Sport
17 July, 2026
Redan overpower Lady Redbacks
The Carisbrook Lady Redbacks showed incredible fight in last Sunday’s rematch with BFLW powerhouse Redan, improving their losing margin by 25 points.
After suffering a 137-point defeat to the Lions a mere fortnight ago, the Lady Redbacks implemented noticeable improvements to their game plan, putting up a more competitive fight in Sunday’s return fixture at Ballarat’s City Oval.
While the absence of veteran Olivia Butler was a major loss, rising star Emme Johnson made a timely return for the Lady Redbacks, who made a brilliant start reminiscent of their last encounter with Redan.
Assisted by the ruck duties of Johnson and Sherriden Byrne, Charlotte Cain, Tamika Loone-Grundy and Arna Tatchell, who’s been in outstanding form, challenged the Lions around the contest throughout the first quarter, limiting the hosts’ forays inside 50.
Despite their restricted opportunities, Redan managed to enter quarter time with the same margin they held over Carisbrook a fortnight ago, leading by 28 points.
With aspirations of celebrating superstar forward Jess Bokma’s 100th senior game for the club with a bang, Redan accelerated away in the second quarter, booting seven unanswered goals to balloon the margin out to 75 points by half time.
The Lions threatened to inflict more damage throughout the second half, but Mahli Stone, Tatchell and Izzy Barby ensured Carisbrook held firm.
After limiting Redan to three goals in the third term, the Lady Redbacks relentless defensive pressure restricted the Lions to 1.9 in the fourth quarter, an encouraging end to a 112-point defeat.
Tatchell’s torrid run of form continued with an outstanding performance on Sunday, named among Carisbrook’s best players alongside Stone, Byrne, Cain, Barby and Ruby Saunder, who impressed in her Lady Redbacks debut.
As the BFLW celebrates Wellness Round, the Lady Redbacks are set to host Lake Wendouree at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve this Sunday.
The mother-daughter duo of Byrne and Stone had a game to remember in Carisbrook’s last outing versus the Lakers, booting five goals each in a 124-point victory.