Hay Lions Raw with Pride
The Hay Lions and the Woorineen Tigers battled it out in the Pride Cup on a scorching Sunday afternoon, at the Hay Number 2 Oval.
Lions, a team comprised of talented individuals who are new to AFL, but seasoned in their love for sports, delivered a performance that will be etched in local memory.
Before the game, Hay Lions Juniors had the privilege of participating in a clinic hosted by none other than Courtney Wakefield from Richmond Tigers. A golden opportunity to learn from one of the greatest in the AFLW.
The event also embraced the importance of mental health awareness, as Wellways organisation delivered a speech, promoting their program ‘Thought Talk Tackle.’
The Dykes on Bikes added a unique touch to the coin toss, with their leader, ‘T Rex’ driving a representative from Wellways into the middle of the oval, marking the official beginning of the game.
The atmosphere was electric, adorned with LGBTQIA+ flags, rainbow balloons, and umbrellas that illuminated the crowd. Beyond the field, this Pride Cup served as a platform for education and understanding within the community. Once the game kicked off, the tackles were fierce, and the goals were nothing short of spectacular.
Samantha Harrison kicked the first Gaol for Hay, realising her dream from the night before. Hannah McGufficke’s impressive defensive tackles kept the team in the game, while Ruby Cattanach, Emily Hill, and Lucy Shea dominated the midfield with strategic positioning.
Trish Jamieson and her daughter Hannah Jamieson contributed significantly, securing another goal in the second quarter. Lucy Shea and Skye Lilburne continued the momentum with goals in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Skye Lilburne’s exceptional performance in the ruck showcased her high jumps and strategic moves to control the ball. Despite the Woorineen Tigers scoring multiple goals, sportsmanship prevailed, and the teams exchanged players every quarter, with Hay’s own Grace Auldist demonstrating her skills on the opposing side.
Grace kicked three goals and two points, all guided by the mentorship of Courtney Wakefield in the forward line. Young talents Emily Shea, Poppy Barnes, Hannah Edmonds, and Jade Doidge played pivotal roles in sustaining the Hay Lions’ energy throughout the game.
Lani Houston, aka J.Lo, proved to be a defensive powerhouse, thwarting numerous scoring opportunities with her agility and side steps. Trish aka ‘Dolly’ led the forward line with gusto.
Cassie Pearson’s resilience in the backline, Christie Webb’s unwavering support, and Kirsten Hutchings’s leadership, even while playing for the opposition, highlighted the diverse talents within the Hay Lions.
Ella Harrison, Emily Caughey, Emma Johnston, Katie Howard, and the comeback player Teagan Morrison, who hadn’t laced up her boots since under 14s football 20 years ago, showcased the enduring skill and passion that define AFL players.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the remarkable women who stepped up to represent the Hay Lions.
Despite the challenges of the yellow grass, hard ground, hot weather and the morning-after party fatigue, their resilience echoed the spirit of Hay – tough, resilient, and ready to face any challenge.
Special appreciation goes to Linda Stewart and Kerry Barnes from the committee for their unwavering support, and to the Rainbow on the Plains board for hosting a fantastic festival which concluded with a Pride Cup celebration of inclusion for the Hay Lions.
The Pride Cup not only celebrated the love of the game but also embraced the spirit of unity, acceptance, and strength within the Hay community. Cheers to the Hay Lions for an unforgettable display of courage and sportsmanship.
Pride Cup – Sunday 19th November 2023
Exciting News for Hay Sports Enthusiasts!
Courtney Wakefield is heading to Hay for the Pride Cup Open Women’s AFL game on November 19 at the Hay Number 2 Oval! But that’s not all – before the big game, at 11am Courtney will be running a special clinic for all junior players! A golden opportunity for our budding athletes to learn from one of the AFLW’s finest!
Join us in celebrating this remarkable athlete and supporting our local talent!
U13’s play their very first Gala day
In an exciting display of determination and teamwork, the Hay Lions Under 13’s Girls AFL team travelled to Narrandera on Sunday, October 29th, to participate in the SWJFNL Girls AFL Gala Day.
This spirited team had been in existence for a mere three weeks but had been diligently preparing under the guidance of coaches Simon Bunyan and Ellie Hicks, training every Monday and Wednesday.
Despite the scorching 30-degree weather and just five training sessions under their belts, the Hay girls were brimming with enthusiasm and their trademark Hay determination. The games were composed of two 10-minute halves, which, in the heat, felt more like 20 minutes.
The day began with Round 1, where Hay faced off against Temora. The final score was Temora 6 goals 2 points to Hay 1 goal, with Temora emerging as the more experienced side. Although Hay displayed some great plays, they struggled to convert them into goals.
Round 2 swiftly followed, with Hay taking on Narrandera. The game concluded with Narrandera winning 5 goals 1 point to Hay’s 1 goal 3 points. Despite the score, it was a hard-fought contest, and the Hay girls began to trust each other and work as a united team.
After a well-deserved hour break for lunch, the girls returned for Round 3, facing Leeton. This match showcased impressive teamwork, solid defensive skills, and remarkable goals from the Hay girls, making it a spectacle for the spectators. The game finished with an impressive 5 goals 3 points to Leeton 1 point.
In the final round, the Hay Lions from Division 2 met Griffith, who were in Division 1 and ranked third. The intense game ended with Griffith winning 26 to Hay’s 22, in a high-scoring showdown. The Hay girls displayed unwavering support for each other, executed excellent passages of play, and capitalised on opportunities. They lost by a mere 4 points, demonstrating their skills and passion for girls’ AFL.
Each player had a chance to shine in various positions, with standout performances by many. Evie Creighton’s impressive tackles earned free kicks for Hay, while Emily Rokobati’s defensive skills provided more scoring opportunities. Rhyla Bunyan’s determination was evident in her plays, and Maggie Shields proved to be a reliable player in the midfield. Poppy Barnes showcased her versatility in every position, and Lily Brooks exhibited her potential as a solid fullback.
Sophie Griffiths weaved through players with her speed, and Grace Auldist showed great determination, even when faced with getting winded for the first time. Issy Pearson improved with each game and displayed eagerness to try any position. Evie Bench, the youngest on the team, was quick-witted and ready to seize any opportunity. Hannah Jamieson’s performance in the Ruck set up impressive plays, while Hannah Edmonds displayed natural skill in the forward line. Emma Brown’s grit and determination were evident, and Rachel Taylor played an essential role in the forward line.
This Awesome day was a testament to the outstanding team effort in bringing the Hay Lions Under 13’s Girls AFL team together. Special thanks to Simon Bunyan for coaching on the day and Linda Stewart for driving the bus and goal umpiring, the Hay Scouts for providing the bus, and Hay Public School for loaning their footy jumpers. Glenn Jamieson’s contribution as the umpire throughout the day is highly appreciated. The crucial training by Simon Bunyan and Ellie Hicks were essential to the team’s progress. Most importantly, heartfelt gratitude is extended to the parents for their unwavering support, dedication to getting the girls to training, and their collective effort in making this fantastic day possible.
School AFL
Maggie and Lily representing Southern Inland in the NSW U12 girls AFL Championships in Batemans Bay early this week. Congratulations to both.
Hay Lions Football Netball Club 