SA U16 Girls defeat WA in Game 1

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia has kick-started its U16 AFLW National Championship campaign with a gritty 13-point win against Western Australia in Perth.

Seeking to defend the past two U16 AFLW crowns in succession, the Croweaters led at every change against the Sandgropers but were unable to completely put their rivals out of the picture.

SA’s Charlotte Maurits set the tone for the visitors in the first minute of the contest, converting a well-earned free kick for holding-the-ball from 20m.

Croweater tall Lara Gribben impacted the contest with a goal assist to Lillian Thomas, who soccered off the ground in goal square before kicking a major herself after cleverly recovering to snap truly from close range.

SA’s Isabella Beaumont marked in the goal square before giving her team a 17-point buffer with a tricky set shot on the angle nearing quarter-time.

By the time Iris Newman goaled on run from 25m to start the second term, SA was well and truly on the way to securing a win on foreign soil.

Gribben was named SA’s best after providing a constant presence around the ground while captain Maia Freemantle found plenty of the ball.

Vice captain Lani Cocks started the match well rebounding with dash off half-back while Iris Newman also displayed her leg speed regularly throughout the contest.

In Game 2, the Croweaters will now host the Brisbane Lions at Thomas Farms Oval, Unley, on Tuesday April 15 at 10.30am.

SA  4.0  6.1  7.2  8.5 (53)

WA  2.1  3.2  5.4  6.4 (40)

BEST – SA: Lara Gribben, Maia Freemantle, Lani Cocks, Iris Newman, Charlotte Maurits, Lillian Thomas

GOALS – SA: Charlotte Maurits 2, Lara Gribben, Isabella Beaumont, Lillian Thomas, Scarlett Blethyn, Iris Newman, Isabella Beaumont.

At Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont