Hostplus SANFLW Indigenous Round Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

A stunning fourth-quarter cameo from Central District’s Georgia McKee propelled her team to its first win of the Hostplus SANFLW League season, overcoming West Adelaide by 10 points at Hisense Stadium.

Playing just her third SANFLW League match, the 15-year-old was dynamic in the fourth quarter in booting three of her four game-breaking goals, including the sealer with less than three minutes to play.

The Bloods appeared headed for victory when Crows-listed Abbie Ballard converted for the hosts in the seventh minute but then it was McKee – together with captain Shelby Smith (24 disposals) and Laitiah Huynh (19 disposals) – who played a major role in the victory.

West leadership group member Keeley Kustermann produced her career-best performance with 31 disposals, nine tackles and a classy snap goal but it wasn’t enough as the Bloods lost their second on the trot.

Glenelg’s hot start was enough to earn it a nine-point win against a Jess Waterhouse-inspired South Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium.

Still seething from their upset loss to Sturt in Round 2, the Tigers honoured captain Ellie Kellock in her 50th game by slamming on three goals in the first term.

With Jessica Bates and Sarah Goodwin racking up 24 disposals each, it would be enough for the Bays to secure victory despite Waterhouse’s solo heroics.

Waterhouse – the niece of former Fremantle Docker Clive Waterhouse – kicked all four of the Panthers’ goals, including a clever snap from the pocket and an eye-catching 50m bomb on the run.

Norwood survived a late scare from Woodville-West Torrens to bank an eight-point win at Coopers Stadium.

Boasting a solid 15-point lead at the final change, the Redlegs managed to hold on despite registering just one rushed behind in the last quarter.

Round 2 Powerade Breakthrough Player Jade Halpenny extended her impressive form into the following match by chalking up 27 disposals and seven clearances while Sachi Syme also worked hard for the hosts with 25 possessions.

Dangerous Eagles forward Mckenzie Dowrick let fly with a long goal in the eighth minute of the final term but that would be their last score of the game despite the efforts of experienced Renee Forth (23 disposals) as well as Ella Little and Jasmine Simmons, who had 19 possessions each.

A goal to Sturt’s Alysha Healy with less than five minutes to play proved to be enough for Sturt to snatch a dramatic three-point win against North Adelaide at Thebarton Oval.

Healy’s goal on the run from 25m was the only major registered for the match as both teams struggled with accuracy amid a highly-contested environment.

Former Sturt captain Georgia Bevan – who provided the vital goal assist for Healy – had an equal game high 22 disposals while emerging youngsters Zoe Prowse (18 disposals) and Kiera Mueller (17 disposals) were also influential.

North co-captain Kristi Harvey had 22 disposals while fellow experienced campaigner Jess Edwards battled hard with 19 as the Roosters endured a frustrating evening.