By
Andrew Stackpool
 |
|
OFFCDT
Leisl Franklin (light blue) goes after the ball in the women’s
match against Navy.
|
|
Photo
by AB Kade Rogers.
|
THE
Air Force women’s team fell at the last hurdle in their quest
for success at the ADF Australian Football inter-Service championships.
Held in crisp autumn weather at the Manuka Oval in Canberra from
April 15-19, the carnival opened with Navy and Air Force facing
off against each other for the right to take on perennial favourites
Army.
Air Force had high hopes for its women’s team, which had
stretched a much stronger and more seasoned Army team in the final
of the inaugural women’s competition last year.
But this year would not be Air Force’s turn. The team, which
was missing most of its more experienced players and with a smaller
pool of potential players, went down to Navy 1.9.(27) to 1.1.(7).
Two days later, on April 17, the women turned out against the
stronger Army team. Army had been identified as the team to beat
and they didn’t disappoint their supporters, leaving the
paddock at 12.8.(80) to 0.0.(0).
The score might seem disappointing but it did not reflect the
courage, skills and determination of the Air Force women on the
field.
Team captain Flight Sergeant Donna Puglisi had nothing but praise
for their performance. “We didn’t win but winning isn’t
everything,” she said. “The girls put in 100 per cent.
They played very good footy, they played hard and fair and they
played well.
“The game against Navy was very tough and they put up a really
good fight.
“Now we need to develop our skills, build up our base by
getting the word out to the girls about the sport and build on
what we have achieved. We can do better and we will be more competitive
in the future.”
Coach Corporal Todd Goldsmith described the competition as a developmental
year. Air Force had fielded some impressive new talent and he
had heard from others who were keen to come but could not be released,
he said.
The game plan was working for the women and Air Force would be
much more successful when it could get more experience onto the
paddock.
