By Celie Hay
Essendon has claimed its first win of the 2021 VFLW season with a nine-point victory over the Casey Demons on Saturday.
In still conditions at Casey Fields, the Bombers held off a fast-finishing Casey to record the 4.7 (31) to 3.4 (22) win.
The Bombers celebrate their first VFLW win of 2021 at the final siren. (Photo: Celie Hay)
The Bombers applied the pressure early with Cecilia McIntosh laying strong tackles on her Casey opponents.
Consistent scoreboard pressure put the Demons’ backline under the pump, with the Bombers having five shots at goals in the first quarter but only managing to convert one through Felicity Theodore.
The Demons finally hit the scoreboard early in the second quarter, only for the Bombers to quickly answer with a goal from Alana Barba.
Ruck duo Lori Stepnell and Eleanor Cornish combined to combat the height of their opponents, while Eloise Gardner was strong in defence, cutting off repeat forward entry attempts.
Both teams came out firing after half-time with Casey hitting the scoreboard within the opening minutes. After some back and forth, the Bombers were finally able to break the pressure of the Demons with an on-the-run goal from Federica Frew.
Emotions were high in the final term as the contest tightened up, with the Demons scoring early in the quarter to get within three points.
Mia-Rae Clifford steadied the Bombers, taking a strong contested mark directly in front of goal and converting with ease.
Mia-Rae Clifford (right) celebrates her goal. (Photo: Celie Hay)
Alex Morcom felt the consequences of a heavy tackle in the second quarter but managed to play through the pain to be named best on the ground.
Grace Dicker and Tamsin Crook were also impressive in their debuts.
Head coach Brendan Major attributed the win to his side’s ability to remain accountable and focused after a disappointing round one loss to the Southern Saints.
“I think our players were really accountable. They took it on themselves to make sure that we didn’t just let players run through, so that was fantastic to see,” Major said.
“We respected the opposition, we closed that space down, we made sure that we didn’t give them too much space. I think that as a group, we’re jelling a little bit better together, so we’re getting it, we’re understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player. That always takes time, you can’t replace experience.”
The experienced McIntosh impressed Major with her professionalism and leadership, while Barba continued to impress in her new role as a forward.
“From week one, Cecilia McIntosh showed the professional that she is, and she did it again today,” Major said.
“Alana Barba, who’s being put into a forward position because of how dangerous she was in the first week, I thought she was really dangerous again.”
Looking towards round three, Major said as the team was inexperienced, the focus would be on reinforcing their own individual style and continuing to develop as a team.
“We always bring it back to the things that we’re trying to work on - that’s core to us and our way. We’re just trying to reinforce our style. So we don’t reinvent the wheel, we don’t change much from week to week,” he said.
“We’re a developing group and we’ve only played two games and we’ve got a lot of developing to do.”
The VFLW Bombers will return home to the NEC Hangar in round three to take on Hawthorn at 11am on Saturday, March 13.
Casey 0.0 1.4 2.4 3.4 (22)
Essendon 1.4 2.4 3.7 4.7 (31)
Goals: Theodore, Barba, Frew, Clifford
Best: Morcom, Davies, Stepnell, Mackay, Crook, McIntosh
