Yartapuulti captain Justine Mules-Robinson says the side has shown resilience and growth through the opening two rounds, taking valuable lessons from their clash with reigning premiers North Melbourne.
Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au, Mules-Robinson said that while the results were disappointing, she praised the group for holding their heads high, embracing the contest, and staying focused on consistency.
And with the energy of the home crowd behind them, she believes the group is ready to respond during their Indigenous Round clash against the SUNS at Alberton Oval this weekend. Tickets are on sale now.
On the loss to North Melbourne
“We’re obviously very disappointed with the loss. North Melbourne are the reigning premiers, so I thought the side held their heads up really high (in a tough contest). There were a few points during the week that we wanted to focus on in terms of bringing the heat and being strong in the contest, which I think we did - just not consistently and not well enough.”
“In Round 1 we left the field disappointed, and it felt like we weren't prepared to play. In Round 2 we walked off with our heads held high. Actions speak louder than words, so for us in Round 3 it's going to be completely different. We need to make sure that we're switched on from the first bounce, and make sure we execute (the game plan) for four quarters.”
On preparing for the SUNS
“We're going to remain positive and make sure the focus still stays on us internally. Gold Coast have had a pretty tough run as well, so they're going to come out firing and obviously want to get the win, but I feel like we're going to go out there and play our best, and give everything that we've got, especially being at home. The fans are like another person out in the field with us, so we will hopefully get on top of the SUNS this week.”
On leading the side after a tough start to the season
“I just explained to the girls that we have had a tough draw, but that's going to set us up for success moving forward into the rest of this competition. So, let’s take the learnings on early in the season, make sure we implement them, learn from it really quickly, and adapt.”
On playing at Alberton Oval
“The Yartapuulti community are a loud and very passionate bunch, and we definitely hear them out in the field. We play for them and want to give them a good spectacle to watch. They don’t go unnoticed, and we're very honoured and proud to have such a great fan base behind us. It's going to be exciting to see them out here on Saturday.”
On the return of key players from injury
“We had Amelie Borg and Cheyenne Hammond out at training today - it's really exciting to get those girls back on their feet and back into the main sessions. They won't be too far off.”
On Lauren Young’s pending AFLW debut
“It’s been a bit of a slow burn and a lot of anticipation there with Youngy (Lauren Young), but hopefully we get her out there sooner rather than later. She's got some incredible skills, and her height in our forward line is going to be crucial for us. She's such a young, skilful, talented player. I can’t wait to see her out there and play some footy with her.”
