FALCONS captain courageous Kate Bardy admits even she is a little surprised by their bright start to the season.
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Off-season departures were expected to rob the defending premiers of some firepower.
But at the end of the first round the Falcons find themselves at least four points clear at the top of the table.
Bardy, who played last year’s grand final with a badly broken finger, said the key to their season had been winning the tight games.
“There is not a lot between the top four or five sides,” she said.
“In a number of those games in the first round the result could have gone either way but we came out on the right side of the scoresheet.
“We’re on top at the moment but given the even spread of talent the results are a lot less predictable.
“Norths are always strong, I’d expect Magpies to be thereabouts while United are the real surprise packet this year.”
Bardy said Jess Madden, the first season coach and the association’s best and fairest from last year, wanted a team approach.
“The aim is a quick passing game and that has been fairly successful so far,” she said.
“We lost a lot of last year’s squad to university and other commitments but have been lucky in that some girls in that 16 to 20 age bracket have really stepped up.
“Jess being in the side is also a massive boost.
“We have also picked up Ella Dagnall, whose partner has come over from England to play for the Steamers.
“She plays in the backline but is an attacking fullback and adds plenty of spark to our midfield.
“We’d expect to play finals now but realise we just have to keep winning.”