GEORGIA Giofrelle’s tenure as Robinvale Euston coach is off to the best possible start following her side’s 10-goal win over Imperials.
The Eagles’ game plan underwent some re-jigging due to the wet conditions that greeted players for the SFNL Season Opener at Sarah Oval, but a strong second half secured the visitors a 44-34 result.
The youngest coach in the competition at 20, Giofrelle said it was an exciting start to the season.
“Being up by four at three quarter time, our aim was to try and keep that margin and anything more would just be that extra on top, so to be able to win by 10 was amazing,” she said.
“We just had a bit of a talk before the game about the conditions, and we knew we had to work on our short passes down the court and maintaining possession.
“We do like our long passes but we knew there was no need for them. We just had to be direct and not take too many risks and not use as many passes in hope.”
As both teams adjusted to the conditions, and the introduction of rolling substitutes, a tight first half ended with the Eagles up 21-20.
The scoreboard at three-quarter time read 33 to 29 before Robinvale Euston scored 11 goals to five to round out the contest.
Returning defender Indi Kirby was sensational in defence, and newcomer Belinda Evans worked well in an attacking tandem with the coach.
For Imperials Maggie Monaghan and the versatile Laura Hayter were their top performers.
“Having that extra height in attack makes a world of difference and is handy for me being in GA,” Giofrelle said of Evans.
“Indi and Shakira (Hingano) were great in defence, Belle (Giofrelle) and Mia Doherty were strong through mid-court, everyone played their role really well.”
Already banking half the amount of points they earned last season, the Eagles turn their attention to Irymple at Henshilwood Reserve this weekend.
“We will have to try and adapt to that as well and just turn our focus to preparing as well as we can for Irymple,” Giofrelle said.
“Getting a win was something we definitely needed to give us that confidence boost to start the season.”[BREAK OUT BOX]
A Grade
Robinvale Euston d Imperials 44-34.
BEST: Robinvale Euston: Indi Kirby, Belinda Evans.
Imperials: Maggie Monaghan, Laura Hayter.
