WA Girls Produce Emphatic Performance Against AlliesTuesday, August 15, 2023 - 10:02 AM

WA heads into the final match of the 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Girls on a high after a dominant display against the Allies in NSW at the weekend.

The West Australians cruised to a 77 point victory, in the process securing their first win of the Championships after being defeated by South Australia in the opening match in April.

The Beau McDonald coached side kicked inaccurately but held the Allies goalless 11.14 (80) to 0.3 (3).

Coaching Specialist – Talent Pathways at the WAFC, Trent Cooper, believes the strategies put in place worked brilliantly.

“We wanted to play a WA brand of football and get the ball to the outside of our opponents, who are very good in the contested situation,” Cooper said.

“Beau's training drills were specific to this style and the girls implemented it perfectly at the weekend,” he said.

There were concerns about the lay-off between games for WA, but those fears were quickly allayed.

“We made a few changes to the squad, but the majority played against South Australia.

“After the end of the WAFLW season, we were able to have a brief but intense program where the girls could concentrate on state footy, and they gelled well in that time."

Cooper declared the victory a great team effort, with some players earning special recognition.

“Evie Cowcher is a double bottom ager who excelled in the backline, and she’s really developed her game at this level and pushed up the field to record four inside 50s to compliment her work in defence.

“The backline of Webb,Chambers, O’Hehir, Entwistle, Grassenis and Newland deserve credit for keeping the Allies goalless and providing great rebound.

“Kaitlyn Srhoj played on a wing and had her best game of the year, with her ability to hold her width and provide great drive complimenting her 23 disposals.

“Rosie Anderson joined the squad late but showed her skill in attack with three goals,” he said.

With one win and one loss, WA will finish the Championships with a home game.

“We’re very excited to take on Vic Country and see where we fit in the pecking order.

“They have some very talented players, so it’ll be worth coming to watch some future AFLW stars in action.”

Coming off a six-day break, WA will conduct two light sessions, one on Tuesday and then on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game against Vic Country at Pentanet Stadium at midday.