GNWFL round three wrap: Rovers end two season drought with big win over Northampton

After two whole winless seasons, Rovers’ women finally broke the drought, kickstarting their campaign with a 65-point win over Northampton on Saturday at Greenough Oval.

Going into the weekend, Rovers knew this was their first real chance at securing a win in season 2025.

They got off to a quick start with a five-goal first quarter and never looked back, with Sharntay Westberg (four goals), Dainira Papertalk, Davina Whitney, Nadine Ryan and Sharlie Townsend doing the damage.

Northampton were left to rue their inaccuracy as Rovers swept to victory, 10.10 (70) to 0.5 (5).

Rovers coach Joe Iaria said the squad had been working towards this goal for a long time.

“Perseverance really pays off and the ladies really showed that over the weekend,” he said.

“They never quit over the last two seasons and the youth who have come through are really playing at their best.”

It was a slower second quarter from the Demons as Northampton managed to stem the bleeding, only conceding one goal in the term, while for the Rams, poor kicking in front of goal made the half-time score Rovers 6.3 (39) to Northampton 0.3 (3).

Rovers picked up where they left off in the third term, adding another two goals to the tally as the Northampton backs were under constant fire from the Demons’ mids and forwards.

All the Rams could manage in the term was one behind.

Another two-goal quarter for Rovers then secured the win.

Now facing the daunting task of taking on Chapman Valley, Iaria said the team would continue to build as the season progressed and they welcomed the challenge.

“Massive challenge this weekend, we will continue to be competitive this week and everyone is fighting for a spot on the team,” he said.

“We want to be the hunters not the hunted anymore.”

Best on ground for the defeated Rams were Tayte Pappin, Millie Gerreyn, Kara Elliott, Shelby Gavin and Shakiah Forsyth.

In the other GNWFL match of the round, Chapman Valley defeated Railways 19.10 (124) to 1.0 (6).

Towns and Brigades had byes.