during the tougher periods of the game.

It was too, Ocean Ridge product Max Bowers who really shone through, amassing 21 touches, 5 tackles and 11 inside 50s – Whilst Blake Jones has been our regular go-to, his move forward presented an opportunity for Max to be in the box-seat and boy did he showcase his ability to thrive in there.

State 18 under-ager Maxim Collins, who has made his name and craft as a key defender, was shifted to a key forward position – Something that we knew he could do, but seeing his contested marking capacity in the front half proved too much for the Thunder defensive unit. Maxim’s 2 goals were crucial to stemming momentum and applying scoreboard pressure when it mattered most.

However, the overarching highlight was Q4 – The Falcons trailed at the 3QT break and needed to lift. What sparked them, after a resounding challenge by Head Coach Steve Chapman, was a 6 goal to 1 last quarter and the likes of Laith, Maxim, Xavier and Hudson Fowler (& others) – All photographed celebrating hard with pride for the colours they are privileged to wear.

Backs against the wall? Yes – But credit to the young falcons for over-powering the older Peel Thunder side and for finishing the day victors – It wasn’t just a victory for the scoreboard/ladder in the scheme of the season, but it was a ‘win’ for our developmental pathway – Succeeding in a game with 3 x 16 year olds out there is fantastic.

Biggest game of our year is next week – We face the swans in a game which is likely to produce a winner that A) plays finals an B) may result in a home final opportunity. BIG game – Can the Falcons take down the Black Ducks as we did so earlier in the year? Or do the high flying swan districts, playing fast frenetic football at the moment – Do they come out on top?!

MVP – Zach French

Goal Kickers – De Fraine 3, Collins 2, Bowers, Fowler, L. Jones, Stegmann, Zuchetti 1.

Final Score – WP 10.8 (68) def PT 6.12 (48).

Written by Luke Richardson (General Manager | Performance Pathways & Participation)