Mundella WA 18s kick off NAB AFLW ChampionshipsTuesday, May 23, 2017 - 1:58 PM

The Mundella WA 18s split their results in the opening two games of the NAB AFLW 18s National Championships in Sydney over the weekend.

After starting with a huge 87-point win against NSW/ACT at Sydney's Blacktown International Sports Park on Saturday, the WA players couldn't repeat the performance on Sunday when they lost a tough contest against Queensland by nine points.

Peel Thunderbirds player Kate Bartlett lead the way on the scoreboard with seven goals in game one but was restricted to a solitary major in the game against Queensland. 

Courtney Hodder and Rosie Deegan were among WA's best players in both games, while McKenzie Dowrick, Sabreena Duffy, Mikayla Bowen, Sarah Garstone and Mikaela Schoenfeld were also stand-out performers.

Coach Trent Cooper said the four day trip to Sydney was an overall success.

"We played the best football of the carnival in our first game against NSW/ACT. Unfortunately, we couldn't back up that effort the next day and were beaten by a slick Queensland outfit who benefitted from a break between games," he said.

"Playing our second match only 19 hours after our previous game meant that we were a little lethargic but, to the girls credit, they rallied hard after being 20 points down early in the 3rd quarter and looked a big chance of winning the game.

"It wasn't all about playing, we managed to get in some sessions about goal-setting, nutrition, relaxation techniques and the team really bonded well

"Courtney Hodder and Sabreena Duffy were two of our stand-out performers across both games and McKenzie Dowrick was another who excelled in both games in different roles.

"Rosie Deegan and Mikayla Bowen are youngsters who have two more years at this level but stood up under pressure and were valuable contributors.

"Sarah Garstone was played out of position but performed a great role for the team, shutting down the opposition's best forwards in both matches.

"We will review the two games and show the girls where they were terrific and the areas that require improvement and then prepare for the second part of the carnival on the Gold Coast in July."

WAFC Talent Manager - Female Programs Clint Degebrodt also commended the players on their conduct and adherence to program.

"With their focus on learning and improvement supported by a high quality staff, WA is well placed to continue to provide high quality players to the WAWFL and AFLW," he said.  

Photo: Kate Bartlett

AFL U18 Youth Girls National Championship Results

Game 1

WA 15.9.99 defeated NSW/ACT 2.0.12

WA Goal Kickers:

K.Bartlett (7) M.Bowen (2) S.Duffy (2) R.Deegan (2) M.Karadada (1) M.Yarran (1)