Rovers roll on: Hampton sets sights on Grand Final glory

And just like that… we have our 2024 Division 2 Women’s Grand Finalists. The stage is set for an epic showdown between two powerhouses of the competition where the Hampton Rovers will meet minor Premiers, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon this coming weekend at the big dance. But before we look ahead, let’s unpack the match of the weekend that brought us to this outcome, where Hampton Rovers secured victory over Whitefriars by 16 points.

Whitefriars and Hampton Rovers took to the big stage at ETU Stadium on Saturday afternoon in an all or nothing battle for that final spot in the Grand Final. On paper, one could say these two sides were fairly evenly matched. Finishing second and third on the ladder respectively with just two points separating Whitefriars and Hampton Rovers, both proved they are deserved winners of that significant place in the Grand Final.

Coming face to face for the third time this season, Whitefriars held the record winning both clashes during the home and away season. However, it is Hampton Rovers who have had the better run of form as of late, with two consecutive wins thus far in the Finals series.

In Finals, they say mindset is everything, and the Rovers coming off a win in the Elimination Semi Final may have been just the momentum they needed to take a slight edge heading into the clash against the Friars who were having to utilise the double chance after a loss to Glen Eira in the Semi.

In windy conditions, this was not the day to be sending the ball long into the forward arc. The Rovers utilised their ability to win contested ball and find targets around the ground to urge the ball forward. Hampton owned the first quarter from the outset of the match, registering 3.2 (20) on the scoreboard in a strong opening term whilst restricting their rivals to just a single behind. This sort of domination early on in a high stakes match puts the pressure right back on the opponent to respond.

Whitefriars took ascendency in the second quarter and whilst they added a goal and two behinds to their score, it was not enough to take back the lead from the Rovers. Despite just a point recorded in the second, Hampton retained a 12-point advantage heading into the main break.

The relentless rebound work down back for the Rovers from Mandy Naylor, and co-captain Isabella Cameron, turned the momentum back their way to maintain control of the footy and play the game on their terms.

The Premiership quarter as it is so astutely known proved significant for both sides in a high scoring passage of play. The Rovers extended their lead with 2 majors, before the Friars fought back with a goal of their own in the dying seconds of play.

When the umpire held up the Sherrin to signify the start of the final term, there was just 19 points separating these two sides, Hampton holding the lead as they had been all afternoon.

Whitefriars came out swinging, throwing everything they had into the last quarter, understanding the stakes at play. Some of their star players in Clare Fernandes and Caitlin Ryan stood up for the Friars and one much of the footy. Unfortunately, despite having more opportunities in front of the big sticks, inaccuracy proved costly in trying to close the margin enough, and the deficit proved too significant to overcome.

Sharpshooter Maegan Miller had her best game for the year for the Rovers, equalling her season best of 4 goals. Alannah Graham and Millie Smith each contributed a major to round out Hampton’s final score of 6.5 (41).

Meanwhile Hayley Notting led the charge for the Friars, slotting 2, while Allegra Mattioli finished the day with 1 goal: bringing up a final score of 3.7 (25).

This win had Hampton Rovers up and about and in good spirits as they set their sights on a giant of the competition in Glen Eira/Old McKinnon.

“We are riding a wave of optimism and enjoyment that has our whole team excited for the great challenge ahead” said Hampton Rovers’ coach Brent Ward.

He acknowledged the team effort that goes into producing success in finals and credited the broader cohort in addition to the playing group. “The Rovers have an incredible team of coaches and brilliant leaders.”

“Bring on the big dance.”

This Grand Final match up that looms large is set to be one for the ages. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon have had close to a clean sweep this season and will be looking to continue their impressive form in the hunt for that Premiership cup. The only thing standing in their way is one almighty Hampton Rovers outfit with a taste for victory and hunger for success.

Interestingly, Hampton Rovers have been the only side able to defeat the Gryphons this season. Their head-to-head record stands at 1-1. That notch on their belt will no doubt give an air of confidence to the Rovers side as they face their biggest challenge to date.

The stage is set at Elsternwick Park this Sunday morning as we prepare to crown our Division 2 Women’s Premiers for 2024.