The Southern Cats embarked on an exhilarating start to their AFL Canberra 2025 season, facing off against Batemans Bay Seahawks in matches filled with adrenaline and tenacity at Holt Oval, Saturday April 5. Both the men’s and women’s teams took to the field, determined to carve their place in the competition.
In a thrilling men’s match, the Southern Cats secured a triumphant victory against the reigning premiers, with a final score of 57 (9.3) to 53 (8.5). The match kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially in the closing moments.
PHOTO: Elation on the face of Captain Alistair Pollard as he celebrates with star recruit Bryn Larkin. CREDITS: Southern Cats
The Seahawks made an assertive start to the last quarter, however, the Cats demonstrated remarkable resilience, and it was Wade Cutter’s decisive goal, just 15 seconds before the final siren, that clinched the win for the Cats. Cameron Moore was a standout player, kicking an impressive seven out of the team’s nine goals.
President Anthony Sexton said with excitement, “It wasn’t just the win, but the way we won. “Cameron Moore… he couldn’t miss.”
PHOTO: President Sexton was all smiles after the weekend’s result.
“At the start of the last quarter the Bay won the centre clearance and kicked a goal in the first ten seconds retaking the lead. Instead of allowing that to continue the boys kept fighting for the whole quarter.”
“The week ahead will definitely focus on recovery as multiple players were cramping in the 4th quarter due to the hard game and the warm temperatures.”
President Sexton lauded the efforts of Ioan Perkins and Alistair Pollard for their pivotal roles in the middle, while Sean Bourke’s formidable performance in the ruck helped his side edge victory.
PHOTO: Celebrations were wild as the Southern Cats men sang the team song.
The women’s team, competing in their first official match, faced a tough contest against last year’s grand finalists, resulting in a 2 (0.2) to 53 (6.17) defeat. Despite the loss, Coach Damien Asanovski praised his players for their spirited performances.
“All the girls played well for their first ever game together and were quite competitive early but as the game wore on the more experienced side got away on us. Emily Stewart excelled in defence, and Sarah Burns showed plenty of promise in the ruck,” Asanovski said.
PHOTO: Coach Asanovski providing instructions on Saturday.
“The women will look to focus on refining basic skills like strengthening their tackling, shepherding, and goal kicking in upcoming training sessions.”
PHOTO: Captain Sarah Burns (right) had the honours of leading the Southern Cats women out in their first official match.
As both teams continue their journey, Southern Cats fans have much to look forward to, including their first home game on May 15 at Snowy Oval, Cooma. Next week, the Southern Cats travel to Rockley Oval Googong, to take on the Googong Hogs. The women take the field at 10am, while the men take the week off due to a bye.
It’s great to see such pride and investment in a women’s team – go ladies!!