Youth Girls go down in a heart-breaker

The NSW/ACT Youth Girls have put on a strong performance in their first of three games on the Gold Coast this week, for the final rounds of the NAB AFLW U18 Championships.

Unfortunately, they came up against a determined Allies team who proved too strong in the end, seeing them go down by three points.

All the running was with NSW/ACT in the first quarter as they dominated around the stoppages.

Goals to Chloe Arndt and Brea Quinlivan set the two sides apart, but NSW/ACT would have wanted more. Despite all the early pressure, NSW/ACT were unable to translate on the scoreboard, taking just a one-goal lead into the first break.

The Allies worked their way back into the match in the second quarter. Despite neither side kicking a goal, both showed that it was to be a physical contest, and whoever could last the whole four quarters would come out on top.

The second half saw NSW/ACT slowly win back momentum, managing to keep the ball in their forward half for the majority of the third quarter.

A goal to Hannah Stewart from 25 metres out, stretched their lead to 14 points going into the final break.

NSW/ACT would be made to pay for their poor use of the football, as the Allies completed a stunning comeback in the final quarter. The Allies went on to kick three goals to none to secure a narrow three-point victory.

Despite the disappointing result, there were a number of standout performances from NSW/ACT, who were arguably the better side for the first three quarters.

Alyce Parker continued her strong form as she picked up 23 disposals. She was everywhere around the stoppages and always seemed to be able to read where the ball was going to land. It was only when the Allies managed to keep her quiet in the final term that they started to gain the upper hand.

Jordyn Jolliffe was another standout, playing out of position further up the ground. The dominant forward was pushed closer to the ball and imposed herself with her strong physical game, landing a number of tackles to go with her 13 possessions.

Haneen Zreika (12 disposals) and Angela Priftis (12 disposals) also put in dominant displays. Priftis in particular picked off a number of intercept marks and showed a good intent to rebound forward.

Lillian Doyle was another player who managed to appear everywhere. She was always seen putting her head over the ball and threw herself in harm’s way to complete a number of stunning smothers.

NSW/ACT play again on Wednesday when they take on Vic Country at Broadbeach. Country are coming off a strong 10-point win over Queensland earlier today.

The NSW/ACT Youth Girls take on Vic Country on Wednesday, 12 July 2017 at 11.40am at Broadbeach Oval. Entry to the ground is free or you can stream the match LIVE here.            

 

MATCH DETAILS

NSW/ACT – 2.0 2.3 3.3 3.5 (23)

ALLIES – 1.0 1.1 1.1 4.2 (26)

NSW/ACT GOALS – B Quinlivan C Arndt H Stewart (1)

NSW/ACT BEST – A Parker, J Jolliffe, A Priftis, H Zreika