Rival coaches delighted with South West-based opportunity

Saturday afternoon was a massive event for SWFL women’s football, with Swan Districts and East Fremantle — two quality WAFLW clubs — electing to come down and take on the SWFL women’s team.

For Swan Districts coach Adam Dancey, the pre-season carnival was not about results, it was about providing opportunities to a wide range of players.

“It was an opportunity for the girls to compete against older heads and bodies — and in doing so, challenging themselves in order to take the next step,” he said.

“Once they look to go to development (football), there is a step up in body size and smarts as well. The game-making decisions are a lot different to Rogers Cup, so it was a great opportunity.

“So it was really exciting — however it was equally as exciting to have local South West talent playing well —Vienna Marshall, Riley Fisher and Amelia Adams to name a few.

“Riley Fisher took it up to the girls and I think she definitely was our best on the day in terms of the SWFL game. Vienna is also becoming a really elite decision maker, so it is nice to take them out of their training comfort zone.

“Playing alongside the likes of Katie-Jayne Grieve was a real thrill for the girls.”

It was also a special weekend for Matt Templeton’s Sharks, who aside from their match commitments, enjoyed a weekend camp in Waroona.

“Getting away all weekend for the camp I thought was a major success for us on and off the field,” Templeton said.

East Fremantle’s South West contingent also received plenty of praise from their coach.

“I felt players from all three sides went out and had a genuine crack,” Templeton said.

“For a first hit out from Beth Beckett, it was really impressive, but we were expecting it from her. Doma (Fedele) has had a bit of an injury-interrupted pre-season, but we were really happy with how she went, particularly in the second game.

“Another South West girl who had a number of important touches and set up one of our first goals was Mia Dronow.”