With Hawthorn withdrawing their Reserves side, the Renegades only had a single game and for the first time in a while, an excess of available players. The first quarter saw the Renegades burst out of the blocks and had a score on the board within the first minute. Goals from Augie, JB and Mae in the quarter gave the team a great start. JB used her dodging and weaving skills to have the big sticks in her sights, she bent the ball and it sailed right through the middle for goal of the game. The team’s energy was high and we dominated with first quarter with exceptional ball movement – everything that was practiced at training was on display during the quarter.

The second quarter can be summed up by brilliant tackling and quick thinking. Em M and Lloydy took all their learnings from Malcolm Bangs and displayed textbook tackling skills. Last year’s leading goal kicker, Kingi, hit the scoreboard and Dani Haggers slotted through a cheeky goal with some quick thinking after taking a mark. Our Captain, Housey, was impressive with her second efforts – always leading by example!

In the third quarter, Hawthorn managed to hold us scoreless, but we were also miserly and managed to hold them to a single point. Our marking was a highlight of the quarter, with Dani and House clunking particularly great marks – they slay! Not to be outslayed, Goodsie displayed team first spirit with her blocking and Em M’s kicking was exceptional.

Much like the third quarter we again provided Hawthorn very limited scoring opportunities in the fourth. There were superb link up plays by House, Laura, JB, Augie and Goose. House’s marking was again on display – a theme for the game really. And joining House in a sublime combo effort was Winnie. Goose opened her goal kicking account with a stunning goal and there was great touch from recently returned Schmitty – welcome back to the Renegades, we missed you!

Sash will be happy to get her first win as coach under her belt and it was definitely done in style as Hawthorn were touted by the VAFA to be Premiership favourites at the start of the season.