GOLDIE'S METTLE by Meggs

[Demonland 70,648]

On a perfect night for football at the home of the Redlegs, Norwood Oval, it was the visiting underdogs Melbourne who led all night and hung on to prevail in a 2-point nail-biter.

In the previous round St Kilda had made it a tough physical game to help restrict Adelaide from scoring and so Mick Stinear set a similar strategy for his team.

To win it would require every player to do their bit on the field plus a little bit of luck. 

Fifty game milestoner Sinead Goldrick epitomised the required effort on the night with her 19 disposals, 6 tackles and 97% game time.  Goldie showed her true mettle with her spirit and resilience inspiring.

Some commented later that the low scoring made it a boring game, but Meggs does not agree. It was an uncomfortable watch, but this was an engrossing battle all night against a competition heavyweight.

Melbourne has the highest AFLW score in history of 107-points and with only 16-points on Wednesday the equal lowest winning score in history (need to fact check this). 

Afterwards Mick Stinear was so proud of his team.  It was reward for effort, snatching the 4-points and celebrating Kate Hore and Sinead Goldrick in their milestone match. 

It also opens up finals possibilities for the balance of the season but we play three teams are above us on the ladder who will start favourites. 

Let’s not mozz it, one week at a time.

For the Dees

A whole team effort. 

Tyla Hanks and Kate Hore were sensational around the ball and really led the way.  Hanksy was BOG with 24 disposals, 7 tackles and 380 metres gained.

Eliza McNamara, showing amazing courage to return from her broken nose to continue her brilliant season.  Fitzy, Lampy and Heathy were busy all night.

Georgia Campbell showed us she can take a great mark and played her best game in the red and blue. 

Georgia Gall also competed really well in an encouraging display, a confidence builder for her.

Adelaide won the disposal count, inside 50’s, hit-outs, clearances, and marks so our defence was under the pump a lot.

Tahlia Gillard kept the in-form Caitlin Gould to zero goals and Maeve Chaplin continued her stellar season quelling the dangerous Danielle Ponter.

Special mention to Denby Taylor who has found a place in defence with her 14 disposals and 10 tackles and is improving each week.

Lastly, Alyssa Bannan has worn criticism for her lack of impact against competition’s heavyweights such as Adelaide.  Banno wore one for the team across her face with hardnut Chelsea Randall copping a $400 fine. Alyssa was a strong target all night and this new simplified game plan seems to suit her and the team.

Tackle of the Match

The Melbourne players landed 82 tackles on Wednesday night and in his team debrief Mick Stinear called out an important one.  That was Eliza Mac’s bone-cruncher at the death in the last quarter when Chelsea Randall was threatening to steal the match. 

Meggs also loved Sinead Goldrick’s chase down tackle of Zoe Prowse where she came out of nowhere in the third. Goldie Heavy Mettle!

Coaches and next week

Melbourne Coach Mick Stinear reminded everyone how hard it is to win games in Adelaide and was so proud of his team’s 4-quarter team-first effort.  He paid pay tribute to milestoners Kate and Sinead. 

Matthew Clarke credited Melbourne’s pressure.  He said Adelaide’s effort was there, but the execution was shabby. 

The Demons next play St Kilda at Moorabbin on Sunday and then have Richmond at Casey Fields and Hawthorn in Cairns. Three really tough matches coming up against teams currently sitting in the eight.

Go Redlegs! 

MELBOURNE 2.1.13 2.2.14 2.3.15 2.4.16

ADELAIDE 0.1.1 0.5.5 1.5.11 1.8.14

GOALS

MELBOURNE Bannan Campbell 

ADELAIDE Newman

BEST

MELBOURNE Hanks Hore Goldrick McNamara

ADELAIDE Marinoff Randall Hatchard Newman

INJURIES

MELBOURNE Nil

ADELAIDE Nil

CROWD 2,586 at Norwood Oval