Talia’s Talking Points | Round 1

It was great to be back for game day after a long 287 days since our last game.

We faced West Adelaide to open our 2026 campaign down at Noarlunga, with renewed optimism about our exciting youth coupled with experienced recruits who pulled on their Stripes for the first time.

Congratulations to our two League debutants – Tori Evans, a 16-year-old dashing halfback with speed from Keith in the southeast, and Chante Waters, an 18-year-old ruck, a local from the Brighton Bombers.

We deliberately targeted experienced individuals in the off-season to support the growth of our young core. Congratulations to Ella Little (WWT), Kiana Lee (Norwood), Abbey Rigter (Sturt), Isla Wiencke (GWS Giants Academy) and Kiara Henry (Sandringham VFLW) who all pulled on the Glenelg jumper for the first time and we can’t wait to see their growth and football IQ take our program to improved areas.

Our first quarter was outstanding as we forced West’s turnover by pressing the opposition, punishing West with our quick spread on offense. Kiana Lee kicked two goals in the first 10 minutes of the game, including a poised set shot from 40m out. Shortly after, Eloise Mackereth marked on the lead and converted with composure. Astrid Gooley swooped on a front-centre opportunity and piled on our 4^th unanswered goal for the quarter. Our midfield was led superbly by Giants Academy recruit Isla Wiencke, who had 8 disposals and 3 clearances in the first term alone (finishing with a team-high 28 disposals, 10 tackles, and 7 clearances).

The second quarter was a significant learning point for us as we allowed West to kick 6 unanswered goals from dominance at stoppage and our own poor defensive transition and intent all over the ground. While we acknowledge the role a strong 3-4 goal breeze at Noarlunga probably played on the scorings ends for both teams, we are working hard to ensure we have the systems, education and execution to ensure we do not allow a run of goals and momentum like this to occur going forward.

Our third quarter again displayed our skill and spread on offense. Returning Bays player from 2020, Deni Varnhagen, was dangerous for us on the wing and showed her physicality and strength to close down the opposition’s outside runners. Our forwards made the most of their opportunities with Kiana Lee putting her 3^rd goal on the board. Soon after, Charlotte O’Sullivan converted a great running goal from 40m out, and Cassie McWilliam showed off her dangerous left foot by putting through another. Eloise Mackereth kicked her 2^nd for the day and we went into three-quarter time 6 points ahead.

The final quarter was a contested fight to the end of the game. We unfortunately allowed West to score twice, which ultimately placed them 6 points in the lead which proved to be too much for us to close.

We move quickly onto Round 2 and play Sturt at Unley Oval on Anzac Day. See you at the footy.

GFCW Best: Wiencke, Lee, Mackereth, Rigter, Varnhagen