By David Nagel
The stage is set for a thrilling grand final day in Outer East women’s football with the top-two teams from both divisions qualifying for the season decider.
Healesville will look to avenge its second semi-final loss to Upwey-Tecoma in division one, after scoring an 8.6.54 to 3.3.21 preliminary final victory over Olinda Ferny Creek.
The ‘Battle of the Bloods’ was basically over at half time with Healesville opening up a 27-point advantage at the main break.
Healesville is a very-well balanced side, with Paula Pavic, Scarlett Potter, Georgina Jacobs and Perry Byron proving too much for Olinda to handle.
Dannielle Jones and Jaimee Petersen kicked two each for the winners, with Jacobs, Pavic, Danielle Carrucan and Kaela Willemsen chiming in with a goal apiece.
Lily Carlin, Grace Belloni and Claire Hyett stuck to their guns superbly for Olinda.
In division two, a five-goal third quarter has propelled Monbulk to a 10.2.62 to 4.9.33 victory over Seville.
The preliminary final was still up for grabs at half time, but 5.0 to 0.3 in the third term saw the Hawks book their ticket to this week’s big dance against Belgrave.
Kath Gow continued her terrific recent form, kicking three goals for the Hawks, while best-on-ground Maddi Dodd contributed two of her own.
Lillian Pagels and Jess Beraud were best of the beaten Blues.
In Eastern Division One, Beaconsfield will take on North Ringwood in Sunday’s first semi-final at Silvan after going down to the Saints by 30 points in the last round of home-and-away on Saturday.
The Eagles matched motors with the Saints for three quarters, but were blown away by a 5.2 to no score second term.
The Eagles can take it up to the Saints this week, losing by just three points in round seven.
Look for Maddi Lawrence, Vicky Liarakos and Lauren Hojnacki to lead the Eagles to victory.
The knockout semi-final commences at 2.45pm.
OUTER EAST WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
GRAND FINALS
SUNDAY, 14 AUGUST
VENUE: Belgrave Recreation Reserve
DIVISON 1
Upwey-Tecoma (1) v Healesville (2)
DIVISION 2
Belgrave (1) v Monbulk (2)
