By Tara Murray
Confidence continues to grow for the Northern Knights in the NAB League Girl’s competition.
Having not lost a game this season, the Knights faced their biggest challenge on Sunday against ladder leaders, the Geelong Falcons.
The Knights were able to end the Falcons’ winning streak on Sunday, which had dated back to 2017.
It was a strong four quarter performance from the Knights, in the 6.7 (43)-0.7 (7) win.
Knights’ Female Talent Coordinator Zoe Slatter said the win was another step in the development of the playing group.
The last time the two teams played, the Falcons beat the Knights in last season’s Grand Final.
“We’re very pleased with the progress of the squad over the two year period,” she said.
“We very much played our style of game on Sunday and we were consistent across four quarters.
“The large ground suited our running game.”
“There’s a heathy rivalry with Geelong, and how the players prepared themselves and played is a confidence boost for the group.”
Slatter said it was a strong team performance across the board.
She highlighted the work the defence did in shutting down the Falcons inside 50s, while their top age and national academy players continue to perform each week.
She said Jamie Nelson was continuing to shine in the ruck, having only played one year of football previously.
Nell Morris-Dalton was a key focal point up forward on Sunday, while Ciara Fitzgerald impacted down back.
Alyssa Bannan was the only multiple goal kicker on the ground, kicking two goals.
The win moves the Knights to the top of the ladder with one round remaining.
The Knights have already been assured a finals spot. The top four teams will play finals this year as part of a two-week finals series.
Slatter said the focus for the group remained on improving and getting the best out of everyone, on and off the field.
The Northern Knights will face Greater Western Rebels on Sunday at Mars Stadium in the final round of the competition
Slatter said they were focusing on the match against the Rebels and not looking any further ahead.
“It will be the first double header with the Knights boys this year which will be a great day for the club.”
The Calder Cannons kept their finals hopes alive, with victory against the Bendigo Pioneers.
The Cannons beat the Pioneers, 4.6 (30)-1.3 (9).
The Cannons, who face Gippsland Power this weekend, sit fourth heading into the final round.
