GIRLS GET THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE 2024 SEASON

By Alannah Crowhurst

The second round of the U18 Girls Coates Talent League saw our Dragons girls get their first win of the season in a thrilling match against the Western Jets. The first quarter saw another impressive display of defense from the Dragons backline carried over from last week, with immense pressure in the Jets’ forward 50 limiting them to 2 behinds and no goals in the opening term. An impressive, contested mark from Scout Howden (21 disposals) in the first 3 minutes also set the stage for Sandringham’s contested possessions throughout the rest of the game. The first goal of the match was assisted by a close connection between Mia Zielinksi (16 disposals, 5 goals) with a handball over the top of Jets defenders to an impressive run on by first year player Lucia Turnbull. The first term was promising for Sandy, as they lead by 7 points.

Sandringham’s time in their own forward 50 increased in the second term. Despite the Jet’s defensive pressure, the Dragon’s were able to get an abundance of handballs and kicks to hit targets and demonstrated connection and teamwork in their forward line - a very promising display for the rest of the season ahead. Top ager, Mia Zielinksi got her first of 5 goals from a well deserved set shot. Hannah Foran displayed great backline pressure in a tackle that resulted in a turnover in Sandy’s favour, and another excellent display of kicking accuracy and connection down the line brought Sandy yet another goal. Sandy led 3.4 22 to Oakleigh 2.3 15 at half time.

Mia Zielinksi scored a goal for the match 4 minutes into the third term - her strong contested marks and overall impact around the ball was a stand-out the entire game, and her impact on the scoreboard rewarded her efforts, resulting in 5 goals and 2 behinds. Just as the Jets started creeping up to Sandy on the scoreboard, Zielinksi scored another goal to keep Sandy’s lead. The third term demonstrated another great display of connection and ball flow down Sandy’s midfield, a vast improvement from the first round where they lacked such cohesion. At three-quarter time, Sandy continued to lead by 7 points, 36-29.

The fourth quarter started off strong with a goal in the first 30 seconds to Kera Galaminda Gellar. Both Margot Whitney and Sophie Crofts dominated the ruck, having a big impact on centre bounces and stoppages by utilising their height and strong vertical jump. Mia Zielinksi continued her impressive scoring streak, reinforcing once again the importance of her position in the squad and her dominance around the contested play. Ultimately, while the Jets didn’t make it easy, Sandy finished strong, winning by 16 points. The girls provided an excellent display of connection and consistency over the entire match, and enjoyed a well deserved post-win chant that could be heard well beyond the changing rooms. They prepare for Round 3 against Calder Cannons in their first away game of the season.

SCORES:

Q1 Sandringham Dragons: 1.3. 9 Western Jets: 0.2. 2

Q2 Sandringham Dragons: 3.4. 22 Western Jets: 2.3. 15

Q3 Sandringham Dragons: 5.6. 36 Western Jets: 4.5. 29

Q4 Sandringham Dragons: 8.9. 57 Western Jets: 6.5. 41

GOALS: M. Zielinksi 5, K. Galaminda Gellar 1, L. Turnbull 1, M. Ursprung 1

BEST ON: D.Flockart, M.Zielinksi, S.Howden, O.Mclean, M.Watkins