State League 1 (7) def by TEM (0)
With Footscray one point clear from Essendon this game against TEM was critical to the ladder positions for the next few weeks. TEM are always a tough team, even harder at their home ground. A few little niggles on the injury front and a few sick players meant this was a massive danger game for us, which would shape our season.
The game got underway, with both teams attacking and defending. But no one really took control of the game and as it went on TEM’s confidence took off and they finally broke the deadlock with a very easy goal from turn overs. Not long after another goal was scored from sloppy team play. We went into half time 0 – 3 down, playing terrible, shell shocked hockey.
Some stern words at half time and an expected intensity lift from our team still meant we were not out of the game but had a big uphill climb ahead of us. The second half got underway and we looked like we might break through but once again turnovers and our inability to be first to the ball or make a serious contest when the opposition had possession allowed TEM score again. From here on it just got worse with Leah Merrett leaving the ground with an injury and Georgia Hopkins also off with injury. Sam Ellis, despite being extremely sick, took to the field because of a shortage of players. TEM scored another four goals to win 0 – 7.
Luke: “Words cannot describe how devastated we are with the way the team has played. This is not how we have played all year, normally someone would stand up but today everyone thought someone else would do the hard work. There was the occasional hard effort but this was not backed up by teammates. As our first year up in WSL1 we expect to have some bad results and as the season goes on we are looking tired at times with some inconsistent performances. The most disappointing thing for the team is that we have taken points off all teams in the top four except for Doncaster and this loss against bottom of the ladder may tarnish the respect we have earned in the league. Now the challenge is for the girls to turn around our performance and get back to the hard running, first to the ball, risk taking and aggressive marking team we have been for most of the year that has made us a very dangerous force”.
Next game: v Camberwell 3.30pm Saturday 11 August at F-1
Pennant B (5) def Yarra Valley (0)
We seem to play our best when we’re short on numbers, a late withdrawal through injury meant we had 12 players for the game. A really solid game where we converted pressure into outcomes – we converted more than 80% of our circle entries into shots and corners and scored a couple of amazing team goals. Dani celebrated her return to Penn B with a hat trick, well done and well deserved. We’re still in with a chance for finals. Next week will be a tough game against Camberwell
Next game: v Camberwell 2.00pm Sunday 12 August at F-2
Pennant C (1) def by Melbourne Uni (2)
PC played on Saturday against Melbourne Uni, we lost 2-1. Unfortuntly PC waisted their opportinuties in front of goal causing them to lose the game. Best players for the day were Gabby Lewis, Moo and Fil.
Next game: v Altona 2pm Saturday 11 August at Altona
Pennant D (0) def by Melbourne Uni (2)
PD played on Saturday against Melbourne Uni, they lost 2 – 0. Despite some good solid movement up the wings, Melbourne Uni were just too stong in the midfield for us to be successful. Best player for the day was Giulia.
Next game: v TEM 5pm Sunday 12 August at H-2
Metro 2 South BYE
Next game: v Doncaster 2pm Saturday 11 August at Footscray
Metro 2 North (3) def La Trobe Uni (2)
Next game: v Sunshine 5pm Saturday 11 August at F-1
Metro 3 North () v RMIT (0)
Next game: v Melbourne Uni 2pm Sunday 12 August at MUH
Metro 3 South () v MCC ()
Next game: v Hawthorn 3.30pm Sunday 12 August at F-2
Metro 4 North (0) def by Greensborough (2) (3)
M4NW lost this week to Greensborough(2) 3-0. The opposition were able to create lots of space and had free players to pass the ball to, but Footscray were able to repel most of the attempts on goal. We were able to get the ball into the attacking circle a number of times, but were unable to convert them. The ball seemed to unfortunately be attracted more to our feet than our sticks during the game, but our players didn’t stop trying.
Next game: v Greensborough (1) 5pm Sunday 12 August at Footscray