Emerging Walyalup player Sarah Verrier is hopeful she and the team can grow from a disappointing 24-point loss against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
 
Without the injured Kiara Bowers in the midfield, Walyalup relied on their youth to stand up in Dana East and Verrier – who has been playing more midfield time in 2023 after playing as a defender in her first three seasons.
 
Walyalup were able to keep the clearances relatively even, with Geelong winning the count 28-26.
 
Verrier said the Cats were cleaner in possession which made the difference with Geelong having 34 inside 50s to 25.
 
“It was a very tough game, credit to Geelong. They came out really strong, but we’ll take some good aspects out of it into next week,” Verrier said.
 
“We have some youth in the midfield and we tried but we have to keep going strong.
 
“We did get some clearances, but we could have been a lot cleaner. It was an improvement on last week in what we wanted to do which was good.
 
“(Bowers being out) is a loss but we’re a strong and tight group. We’ve bonded together, we do miss ‘Turbo’ but we think we can get the job done without her as well.
 
“It’s new playing midfield for me, I wasn’t expecting it so early (in my career). I’m really enjoying it and the girls are really helping me out there.”
 
Verrier and Mikayla Hyde attended the coin toss at the opening bounce on behalf of good friend and injured teammate Mikayla Morrison.

A proud Indigenous player, Morrison is out for the season with an ACL injury. Verrier said the forward has been missed, especially during AFLW Indigenous Round.
 
“Attending the coin toss was for ‘Morro’. She made the clapping sticks with her dad, it was very special to do that for her,” Verrier said.
 
“Wearing the Indigenous jumper next week will be very important for us and we’re very excited for next week against St Kilda.”