Reigning premier Bairnsdale’s perfect start to the Female Football Gippsland Under 18 East season continued last Sunday at Bairnsdale City Oval, with the Redlegs making it three wins from as many outings.
Bairnsdale kicked seven unanswered goals in the opening quarter against Woodside, racing to a 43-point lead at quarter-time. The forward line proved clinical, finishing off the work of a disciplined back six and a hard-running midfield unit.
The Wildcats were held goalless in the first half but showed resilience after the main break, lifting their intensity under pressure. However, Bairnsdale remained in control throughout, eventually recording a 69-point victory.
Lucy Carroll again featured prominently around goals with three majors, while skipper Dixie Clack added two. However, the standout performance belonged to Ashtyn Stone, who produced a best-on-ground display with six goals and drew plenty of attention from the home crowd with her trademark celebrations.
Clack also provided one of the highlights of the match with a running, bouncing solo goal that is an early contender for goal of the year.
Bairnsdale’s best included Clack, Jemma Martin, Stone, Sadie Stevens, Carroll and Claudia Blandford. For Woodside, Zoe Hustwayte, Grace Scott, Mileena Peach, Aroha Anderson, Emily Hustwayte and Stella Kerr battled strongly, particularly in the second half.
Boisdale Briagolong sits second on the ladder after a hard-fought win over Sale City at Stephenson Park. The Bombers’ second victory of the season was secured by two goals, withstanding a late Bulldogs challenge in the final term.
Lacey Bowker, Tia Blackley, Lucy Hannah, Stefani Worcester, Lily Appleton and Bailey Sheen led the way for the Bombers, while Cienna Searle (three goals), Ebony Silvester, Delila Martin, Meika Stefanetti, Olivia Collins and Jirdara Harris were among the standouts for the Bulldogs. Skipper Searle was a lone hand up forward for Sale City, while Shayla Walshe impressed for Boisdale Briagolong.
Bairnsdale will have the bye this week. Sale City host Woodside as both teams look to rebound, while Boisdale Briagolong face Traralgon in a second-versus-third clash at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve.
In the women’s competition proper, Boisdale Briagolong made an early statement with an 84-point win over MDU at Meeniyan Recreation Reserve, despite significant off-season player turnover.
Chelsea Wain and Olivia Marshall (three goals each), Daniela Pirona, Alyssa Greening and Caitlyn Maree (two each) highlighted the Bombers’ multiple scoring avenues as they aim to build on last season’s premiership success. Marshall was also named among the best alongside Shani Dixon, Zan McCall, Pirona, Teagan Sheldon and Maree.
Last year’s runner-up Lindenow South begins its campaign this Sunday away to Nar Nar Goon. Boisdale Briagolong travel to Moe, while Woodside opens its season against Meeniyan.
