Rogers Cup Indigenous Round: For the first time the One Club Culture is displayed by the One Jumper

Indigenous Round: For the first time the One Club Culture is displayed by the One Jumper

In a tight early contest, both teams were looking for the early advantage, so it was a bit of a scrambly game. Hayley Bidefeld and Kaitlyn Roper were active and sending the ball forward, but the Falcons couldn’t take advantage. The Sharks managed to score the first and only goal for the quarter from a free on the wing and were helped further by a 50 metre penalty and a defensive error giving them a set shot, propelling them into the lead.

Standout performances came from Jekylah Garlett and Paige Dodunski who delivered solid defence. Mia Robis on the wing and Maddi Taylor who was doing great work across the half-back line, and with Zara Deschamps who upheld her dependable reputation, the Falcons collaborated effectively against East Freo's attack efforts, managing to limit them to the single goal.

During the second quarter, an intense arm wrestle ensued as both teams fought for dominance. Sophie Fisher was pushing back into defence and with her usual composure calmly repelled any chances the Sharks were attempting to create. Paige's speed allowed her to clean up plays, while Chloe Smoker generated multiple scoring opportunities pushing forward. Mia Russo charged forward onto a loose ball for an electrifying goal.

Throughout the third quarter battle raged on between the determined squads. Jamarah Wood's hard work paid off in her pressure and tackling abilities; Kaitlyn Roper secured a turnover tackle which delivered the ball inside 50 and East Fremantle’s attempt to clear was met by Mia Robis. Kyra Abbott contested the incoming kick to then emerged onto the loose ball to score.

Chloe Smoker continued to showcase her prowess and strength by tackling, marking, and passing to Hayley Bidefeld before she kicked towards goal, where Molly Conroy claimed possession and snapped another impressive shot.

Mia Russo played particularly well in the second half with her ability to clear traffic which led to crucial breakthroughs. Mia Robis covered a lot of distance all day on her wing, in one of her best games as a Falcon while Sophie Fisher's height proved advantageous and consistently effective throughout this exciting Indigenous Round showdown.

In the end West Perth were able to sustain a solid defence and turn it into constant forward pressure, be it not for some wayward kicking the result may have been more than the 20 points.