AFLW Round 5 – Carlton v St. Kilda: Saints on the improve despite experiencing the Blues

Carlton v St. Kilda

7.10 PM Saturday March 7

Ikon Park

 

 

The Saints lost by 21 points, conceding 8 goals to the Blues, who played off in last year’s grand final. One of the goals was from a turnover on the back 50 metre line and the second, less than two minutes later (both in the third quarter) a gift from an umpire who awarded a 50 metre penalty against a Saint trying to get back into position. These ticky-touchy 50 metre penalties should be outlawed as they destroy a game.

 

Despite the loss, this was probably the Saints best game for the season; putting to one side the euphoria of the win against the Demons. The Saints achieved their highest score of the season, had two shots which were touched on the line, one that hit the post and two others that could/should have been goals. The coaching staff have to put an end to players aiming for the post at training.

 

All of the Saints goals were sheer class. The first a combination between Nicola (the X factor) Xenos and the G Train Caitlin Greiser, who scored with a banana kick deep in the pocket; a kick that brought back memories of Stevie Milne (change her number to 44). The second resulted from a long kick by Georgia (the Gun) Patrikios out of the centre square that bounced into the arms of Rhiannon (Light Bulb) Watt who ran into the goal square for an easy goal. The third was also out of the centre square following a ball up. Poppy (no relation to Ned) Kelly tapped the ball to Rosie (the gardener)Dillon who kicked long down the corridor for the G Train to kick her second goal. The last was from a contested high mark by Kate (step ladder) Shierlaw.

 

The Saints are well organised and highly competitive. The mid field is strong with both Olivia (V Line) Vesely and Nat (the Ex factor) Exon having strong games. Clara (the Irish comet) Fitzpatrick had another impressive game and delighted the crowd with her Gaelic Football skills in the first quarter. (The tattooed pocket rocket hyphenated back pocket) Tilly Lucas-Rodd had another solid game in the back half. To the extent that the Saints have a problem they need a quality small forward, especially following the injury to Katie (the terrier) McCarthy.

 

The Saints are definitely on the improve; on the verge of demonstrating its prowess as a team. Peta Searle is a positive coach with her encouraging and down to earth style. The problem is that by the time the team reaches its potential the season will probably be over. The season is too short. The AFL needs to have the courage to embrace a longer season so not just the Saints, but the AFLW competition as a whole, can more fully develop as an exciting demonstration of the skills of playing football.

 

The Saints take on the Tigers next week at Moorabbin. Don’t miss it.

 

Go Saints!

 

Carlton     3.0   4.1   7.2   8.2 (50)

St. Kilda   2.0   3.0   3.2   4.5 (29)

 

Goals

Carlton: Sarah Hosking, Egan, Harris, Walker, McEvoy, Stevens, Gee.

St. Kilda: Greiser 2, Watt, Shierlaw.

 

Best

Carlton: Prespakis, Harrington, Dalton, Wilson, Sarah Hosking.

St. Kilda: Patrikios, Vesley, Dillon, Greiser, Shierlaw.

 

Our Best: Prespakis 3 (Carlton), Patrikios 2 (St. Kilda), Vesley 1 (St. Kilda).

 

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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