Darebin Falcons are on the board in VFLW 2019 after defeating Williamstown at Bill Lawry Oval

Inspired by Karly McNeice’s comeback from injury, Darebin Falcons have secured their first win of the VFLW season after overcoming fellow strugglers Williamstown.

Lauren Pearce in action for Darebin Falcons. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Darebin Falcons broke through for their first VFLW victory of the season on Saturday.

A winless start saw the Falcons lose five straight games before outclassing Williamstown by 20 points at Bill Lawry Oval.

The 4.7 (31) to 1.5 (11) victory lifts Darebin off the bottom of the ladder and leaves the Seagulls as the only team without a win.

Falcons coach Michael Ericson was pleased with the way his team responded after a goalless first quarter.

“It felt like it was going to be a real arm wrestle after quarter time,” he said.

Genevieve Lawson-Tavan in action for Darebin Falcons. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It may not say it in the stats, but we felt we had the majority of the play in our half after quarter time.

“We kicked four, we probably could have kicked a couple of more.

“It was probably the first game we’ve put four quarters together, which was nice,” he said.

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“Some of the teams we’ve played, we’ve played some really good quarters, but let them blow out in a quarter or five minute patch.”

Wingers Karly McNeice and Esther Honybun were Darebin’s best while Lauren Pearce impressed with 15 disposals, 44 hitouts and a goal.

McNeice is a story of perseverance, having to wait more than 700 days between her first and second VFLW match.

Lauren Pearce in action for Darebin Falcons. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Ericson revealed McNeice returned in the Round 6 clash against Collingwood after more than two years out of the game.

“Karly is an interesting one, she played her second VFLW game last week,” he said.

“It was 707 days between her first and second games because she’s been out with injury.

“It’s fantastic for her, she’s done everything right to get her body and she was really good for us.

“Her run and skills are very good in the side, so it’s great to have her on a wing.”

The Falcons will face a stiff test this weekend with a trip to Trevor Barker Oval to face second-placed Southern Saints.

“It will be tough game, Southern Saints are playing some good footy,” Ericson said.

“Looking at their possession numbers, keeping the ball off them will be the first step in beating them and slowing down their ball movement.”

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