REDEEMING by Meggs

Posted October 5, 2024Oct 5

It was such a balmy spring evening for this mid-week BNCA Pink Lady match at our favourite venue Ikon Park between two teams that had not won a game since round one.

After last week’s insipid bombing, the DeeArmy banner correctly deemanded that our players ‘go in hard, go in strong, go in fighting’, and girl they sure did!

The first quarter goals by Alyssa Bannan and Alyssia Pisano were simply stunning, and it was 4 goals to nil by half-time.

Kudos to Mick Stinear. With player confidence at the lowest point in his decorated coaching career, Mick reset the game plan during the week.

“Simplifying it”, he said.

On match day his reenergised troops enthusiastically carried it out with tremendous effort and brought back that Demon-stylewe love to watch.

Led by Alyce Parker and Bec Beeson, GWS came back in the third to make it a 3-goal difference at ¾ time. Meggs began nervously pacing the wing, trying to put the ghost of the Freo comeback out of mind.

At the ground you could see our debutants tiring in the last.

But when Fitzy snapped that ripper goal, the collective relief and pleasure from Demon supporters was palpable.

With Pisano, Johnson, Taylor, Madigan, and D’Arcy in the circle for their first win, the players joyous sounding rendition of Grand Old Flag filled the stadium. Smiles all around.

The 16-point win in the context of this season is a timely ReDeemption.

For the Dees

Shouldering the burden this season has been skewed to a handful of senior players but this week the team brought a collective effort which resulted in the win.

The midfield worked well led by Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks, working alongside Heathy, and Fitzy.

With Bannan deepest, the forwards Gall, Campbell, and D’Arcy led to the ball much better this week.

Maeve Chaplin (team-high 5 marks) and Sinead Goldrick were impenetrable in defence, and both had over 400 metres gained. Chappy has found a whole new level this year, our most improved.

Apart from the stellar efforts by Kate Hore, Hanksy, Chappy, and Goldy, Meggs wanted to call out the contribution of a couple of lesser lights.

Rhi Watt who, with 21 hitouts and 6 clearances, had her best game in the red and blue.

Seasoned campaigner, top-up Dee Sarah D’Arcy, and a relative of Tiger legend Jack Titus, impressed with her fearless leading and attack on the ball. A great in-game example to youngsters Gall and Campbell.

Megan Fitzsimon has modest career possessions, but you want the ball in her hand as she is skillful and a good user. A match-high 9 tackles, 13 possessions and a goal, was a super contribution by Fitzy. Her best game for some time.

Denby Taylor has speed, good skills and likes to tackle and would be pleasing the coaches.

Coaches and next week

Melbourne Coach Mick Stinear said Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks led from the front after a shaky start to the season. He was really proud of them.

He loved how his group was able to execute a simpler game plan and compete for large portions of the match. It was great for all the debutants to secure a win and be part of that winning feeling.

GWS Giants coach was disappointed with the result but rued their inability to execute in moments. An AFLW season goes by so quickly, and they have lost a few close games, including tonight.

Zero goals to 4 at half-time and they gave away 27 free kicks. He claimed his GWS team was one of the youngest, least experienced sides in the competition and so it is all part of the journey.

The Demons play perennial heavyweight Adelaide at Norwood Oval next Wednesday evening. A tough challenge away but we do have 100%-win record at this ground 😉.

C’mon Dees.

MELBOURNE 2.3.15 4.3.27 5.5.35 6.5.41

GWS GIANTS 0.4.4 0.5.5 2.5.17 3.7.25

GOALS

MELBOURNE Bannan 2 Fitzsimon Gall Lampard Pisano

GWS GIANTS Mowbray 2 Goldsworthy

BEST

MELBOURNE Hore Hanks Bannan Chaplin Fitzsimon

GWS GIANTS Goldsworthy Parker Beeson Mowbray Evans

INJURIES

MELBOURNE Nil

GWS GIANTS Nil