VFLW defeat SANFLW in AAMI State Game

By ZAC MILBANK

A four-goal first term blitz was the catalyst for the VFLW’s efficient 27-point win against the SANFLW in the inaugural AAMI State Game at Alberton Oval on Friday night.

The Victorians were desperate to shock the hosts in the historic first clash between the arch-rivals and they certainly did with an overwhelming level of pressure around the ball.

Establishing a 25-point lead by the first change, the Big V extended this to 32 by the main change as Tahlia Fellows hit the scoreboard with three majors while fellow forward Lily-Rose Williamson booted two to go with a clever goal assist.

The SANFLW State side had 20 less kicks and six fewer inside 50 entries in the defining first quarter while also being rushed when in possession.

Tall SA midfielder Christina Leuzzi kicked her team’s only goal of the first half, from 30m on the run, when streaming forward after her team won the centre clearance.

But Victoria continually controlled the air and the tempo of the contest, registering 25 marks to 13 in the opening half as it constructed victory with clean ball use, highlighted by eight fewer inside 50s for the match.

Leuzzi was a fitting selection in winning the medal for best SANFLW player, collecting a team-high 23 disposals while also laying 13 tackles to go with her eye-catching goal.

SA – which featured nine debutants – also had midfielder Jess Bates (21 disposals, nine tackles) and half-back Laela Ebert (16 disposals) work hard to get their team back into the contest.

But ultimately, the hosts’ inaccuracy in front of goal – finishing with 4.12 (36) – proved pivotal in the final result.

The SANFLW State team will now turn its attention to hosting the WAFLW on the weekend of Saturday May 3.

VFLW   4.2  7.2  8.5   9.9 (63)

SANFLW  0.1  1.6  2.11  4.12 (36)

BEST -VFLW: Tahlia Fellows, Lily-Rose Williamson, Dom Carbone, El Chaston, Alana Barba, Tessa Boyd

SANFLW: Christina Leuzzi, Jess Bates, Hannah Button, Laela Ebert, Zoe Venning.

GOALS – VFLW: Tahlia Fellows 4, Lily-Rose Williamson 2, El Chaston, Sharni Whiting, Nyakoat Dojiok.

SANFLW: Christina Leuzzi, Kiana Lee, Katelyn Rosenzweig, Lauren Breguet.

VFLW Best Player – Tahlia Fellows (Hawthorn VFLW)

SANFLW Best Player Medal – Christina Leuzzi (Woodville-West Torrens)

At Alberton Oval

UMPIRES

Field – Katelin Bayre (SANFLW), Daniel Rogers (SANFLW), Ned Walsh (VFLW)

Boundary – Jessica Gaffney (SANFLW), Emma Jones (SANFLW), Hannah Timpani (SANFLW), Olivia Grcic (VFLW)

Goal – Alex Scarman (SANFLW), Jenna Green (VFLW)