Ivanhoe Park isn’t a small field, so having to run out there with only 12 aside to ensure a fair game against the low numbered opposition was always going to hurt. With six new Renos playing their first game, 50% of the team were going in blind, but you couldn’t tell that from the sidelines.

The Ressies showed great composure and put their pre-season skills into action with fluid handballs and great tackles in the first half. SPEAKING OF FIRSTS, HOW ABOUT A BIG FIRST GOAL FROM ELIZA! It’s absolutely incredible to see one of the Reno’s most determined players celebrate and reap the rewards of all their efforts with a huge goal assist from Dani Haggen in the first half.

You might think for a new starter to footy, you’d come in a little timid on the tackles, but not our Elsie Daddow. She went in hard and often. Taking personal responsibility for the tackle count each quarter. Another glorious newcomer, sneaking only a few training sessions in before running out for their first game – Augie (August Ross) is going to be one to look out for. They are a force to be reckoned with, coming from a rugby background, but not afraid to get some air with soaring marks and effortlessly winning 100% tap outs throughout the game.

You may have thought fireworks were illegal in Victoria, but we’ve managed to sneak one through with incredible new recruit Jo Q. Spreading sparkles all over the field wherever she played, we’ve secured ourselves a fantastic midfielder – absolutely mesmerizing to watch! Another first gamer coming over from the dark side (rugby), Caro just never gives up. She followed her work and chased down player after player in the fourth quarter with heavy legs, right from the midfield to the goal line preventing another blow. Let me tell you, we are here for that dedication!

The scoreboard started to get away from the Ressies in the second half. The conditions were miserable, and players lost more energy than expected as they tried to cover the ground with only twelve a side. Ivanhoe lost none of their accuracy over the break, with incredible marks in front of goals and countless conversions. Defeated on the scoreboard, but not in spirit.