By David Nagel
Olinda Ferny Creek has timed its run to perfection to take out the Outer East Women’s Division One grand final against Pakenham at the Healesville Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
The Lions had no answers to the Bloods key weapons up forward, with four goals each to Grace Belloni and Olivia Edwards leading Olinda to a 9.6.60 to 2.5.17 triumph.
The Bloods finished fourth on the ladder, and Pakenham third, with both causing massive upsets in semi-finals against Healesville and Upwey-Tecoma respectively.
Belloni put the Bloods in front early, before Pakenham skipper Chloe Nagel answered with a strong mark and straight kick early in the second quarter.
But that would be as close as the Lions would get, with Belloni and Edwards causing all sorts of headaches for the Lions defence.
Chelsea Wilson was also a prominent figure in the ruck, having a great battle with undersized Lion Sarah Ventura.
Lucy Hilton, Claire Hyett and winger Lily Carlin were also impressive for the Bloods, while Emily Devine, Bianca Moody and Amanda Hobba joined Courtney Stephens and Nagel on the Lions best players list.
In Division Two, Belgrave capped off a dominant season with a 2.9.21 to 0.5.5 victory over Seville, while Narre Warren kicked three last-quarter goals to win the Veterans Men’s grand final by two points over Gembrook-Cockatoo.
Thanks to Bethany Hutchison for the Olinda Ferny Creek celebration pic, and to Euan Poulton from the Pakenham Football Club for allowing Star News to use his wonderful pics throughout the season.
