The NT Thunder Women’s State Academy downed Tasmania 13.11.89 – 7.11.53 in an entertaining match at Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda on Sunday.
The NT Thunder Women’s State Academy downed Tasmania 13.11.89 – 7.11.53 in an entertaining match at Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda on Sunday.
The game, which formed part of the AFL Women’s Exhibition Series, lived up to its expectations as the crowd witnessed some of the best female footballers in the NT playing at their best.
Trailing by eight points going into the final quarter, seven unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to the Territorians, including two-each to Krystal Rivers and Abbey Holmes, ensured the victory for the Top Enders.
Coach Beckie Taylor said she was pleased with the ability of the girls to reset and focus.
“We spoke about lifting our explosiveness when transitioning into defence.
“I was confident that the girls had enough belief and had prepared both mentally and physically to see out four quarters. So I wasn’t surprised when we lifted and came home strongly,” Taylor said..
Earlier in the day, it was Tasmania that got out of the blocks fastest, kicking the opening goal of the game.
Sue Nalder, who finished the day with two, popped up with strong hands in the 50 to deliver NT’s first goal for the game.
From there the remainder of the first quarter belonged to the Thunder as they went into the first break 3.2.20 to Tasmania’s 1.1.7.
In the second, Tasmania held the ball inside its half of the ground for long periods but the NT’s defensive scrambling, including a chase-down on the goal line had the southerners rushing and misfiring.
Midway through the quarter only two points stood between NT and Tasmania before a quick pass from Holmes to Nadler put the margin back out to eight.
Morgan Johnston followed up with one of her own before Latesha Jeffrey was denied on the line after a brilliant run into the 50.
Tasmania goaled just before the buzzer and the scoreline read NT 5.6.36 to TAS 3.8.26 at half time.
The third quarter didn’t quite go to plan for the Thunder as their two shots on goal, including one to Stevie-Lee Thompson, was outdone by the Tasmanian’s seven scoring shots.
Going into the last term NT trailed 6.9.45 to 7.11.53 and the momentum was clearing in the opposition’s favour.
Breaking away from the three-quarter time huddle the coaching staff told the NT girls to keep their heads up and stick to their plan.
That’s exactly what happened – Shaq Bading snapped a goal within the first minute before Amy Chittick and captain Ang Foley also put their names on the list.
It was a clinical team effort in the final quarter for the NT as they kept Tasmania scoreless and head home on a winning note.
When asked what comes next, Taylor said it would be “business as usual at training on Tuesday”.
“The senior women are keen to get behind and support the U18 girls for their national championships in May.
"Wally Gallio and Andrew Hodges lead a nurturing environment and I encourage all to get on board and support the female football journey at the NT Thunder State Academy,” Taylor said.
Goals: AFLNT A. Holmes 3, K. Rivers 3, S. Nalder 2, S. Bading, A. Chittick, A. Foley, M. Johnston, S. Thompson TAS J. Limbrick 2, L. Stokely 2, D.Bannister, T.Corrie, Z. Manjerovic
Best: AFLNT A. Holmes, S. Barnett, A. Foley, K. Rivers, M. Johnston, S. Mauboy TAS Z. Crawford, J. Limbrick, J. Whelan, E. Gamble, D. Bannister, E. Humphries, D. Bonde