Playing in their very first tournament, the newly formed women’s team of the highly successful Denver Bulldogs Australian Rules Football Club showed that they too are going to be a force in US Footy.
Nichols Park in Mesa, Arizona was the site for the Duel in the Desert tournament which was attended by last years National Champion Atlanta Kookaburras, Runner-ups Arizona Hawks and a Denver Bulldogs team that also featured four players from the Milwaukee Bombers.
The Denver Bulldogs first game was against hosts, the Arizona Hawks. Coming off a loss to Atlanta in their first game, Arizona were desperate for a win and fought hard from the start. Both teams had outstanding efforts out of the middle, but it was Denver’s attack of the ball and crisp hand-balling out of packs that proved the difference. Jalyssa Miller was exceptional in the ruck and used good body work to get the taps down to Denielle David (Milwaukee), Kelli Modica, Suzy Orman (Mil) and Alicia Rippen. Up front was controlled by Alicia Houghteling, Janice Cabellon, Kathryn Hogg (Mil), Kim Howard and Anna Thexton, whose great instincts for the goal proved too much for Arizona. In defense Lara Porter, Kristy Blazo, Melanie Gentz, Amie Kennedy and Ellie (Mil) held the Arizona team in check. Great tackles, smothers and efficient kicks to open mid-fielders got the ball out quickly and effectively. This great team effort through all sections of the field meant that at the end of the first quarter Denver was in front. 
The game was close by half time, with just one goal in it. The 100 degree heat was beginning to play a factor as legs tired and kicks fell short. However, at the end of the long break we saw the play of the game, maybe even the tournament. It was a great individual effort by Anna Thexton who collected the ball in the center square, evaded her defender, took a bounce and slotted through a goal from 30 meters out.
The fourth quarter was just as tough as the first three as Arizona still had a shot to steal a win. However, the Mile High Maidens piled on three more goals to one and ran away eventual winners, 49 to 23, in what was no doubt the game of the day.
Following the jubilation of their first win, the Denver ladies were pitted in their next game against the National Champion Atlanta Hawks. Not at all intimidated by their much more experienced and bigger opponents, the Denver ladies started off strong and tied the score one goal a piece in the first five minutes of play. Alicia Houghteling took advantage of some great play out of the middle and placed a drop punt perfectly through the uprights. Unfortunately the goal served as Atlanta’s wake-up call and from then on it was a one-sided battle.
Injuries, heat, inexperience and back-to-back games proved too much for the Denver ladies to overcome and despite exhaustive effort, they eventually succumbed 88 to 6.
During the half time break a fun skills session was held. First up all the guys in attendance (coaches, umpires, time-keepers and any other bum that wanted a shot at glory) showed who had the biggest boot. Many men entered (okay, only about 8) but only one man left. Coach Dom torpedoed his way to victory (which by no means is any indication that he should play fullback in the future). To bring him back down to earth, he had a shocking outing in the goal kicking skill session, scoring just 2 out of 5.
The ladies were up next with Lara, Anna, Jalyssa and Suzy all vying for bragging rights over the other teams. The longest kick was easily won by Tina from Arizona who booted a long drop punt straight down the center of the ground.
The accuracy event was a much closer contest as several ladies booted four out of five shots. But it was Suzy Orman from Milwaukee who managed to maintain her cool as one of the last contestants. Knowing she had to kick every goal, she maintained her composure and scraped the last kick through to win the medal.
The scheduled repeat game between Arizona and Atlanta was scrapped in favor of a friendly light vs dark jumpers match featuring two combined squads of the three teams that competed over the weekend. The action was fast and furious in the first and second quarters, but the light team proved far too strong and jumped out to a four goal lead. The lead was trimmed in the third quarter as both teams tired but the dark team, led by Tina was able to find a little more in the tank and cut the lead to three goals. Several wayward shots for points by the dark team followed which could have tied the score. Two very weary teams fought hard down to the final siren, but ultimately the light team held on to win comfortably.
Players Cup for the best Denver Bulldog on ground, as nominated by the players, was a close contest between Kelli Modica and Jalyssa Miller. Both had an outstanding weekend of games, but it was Jalyssa’s competitive spirit and fight out of the middle which won her the award.
There were awards later Saturday night for the entire tournament (decided by umpires) and the medal for most consistent went to Denver’s Kelli Modica. Congratulations to both ladies who’s outstanding efforts were certainly worthy of the honors.
Overall, it was a great weekend. Essential to the success of the team was Billy who provided support, guidance and humor. Thank you also to Candy for his support. The Denver ladies gained a lot of great experience and fought hard as a team for a win. Every single player contributed and the positive energy is a huge block to build on. We expect great things out of them this season and in the future, as a new force in women’s footy is born.
- Office Manager
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