TAS 4.2 7.3 10.5 12.6 (78)
NT 2.0 3.0 4.1 5.6 (36)
Goal Kickers TAS: K. Hutchinson 6, J. Wuetschner 3, S. Shaw 2, L. Johnston
Goal Kickers NT: S. Bishop 2, H. Davey , K. Irvine , R. Taylor
Best Players TAS: J. Wuetschner, K. Hutchinson, M. Smith, S. Eaton, R. Moore, D. Allen
Best Players NT: K. White, K. Irvine, L. Jeffrey, S. Bishop, N. PALMER
In an exciting development for women’s football Tasmania today made their debut in the 2011 AFL Women’s National Championships. The hard work & efforts of AFL TAS paid off as the Apple Isle came to play against a rejuvenated NT team at City Mazda Stadium Richmond.
Tasmania coached by former AFL player Trent Bartlett came up against an NT side coached by retired Victorian state player Anita Rhook. Tasmania started strongly kicking the first goal of the game. Conditions were very tough as rain fell making the ground quite slippery, and sure ball handling was quite difficult. NT looked to take the game on and ran hard but Tasmania was strong across the ground & dominated the marks taking 11 to 3. Hayley Davey sister of AFL players Aaron & Alwyn scored an excellent goal soccering off the ground in congestion. The inside 50's were very even with both teams having plenty of the ball but Tasmania capitalised scoring 4.2 from their 7 inside 50's while NT kicked 2 goals. TAS led by 14 points at 1/4 time.
The 2nd quarter saw Tasmania break the game wide open going inside 50 more than twice as often as NT. Tasmania scored 3.1 for the quarter while NT could manage just 1 solitary goal. Tasmania started to out muscle NT and were too strong in contests as they regularly knocked their opponents off the ball. Kieren Hutchinson was dominating up forward for Tasmania providing a very strong target and taking some excellent marks. Tasmania were able to play a free running game and used the ball very well. TAS took a 27 point lead into half time.
NT came out after half time determined to put in a good effort as they took the game up to Tasmania. The Thunder matched Tasmania with 7 inside 50's apiece but were unable to convert scoring just the 1 goal while Tasmania kicked 3.2. NT worked hard & tackled hard applying pressure but Tasmania continued to dominate around the stoppages winning the clearances. Tasmania led by 40 points at the last change.
NT really lifted a gear in the last quarter throwing everything at Tasmania. NT tackled hard registering 13 more tackles for the quarter and they took the ball inside 50 double the amounts of times that TAS did but still Tasmania won the quarter by 2 points as NT couldn't convert kicking 1.5 in an inaccurate display. Kerri-Anne White sister of retired Lion Darryl didn't stop trying for NT while Kieren Maddison Smith ran hard all day for Tasmania. The Apple Isle ran out 42 point winners in their first ever game at the National Championships.
Tasmania should be very proud of their efforts today as they played a very good brand of football on the big stage. They will be chock full of confidence going into their round 2 clash against NSW. NT were far from disgraced and will take a lot from the game as they look to regroup for their round 2 game against ACT.
Last Modified on 08/06/2011 09:35