Darebin Falcons get their premiership defence off to the perfect start in VWFL Premier Division with win over Diamond Creek

DAREBIN took the points from a “bruising” Round 1 encounter with Diamond Creek on Sunday to get its premiership defence off to the perfect start in women’s football on Sunday.

Women's footy- Vic Country V Vic Metro. No 23 Elise O'Dea for Country.Picture: David Smith

DAREBIN took the points from a “bruising” Round 1 encounter with Diamond Creek on Sunday to get its premiership defence off to the perfect start.

Back-to-back premiers in Victorian Women’s Football League Premier Division, the Falcons came up against the team they had beaten in the past two grand finals and emerged with a convincing 12.7 (79) to 5.10 (40) victory.

The Creekers came out firing at AH Capp Reserve but struggled to convert as they managed just 1.5 to 3.0 in the opening term.

From there, the Falcons started to take control and kicked nine goals to four in the final three quarters.

Coach Richard Dal Pos said the win was anything but easy.

“It was one of the most bruising games of footy we’ve had,” he said.

“It was tight, hard contested footy. Both sides wanted to win.”

Diamond Creek’s defence was strong and shut down some of the Falcons’ regular goalkickers.

But, like good teams do, other players stood up.

Jane Lange and Jess Dal Pos each kicked three goals among seven individual goalkickers.

But it was the work of the midfielders that was key as Elise O’Dea led the way with a huge game.

“She’s had a magnificent preseason and it really showed,” Dal Pos said.

“She had the most possessions on the ground by far.”

Captain Daisy Pearce and Aasta O’Connor in the ruck were also impressive for the winners.

The Falcons will face ­Melbourne University in an away match on Sunday.