WA Football Commission

Falcons triumphant over AngelsMonday, June 13, 2016 - 8:47 AM

An impressive surge of late goals from the Perth Angels couldn’t get them over the line over a triumphant Joondalup Falcons, who held on to defeat the home side as victorious 25 point winners.

From the first bounce, Joondalup rose to the occasion and made it very clear why they sit atop the WAWFL Reserves ladder. They spread their wings among sunny conditions at Lathlain Park, maintaining possession inside their forward fifty for much of the first term.  Though Perth’s home ground advantage wasn’t doing them any favours, Joondalup’s goal kicking was, as they failed to put away their opponents early on by only converting 1.3 by the end of the first quarter, despite several entries inside fifty. Perth’s only opportunity to secure their first major was missed early on, as Danielle Wiseman couldn’t convert a set shot directly in front of goal.

Despite this, Perth were finally on the board with a goal halfway through the second quarter.  The contest eventually broke even with both sides proceeding to cough up the ball with unforced turnovers and rushed disposal. Joondalup eventually steadied and regained their dominance of the match, with Abbie Swale and Tess Moynihan slotting their sides second and third goals, winning the quarter and taking home a healthy 14 point lead at half time.

At the main break, Lathlain Park hosted three Auskick games, amassing an exciting opportunity for a number of young, aspiring footballers to play in front of a crowd of adults and inspired young children. They provided the perfect curtain raiser for the second half of the match. Notably, since the Perth Angels have joined with Belmont Junior Football Club to go out and encourage primary schoolers of the benefits, skills, and overall fun to be gained by playing Aussie Rules, there has been a 10% increase in female Auskick enrollments for 2016, with that number having strong potential to continuously rise.

The Angels needed the perfect start after the long break, but redemption didn’t arrive as Perth’s Aleisha Duncan failed to convert a set shot in front of goal, and in a space of minutes the falcons had another two majors. Janaha Williams rubbed more salt into the Angels wounds, as she extended the margin to five goals. Ellie Hansen was also pivotal for Joondalup, pushing up forward and working as an effective ball carrier to help her side to extend their well-maintained lead.

Despite her side never taking the lead, Angel Lea Caccamo provided a standout performance, working effortlessly around the ground for the contested ball, though she later went down halfway through the final term with a troubled leg injury from a rough contest collision.  

Though it was far too late for redemption, Perth came firing in the final term as they managed to score more goals in the final quarter than they had all match, whilst managing to keep Joondalup goalless.

Joondalup now have some breathing space with two wins clear atop the ladder and will head into next week’s round 10 clash against seventh placed East Perth as favourites, whilst the Angels still hold onto their position in third as they approach a week off with a bye.

Final Score:

Perth Angels: 3.4 (22)
Joondalup Falcons: 6.11 (47)

Goals:
Perth: Aleisha Duncan, Tayla Vanderham, Tamika Watterston     
Joondalup: Tyhara Garlett, Abbie Swale, Tess Moynihan, Ellie Hansen, Brooke Hongell, Janaha Williams                           

Article: Sandra Argese