Port Melbourne VFLW suffered a 56-point loss at the hands of Casey in Round 11 on Saturday afternoon at ETU Stadium.
Fans were met with a dreary, wintery day as Casey prevailed 9.12 (66) to 1.4 (10).
Olivia Barton was the equal-highest possession-getter on the ground with 24, while Skipper Claire Dyett reminded the Borough faithful of what they’ve been missing, with 23 disposals and four marks on her return from concussion.
Courteney Bromage was excellent once again, amassing 14 disposals and six tackles. Beth Wilson, playing a higher role this week, enjoyed one of her best games this year. She finished with 12 disposals and an equal game-high five marks.
Borough fans have become accustomed to debutants in recent times, with Round 12 being no different. Alice Campbell, Keely James, and Cassidy Mailer all ran out for their first games in the Red and Blue and offered an exciting glimpse into the future of Port Melbourne’s Women’s program. Fellow youth protege Maddy Gray impressed once more with eleven disposals.
The Borough started hot, with tackling pressure noticeable from the first bounce. Unfortunately, no damage was done on the scoreboard, with Casey taking a 20-point lead into the first break. Monica Harasimiuk and Zoe Mitchell both booted two goals for the Demons.
Port endured another scoreless quarter in the second tern, as the Demons entered half-time 37 points in front.
The pressure ramped up for Port at the start of the second half, and this was rewarded with Alice Campbell’s first goal in VFLW footy, albeit in unorthodox fashion. Kaitlyn O’Keefe trapped her Demon counterpart and was duly awarded the free kick, with Campbell taking the advantage and converting the goal. Held up in the wind, the ball floated across goal and bounced its way through, much to the confusion, and then celebration, of Campbell and her teammates.
Despite conceding two last-quarter goals to take the margin past 50 points, Port Melbourne played one of their better periods of football all season, highlighting their desired game style. The young and experienced Borough outfit lost no admirers and proved that there is an exciting future ahead.
ETU Stadium will be graced with a double header next week, with Port Melbourne’s VFLW side facing Collingwood at 3.35pm following the VFL clash with Southport at 12.05pm.
The VFLW Borough will be hoping to return to the winners' list in the penultimate round of 2022.
Port Melbourne 1.4.10 def by Casey Demons 9.12.66
