GEELONG Falcons coach Paul Corrigan has hailed his team’s intensity and pressure following an upset 11-point win over the previously unbeaten Oakleigh Chargers on Saturday.
The Falcons grabbed their fourth win of the season and snapped a two-game losing streak after keeping the Chargers to just one goal after quarter time.
“We had a focus with the girls to bring a bit more intensity around the contest,” Corrigan said.
“And a bit more accountability, and bring each other back to the contest, and enjoy playing one-on-one football.
“If we could bring ourselves that component and match them in that area, I thought the strengths of the girls would go with that as well.
“I thought we’d gone away in the last couple of weeks from our strength of being good around the footy and our pressure.
“But, today, it was elite for four quarters.”
Making her return from a week on the sidelines due to a minor knee injury, Corrigan labelled Gabbi Featherson’s performance “outstanding”.
“She pinch-hit in the ruck when we needed to give Keeley (Hardingham) a rest,” he said.
“She’s super strong in the air and clunked a few (marks). She kicked a goal as well.
“When she went into the ruck, she’s got a really sound leap.
“But what I love about her, she’s just so competitive. When the ball hit the ground, her follow-up, her pressure, and her ability to chase and run were great.”
Mia Van Dyke, who also missed last week’s loss to the Northern Knights, also impressed with two goals, while midfield duo Charlotte Simpson and Tess Craven continued their solid form.
The Falcons will enjoy the Easter weekend off before returning to action for a make-up match against Murray Bushrangers in Bendigo on April 11.
The two teams were due to play in Round 2. However, that clash was postponed following the snap COVID-19 lockdown of Victoria in mid-February.
Captain Lucy Were, who missed the win over the Chargers, is also set to miss the Bushies’ clash as she battles an ankle complaint.
Twitter: @tom_king79
GEELONG FALCONS 1.2, 4.4, 4.4, 5.4 (34)
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS 2.0, 2.2, 3.4, 3.5 (23)
Goals: Geelong Falcons: M. Van Dyke 2, Z. Garth, G. Featherston, R. Tierney
Oakleigh Chargers: S. Morley, C. Taylor, S. Reid
Best: Geelong Falcons: G. Featherston, C. Simpson, M. Van Dyke, T. Craven, Z. Garth, E. Dowling
Oakleigh Chargers: L. Hart, E. Woodford, C. Taylor, A. McCulloch, S. Morley, A. Ling
