WA 18’s Side Ready for Upcoming National Championships Monday, July 31, 2023 - 2:27 PM

WA U18 Girls’ coach Beau McDonald has expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance in a practice match win against the New Holland WA Country Womens Team at Optus Stadium. 

Played as a curtain raiser before the West Coast Eagles hosted North Melbourne yesterday, the 18s side cruised to a 39-point victory, holding the Country side goalless. 

WA coach Beau McDonald believes the intent showed by his team from the outset set the tone for the day. 

“It was a great start, and we pressured the opposition, with good ball movement helping us kick four goals,” McDonald said. 

“The second term was played in Country’s attacking half, putting our back six under enormous pressure, but we held up well and did not concede a goal. 

“After half time we persisted and got the game back on our terms and into our front half. 

“I was really happy with the way we finished the match in the final quarter with some great ball movement in the slippery conditions and our team pressure was great.” 

McDonald was encouraged by how his players handled the challenge put forward by the Country women. 

“It was a very physical contest which gave us a great opportunity to practice what we have been training in preparation for the Allies,” he said. 

Final score –    WA 18s         6.5  (41) 

                         WA Country  0.2   (02) 

WA opens its campaign at the AFL National Championships – U18 Girls against the Allies in New South Wales on Sunday August 13, before hosting Vic Country at Pentanet Stadium on Saturday August 19. 

Photos : Courtesy JF Photography