Tara Murray
There was a mixture of emotions for Point Cook Centrals as they broke through for their first win of the Western Region Football League division 1 women’s season.
Last season’s division 2 premiers have found the going tough at times this season, but were able to enjoy singing the song on Saturday after beating the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, 3.8 (26)-1.3 (9).
Coach Leanne Meyer said the group enjoyed the moment that had been months in the making.
“It was a combination of excitement and relief,” she said. “It’s a reward for effort and there were all those emotions coming with the first win.”
The Sharks led at every break in the win. They kept the Eagles goal less after quarter time.,
Meyer said the key for them was getting off to a good start.
“We had some big ins for the game,” she said. “We hit the scoreboard first and it’s the first time we’ve kicked the first goal of the game all year.
“It sparked the group. The game was played between the arcs and in the midfield for a lot of the game.
“It was pure strength and grit from the midfielders.”
Meyers said for them they were just focused on each quarter and from there the result would take care of itself.
She said their backline held really strong led by Emmason McCurley, Mary Daw and Lyndal Ridder.
It was all single goal kickers for the Centrals.
D’Koda Lee-Feeney, Leah Moss and Madeline Johnson were named their best. Meyer said the return of Johnson, who missed the last couple of weeks, was a massive inclusion for the side.
Meyers said they always knew it was going to be a challenge this year after the success of last season.
She said this year was about building for the future after losing several of their premiership team to retirement.
“We got some new players in, some experienced and some new to the game,” she said.
“There’s a fresh feel to the playing group and they’ve helped the group re-find their love for the game and the love of the sisterhood.
“There’s been pockets of joy this season. This year was always going to be a learning year. I’ve got the motto, to be the best, you have to play against the best and learn from the best.”
Meyer said now with a win on the board, they wanted to continue the momentum and the vibe for the rest of the season.
“We are very aware of where we are at with the growth and the development in the team,” she said.
“The fantastic thing is we get to play everyone again. We want to keep the vibe going and continue to learn and if we get another win or two it will be a bonus.”
In other results, Werribee Centrals lost a thriller against Caroline Springs.
The Lakers took an early lead and led by a goal at half time.
The lead was increased to 16 points at three quarter time. The Centurions came hard late, but fell short, losing 7.4 (46)-5.9 (39).
The Centurions remain second on the ladder.
