SFL team surprises head coach with thumping over the NTFA in the Community League rep clash

SFL women’s head coach Erin Chivers would ‘happily go round again’ if AFL Tasmania decides to play another Community League representative clash between SFL and NTFA. Read what she said here.

The Southern Football League have again stamped its authority on the women’s competition after thumping the NTFA by 75 points at Campbell Town.

A strong community crowd of close to 300 hundred people turned up to watch a dominant display of footy right from the first siren for the SFL who never took the foot off the throat in a 11.12 (78) to 0.3 (3) victory.

South Coach Erin Chivers was surprised at how quickly her team gelled together.

“We had a pretty solid game plan and the last four weeks have been around gelling together, playing as a team even though we normally play against each other,” Chivers said.

“That has been really important to us and talking pregame about what Community League means and what Community means to us.

NTFA's Courtney Grace lays a strong tackle on SFL's Brooke Miller in the Community League representative game at Campbell Town. Picture: Jake Garland

“It did (surprise me) because our core group down south is split between two or three fairly dominant teams in the SFL competition and to have those players play as teammates, I was a bit apprehensive initially thinking it might be a bit of hard work but it absolutely wasn’t.

“These girls have been hungry for rep footy and it was evident from the first training session how hungry they were. They worked as a group, the mixed from the get go right from the first warm up.”

Hutchins’ Mia Giles kicked the opening goal of the game and from there it was all one way traffic with the South kicking another 2.4 in the quarter to hold a 22 point lead into the quarter time break.

Chivers was quick to praise her midfield and forward line for such a strong opening quarter.

NTFA finally got on the scoreboard in the second quarter, kicking two behinds as at times in the quarter it was very ping pong type footy through the midfield.

Souths’ Ava Allanby showed her fierce power and strength as the girl from Hutchins did what she could to help her side extend the lead.

Despite a 32-point lead into half time, the game felt closer than it looked at times due to the high tackling pressure on the ball carrier.

A 4.7 third term for the South very easily could have blown the game wide open as full forward Chanette Thuringer found the scoreboard booting two goals in the quarter.

Norths’ Courtney Grice and Charlie Giddins were among the teams best after strong performances off the half back line.

Chivers is hopeful rep footy returns for the Community League.

“Campbell Town has beautiful facilities and I was really proud they got to host us, the ground was a little soft,” Chivers said.

“I said to the girls before the game I have thoroughly enjoyed my four weeks at the helm of this team, this rep side.

“They’ve made me feel extremely special and I hope I have made them feel special.

“If the opportunity arises next year, I would happily go round again.”