The Murray Felines Female Football Club have a secret weapon going into this Sunday’s North East and Border Female Football League’s first week of finals.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Felines boast 34 players having sisters over three grades (Under 14, Under 17 and Open Womens). Club Secretary Nadine Nicholson believes it could be a record for female football in the area, maybe even the state.
“It was surprising counting all the sisters up. It’s such a great family club and the girls just want to be here playing with each other,” Nadine said.
Weekend Results
The Under 14 and Under 17 Felines played their last home and away match on Sunday on cold and windswept day at Barkly Park.
The Open team had a bye this weekend. Over the past week, they have been fine tuning their preparation for the cutthroat first semi-final against the Wangaratta Rovers.
The Under 17 team Felines play against Lavington in the second semi-final for the right to advance straight to the Grand Final. Both matches are at Lavington.
The Felines would love to see our supporters out in force for the finals.
Under 14s
The Under 14 team had their final match for the season against the Wodonga Bulldogs. Once again, the match was well contested in a friendly but competitive game of football.
The Wodonga Bulldogs ended up winning relatively easily but had to fight for every goal and defend very well against some great Felines passages of play.
The club is so proud of the Under 14 girls who have tried their hearts out all year.
Although they didn’t get the win on the board, they played as well, if not better than they have all year and should be proud of themselves.
They put up an excellent last game of the season. Some sensational marking by the girls with Jade taking one on the forward line giving the team a good chance for a score. Jacinta, Crystal, Abbey, Angela, and Violet continuing the spectacular form for the season.
A quarter time speech from coaches Chloe and Sinead had an impact, keeping Wodonga to only 2 points in the second quarter.
Jacinta, Mars, and Maya were inspiration with some huge smothers. Abbey standing out with her speed and agility. Mars’ powerful kick helped get the ball out of the mid and into the forward line. Crystal, playing her first game of the year, stepped in with some excellent shepherding and Marlie in the forward line fending off the tackles was great to watch.
Overall, a great team effort by our youngest cohort today. They should walk away from this season with their heads held very high. The club can’t wait to see how the girls develop as footballers and teammates next year.
“To the girls who move up an age group next year, you are well and truly ready. Although it seems like a big step up to 17s, you have a great foundation to work with and the coaches will work with you to develop your football skills further during preseason. Wherever you are in your football journey, you will very much fit into the team. We hope you take on the challenge headfirst and give it all you’ve got. They are a great team of girls to join,” the coaches said.
Wodonga Bulldogs 3.7-25 defeated Murray Felines 0.3-3.
Best: Abbey Ibrahim, Violet Fisher, Madilyn Hill, Carrington Schmidt, Alexia Nagle, Anastasia Lairson.
Under 17
The Under 17 team had a solid hit out against the improving Wodonga Bulldogs. The team started briskly kicking 4 goals in the first quarter.
At the quarter time break, coach Brad Nicholson swung the changes on his magnetic board to bring in every player into the game.
The next two quarters were solid but not spectacular as the Felines had to grind their way for goals.
At three quarter time, the team was changed back to more of their starting line-up. The results were immediately evident with the Felines piling on 7 goals in the final quarter to run out easy winners.
In the ruck and midfield, Maddie Ibrahim was brilliant and playing her best football going into the finals.
Up front, the team was well served by Latoya Holdsworth who had a great game kicking 5 goals.
Georgia Thomas was also presenting well at full forward and kicked 4 goals. This bag of 4 goals means that Georgia Thomas has won the leagues goal kicking. Well done, Georgia!
After the match, Brad Nicholson particularly praised the effort of the lower age players who are settling in nicely into the team and playing their role. In summing up the opportunity for the finals Brad has extolled his team to take their form into the finals and with the same endeavour, the team will be very competitive.
Felines 15.15-105 defeated Wodonga Bulldogs
Goals: Latoya Holdsworth 5, Georgia Thomas 4, Emily Cooper 3, Hannah Loughnan 2, Sienna Koop
Best: Latoya Holdsworth, Hannah Loughnan, Madison Ibrahim, Olivia Cheeseman, Ava Loughnan, Emily Cooper.
Rutherglen Auskick
Thanks to the Rutherglen Auskick players who came down to play a game after the under 17s today. There is a lot of talent there coming through the ranks.
On top of that, it was fabulous to see two future Felines running around out there on the oval, showing us their skills.
We gave Edie and Sienna a Felines beanie each, they were very happy with their new hats. They didn’t take them off, even keeping them on to play.
We hope all of the kids enjoyed their game today and the pie and drink afterwards. Thanks again for joining in our day.
news