WPD PENNO Vs Manly

WPD -R02 11 Apr 2026 Sat - 13:20 pm - MKO1
G B Score Penno 0 0 0 Manly 19 15 129					G B QT ST 0 0 0 0 5 4 34 34					G B QT ST 0 0 0 0 4 3 27 61					G B QT ST 0 0 0 0 4 5 29 90					G B QT ST 0 0 0 0 6 3 39 129
Best Players Remy Ally Caitlin Gurney Ashleigh Grubba Amelia Bennett Christine Abrams Danielle Keller

Round 2 against Manly, we took to the field with 5 brand new players and 6 players backing up from earlier matches. Not quite the start we wanted, so we knew we would be well behind Manly's level coming into the match. For us, this is part of our development of a bigger programme, so focusing more on footy iq and player development rather than watching the scoreboard are key elements.

Working our new stoppage structure into the match, proved a vital turning point in an area where we could be competitive. Showing patches of a more modern style of game and using the strengths we had, we kept Manly to an average of 4 goals a quarter which is phenomenal for a team so young on experience and age, and a huge improvement on last year's scorelines. As our bench dwindled with a suspected broken wrist, and tired legs, a few more goals slipped in to boost the overall score, though the Demon players left the field knowing areas they had conquered and proving just the potential this group have. Exciting to see former NRLW Paramatta Eel player Dani Keller taking in the code switch so comfortably even spending some time in ruck and straight away winning hit outs like a seasoned player.
The team also played with black armbands and in a special spirit to honour longtime supporter, Elizabeth Este, Grand Mother of young Steph Este, who passed away during the week.

Best on: Remy Ally, Caitlin Gurney, Ashleigh Grubba, Amelia Bennett, Christine Abrams, Danielle Keller
Players Player: 3 way tie - Steph Este, Caitlin Guerney and Lillie Ward.

History made with an All-Female Coaching panel in Women's Premier Grade. GWS Giants Georgia Garnett getting stuck right into her role as Backs Coach. Former All Australian Kerry Taylor working with our midfield group and covering team statistics, and longtime game analyst Gill Norris as Forward Guru and also in the absence of Annabelle Rickerby covering our bench coach role yesterday.
Pictures attached, Coaching panel, GG in action, newcomer Charis Zacharis laying a big tackle, Dani Keller playing fullback.


Cheers,
Kiwi