Brown the best as South win bragging rights
By Jaike Altieri.
The South side of Canberra will have bragging rights for the next twelve months after beating the North side by 36 points. The South dominated all over the ground with Jess Stramandinoli forward of centre and Catherine Brown in defence proving too hard to handle. The southerners were in control for the majority of the game, holding a handy 17-point lead at half time, before storming home in the final quarter, kicking three goals to zero.
Jess Stramandinoli showed why she’s second in the leading goal scorer tally, kicking four goals for the match and looking threatening every time she was near the ball. Catherine Brown was rock solid down back, cutting off everything that came in her direction and providing valuable drive from half back to set up a number of forward surges for the South. The North were left a woman down early, with Teigan Hawke forced from the ground with an injury after a heavy collision in the opening quarter.
Meg Magnuson was best on ground for the North side, playing well through the backline and midfield and was a key pillar in the north’s fightback during the third quarter to keep the game alive.
Zoe Skyrianos stood up alongside Magnuson, getting her hands on the football all over the ground. Skyrianos worked hard all day and was excellent in moving between contests and winning the contested ball inside for her team. A great crowd was on hand to witness the showcase of female football talent that the nation’s capital has to offer.
It was a great exhibition of women’s football which will be a highlight of the AFL Canberra calendar for many years to come.
North:
Best: Meg Magnuson
South:
Best: Catherine Brown