Tayla Harris put on an electric show for the Melbourne Demons on Saturday, helping propel her team to a comfortable win over the Essendon Bombers. The final played out at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Harris then wowed onlookers with a scintillating two-goal performance, having 17 disposals, five tackles and 303 meters gained. She pulled it off in resplendent fashion with a sublime performance. Unfortunately, last year was a brutal season for her, as she only played one game before a shoulder injury ended her season.
Harris showed her versatility onfield, creating just as big an impact defensively. She converted her first score through the middle of the first term, stamping her authority early on in the contest. Aside from netting a brace, Harris provided a key assist on a game-winning goal. This goes to show her skill at involving her teammates in the game.
A Game of Highlights
Even the smallest of Harris’s moves were met with gasps as with every tackle, every play, Harris’s presence was felt on the pitch. She first set the news world ablaze with a defiant front-on crash tackle on the Bombers’ Amy Gaylor. This episode sparked fears over the long term consequences of high contact. Defensive work Harris continued to leave her imprint on the game as she drew a dangerous free kick after winning a huge slide tackle. Sadly, she could not convert on the next free kick from 30 yards.
Harris’s performance reached a new level during the third quarter, where she significantly influenced the game’s momentum. She went after the opposition and pressed them consistently. Her relentless forward drive was an important part of the team’s overall plan of staying high and forcing pressure.
“Last season I wasn’t able to play, so it’s a privilege to be out here. It’s heaps of fun playing footy,” – Tayla Harris
Team Spirit and Strategy
Harris’s return to form has been crucial for the Demons, who sit second on the ladder. We spoke recently, and her enthusiasm for returning to the field shines through. She is passionate about helping her team succeed and thrilled to begin making an impact!
She acknowledged a collaborative effort was key to their recent win. “There were some moments in the game that we can be really proud of from a hunt perspective and the pressure rating, that’s what we chase every week,” she stated. This attitude perfectly embodies the team’s belief in their process and their continued and never-ending drive to get better every single week.
Harris is taking her game up a notch this season. Her fans and her teammates can only imagine how she’ll further mold the Demons’ season. Incredible capacity to come back from injury. Her grit and determination propel her team to victory, foreshadowing a dazzling future for her and the rest of the Melbourne Demons.
