We were greeted with a sunny winter afternoon at Gillon oval, and our captain won the toss and chose to kick with the wind (something Trent Cotchin should have done in 2014 against Port Adelaide – but that’s another story). We started with a bang – which was Snowy’s tackle on the 50m line that was rewarded with a free-kick. Using the wind at her back, Snowy slotted our first goal. We had some great link-ups in the first quarter, including a Snowy – Badsey – Erin combo into our forward fifty and quick hands to Lara, where she was able to use her unmatched speed to power away from her opponents.

The second quarter gave Ivanhoe the advantage of having the wind at their back, but thanks to our constant pressure and players not allowing their opponents to get loose, they were unable to capitalise. Soma’s bodywork was outstanding, Snowy’s kicking was exceptional, and Erin’s follow-up work was unmatched! This, coupled with Josie’s magnificent hands on the line – meant that only 4 points were conceded for the quarter.

We started the quarter with only a two-point lead, and players were challenged to bring the same intensity of the first half. Snowy brought a carbon copy of her first quarter – slotting another goal from the 50(ish) line. Tahlia showed aggression at contests – what coach Le has been asking them for! The quarter was filled with highlights, a goal-saving chase down by Josie; Em’s positioning and kicking; all-round pressure and what would have been music to our coaching team’s ears – the team was putting into practice things they had done in training!

The last quarter had Ivanhoe coming home with the wind and the Renegades needing to hold onto a 9-point lead. Dani’s elevation into the seniors has been reaping rewards! She provides a reliable marking option in the forward line and always has strong body work. After Ivanhoe were finally able to slot a major, our pressure was amplified, and we weren’t going to give up the game without a fight. Snowy’s voice was louder, and Woodhouse threw her body harder at contests – we didn’t think either of those things were even possible! Our backline stood up under constant pressure in the last quarter, and remarkably, we ran Ivanhoe off their feet (those running drills have come in handy). Goose put the icing on a delicious cake by slotting a well-earned goal!