By David Nagel
Pakenham and Olinda Ferny Creek will face off in the Outer East Women’s Division One grand final after two epic semi-final triumphs at Healesville on Sunday.
Both teams went in as clear underdogs, with the third-placed Lions trying for their first-ever win over second-placed Upwey-Tecoma, while Olinda Ferny Creek, fourth, faced the daunting task of battling the undefeated Healesville on its home deck.
But manic pressure from both the Lions and the Bloods brought the favourites undone and set up a mouth-watering premiership decider…at 3.10pm at Healesville on Sunday.
The Lions went in with a key focus on two players in particular, with Tigers skipper Alex Bantock a genuine threat up forward, while speedy midfielder Amy Elias had caused Lions’ coach Rick Stalker some headaches throughout the season.
Things didn’t go to plan for the Lions early, with Elias getting the first centre clearance and Bantock kicking the first goal.
But Pakenham responded quickly, with Pippa Simon soccering one through a short-time later, before full-forward Chelsea English slotted a beautiful set shot to set up a five-point quarter-time lead.
Bianca Moody was showing great determination to shut down Elias, winning plenty of her own ball as well, while Emily Devine and Kayla Menere were dominant in the key-defensive posts.
English kicked the only goal of the second quarter, as players like Simon, Tianah Vandesteeg, Sarah Ventura, Tayla Sbisa and Amanda Hobba became dangerous.
English then kicked the opening goal of the third, as Lions’ leaders Chloe Nagel and Courtney Stephens began to gain ascendency around the contest.
Bantock answered in the third, before the Lions locked things down in the last-quarter with both teams unable to score.
Moody and Devine were outstanding for the Lions, who had every player contribute to the 4.3.27 to 2.4.16 victory.
Olinda Ferny Creek showed great character and skill to overcome a 16-point quarter-time deficit against the previously undefeated Healesville.
Things looked like going to script, with the dominant team all season kicking 3.0 to 0.2 in the opening stanza…but, amazingly, they would not hit the scoreboard for the remainder of the match!
Olivia Edwards got the ball rolling for the Bloods, kicking the only goal of the second, before Emmalee Keegan tightened things up with the only six-pointer in the third.
A fading Healesville led by just two points at three-quarter time, but a late goal to Grace Belloni sent the Olinda fans and players into raptures.
As for this week’s grand finalists; the Lions defeated the Bloods in two early-season contests, before Olinda bounced back with a 27-point victory in round 13.
In Division Two, top-team Belgrave booked its place in the big dance with a 28-point win over Yarra Junction, while fourth-placed Seville progressed through with a convincing 22-point victory over Wandin.
Madi ward kicked two goals for the winners, while Jade Mewburn and Jess Beraud were effective around the ground.
OUTER EAST WOMENS
Semi-Final Results
Division One: Upwey-Tecoma 2.4.16 def by Pakenham 4.3.27, Healesville 3.0.18 def by Olinda Ferny Creek 3.4.22.
Division Two: Wandin 2.4.16 def by Seville 5.8.38, Belgrave 7.10.52 def Yarra Junction 2.2.14.
Grand Final Fixtures
Sunday 13 August, Healesville
Division One – 3.10pm
Pakenham (3) v Olinda Ferny Creek (4
Division Two – 11am
Belgrave (1) v Seville (4)
