Our Senior AFL teams kicked off their GSV season on Friday afternoon with the first annual St Catherine’s V Lauriston Cup at Scotch College.

With over 45 students in the AFL squad, this is the first time St Catherine’s has had a team in both the A and B Divisions. After three weeks of hard work at their early Monday morning training sessions, the girls were eager to put their skills to work.

The B Team took to the field first and after having much of the play in their forward half, could only manage three behinds to Lauriston’s one behind in the first half. After Lauriston went ahead by four points with a goal just before the three quarter time siren, the St Catherine’s girls knew they had to deliver a final quarter goal. With two minutes remaining, the ball surged towards the goal square where the lightning quick Claudia Perkins pounced and snapped through a match winning goal to see St Catherine’s commence the season with a hard fought victory.

The A Team excitedly took to the field next and showed they will be a force to reckon with in the GSV competition. Displaying great running, tackling and team pressure, the girls ran away with an eleven point victory. When Lauriston edged in front early in the third quarter, a huge pack mark in the goal square from Sarah Lavelle saw St Catherine’s take back the lead and close the game out.

GSV AFL Training with former AFL Collingwood player, Travis Cloke.

Following their big wins, the girls had a special surprise coach at their training session on Monday morning. Former Collingwood centre half forward Travis Cloke kindly gave up his time to work with our forward group. The girls really appreciated Travis’s expertise and worked hard to develop their goal kicking and forward line positioning. To see the training in action click here.

A big thank you to the many families and friends who supported both teams on Friday. We look forward to your continued support in the upcoming games.

 

 

Round 1 GSV AFL

B Division

St Catherine’s (1.3.9) defeated Lauriston (1.1.7)

Goal Kickers: Claudia Perkins

Best Players: Claudia Richardson, Charlotte Murdoch, Amelia Darby, Ella Lansell, Willow Burrell

A Division

St Catherine’s (4.1.25) defeated Lauriston (2.2.14)

Goal Kickers: Sarah Lavelle (2), Millie Fraser-Smith (2)

Best Players: Sarah Wilson, Sarah Lavelle, Annelise Cody, Stephanie Ferrali, Annabel Joubert

Mr Nick Racina, Assistant Head of Sport, Head of GSV Weekly Sport