Congratulations Kara (I can’t bring myself to use her nickname “Juddy” ) on an inspiring career - but I agree with kidmaple - I think Kiara Bowers is our best ever AFLW player in purple. I also agree with itscraptacular that having “there’s no I in Kara but there is in Kiara!” bearing down on you would be a truly scary experience despite the fact she’s only 164cm (that’s 5’4”) tall and weighs about as much as one of Sean Darcy’s thighs.
Obviously determined to ensure her fellow inaugural marquee teammate was going out with a win, “Turbo” - who has buried more people than a Karrakatta gravedigger, - clocked up a lazy 34 disposals (16 contested), eight clearances and 22 tackles - a new AFLW record. Her stats are even more astounding when you think that the women’s games are generally shorter than the men’s because of the lack of time-on.
Lanky 185cm Irishwoman Aine Tighe also starred with her best return of 4.2 - her very proud Dad just out from Ireland was sitting behind me. One snap from 50m bounced through for a goal - another booming set shot from around 50 cleared the pack but was off-line for a point. Aine spent the first 2 years with the club cruelled by injury - this is her first full year and she’s impressed with her agility below her knees, marking in the forward line and rucking as well.
The women’s team, which up to this season have been strong contenders (don’t get me started on 2020 when we were the only undefeated team and the season was cancelled during the finals with no premiership awarded) were decimated this year by players leaving for expansion teams plus a host of injuries to key players. The season wasn’t what we were used to, but by the intensity and teamwork shown on the weekend I think we’re back on track for next season. Hope Kara stays on in the position as a forward coach as she has been fulfilling this year while injured. You go, girl.
