Tigers biding their time in run to GFLW finals in wake of big injury toll

Boulder is keenly chasing the scalp of a top-two side in the run to the Goldfields Football League’s women’s finals, but coach Terrence Winner said he will continue to err on the side of caution as players make their returns from injury.

Winner said up to nine members of the Tigers’ squad were sidelined, with Heidi Hooper ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken leg.

But with the yellow-and-blacks entrenched in third place with six wins, Winner said he would resist bringing back players early — ahead of Saturday’s 9am clash against Railways at Sir Richard Moore Sports Centre.

Railways are second with eight wins, but they have a game in hand over ladder-leaders Mines Rovers who have a bye this weekend.

“It would be nice to beat one of those top teams, but it’s more a case at the moment of getting everyone back from injuries, some of which are long-term and who we’re managing minutes for during training,” Winner said.

“We’re definitely looking at scalps as they come up, but we’re also thinking about the long game as well and that we’re hopefully building nicely for the finals.

“The advantage we do have is a (general) bye next weekend for some extra time as we aim to get most of our (injured) girls back by that Kambalda game (on July 20) and hopefully with a much healthier list.

“Despite the long injury list, it has provided opportunities for those girls who are newer to footy to get some great minutes in games and really develop their skills.

“Come finals, that’s really going to make it hard to select teams with what I’d imagine will be the full 30 to 35 players available.”

Railways are coming off a big win last weekend against Kambalda, 25.6 (156) to 0.0 (0), when Drew Epis booted seven goals and Amelia Pettit and Zaleema Bourne four apiece.

Marley Kelman and Chloe Jones each contributed three goals.

Also, last weekend, Mines Rovers overcame inaccuracy to beat Kalgoorlie, 4.11 (35) to 0.0 (0).

The Diorites might have iced the result by half-time, but misfired for 1.7.

Chanelle Halligan and Brandi Hansen each kicked two goals for Mines Rovers.

Kambalda host Kalgoorlie at Kambalda West Oval in Saturday’s other GFLW match from 11am.

Ladder:

Mines Rovers 38 points; Railways 34; Boulder 24; Kalgoorlie 8; Kambalda 0.

Leading goal kickers:

T. Revell (Mines Rovers) 19; M. Kelman (Railways), C. Halligan (Mines Rovers) 18; D. Epis (Railways) 17; W. Piringer (Kalgoorlie) 15; P. Ulijn (Boulder), J. Hansen (Mines Rovers), A. Reid (Railways) 10.