The result may not have been a shock to Dennington, but for Dogs’ premiership defender Kristie Bolden it was a day full of surprises.
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Bolden was told before the 64-28 victory over Merrivale that she would be playing her 200th A grade game for Dennington.
“I was very surprised, I had no idea until I received a text form our captain (Vicky Davies) this morning who couldn't play today,” she said.
“I then got the chance to step up and become captain for the first time which was lovely and it was great for Melissa to give me the opportunity to do that today and it was fitting that it was today.”
Dogs’ A grade coach Melissa Burt said Bolden had been a critical player during the club’s successful times and during the down times.
“She is a very important part of this club and it was good to see her go out there and have a good game and get the win as well,” she said.
Bolden and Burt were named in the Dogs’ best, while under 17s defender Katelyn Grant was named best on court in her first full senior game at the club.
Bolden and Burt both praised Grant’s ability to fit right into the side.
“She did a great job, so that's what it’s all about when bringing up those girls and enhancing their confidence and being able to play senior games,” Bolden said.
“It was her first full game in goal defence today and she had a killer game,” Burt said. “She listened to everything I said and was strong and attacking at the ball.”
Burt said she felt her side was more relaxed on Saturday.
“We had a focus on staying positive the whole time and having a bit of fun,” she said. “The pressure has been building on us, so we went our there to have some fun and it showed on the scoreline and the game flowed a lot more and we had a better connection with each other.”
Tigers coach Helen Gleeson said there was positive progress in her young sides’ development, despite the heavy loss.