The Services Swifts girls proudly geared up in their new Jane McGrath Foundation pink socks and, along with coach Glen Harbidge, wore yellow armbands in tribute to Stephanie Scott in their match against Parkes Hotel Raptors.
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Raptors won the toss and began the match strongly, attacking hard and putting the Swifts defence to the test right from the first whistle.
Anna Kliese found herself facing a new challenge, pairing with Claire Ford at the front of the pack.
The two combined well with Becca Athey and Bec Jones to move the ball around the middle.
They made the most of limited opportunities to break through into the oppositions half.
A few smart plays from the midfield were unsuccessful, but this did not deter Swifts who continued to keep the ball from the clever footwork of the Raptors.
Teisha Harding proved her versatility, starting in the midfield before moving into the backline, then finishing the game as a forward.
Staying on her feet the whole game is still proving difficult for Teisha.
Late in the first half, Anna dropped from the forward line back to the comfort of an outside back.
She provided rock solid defence, shutting down the Raptors strikers on numerous occasions.
The return of Maree Harbidge after a season off due to injury was welcomed.
She slotted perfectly into centre back for Swifts where she partnered with Jamie Leonard who proved ever reliable with a few well timed tackles.
New recruit Maddie Gilliver, along with Tammy Mann-Hall, showed they are willing to try their skill in various spots during the game, both sliding between the wing and outside back positions.
The same can be said for Jacky who started in her usual place a the back but happily made her way up the ground during the second half of play.
Ever improving, Anita Kealley acted as a super sub for the Swifts, impacting on the game almost immediately by spectacularly demonstrating the hand-ball rule.
Mary-Anne King made some fantastic saves as goalkeeper, even managing to tip one over the crossbar.
Unfortunately though, Services Swifts did not quite do enough to keep a strong Raptors side under control and went down 7-0.
Jane McGrath’s ‘Breast on Field’ was awarded to Stacey Nash.
Stacey displayed solid play though out the game in defence.
She made a few good runs attacking down the sideline as well.
This weekend Services Swifts are up against a new side in the Saturday competition, News On Rankin, at 1:30pm.