Playing the football of which they’re capable for longer is the challenge laid to the SUNS AFLW squad by Head Coach Cameron Joyce following Saturday’s defeat against North Melbourne.
The SUNS showed glimpses of superb football, most notably keeping the Kangaroos scoreless in the final term whilst also kicking the game’s final two majors.
It’s one element of the SUNS performance that has Joyce buoyant about the weeks ahead.
“We would have liked to have started as we finished, we just didn’t get the ball forward enough in the first two-and-a-bit quarters,” Joyce said post-match.
“We finished reasonably strong but you can’t do that and expect to win games against quality sides like North Melbourne.
“Fourteen Inside 50s for three shots at goal, tackles inside forward 50 and time in forward half was high – that’s the way we want to play.
“We just able to do that for long enough so that’s the challenge for us from next week.
“The defenders did a great job in defence – 10 shots from 35 insides 50s. We’ll take that every day of the week.”
Joyce urged his side to up the ante around the contest, get the ball forward and give their forwards a chance to go to work at half-time and he was pleased with the improvement in those facets in the second half.
“We certainly got better around the contest in the second half, both our method and also our starting positions too,” Joyce continued.
“We’re developing the midfield – Charlie Rowbottom, Claudia Whitfort, Ellie Hampson and Lauren Bella – they’re all around that 22-and-under age so we’re really trying to develop that core to be a strong midfield going forward for us.”
The SUNS now face a big week on the track ahead of its first home game of the season – a Sunday afternoon date against Round 1 winners West Coast at Metricon Stadium. Get your tickets here.
