The PFL Representative Team Women have secured a long-awaited representative football victory, defeating the WA State Country Women by 29 points at HIF Health Insurance Oval, Joondalup on Friday night.
In the first meeting between the two sides in five years, the PFL produced an outstanding four-quarter performance to record a 10.6 (66) to 5.7 (37) victory, levelling the all-time series at two wins apiece alongside a draw.
The result was a fitting reward for a group that had spent weeks preparing for the occasion and showcased the strength and continued growth of women's football across the Perth Football League.
The PFL's work at the contest proved the difference throughout the evening. Despite trailing the hitout count and clearance numbers, the side dominated around the ground, finishing with 193 disposals to 166, winning the contested possession count by 35 and recording an impressive 97 ground balls. The team's pressure and defensive effort was equally important, laying 51 tackles and producing 38 one-percenters in a relentless display.
A major factor in the victory was the PFL's ability to force errors and capitalise on opportunities. Nine of the team's 10 goals came directly from opposition turnovers, generating 58 of its 66 points from those situations.
Baldivis Senior Football Club star Sara Sammons was awarded Best on Ground after a typically selfless performance. While her individual statistics only tell part of the story, Sammons contributed seven disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, a goal, four tackles and two clearances, while her leadership, pressure and ability to impact key moments made her a deserving recipient of the honour.
Kelsey Timms (Baldivis) was the highest-rated player on the ground, finishing with 106 ranking points in a dominant display through the midfield and ruck. Timms collected 16 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 14 hitouts, four clearances and three tackles, while also contributing 1.1 on the scoreboard.
Jessica Schleicher from Trinity Aquinas was the standout forward, kicking a game-high four goals from 16 disposals. Schleicher consistently threatened inside 50 and added 11 contested possessions to finish with 87 ranking points.
Trinity Aquinas star Abbey Waddell was instrumental through the midfield, gathering a team-high 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions, three marks, three inside 50s and a goal. Her ability to win the football and drive the team forward was a key factor in the result.
Nadia Pisano, captain of Trinity Aquinas and VC of the Rep side, combined strong ball-winning with fierce defensive pressure, recording 12 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five tackles, four clearances and two inside 50s on her way to 81 ranking points.
Leanne Gubbins (Curtin Uni Wesley) rounded out the leading performers with 12 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency, four tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s, while Renee Holwill represented Bayswater strongly with 13 disposals and four tackles in another solid contribution.
The victory was built on a genuine team performance and provided a fitting reward for the players, coaches and support staff who represented the Perth Football League with distinction.
PFL Representative Team Women Goal Kickers
Jessica Schleicher 4
Yazmin Arias 2
Abbey Waddell 1
Sara Sammons 1
Kelsey Timms 1
Waverley Jones 1
Final Score
PFL Representative Team Women 10.6 (66) defeated WA State Country Women 5.7 (37)
Best on Ground: Sara Sammons (Baldivis Senior Football Club)