Kalinda Howarth said the Suns felt like they won despite drawing 28-28 with the Brisbane Lions in the inaugural AFLW QClash
The scoreboard may have shown a 28-28 draw in the inaugural AFLW QClash between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions on Saturday, though three goal hero Kalinda Howarth believes it was the Suns who walk away winners.
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THE scoreboard may have shown a 28-28 draw in the inaugural AFLW QClash between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions on Saturday, though three goal hero Kalinda Howarth believes it was the Suns who walk away winners.
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Down by 15 points at half time, the Suns staged a thrilling second half comeback before Howarth managed the level the scores with a goal from the pocket in the dying stages, bringing the Suns within touching distance of a second victory.
Desperation from both sides meant neither team could score a last-minute breakthrough at Metricon Stadium but Howarth said that the Suns’ ability to overcome underdog status left them feeling victorious.
“We felt like we had a win because we managed to fight back,” she said.
“You always want to have bragging rights.
“It was just good to see the Lions not win.”
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Just three points stand between the Suns and an undefeated record after falling to Greater Western Sydney by one point in Round 1 and then drawing with the Lions.
Irrespective of the reality, the 20-year-old said the Suns could only take confidence from their gallant comeback.
“It sums up the season a bit in terms of what could have been because we could be 3-0 by now so I didn’t really know how to feel but we were pumped with our second half,” Howarth said.
“It was an amazing game to be a part of and I think every single person on our team had one of their best performances so we’re really excited about what we can achieve.
“I have confidence that we can get it done next time around.”
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Howarth, who played a crucial role in the Suns’ bid for an AFLW license, said her first goal in Suns colours was one of the highlights of her career just two years after she was delisted following a season with the Lions.
“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” she said.
“Being embraced by my teammates, it felt like a long time coming.”
Minutes later, Howarth sent fear into the Suns camp when she landed awkwardly on her ankle from a marking contest but quickly recovered when the footy re-entered the forward 50 and her second goal was within reach.
“It’s funny how pain disappears when the footy is around,” she joked.
Levelling the scores with a crucial goal from the boundary with four minutes to play, Howarth said she had ‘no idea’ how long was left but went back to take the kick as per her teammate’s instructions.
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“I didn’t know how long was left so I was looking around to see if there were any shorter passes and then Jamie Stanton yelled over to me ‘Kindy you’re kicking this’ which gave me the confidence to go back,” she said.
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