Stocky's Scribbles: Vics dealt lesson in game one

Stocky's Scribbles is back following the exploits of the FFV Victorian U16 girls team who are competing at the 33rd FFA National Futsal Titles in Canberra from January 13 to 17.

Words and images by Craig Stockdale

This team of girls is coached by Jaroslav Dedic, a well known youth Futsal coach from the EFA Eagles based in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. He is supported by the FFV team manager Greg Lascaris who is busy ensuring the girls are hydrated, nourished and somehow cooled in the grueling Canberra heat.

Day one saw the Victorian U16 Girls take on the ACT U15s who handed them a futsal lesson, winning 5-0. Every year the Victorian teams fly up to Canberra early in the morning to attend the opening ceremony and the long day seems to take its toll on most of the Victorian teams performances in round one.

Nevertheless, there were many positives in the encounter for the Victorians who had considerably more shots on goal but failed to hit the back of the net. ACT U15s controlled the ball well and defended strongly against an aggressive Victorian team, exploiting weaknesses in the Victorian defense to score their goals early.

As the match progressed, the Victorian U16 Girls tried valiantly to arrest the lead back from ACT but in doing so, allowed further goals to be scored that only widened the gap.

Futsal is a fast-paced, skillful game that requires great teamwork and the ability to make quick decisions under enormous pressure. It has been the breeding ground for many great players who have transitioned to the outdoor form of the game. Players need to adjust and ensure they pass and move in a controlled and structured manner.

The Victorian U16 Girls lineup consists of 11 players with two experienced goal keepers in Beth Mason Jones and Diarna Cartwright (vc). The on-field players are Dani Gudelg, Katrina Bellesis, Marianna Anthony, Maddy Stockdale (c), Maggie Smith, Jordyn Nelson, Deanna Fruscalzo, Hannah Ryan and Georgia Alberti. Many are NTC outdoor representatives and have played for their state in either form of the game.

Game two is against the old enemy NSW Thunder at 12pm, which will be a good yardstick as to how the remainder of the tournament will shape up for the Vics. This will be a tough game with the Thunder very much the favourite. Stay tuned as the campaign unfolds.