The Southern Saints VFLW journey kicked off on Sunday with a practice match against Geelong.
Despite eventually falling to the Cats – 12.6.78 to 4.1.25 – the newly-formed Saints outfit showed positive signs against a vastly more experienced side.
Australian representative volleyballer Rhiannon Watt performed strongly in just her second game of football, with the 30-year-old competing well in the ruck against Melbourne AFLW player Erin Hoare.
Former AFLW Carlton midfielder Ali Brown was aggressive for the Southern Saints at the contest all day, using her basketball background to her advantage to supplement Watt’s work in the ruck.
Sammie Johnson plied her trade locally as an inside midfielder before being signed to the Southern Saints squad, and the strong-bodied 25-year-old showed off her class with her quick, effective hands.
Amy Silver was another standout in her first ever football match, demonstrating an excellent read on the game and applying solid bodywork both in the air and at ground level.
Kayla Ripari was a livewire up forward for the Saints, involved in either setting up or kicking 50% of the team’s scoring shots.
Matilda Hubbard lined up against experienced Geelong forward Alisha Habib and held her own, whilst Isabella Walsh showed some good signs and room for further development.
The Saints also fielded two TAC Cup footballers from the Sandringham Dragons in Jemma Owen and Eleanor Brown.
Owen showed she can compete at the highest level in the midfield, while Brown was prolific on the wing.
The Southern Saints will face Essendon in a practice match at 12pm this Saturday April 21 at Windy Hill, before commencing their debut VFLW season on May 5.
