Now, THIS was a game of footy. Another grueling 15-a-side request from Parkdale, who were falling short. This meant covering a notoriously wide field with fewer players. There were early signs of glory in the first quarter with a big first goal from newcomer Kiah, who quickly secured a spot in the forward line with a stunning performance this week.

Captain Dani Hagen continues to show everyone who is boss out on the field playing a very effective defensive forward and keeping that ball safely inside our fifty at all costs. Hungry for a goal but with the wisdom to see a sure bet, Dani’s quick hands out to the perfectly positioned Lizzo (Elizabeth Fitzgerald) who popped it like it’s hot through for goal #2 in the second quarter. The goal celebration has already been nominated for an Academy Award, with Eliza Ryan up for Best Supporting Actress.

Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that will never stop – is what we got from our midfield and backline with Maddie Lakos, Buzz and Evie refusing to lay down their defences. If the ball makes it into the hands of Han, you better believe it’s going express post to inside 50 at three times the rate of Australia Post. Every week we see Han find a new weapon in their artillery belt to whip out against the opposition.

As entertaining as the game was by the second half, you could hardly swallow your popcorn from the nerves. Parkdale were down another player, so they requested we drop to 14 a side which was a massive ask from an exhausted team, but a fair game is a good game. The ball lingered inside Parkdale’s fifty in the third quarter, and you could hear Coach Le muttering under her breath, “I can’t watch, I can’t watch”. But never fear, Rayna is here – taking marks in front of goal and saving the day like it ain’t no thang. The confidence she is bringing to this season is something to behold.

Following instructions has not always been a strong point for the Reno’s because we aren’t called Renegades for nothing! BUT when Larissa was told to tag #39, she basically clicked the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, hit ‘shut down’ and safely took her out of the game. Another student of the week award goes to Lizzo, who whipped out Bangsy’s classic push-off to get the full-back out of the play and secure herself a second goal, with more of a subtle shoulder brush celebration this time around.

The Renegades were up by one goal in the final quarter and fought hard to keep it that way, coming away with a six-point victory in the end. It was the Ressies first win for the season, and it certainly didn’t sound like the new players didn’t know the words to the team song as it bellowed from the change room.

A fresh swim in the icy Port Phillip Bay will hopefully help with the recovery after some very tough games!