Grand Final Week in Wilson Women’s Footy

Nicole Erasmus

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

Marcellin will take on SKOB Saints in the grand final after defeating Fitzroy ACU by 16 points at Trevor Barker Oval. A slow start for both sides saw the Sheagles narrowly trail going into the second quarter, but the determined Marcellin outfit kicked into gear and won every quarter following. Four individual goal kickers peppered the scoreboard for Marcellin as Olivia Getson starred. For the heartbroken ‘Roys, it was Tasha Kroussov and league B&F winner Tash Ross-Harris who led the resistance. Fitzroy will be disappointed to have fallen out of finals in straight sets but should be immensely proud of the year they’ve had and look to build on it for next year. For Marcellin, they now look ahead to the big dance against the undefeated SKOB Saints. The last time these two teams met, SKOB Saints took home the chocolates, but as we know, anything can happen in finals.

Grand Final: Sun 20 August – SKOB Saints v Marcellin @ Sportscover Arena – 2:10pm

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 1

In Development Division 1, it was a nail-biting, come-from-behind victory that saw St Mary’s Salesian book a spot in the grand final with an 11-point win over Beaumaris at Bill Lawry Oval. After holding the Saints scoreless in the first term and bagging two of their own, confidence in the Beaumaris camp would’ve been sky high at quarter time. The second term, however, was more closely contested as the Saints clawed their way back into the contest thanks to a Lisa Davie goal right on the half time siren. Heading into the main break, the Sharks still held the ascendancy, leading 13-20. A tenacious second half led by Kayla Smith, Tash Rappos and the aforementioned Lisa Davie allowed the St Mary’s girls to kick three goals to none and eventually get over the line. St Mary’s Salesian are now set to face West Brunswick in this week’s Grand Final. Last time they met, the Magpies escaped with a slender one-point win – this one should be a corker!

Grand Final: Sun 20 August – West Brunswick v St Mary’s Salesian @ Sportscover Arena – 11:50am

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 2

A one-point upset went the way of Old Carey as they defeated Collegians in the prelim at to book  spot in this week’s Development Division 2 Grand Final against Old Camberwell. Each team’s desire for a spot in the big dance was apparent as the lead changed hands on many occasions. It was a strong third quarter from the Old Carey girls that proved the difference, kicking two goals and holding Collegians scoreless. Maddy Webster and Marli Wilkinson worked tirelessly for the Panthers all day. For Collegians, Christine Nancarrow can hold her head high after a BOG performance. On the back of the win, Old Carey will now take on minor premiers Old Camberwell in the Division 2 grand final. The last time these two teams met, Old Camberwell won convincingly, so the Panthers will be eager to get even!

Grand Final: Sat 19 August – Old Camberwell v Old Carey @ Trevor Barker Oval – 2:00pm

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 3

It was a massive upset in Development Division 3 with third-placed Old Mentonians completing a second half comeback to edge out minor premier Ajax by two points at Trevor Barker Oval. After going into the main break down by eight points, Old Mentonians kicked into gear in the third, booting two goals and six behinds while holding the Jackas scoreless. The Panthers led by ten points at the final change. Ajax managed to reduce the margin back to just two points, but unfortunately the final siren beat them to it. A BOG performance from Old Mentonians’ Belinda Griffiths as well as three goals from Monique Maitland were the difference in the prelim win. Can Old Mentonians complete the dream run, coming from third to defeat Mazenod in the GF? or will Mazenod, as favourites, get the job done?

Grand Final: Sun 20 August – Mazenod v Old Mentonians @ Sportscover Arena – 9:30am

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 4

A strong four-quarter performance from SKOB Saints (2) saw another upset in women’s prelim football and another team knocked out in straight sets as South Melbourne Districts fell to the saints by 15 points. A team effort saw the Saints lead after every change, though they were assisted by the Districts inaccuracy who managed to kick just five points up until three quarter time. Their first goal came deep in the last and by that stage the SKOB Saints had done enough. Two goals from Nicole Aldridge contributed to the win. SKOB Saints are not set to play minor premiers Hawthorn AFC in the Grand Final. The last time they played, Hawthorn claimed the win by 32 points.

Grand Final: Sat 19 August – Hawthorn v SKOB Saints (2) @ Trevor Barker Oval – 11:40am