Gryphons Grand Final glory

It really was the dream run through the 2024 season for the Glen Eira/Old McKinnon Gryphons. Their form was unmatched, their ball skills – next level, and their cohesion as a team was something others would aspire to. With all three combined they proved a very tough side to come up against throughout the season, only losing one match.

Fittingly, that one side who were able to take down the Gryphons in Round 5 of the home and away season was the Hampton Rovers, the very team they would have to overcome to claim the Premiership flag. The Grand Final clash between the two sides was an opportunity for the Gryphons to level the score and exert their total dominance over the competition as the already minor Premiers of Division 2 Women’s. And that they did.

Within ten minutes of the first quarter Glen Eira had taken ascendency in the match, controlling possession and taking a handy 1 goal lead into the first break, coming off the boot of Caroline Hart.

The conditions played a factor on Sunday morning at Elsternwick Park with strong winds inhibiting the flight of the ball. The Gryphons seemed all but effected by the elements and stuck to their compelling brand of footy, transitioning the ball well and utilising all facets of their talented line up.

Despite taking an early deficit, 0.2 (2) to 1.2 (8), the Rovers retained their cool composure, ready to come out firing and put up a good contest understanding the stakes of a Grand Final. Their victory over Glen Eira earlier in the season undoubtedly spurred Hampton on, along with their string of recent form, only compounding their confidence in their ability to compete with the best.

The rude awakening of the uphill battle that lay ahead came in the second term, as the Rovers were left in a head spin, as the Gryphons took control of the game. They used their experience and dominance to take full advantage of kicking to the ‘scoring end’ with the wind. Eliza Morrison and Stella Wilson combined for 2 goals to extend Glen Eira’s lead out to 20 points at the main break.

While they found themselves with scoring shots aplenty, due to the hard work to create opportunities in their forward 50, Glen Eira suffered some wayward kicking which suggests the scoreboard could’ve reflected an even bigger blowout. With the conditions not doing any favours, every single major was crucial.

With the chips down and a mountain to overcome, the VAFA’s Round 14 Anytime Fitness Rising Star nominee, Isla Tucker, stood tall for the Rovers and was impactful around the ground. The young gun used her speed and endurance to challenge to edge her side forward and apply pressure to Glen Eira’s run of play.

Whatever inspirational message Hampton coach Brent Ward delivered at half time to his side clearly lit a fire, and they came out hungry to compete with a half of football to play. Hampton Rovers’ first, and what would be their only, goal for the match came in the opening minute of the third term thanks to Alana Graham.

Unfortunately, Hampton was not able to capitalise in the same manner as their counterparts when kicking with the wind. The Gryphons showed no mercy and continued to rampage with their eyes set on that illustrious Premiership cup.

In the fourth, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon kicked a barrage of goals to put the game to bed and affirm their title as 2024 Division 2 Women’s Premiers. While Eliza Morrison finished with 3 goals, the Gryphons had six additional goal scorers who each contributed one major. This not only speaks to the depth of their squad but more importantly their sense of teamwork and camaraderie, sharing the football around.

At the final siren, the Elsternwick Park scoreboard read 9.11 (65) to 1.4 (10). A resounding victory capped off a phenomenal home and away season for the Glen Eira/Old McKinnon Gryphons. This is the club’s second Women’s Premiership in their history and exemplifies the growth and depth of their women’s program.

Whilst Aleesha Whittle, Julia Pavlou and Sarah Fitzpatrick joined Eliza Morrison as the stand out best performers of the Grand Final for Glen Eira, there is no question that all 24 Gryphons’ players played their role to secure this victory.

With another season in the books, there is a lot of promise as to what lies ahead in Divisional Women’s football in 2025.

1.2   3.5   4.8   9.11   (65)

0.2   0.3   1.4   1.4   (10)