PFL Women fall short to the Vics in a thriller

The Victorian women were able to hold off a late surge from the PFL in a nail-biting clash that saw the VAFA win by the narrowest of margins at Steel Blue Oval.

Two goals from Ashley Sharp in the last four minutes and all the momentum in the final stages of the match was cut short by the full-time siren as the VAFA won by a solitary point 4.8 (32) to 5.1 (31).

VAFA v PFL WATCH THE FULL REPLAY

After being defeated convincingly by 63 points in Victoria last year, Steph Walding’s side were out to avenge last year’s one-sided affair on home soil.

The Vics drew first blood through a strong mark and goal from Asha Price before Bassendean’s Ashley Sharp replied with two majors in four minutes to give the PFL a 7-point lead at the opening break.

It was clear the PFL were up for the fight as they continued to surge forward with quick ball movement at every opportunity which was not rewarded on the scoreboard with just three behinds being scored for the second term – all to Victoria, who closed within 4 points at the main break.

Both defences were taking control and coming out on top in every contest, while the midfield battle became a tough slog with strong pressure being applied by both sides.

The Vics hit the front early in the third term after a strong contested mark and set shot from Asha Price for her second goal of the day.

Baldivis’ Chloe Colegate responded for Perth after breaking a tackle and snapping truly around her body to regain the lead for the home side.

Mia Cowan ran into an open goal to put the Vics back in front at the end of the third quarter as they took a 3-point advantage into the last term.

With the win at their back in the last quarter, the Vics looked to have the game under control when Mia Cowan kicked her second goal at the 5-minute mark of the term, before three consecutive behinds saw the visitors edge out to a game-high lead of 13 points with just over seven minutes remaining.

Ashley Sharp had looked threatening all afternoon and with just four minutes remaining on the clock, she slotted two goals in the space of two minutes as the PFL stormed back within a point with a minute and a half remaining to steal it.

The Vics showed composure late, taking territory and locking it in their front half to see out the clock and take home the win to defend their unbeaten record.

Fremantle CBC’s Ella Ward was voted best afield for the PFL after applying pressure all day with 12 tackles, while Kew’s Dakota Villiva took home the best on ground honours for the VAFA with 21 disposals.

Ashley Sharp led the way on the scoresheet with four goals, Sabreena McKinnon (Baldivis), Katelyn Catalano (North Fremantle), Isabella Strnadica (Melville) and Tierrah Miller (Koongamia) all fought valiantly as Perth’s major ball winners.

FINAL SCORES

PFL: 2.1, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 (31)
VAFA: 1.0, 1.3, 3.4, 4.8 (32)

GOALS
PFL: A. Sharp 4, C. Colegate
VAFA: A. Price 2, M. Cowan 2

BEST
PFL: Ella Ward (Fremantle CBC)
VAFA: Dakota Villiva (Kew)