NARRM has returned from its trip to WA with an emphatic 70-point win over West Coast.
The Dees travelled to Mineral Resources Park on Sunday to battle it out in blistering conditions, but the energy of Narrm was no-match for the home team, with senior coach Mick Stinear praising the effort of his side.
“We’re really pleased,” Stinear said.
“Coming here today, we just really wanted to enjoy playing as a team.
“There were some good inclusions, Rhi Watt making her debut for the club, she brings a lot of spirit and energy for the team, Maeve Chaplin, Charlotte Wilson and Georgia Campbell all came in.
“The second half, the group did a great job of adjusting and backing themselves in.
“[They] started to carry the ball a bit more and shift the ball and then they got reward for effort in front of goal.”
A particular highlight from the match was seeing much-loved Demon Rhi Watt make her club debut.
Watt joined the Dees ahead of season seven and quickly made an impact on the football program, with the ruck named in the team’s 2023 leadership group.
“[She’s] a great leader, very selfless, genuinely cares for our group and a lot of the team look up to her and are inspired by her,” Stinear said.
“That’s all without having played a game of footy, so she’s part of our leadership team just for her qualities as a person.
“And then today, we got to see her impact as a footballer on field.
“The group absolutely loves her and it was a big thrill for them to celebrate her today.”
Alyssa Bannan shone in Narrm’s victory, becoming just the fourth Demon in AFLW history to kick five goals in a game.
The career-high performance included 13 disposals, 10 score involvements and four marks.
“She put herself where the ball was going next and competed brilliantly in the air and at ground level,” Stinear said.
“I think she now knows the formula for playing her best footy.”
Stinear highlighted his team's ability to relish their time inside 50, converting on entries more than ever before.
“There’s a core group that have been playing together for a while and they understand each other’s strengths,” Stinear said.
“I think for years we’ve probably struggled to convert in front of goal, but we’ve now got forwards that know where the goals are and [if you] give them the chance, they’ll finish.
“They really enjoy playing together and respect the work of the mids and backs up the ground and I think today was a great team effort.”
Narrm will now look to Round 8 where it’s set to face top-two side in North Melbourne.
In the history of the two sides, no game between them has been decided in a margin of more than 17 points, creating a scene for a blockbuster clash this weekend.
“[Today] we got the game to look how we wanted for probably three quarters, and we want to be able to build on that next week,” Stinear said.
“They’re going to challenge us with their midfield, their scoring power up forward and they’ve got some good depth in defence.
“We’ve had a number of good battles with them, and the group will embrace that challenge [next week].”
The Demons will take on the Roos at IKON Park on Saturday 21 October at 7:05pm. Get your tickets here.
