WOLVES captain Amanda Gaffey believes her new-look unit made strong progress in a 14-0 whitewash at the hands of National Premier League powerhouse Moreland Zebras in the Team APP Cup.
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The Warrnambool club was the only regional team to enter the prestigious competition, playing off against the Melbourne-based Zebras in stifling conditions on Sunday.
Wolves conceded just four goals in the opening half but felt the effects of fatigue late on, allowing 10 through the gate in last 45 minutes of play.
Gaffey said the scoreline didn’t reflect the state of play.
“The girls made some good progress against a good opponent,” she said.
“They did really well considering we aren’t playing in a full league or anything.”
The American expat said the side had learned from Moreland’s professionalism and would take it into further fixtures.
“I think they’re definitely seeing what a difference training can make and the impact it can have,” she said.
“It gives them an idea of where they can go with the sport if they put in the time and hours to train.
“The access they’re getting to full-sided games against Melbourne-based teams with more history and resources is important.”
Wolves coach John Miles echoed Gaffey’s sentiments, admitting most of the team performed well in the face of a talented opponent.
“We probably have a lack of experience in that was only the second game we’ve played together,” he said.
“They were given an idea of how it is done even just watching the Moreland Zebras girls warm up. They saw how they approached the game.
“Individually, the girls had quite a good game. They were all very good.”
Miles said his side had multiple chances to score but failed to capitalise on its chances.
“We nearly scored a few times in the first half, and maybe we should have transitioned to be more defensive in the second half but we thought it was better to try to score,” he said.
“We thought we’d rather bleed a few trying to score than to shut up shop completely. We’d rather push them.”