Picture: THOMAS MILES
MOUNT Gambier’s Brooke Tonon played a vital role for South Australia in its maiden victory over Victoria Country in an Under 16 girls state of origin football match at McDonald Park on Sunday.
The East Gambier product was named vice-captain for the big clash and made important contributions all around the ground.
Her efforts were rewarded by a mention in the best players for South Australia in the 10-point victory, a feat Tonon said she could not believe.
“I was gobsmacked when I was named in the best,” she said.
“I was so proud of myself with the way I played.
“It was unbelievable when I got named vice-captain, I could not believe it.”
Throughout the game, Tonon stepped up to perform in the backline, forward line and the midfield due to multiple proactive rotations from coach Jason Rivett.
Tonon said she was surprised to be sent to the unfamiliar role in defence, but enjoyed the new experience in the high-pressure environment.
“It was a bit unexpected at first and I was a little bit confused,” she said.
“I asked a few of my teammates in the backline what roles to play in kicks in and the like.
“But I was excited because I know defence is a very important part of the game.
“We had the same rotations every quarter, so in each term I played in defence and then forward, before I would come off and go onto the wing.”
Tonon said the side’s tackling pressure was the difference between the teams, a facet where her coach believed she excelled on the day.
“Our tackling pressure was unbelievable,” she said.
“In the first quarter we got off to a really good start with a two-goal lead, which set the tone for the rest of the game.
“I got a smother before they kicked it in and we kicked a goal from that, which was good.
“The coaches made a good comment on my tackling and my pressure on the ball to get it forward, which I was really proud of as well.”
Tonon said it was one of the toughest games she has ever played and she had to remain 100pc focused all day.
“The game was very fast paced and physical,” she said.
“If you were caught out of place or ball watching they would use that to their advantage and hurt you.
“It was very skilful and you had to be on constantly.”
Tonon said her South Australian teammates were a “great bunch” and loved the experience to lead them on the field at home.
“It was such an unreal experience to bring all the girls down to Mount Gambier,” she said.
“They are the best bunch of girls to captain and be with.
“On the field it really showed we got on, because the way we played together was just so good.
“We all flowed perfectly.”
Tonon said it was a nervous wait for the final siren in the closing stages before the excitement of a maiden win took over.
“We kept looking at the clock in the final minutes to wait for the game to end,” she said.
“When the siren sounded, all the girls were so happy and excited.
“That was definitely the cherry on top.”
Tonon said Sunday’s fixture brought an end to her time with the state squad this season and she will now focus her attention on the Under 14 Western Border competition, but is determined to earn a call up next year in the state Under 18 side.
“Unfortunately this state squad is finished now,” she said.
“Now it is onto the boys comp and Glenelg again, Under 17s and then hopefully I can get picked in the Under 18’s squad.”
Tonon said the experience expanded her game and she would “love” to play with her state teammates again.
“Especially from this year my confidence has grown,” she said.
“I would love to play with these girls again so this will just motivate me even more.”
RESULT
South Australia 5.3 (33) d Victoria Country 3.5 (23)
Best – SA: Zoe Prowse, Keeley Kustermann, Brooke Tonon, Darcie Brown, Jamie Parish, Chloe Schwarz.
Goals – SA: Chloe Schwarz, Holly Temby, Madison Lane, Taylah Jayne, Zoe Prowse.
