In the first weekend of AFLW Indigenous Round, Yartapuulti had much to celebrate on the Gold Coast, with a 34-point win the cherry on top.
Between a stunning Jo Miller debut, Kirsty Lamb’s 75th game, Cheyenne Hammond’s 50th and Jasmin Stewart’s beautiful First Nations guernsey design, there was always going to be plenty to play for.
Senior coach Lauren Arnell was particularly pleased with her side’s ability to absorb the Gold Coast’s pressure after quarter-time, with the Suns providing plenty of heat from the first bounce.
“Honestly, I think it was a whole group effort,” Arnell said following the game.
“They really challenged us in that first quarter, they literally threw the kitchen sink at us. Their pressure factor was exceptionally high.
“The message was at quarter time, just keep going at our game and attack it aggressively, because we feel like the work we've done on our fitness would be able to sustain even in what's warmer conditions than what we're used to. I was just pleased that we were able to execute our game style for most of the game under what was initially really high pressure.”
In Miller’s first AFLW game, she slotted two goals, including an impressive right-foot snap, to add to her 13 disposals, four marks and five tackles.
“Honestly, it's so special for Jo, she came onto her list as late as you possibly could,” Arnell said.
“To have Jo, who's from Brisbane, her family's here…she was a triathlete, and then came to South Australia and got some games under her belt, played some pretty good footy for Glenelg. It feels like a little while for her, but it's such a quick turnaround to get to this level and to take her opportunities. I thought was something really special for her and her family and our group.”
The win has the Power all but confirming a finals berth, with tall defenders Amelie Borg and Teagan Germech continuing to be rock-solid in the backlines, stepping up in the absence of injured skipper Janelle Cuthbertson.
“All our tall defenders, particularly Amelie Borg and Teagan Germech, they've been exceptional all year, and probably don't really get the recognition that others do in our side,” Arnell said.
“And Sachi Syme was one that's been a midfielder largely, and spent a bit of time forward, and we've actually challenged her this week to go back and play as a defender for the first time. She was exceptional in her ability to win the footy and read the ball really nicely. So yeah, really pleased with her first game as a defender.”
The game style has continued to develop into what the group ad hoped, with contest and pressure two key features, and Arnell not concerned about the uncontested possession count.
“There's some external noise about uncontested possession and us not owning a lot of it, and it's not our game style and it's not something that overly bothers us,” she said.
“I think if we give up an uncontested mark, then that's something we try and address. But being a strong contested side and being efficient in getting the ball quickly to our forwards is something that works for us. And so, at times, it is interesting that people measure our uncontested possession and say where we should be and where we shouldn't be, it's not our game style, and it's not the current strength of the group. And so, our measures are showing us that we're tracking the way that we'd like to play.”
Young mid Abbey Dowrick was electric once again, particularly in the final quarter where she racked up nine disposals and a goal.
“I think honestly, Abbey's had a really good year, and even last year, she won our best and fairest,” Arnell said.
“I think she's starting to realise what she's capable of in this competition, and has been super diligent. There's been enormous growth for her, particularly in the off field space. So yeah, I'm stoked for her. And I think one good element of Abbey is she's always searching for what's next to be better. And I think the group is leaning into that as well.”
Yartapuulti will take on GWS at Alberton next Sunday in the second week of AFLW Indigenous Round.
