U18W v Tasmania Devils
The StreetSmarts SUNS U18 Girls fought a resilient battle at Windsor Park to ultimately defeat the Tasmania Devils 8.7 (55) to 1.5 (11) in difficult conditions.
“After a tight opening term, we adapted well to the torrential rain, lifting our intensity and taking control of the game through pressure, contest work and territory,” StreetSmarts SUNS Academy U18W Head Coach Emily Avery said.
“A dominant second quarter proved decisive. We were able to shut Tasmania out and began to play the match consistently in our forward half.
“The win was built on strong team defense and relentless effort, with us applying repeat pressure and limiting Tasmania’s scoring opportunities throughout the game.
“Overall, it was a disciplined and mature response from the group, who showed resilience after a slow start and finished the match with continued intent and energy.”
Sienna Burnham amassed a record 24 tackles alongside Tigerlily Nixon (11 intercept possessions) and Lily Ryder (six contested possessions) who were strong defensively off the half back.
Sienna Clinch was dominant in the ruck dominating 49 of 57 hit-outs while Asia Single (two goals) Maddy Campbell (29 disposals, one goal) and U16 All Australian Lily Moana (17 contested possessions, one goal) went to work in the midfield and produced majors of their own.
The SUNS will be eager to continue their hot streak with the final fixtures of the Talent League drawing closer.
U18M v Tasmania Devils
In an arm-wrestle match at Windsor Park, the StreetSmarts SUNS U18 boys fell short 8.7 (55) to 11.13 (79) to the Tasmania Devils.
Brave efforts in the final quarter saw the SUNS earn plenty of territory but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
“Tasmania dominated the first half, but we hung in there and in the second half we started to play some better footy,” StreetSmarts SUNS Academy U18M Head Coach Jarrod Cottton said.
“We won the last quarter and played the way wanted but it just took us too long to get into the game.
“Credit to Tasmania, their defensive pressure was excellent and we just couldn’t get our game up and going early.”
In the midfield, Leroy Kaesler (33 disposals with 20 contested possesions) battled hard, particularly in the second half which delivered the SUNS a team-high six inside50 entries in addition to of a goal of his own. Archie Hill (22 disposals, two goals) split his time across both the inner and outer layers providing a run and carry and much-needed points on the scoreboard.
Cooper Collins (12 intercept possessions) was a clear winner in his role across the half back providing plenty of run and drive while key defender Cooper Johnson (four marks) stepped up to the challenge and learned plenty from the Devils.
The SUNS now turn their attention to face the Northern Knights and Gippsland in Victoria over the coming weeks.
“With two really good games coming up, it’s an opportunity to test ourselves against some of the best players in Melbourne and look forward to the challenge,” Cotton added.
