‘It was special to be apart of’: Hawks down Bulldogs in Anzac Day game

Photo by Bruce Edmiston

Originally published in the Hunter Women’s Chronicle

Written by Isaac McIntyre

Written ByCardiff have claimed bragging rights in the annual Anzac Day clash with Warners Bay, scoring a 71-point win over the Bulldogs on Thursday afternoon.

The Hawks jumped to an early lead in the first quarter, as Taylah Wilks, Celeste Plancia, and AFL newcomer Hayley Wright all slotted home majors for the home side. Warners Bay could only muster one in reply early on, with Elizabeth Brown kicking a goal late to keep the score to 19-6.

A similar performance awaited both sides in the second half. While the Bulldogs’ major came earlier, with Rachel Evans slotting one to make it 31-12, a quick double from Tayla Grazules kept the game in the Hawks’ hands.

If Grazules’ double kept the home side ahead by a short margin, second half hat-tricks for Minerva Bailey and Hayley Wright – which took the rookie forward to four for the match – clinched the victory on the memorial event day.

It was a great celebration of football, and the Anzac Day spirit, Cardiff captain Sheree Vukovich said after the 16.6-102 to 4.7-31 win. The Hawks leader said she believes her entire side lifted for the memorial day, with the raucous home crowd getting them over the line.

“Everyone rose to the occasion on Thursday, and even in the spirt of the day there were about six of us that had to put in big efforts and back up from the rep games on Monday,” Vukovich said.

“Everyone lifted for the game, playing your rivals in front of a massive home crowd – overwhelmingly the biggest we’ve ever played in front of – really got us over the line in the end.

“I think at first a few of our girls were put on the back foot by how loud the crowd was, a few haven’t come from footy backgrounds and so didn’t know to expect for Anzac Day and a traditional sporting rivalry.”

Cardiff’s number 9 explained her and the Hawks’ coach Paul Cooksley had sat down ahead of the April 25 contest and spoken to the girls about the significance. For the whole Cardiff club, having the chance to commemorate past players, and the country’s history, at their new ground was “really special”.

“We spoke about how much the Anzac Day event matters, with tradition and honour, and what it meant to everyone at the club to have the service at our new home ground facing our rivals,” Vukovich said.

“It was so good to see how well the day went. We ran out of the gates alongside Warners Bay as a sign of respect for both teams, and everyone that is involved with the clubs, and that was great. At one point I found myself on the sideline just thinking “Wow, this is actually happening”, and it was so special to be apart of it all.”

The 71-point win over the cross-town rivals gives Cardiff a leg-up in the 2019 standings. After a bumpy start to their campaign last year, the Hawks have clocked up a 3-1 start to their new season. Vukovich said she “couldn’t be happier” with the club’s start.

“We had a solid preseason this time around, and that’s improved us out of sight, the whole team is really growing together” she said.

“It’s rare that you can get a bunch of thirty-odd girls that just love being around each other so much, and that brings so much positivity out on the field. We have a great connection and that’s a big thing.

“Cooky [Cooksley] is also a main reason we are in the position we are this season. Our team absolutely respects him as a coach for his patience, passion, and for the Cardiff club legend he is. The girls listen, learn, and play for him and what he puts in for our team.”

Also in the early fixtures this round, Wyong Lakes traveled to Tulkaba Park and defeated Lake Macquarie 16.11-107 to nil. Aleece Williams again starred with four goals, while Rebecca Ives and Kanesha Murray scored three apiece for the Magpies. Stephanie Dalcol was named best on field.

The fourth round of the AFL Hunter Central Coast Women’s competition continues on Saturday, with the final five fixtures kicking off from midday. Killarney Vale and Nelson Bay are set to play the early fixture at 10am.