Round 5 Womens Footy Rush
Eastern Warriors V Williamstown – 30th May 2026
By Ren
On a crisp Saturday morning we ventured out to Crispe Park Reservoir – not a raindrop in sight, but shocking ground conditions!
Warriors strong and excited, we all joined in the communal warmup, then it was game on! It was time to face our opponents – Williamstown, we knew they were going to be a force to reckon with!
As we discover each week, the rules changed yet again! It was back to “no kicking for goals if you have been tagged”. Luckily, the Umps were consistent and enforced this for the duration of the game – unlike our last game at Peninsula, which saw us coming off second best for this rule!
We were going to play 7 a side – which meant more running and we had a bench to rotate! From the opening bounce, both sides attacked the contest fiercely, with Susie, Doc and Kylie in the midfield working hard to gain first possession and in defence H, Kirsty and Helen standing strong under pressure. Early in the first quarter it was great to see our efforts paid off and I was able to score our first goal – we were all pumped! Williamstown moved the ball well early, but our backline responded with several important intercepts and repeat efforts to keep the game leveling pecking.
Then the game stopped – it was briefly interrupted by a streaker entering the field – it was our own Mich running across field, “with her clothes on” waving a plastic bag in hand to pick up some doggy doodoo! While this did bring us some laughs, both teams quickly regained their focus once again and play resumed. We attempted to score again – point this time! We ended up kicking 3 more points and finally another much needed goal by Sandra to finish off the quarter.
The next 2 quarters saw us change tactics and unfortunately, we flooded the ball – much to Coach Sue’s horror – wasn’t our finest I might say!
Willi were a running team – and certainly kept Doc, Kylie and Suni run off their feet in the midfield, with Suzie, Mish, Kirsty, Helen and Sandra subbing on and off through the mid and back lines. Hats off to H who has become our resident “Goalie” (Liverpool would be proud!) in the backline saving our bacon! Sadly, Willi ran amuck during these quarters and piled on the goals!
As the final quarter commenced and after a razz up from Coach, we seemed to settle and began to find our rhythm again, linking up through the corridor and creating opportunities going forward. Strong pressure and second efforts around the ground helped us, with several players stepping up to win crucial contests, with us managing to score 1 final point for the game.
To the girls’ credit, they maintained their intensity throughout the remainder of the match, continuing to pressure the opposition and compete strongly. Their commitment, sportsmanship and willingness to work for one another were highlights of the day and we showed plenty of spirit.
Despite the final result Warriors 2-5 to Williamstown 5-7, the team can take plenty of positives from the performance. The effort shown across four quarters, combined with the ability to stay composed, reflected the group growing as a team and showing determination. We still need to get our heads around the rule changes, which I personally feel should have an “if it’s not broke – don’t fix it” mentality!
A big thank you to all players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who made the day possible – Flea we missed you! The team now looks ahead to training on Wednesday and righting our wrongs of the game! Go easy with us Sue!
Pictures of Womens Footy Rush in the gallery below
Round 5 Match Report
by Grunta
It was the match-up we fought for at the start of the season. The original 2026 fixture had the Warriors playing every team bar last year’s wooden spooners Port Melbourne Colts, so the political machine swung into action, a change was made and CellarDweller Round was on!
We arrived at the JL Murphy Swamp at a civilised 11.45. Two things were against us from the start – Turnip did his groin in the warm-up, and a good chunk of Port’s strong 45s team (who had a bye) lined up with their usually depleted 50s. So much for our advantage…
A fierce contest ensued from the first bounce. Port got a goal within the first minute with their big forward running onto a ball that beat everyone except him to the goal line. At the other end, a coaching masterstroke paid off with silky swingman Kenny slotting our first from a crafty play. Soon after, Lou was able to soccer one through on the goal line and the Warriors were on!
The first quarter was the longest, shiftiest and most bewildering in AFL Masters history. Port were building momentum and so someone pulled the plug on the clock with 41 seconds remaining, which no-one noticed until there was a ball-up in the Colts forward 50. Confusion reigned as the umps did some Umpire Math and decided we “probably had 2 or 3 minutes to go, so play on” (not sure how you get to that when the clock stopped at 41 seconds left!). No-one could agree on what the hell was happening. The dithering stopped when the frustrated senior ump just said “Get off, all of yaz.” That ended quarter one after about 40 minutes, with the score 2.1 Port to 2.0 Warriors.
In the second quarter, debutant Dave O’Connor started getting hands on the footy in the middle, Munga presented everywhere and our link up around the ground was on fire. Prime movers like Bruiser, Carbo, Clint and Matty D were getting involved, and Martin was a great tall target up forward. Like a cross between a ninja and a Teletubby, I managed to drift silently down into the forward pocket and Martin delivered a great pass my way. I was about 20 out, and even though you know I can slot goals 10 out of 10 from 60m in 50 knot crosswinds and hailstorms, I did the unselfish thing and handballed to Farah who converted beautifully for our third. Unfortunately, Port got three for the term, including one in the last minute we just weren’t able to defend, and they led by 10 points at half time. We lost Scotty to another soft tissue injury (stop training with the Bombers!), and our bench was down to two.
Port widened the gap in the third term, but we got one back with another confusing umpiring moment. Somehow I was awarded a 30m penalty for a free kick I don’t remember getting because I had been snoozing in the back pocket. After 15 minutes of not understanding what the ump wanted me to do, I got a chance to kick to Clint from centre half forward. The kick missed him by 20 metres but luckily he was held, got the free and Clint did as Clint does and put it through. As the three quarter time siren went, Fitzy had marked the ball 70 metres out. He wound up for an almighty torp which was just short by 65 metres and at ¾ time it was 9.4 Colts to 4.3 Warriors.
There would be no fairy tale comeback in the last but there were moments for the highlight reel. Lou scored his second goal after taking a great overhead grab in the forward pocket, Gez HarleyReid-ed a Port player with a powerful fend-off on the wing, and Farah’s desire overtook his centre of gravity as he went round a Port player, got to full gallop and in classic 50s slow motion toppled forward at speed. He injured his shoulder but I don’t care, I’m still laughing.
Bet365 was paying $360 for the following multi –
- Kenny to kick the first goal
- Port Melbourne to rig the game
- Matty D to win back-to-back Grunta medals
- Keep my feet and stay clean for the game
Missed the last one again! In the third quarter, the ball dropped into the swamp and I went for it, only to have Preecy from the Colts pile on top and give me a mud bath – not the kind you pay $500 for at a luxurious day spa, the kind delivered with a good dose of elbows and knees from a former teammate. I’ll shower tomorrow.
Congratulations to Matty D for back-to-back Grunta medals representing skill, bravery and especially humility. Munga had his best game for the club, his relentless running now complemented with improvement in skills and game sense. Kenny was dynamic up forward and in the middle, Ari’s return was a big boost on the ball and pressure from Frankie, Eddie, Thorney and Steve helped keep us in the game.
It was a strong contest against a fairly stacked Port team. Our defence was outstanding all day against three very tall and experienced forwards who were supplied with quality ball. Lots to like but lots to work on – next match is another big one against Parkdale on 14th June.
Final Score
Port Melbourne 11.5.71, Warriors 5.4.34
Goals
Lou 2
Kenny
Clint
Farah
