The 2024 Respect Cup had SHC and SJC travelling to MARS stadium in Ballarat to again showcase the amazing talent in girls’ football. SHC was set the task of bridging the 9-point loss of SJC to St Pats. Despite the very warm conditions making things uncomfortable, the SHC team battled hard all day and did not give up until the final siren. Not only did they manage to bridge the 9-point gap, they also broke away to a 27-point lead.

Final score:

SHC – 7.5.47

Loretto – 3.2.20

Goal kickers:

Eleanor Walsh 3, Mekah Morrissy 2, Evie Albones 1, Milla Wall 1

Best on ground:

Meg Lappin - Had some well taken and crucial intercept marks at Center Half Back. Meg’s rebound kicks out of defence set up some important moments for the team overall.

Best:

Mekah Morrissy – Lead from the front all day, battled hard despite being tagged (unsuccessfully) and even kicked 2 crucial (and impressive) goals herself.

Jasmine O’Donnell – Crucial in defence in the first half and stopped several goals on her own accord. The running intercept mark she took was a highlight of the day.

Kate O’Brien – Rucked well with an impressive vertical leap all day. Was the main reason our midfield had so much of the ball, and also took some strong overhead marks.

Evie Albones – Dangerous every time the ball came near her. Went in hard and got her own ball on many occasions, also finished with a well-earned goal to her name.

Jayde Morrissy – Ran hard on the wing all day. Had some very tough ball gets and most importantly got over to help out her teammates all day, a true team first player.

Tara Trethowan – Used her speed off the half back line, the sight of Tara collecting the ball and breaking through the pack was a regular occurrence throughout the day. Also jumped into the midfield at times and gave her all.

Lila Burns – Solid in defence, did not let anything past her. Held strong when the opposition was attacking hard and showed just how tough she is on the field.

Every SHC player on the field contributed in some way, shape or form to the win - it was a true team effort. They all made the coaching staff, as well as their school, very proud. A special mention to all of our Year 12 students who stepped up as leaders across the day assisting all of our players in rising to the occasion. 

The future of women’s football is in great hands with the current generation coming through, and we cannot wait to see them on the Local, Representative, State and National stage in the years to come.

2024 Respect Cup team: