WAFL R15/WAFLW R16 MATCH REPORT

WAFL League & Reserves Round 15 Match Report

TBA

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

City of Joondalup WAFLW Round 16 Match Report

West Perth Falcons 3.5 (23) def. by Perth Demons 8.7 (55)

The West Perth Falcons took to HIF Health Insurance Oval for Pride Round, proudly celebrating inclusion, respect and the diverse community that makes our game stronger. Despite the result, the Falcons showed resilience and continued to compete until the final siren.

After holding a five-point lead at quarter time and remaining within striking distance at the main break, the Falcons were unable to match Perth’s efficiency after half time. The group continued to fight hard throughout the contest, with several players producing strong individual performances.

Cara Dziegielewski was influential in the ruck, giving her midfield first use through her work at stoppages and clearance contests. Lexi Strahan covered the ground exceptionally well, providing strong two-way running and applying consistent midfield pressure throughout the day. Megan Norbury brought her trademark speed and intensity around the ball, creating pressure and competing fiercely in every contest. Sabreena McKinnon provided important run and ball movement around the ground, while Madison Dodd stood tall in defence, proving a reliable pillar behind the ball with her intercept work, composure and ability to halt Perth’s forward entries.

The Falcons’ goals came through Brooke Hongell, Trista Smoker and Lexi Strahan.

While the result wasn’t what the team was chasing, the group will take valuable learnings from the contest as they continue to stick together and attack the final weeks of the season as one.

Written by Naomi Gianoncelli (Women’s Operations Coordinator)

Delta Lithium Rogers Cup Round 16 Match Report

West Perth Falcons 2.6 (18) def. by Perth Demons 7.3 (45)

The West Perth Falcons Rogers Cup side welcomed fantastic support from participants of the WA Football West Perth District Junior Clinic, with the young footballers creating a great atmosphere as they cheered on the team from the sidelines.

Perth established an early lead, but the Falcons continued to compete with determination across all four quarters, applying pressure around the contest and creating opportunities despite the scoreboard.

Zoe French was influential through the midfield, winning contested possessions and driving the ball forward with clean hands and strong decision-making. Ella Molloy-Broughton was a pillar in defence, reading the play superbly and consistently intercepting to halt Perth’s attacking chains. Teah Houlihan brought relentless pressure around the ball, competing fiercely at ground level and setting the standard with her intensity.

Charlie Clarke worked tirelessly on the outside, covering the ground well to provide an important link between defence and attack, while Amber Stickels continued to impress with her physicality, repeat efforts and willingness to compete in every contest.

While the result wasn’t the one the Falcons were after, the young group continues to build valuable experience each week. The support from the next generation of Falcons made for a special afternoon and was a great reminder of the strong connection between our pathway programs and junior football.

Marlee Resources Colts Round 15 Match Report

Was a brisk morning at Sullivan Logistics Stadium where our Colts were set to do battle against the up-and-about Lions.

Whilst we were welcoming back some of our State Academy players, there was no sense of complacency amongst the group with a heightened expectation on the Lions, how they have been playing and the level of desperation they will play at to keep their season alive.

Q1 was an even battle – With football being played between the arcs and both backlines standing up – Maxim Collins (18 touches, 3 tackles) and Tadhg Barrowclough (20 touches, 7 marks) continuing to be the mainstay of our key defensive stocks – Impressive for under-agers. It was our ability to hit the scoreboard that became the issue – Whilst we had 6 shots on goal in the first, the Lions were just more clinical with their inside 50s and maintained a lead at the first break.

Whist the numbers suggested we were in the game – The Lions’ strengths came to the fold with a strong Q2 which had our Falcons being taught lessons on transition and defensive mindset. A shining light in the second quarter was under-aged tall, Tom Rigby – A product of Sorrento Duncraig JFC who was an extended squad this season, was plucked into the main squad to help support our talls depth and has not looked back since – He finished the game  with 11 touches and 3 contested marks, whilst sharing hit out duties with our resident primary ruck, Lachy Jones.

It was 34^th debutant, Theo Hall however who rose tall in the 2^nd half, after taking some time to adjust to the pace of the game he did not look out of place as a 16 year old. His ability to equalise contest after contest was impressive and he was welcomed into Pagey’s Back-6 and supported by his mates each and every contest.

Head Coach Steve Chapman put the challenge to the boys to try and bridge the 2-goal 3QT deficit, which didn’t start well – With the Lions kicking the first 2 goals of the last – But the boys steadied, returned heat on the scoreboard to produce what could have very well been one of the upsets of the round.

Whilst we’re not pleased with the result, it was pleasing to see us stay in a competitive game of football whilst not playing our best – This holds us in good stead moving into finals; Our best football is ahead of us, not behind us.

Final Score: S 9.8 (62) def WP 8.10 (58)

MVP: Max Bowers

Goal Scorers: Bowers, De Fraine, Zuchetti (2), Dwyer, J. McGuane (1)

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