Tara Murray
The Calder Cannons found the going tough against a strong Brisbane Lions Academy outfit on Saturday in the Coates Talent League girls competition.
Playing their second game back after a five week break, the Cannons were at home against the Lions.
The Lions started the better of the two sides, kicking the only four goals of the opening quarter.
The margin remained steady in the next two quarters as both teams struggled to score. With tough conditions out at Highgate Reserve, neither team would score a goal in the second half.
The Lions did enough to win, 6.6 (42)-1.4 (10).
Kayley Kavanagh and Bridie Collings were the best for the Cannons.
Speaking before the match, Cannons coach Ross Smith said it had been nice to get back into games after the break, which had allowed players to get back to their junior clubs.
“It was a long break,” he said. “We then returned with a big trip down to Gippsland and we were fortunate to get over the line.
“During the break we trained once a week and everyone got back to their community footy and there as school footy.
“I went away to Thailand for a couple of weeks, it was nice to get away.”
Smith said it was good for the girls to get back to their local clubs and be able to play with the mates for a few weeks.
He said it was handled really well, but with the girls playing different styles of football it also presented some challenges.
“Sometimes they go back and play a different style of footy and the level drops away and they can come back with some bad habits.
“It was about quickly reminding them what we want and the game style we are looking for. “
The Cannons started their second part of the season against Gippsland Power, with Smith saying it was the Power’s best side it has had all season.
“They hit the ground running and three quarter time, it was five goals to one, their way,” he said.
“We were able to pull one out of the hat.”
After seven rounds, the Cannons sit in sixth spot with four wins.
They have another bye this weekend with the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Several of the Cannons girls are hoping to be in action with a Vic Metro trial game happening on June 10.
The initial squad of 19 players is set to be expanded to 50, as players look to press their claims.
An injured Amy Gaylor and Kayla Forbes were the two Cannons in the initial squad.
“Every team is pushing to have four, five, six, seven or even eight players in the squad,” Smith said.
“We’re hoping to have five or six 18-year-olds and a few 17-year-olds of note.”
Meanwhile the Cannons boys had a big win against the Oakleigh Chargers on Saturday.
The Cannons jumped out of the blocks and were able to build a lead throughout, winning 18.13 (121)-5.7 (37).
Kayne Rutley kicked five goals in a best on ground performance for the Cannons.
