By Tara Murray
A couple of weeks off may have been a blessing as the Suns produced their best performance of the Western Football League women’s season.
With the King’s Birthday weekend and a bye, the Suns had to look at other ways to keep the side together during that period.
Coach Leanne Meyer said it was nice to be back on the field.
“We were thinking about how we could keep that match fitness and footy connection along with the fun,” he said.
“We did something quite different. We organised a full day event starting down in Lara and all the way into the city.
“We put them in groups with people they don’t normally hang out with to build that commodity.
“The off field relationships are just as important as the on field ones.
“The win on Saturday was the most solidified team work we’ve had this season.
“It’s one of the best wins as a team.”
On Saturday, the Suns faced Wyndhamvale in the local derby.
The Suns were able to win every quarter on the way to an 11.9 (75)-1.1 (7) win.
“Everyone on the field used their weapon or something they were taught this year, which was really pleasing,” Meyer said.
“The hard work we had put in paid off and it felt like it was a good day.”
Mandy Seath kicked four goals for the Suns, while Jennifer Plumb kicked three.
Bonnie Lea Brown, Alexis Madden and Lyndal Ridder were named the Suns best.
The Suns celebrated Brown’s 100th game in the win. The 16-year-old recently made her Western Jets debut.
Meyer said they had a really good combination of youth and experience, with the older players wrapping their arms around the younger ones.
Harper Sell was the goalkicker for the Falcons.
After nine rounds, the Suns sit in fifth spot match ratio outside of the top four.
Meyer said they felt they would be in the middle of the table this season, but said the competition was closer than it had been.
“I don’t think we’ve had a full team on the park due to holidays and injuries,” she said.
“We have a few away in the next few weeks and we play some of the top teams.
“If we get into finals, the experience and opportunity is the biggest thing if it happens.
“We want that development and that real experience. Playing a final is different than talking about it.”
In other results, Point Cook Centrals lost to Caroline Springs, 20.10 (130)-2.0 (12).
Charli Sette and Keshena Kinkaid were named the Sharks best.
Werribee Centrals had the bye.
