TERANG Mortlake is basking in the glory of what could be the only win registered in the 2020 Western Victoria Female Football League under 18 season.
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The Bloods, under new coach Alison Kenna, scored an impressive 9.9 (63) to 3.6 (24) victory against Hamilton Kangaroos at D.C Farran Oval on Sunday.
Kenna said the ever-changing coronavirus environment meant her players were aware it could be their only game of the season.
Two clubs - Portland and Old Collegians - last week joined a growing number of teams to withdraw from the competition.
Kenna said there was "a lot of relief to get the game happening".
"They're aware it may be the only game they get to play at this point,"she said.
"The Hamilton coach communicated with me on Friday and we discussed our willingness to play.
"We both said we had girls jumping out of their skins to play and were happy to play on.
"They were really, really excited and grateful of everyone being supportive of them because it's certainly strange times and they're aware it's likely it may be the only game they get to play at this point.
"It's a day-by-day proposition, enjoy today and we'll see what tomorrow brings."
Kenna was thrilled with the Bloods' endeavour against the Roos, saying she was "really proud of them".
They had seven debutants, some of whom were so eager to play last year when they were too young that they ran the water.
Lily Schurring kicked two goals on debut against the Kangaroos and played alongside fellow first-gamers Mia Richie, Alice Kain, Lucy Finnerty, Scarlett Sagnol, Annabelle Glossop and Sophie Curran.
Glossop and Curran had played junior boys football with Terang Mortlake and Kolora-Noorat respectively.
"We were a bit slow out of the blocks in the first quarter, there was a lot of nervous excitement, but once we got that over and done with there was some really great football played," Kenna said.
Terang Mortlake was also pleased with its top-age players including captain Brodie Humphrey.
Humphrey, who is also a talented cricketer, was the Bloods' ruck.
"She always manages to bring out the best in all of her teammates, she's very positive and she's prepared to put her body on the line," Kenna said.
"But she's also very vocal and she understands that is giving the younger girls encouragement.
"They hear their name and they will go for the ball."
Taylah Casson, another with a strong cricket resume, kicked a game-high three goals.
Kenna said she was grateful for the Bloods' behind-the-scenes support.
"There's just a lot of people prepared to chip in and do their bit," she said.
"The ground was in fantastic nick, little things like the guys had lined the oval just for what is potentially one game. The work that goes in behind-the-scenes is a credit to rural communities."
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