Arabic version: أستراليا تفوز بأول مباراة دولية تاريخية للسيدات في كرة القدم الأسترالية بفارق 50 نقطة
According to ABC News, Australia defeated Ireland 13.13 (91) to 6.5 (41) in the first women’s Australian rules international at North Sydney Oval. A capacity crowd of 9,017 watched the fast, physical AFLW match, with Australia lifting the trophy after a 50-point victory.
Australia led at every break, holding advantages of 12, 30 and 41 points. The home side overcame spirited early resistance before a run of six straight goals either side of half-time put the result beyond doubt. Australia opened with three goals in the first six minutes, including the first goal from Sydney’s Zippy Fish, while Ireland answered with three goals of its own either side of quarter time.
Australian captain Jasmine Garner, a North Melbourne player, was named player of the match. Tahlia Randall kicked four goals for Australia, while North Melbourne and County Fermanagh player Blaithin Bogue scored three for Ireland. Ebony Marinoff led Australia’s possession count with 25, ahead of Ash Riddell and Nina Morrison on 21 each.
Ireland’s Erika O’Shea had 21 possessions and skipper Orla O’Dwyer recorded 19. Ireland stayed competitive through much of the first half through accurate kicking, registering 5.0 while Australia had 5.6, but Australia’s greater consistency took control later in the contest.
Australia won the physical contest with 35 more contested possessions, while rucks Mim Strom and Matilda Scholz dominated the hitouts. The home side also took 38 more marks and restricted Ireland to eight marks in the first half. Ireland’s Niamh McLaughlin kicked a notable final-quarter goal after Bogue delivered the ball from the right forward pocket, while Vikki Wall produced a late midfield bump on Australia’s Ella Roberts to create an attack.
