AFL Canberra has claimed the inaugural Women’s Coast versus Country Challenge Shield, but not before a stern challenge from the Black Diamond AFL at Bateau Bay Sporting Facility on Sunday, July 10.
The matches were split one apiece but AFL Canberra claimed the trophy on a countback, having kicked more goals across the two matches. Played in front of a strong crowd in perfect conditions, the BDAFL Development side claimed the early advantage with a 3.13.31 to 3.6.24 win over the AFL Canberra Youth Girls’ side. Then the AFL Canberra senior side proved too strong for the BDAFL senior team, winning 12.6.78 to 4.7.31. The BDAFL senior side took the match to their more fancied rivals and got the fi rst goal on the board courtesy of Morgan Ross (Gosford), which the visitors countered almost immediately. A further goal to Emily Nichols gave the BDAFL the lead, however, two late goals to AFL Canberra saw them lead by six points at the fi rst change.
AFL Canberra took control of the match in the second quarter, however, the BDAFL defence repelled many of their attacks. Canberra’s four gaols for the term saw them lead by 25 points at the long break. The BDAFL responded strongly in the third quarter with captain Amy Hessell (Gosford) dominating the ruck. The home side had many scoring opportunities, two of which were turned into goals for the term. At the fi nal break the margin was 24 points. The effort in the previous three quarters took its toll on the BDAFL women as AFL Canberra were able to pull away in the fi nal quarter to win by 47 points. AFL Canberra’s Megan Godfrey received the award for Best on Ground. Despite the loss, the BDAFL girls showed plenty of spirit in their fi rst-ever representative fi xture and benefi tted from playing against a well-drilled outfi t. The day started well for the BDAFL with the Development side showing great skill and tenacity to record a seven point win over AFL Canberra Youth Girl’s side.
The win was the fi rst by a BDAFL Women’s side. The match was an even affair for the fi rst half, with the BDAFL leading by seven points, a margin which could have been greater given the inaccuracy in front of goals from the home side (one goal from 10 attempts). They found their goalkicking boots in the third quarter and goals, including one to Orana Eslick (Gosford), saw the BDAFL open up a 15 point lead at the fi nal change. After holding sway for most of the fi nal quarter, but unable to fi nd the killer blow, the BDAFL had to withstand a late AFL Canberra fl ourish, however in the end, were able to hang onto a historic seven point win. Next year the Challenge will be played in Canberra.
Media release, Jul 10, 2016 Garry Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL