SOUTH Warrnambool centre Darcy Wilson staked a claim for more time in the goal circle after a match-winning performance in the Roosters’ come-from-behind Hampden A grade victory on Saturday.
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Wilson’s move to goal attack in the second quarter was decisive as the Roosters overcame an eight-goal quarter-time deficit to defeat Warrnambool 39-38 at Reid Oval.
Roosters veteran Leah Kermeen missed the round two fixture, forcing South Warrnambool coach Susan Pettigrew to find a back-up option to goal. Wilson replaced Madeleine White in the Roosters’ attacking circle at quarter-time and teamed well with Aylish Tobin-Salzman as tthey reeled in the Blues.
Pettigrew said Wilson’s performance was crucial in the one-goal win.
“It was a big comeback. We were down quite considerably in the first quarter,” she said.
“A couple of our combinations weren’t working so we made big changes and they paid off.
“Darcy didn’t miss any goals, opened up the circle and had great movement.
“For someone who hasn’t played there for a while, she did very well.”
Wilson has played in goals in spurts but is eager to add to her versatility and have a bigger influence in that role.
Pettigrew said the move’s benefits would be far reaching.
She said Kermeen would slot back into goal attack against Terang Mortlake on Saturday but that she now had confidence to throw Wilson into that position if required.
“Throughout the year we’ll have players unavailable every week so it’s important to know what combinations we have,” Pettigrew said.
“It’s been trial and error the first few weeks.
“It is nice to know the girls can play at both end and are happy to change positions when required.
“It’s a good sign with young players not set in their ways.”
Pettigrew said South Warrnambool showed grit to claw its way back against Warrnambool and snare its first win of the season.
“We closed the gap in the second and third quarters and the only time we hit the front was in the last minute of the last quarter,” she said.
“It went down the other end and Bridget Smith intercepted a ball in the goal circle and it went down our end and the siren went.
“It was exciting in the end.”
The Roosters play the red-hot Bloods this weekend.
Terang Mortlake has defeated the league’s past two premiers — North Warrnambool Eagles and Koroit — in the first two rounds.
Pettigrew said South Warrnambool would have to eliminate lapses which had plagued it if it was to inflict the Bloods’ first loss.