Central Blues Australian Football Club

The Blues Women had their 3 game win streak ended by the Eagles. Missing Ruck Kelsey Blair and Rover Renee Tong the Blues coaching staff had the tough task of shuffling positions.

Moving Molly Gamble from the forward line and Lisa Tazzman from the back line to both play the middle of the ground in an attempt to slow down the Eagles speed midfielders.

Rookies Rainy Venne and Serra Ulubas (playing her first game) were tasked with the responsibility of providing leading targets. The first quarter saw end to end action as both teams had scoring opportunities. Playing a player short for most of the quarter after an undetected errant elbow split Sherelle Kelly-Witts' lip. Later requiring stitches to close it. The Blues trailed by less than a goal and but for an unlucky bounce would have been even at the first break.

With repairs made to Sherelle the second quarter was a more closely contested game. Great defensive pressure from Sally and support from the midfield held the Eagles to just 3 behinds. The Blues offense answered with a behind of their own. Coming off the field at half it was clear that the warm weather and quick mid-field of the Eagles was taking it's toll on the Blues. Slow the pace down and use the ball effectively was the order from the coaching staff in hopes of conserving some energy.

The Blues were slow to react at the start and the Eagles kicked three quick goals and it looked like the game was going to to become a blow out. Betty who had been quite in the first half stepped up and took charge smothering, tackling and delivering the ball out to Molly, Lisa and Sherelle. A great smother by Sally late in the quarter prevented another Eagles goal and gave the team it needed going into the final break.

The girls came out firing in the fourth and had a cracker of a quarter. Definitely their best of the game. Great pressure all around the field forced turnovers which were quickly worked back up the field. Goals by Molly and Lisa closed the gap. Another late scoring shot by Molly was ruled a behind which would have would have closed the gap to just a goal. Unfortunately time was not on the Blues side and the final siren sounded with the Blues being defeated by the Eagles.

Blues 3.6.24
Eagles 5.6.36

Goals: Lisa Tazzman 2, Molly Gamble 1

Best on Ground: Lisa Tazzman
Top Contributor: Sherelle Kelly-Witt