Debutantes deliver in nail-biting season opener

SENIOR debutantes stepped up to a mammoth challenge to secure Barwon Heads a narrow win in their first game of the season.

The Seagulls held on to secure a two-point win over Portarlington in the Demons’ first game in the AFL Barwon women’s competition.

Head coach Shannon Knox said she was impressed by how well her side played after the club joined forces with Ocean Grove in the off-season.

Preparing for a game against an entirely unknown opposition added further complexities, she said.

 

“That was probably the most challenging part, I didn’t know much about them at all,” Knox said.

“I was fortunate enough to know one of their coaches, so I knew a few of the players and that they had a lot of depth.

“Given the fact that they were new to the competition, I knew they would be keen to really get going.”

Portarlington kept the home side goalless in the first quarter and remained on top for most of the game.

A final-quarter surge from the Barwon Heads forwards, led by Michelle Fedele, secured the 5.6 (36) to 5.4 (34) win.

A development coach with the club, Fedele led by example, kicking a game-high three goals.

Knox said it was a hard-fought game that opens the door for a big season.

 

“Two young Ocean Grove girls, Bonni Rutherford and Harriette O’Keefe, were probably the two standouts in our back-line,” Knox said.

“They had a bit of a role to play back there and they did really well in terms of stopping some really key forwards for Portarlington.

“The way that they’ve come into the side, obviously late to pre-season and just fitting in really, really well, is so impressive.”

They were two of six players to play in their first senior game of football.

Early days in the season, Knox is excited to see what the year holds.

“I think it’s just so important to remember why we’re playing football,” she said.

 

“We’re playing for the team camaraderie and I would think that most clubs are probably on that page as well.

“We want to build a good culture and then all the rest will come.

“I think everyone’s just happy to just get the game underway.”

Earlier in the day, Geelong Ammos defeated St Joseph’s 8.13 (61) to 2.1 (13) and Geelong West defeated South Barwon 10.6 (66) to 6.4 (40).

Grovedale and St Mary’s had a round 1 bye.