Defenders praised as Diorites tame Tigers in GFLW clash

Mines Rovers coach Quinny Matla has praised a stingy defensive unit whose work rate was pivotal in last Saturday’s 15-point win, 5.6 (36) to 3.3 (21), against Boulder in the Goldfields Football League’s women’s competition.

A much-improved Boulder chased a fourth win, but they were held to 2.2 after quarter-time, foiling their efforts to break into the top two.

Instead, the Diorites retained second place by half a game on the back of two goals from Monique Dodgson and one apiece from Torrie Revell, Monique Dyer, and Jada Hansen.

Mines Rovers took control of the match after being held to three behinds in the opening quarter — thanks, in no small part, to the efforts of Matla’s back six.

“It was our defenders who won us that game, to be honest, just through their hard running,” Matla said.

“Defenders generally never get enough credit because it’s not an exciting role all the time, and you don’t get to see them side-stepping and kicking goals.

“But the roles they play among the group I have is phenomenal.

“Shelby Dickhart does a great job at full-back every weekend — she uses the ball well and knows our set-ups when we’re coming out of our back line.

“She directs and helps the new players, and holds everyone accountable back there.”

Breeana Taylor, who has joined Mines Rovers this season from Kalgoorlie, was impressive at centre-half-back, alongside Ella Kerr.

“They’re unbreakable, those ladies,” Matla said.

Boulder’s goals were shared by Hannah Skonis, Taige Sullivan, and Teresa Stokes.

The Tigers are in third, two games and percentage clear of Kalgoorlie.