Mental Health Round Delivers Grit and Great Hockey

Round 9 of the Winter Competition marked the annual Mental Health Round, a powerful initiative encouraging support, awareness, and connection both on and off the field. Despite the wet and wintry conditions, players braved the cold to show up for their teammates, their clubs, and the wider message of mental wellbeing in sport.

Redbacks Edge DTS in Fast-Paced Opener

The first match of the day was a high-energy clash between DTS and the Redbacks, with both teams eager to make their mark early. The Redbacks were quick to find their footing, with Catherine Gordon opening the scoring thanks to a well-timed finish in the circle. Soon after, Zac Williams extended their lead with a powerful strike from the top of the circle, giving the Redbacks a 2–0 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

DTS regrouped and lifted their defensive intensity, with strong performances from David Wark, Michael Skillen, Fiona Douglas, and Greg Bannister. Their efforts allowed Isabelle Douglas and Melissa Wark to push forward, creating several attacking opportunities that ultimately went unrewarded.

Michelle Cronin broke through for DTS in the second quarter, capitalising on a loose ball in the circle to make it 2–1 and keep her team within reach.

As the rain settled in and conditions deteriorated, the third quarter became a test of focus and footwork. Redbacks’ Dodee Ryan added to the scoreboard, slotting her side’s third goal, while Taylah Murray stood out on the wing with a consistent and composed performance. Conan Scott was also crucial in goal, denying DTS on multiple occasions.

DTS continued to battle and found another lifeline in the final quarter when Matthew Hall scored to bring the margin back to one. However, a penalty stroke awarded to the Redbacks allowed Luke Cosgrove to seal the deal. His successful conversion took the score to 4–2, handing the Redbacks a well-earned win in a high-quality contest that matched the spirit of the round.

Penguins Outlast Vikings in Redemption Match

In the second game of the afternoon, the Vikings arrived with redemption on their minds, hoping to reverse their previous loss to the Penguins. What followed was a tense and hard-fought contest that showcased skill, speed, and determination from both sides.

From the outset, the match was evenly balanced. Both teams pushed forward with intent, testing each other’s defence with quick ball movement and attacking pressure. The Vikings impressed early, dominating possession in the first half and creating several chances in the circle. Levi Smith and Aiden Gunderson combined well down the left flank, while Kerri Palmer delivered a tireless performance across the pitch, excelling in both defensive duties and transition play.

Despite multiple shots on goal and a series of short corners, the Vikings couldn’t find the back of the net. The Penguins held firm, and the teams went into the halftime break locked at 0–0. Continue reading on next page.

The second half saw a shift in momentum. The Penguins turned their defensive strategy into an attacking flow, stringing together quality passes and advancing through the midfield. Melwyn Makana and Shaun Mortyne stepped up for the Penguins, slicing through the Vikings’ defence with pace and precision.

Their efforts were finally rewarded with the opening goal of the match, capitalising on their sustained pressure.

The Vikings responded with determination, driving the ball upfield and into the attacking circle. Brendan Sheppard appeared to have netted the equaliser, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an infringement moments before the shot.

In tough, wet conditions, both teams delivered a high-quality, end-to-end game of hockey. But in the end, it was the Penguins who emerged with a narrow 1–0 victory, completing the double over the Vikings and cementing their reputation as one of the competition’s top sides.

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