By David Nagel
Tooradin-Dalmore remains the main stumbling block to Inverloch-Kongwak’s dream of winning back-to-back premierships after the Seagulls completed a hugely successful home-and-away season with a hard-fought win over Kilcunda-Bass.
The Seagulls have been struggling to hit full strength this season, but have still somehow found a way to engineer a 16-2 record to sit in second place on the ladder.
The main challenge now for Kelly Haynes and her team is to work out a way to nullify the dominance of Inverloch, who remains undefeated through 18 rounds….and the only conqueror of the Seagulls (twice) this season.
Inverloch will be Tooradin’s opponent in the second semi-final at Nar Nar Goon on Saturday 2 September.
The Seagulls showed true championship qualities on Saturday, scoring 15-8 in the last quarter to score a 47-40 victory over the Panthers.
Scores were locked at three-quarter-time, before the competitive juices of the Seagulls began to flow in the final term.
Sara Howie (C), Stacey Sawyer (WA) and Zoe Coventry (WD) provided plenty of drive through the midcourt, while Ebony Dolan (GK) and Jess Maher (GD) produced their most dominant defensive period of the match.
And with Alex Maher (GS), Kelly Haynes and Keely Freestone (GA) combining beautifully under the ring, the Gulls were back to their best.
The final-quarter surge will give them great confidence over the next fortnight as they prepare to battle the Eagles.
Kilcunda-Bass, despite the loss, will also take away positivity as it prepares for its first final in the WGFNC against Dalyston this Saturday.
Emily Mock (WA), Shenade Hardeman (WD) and Isabella Santorini (GS) had some strong moments for the Panthers.
Garfield has finished its season off in style with a 61-13 victory over Warragul Industrials at Beswick Street.
The Stars flew out of the blocks, scoring 18-2 in the first quarter before the Dusties became more competitive.
Tyla Redwood (GS) slotted 16 of those 18 goals on her way to 42 for the contest.
The Dusties have been smashed from pillar to post this season, but have shown enormous spirit to turn up every week and compete.
Let’s hope the appointment of club legend Jess Ayres to the coaching role for next season, brings new-found competitiveness in 2024.
In other games this week, Dalyston tuned up for another finals campaign with a 55-29 win over Korumburra-Bena.
The Magpies are the only team to have played in every A Grade finals series since the inception of the WGFNC in 2017.
The Giants challenged Dalyston in the first term, only trailing by two, before the Pies put the hammer down in the second quarter with a 17-8 explosion.
Alana McRae (GD), Britt Thomas (GA) and Sophie Scott (WD) then put the pedal to the metal with a 17-4 last-quarter burst.
Gemma Dixon (GD), Elisha Nicholas (GA) and Sienna Cruickshank (GK) can hold their heads high for the Giants…that finished in ninth place.
Kooweerup will head into finals on the back of a five-game winning streak after the Demons proved too strong for Cora Lynn at Denhams Road.
The Demons did most of the damage in the first and final quarters, with 14-5 and 15-4 terms leading to a 57-31 success.
Ash Murphy (GS), Chantelle Stokkel (WD) and Kate Sidebottom (C) played four solid quarters for the Dees, while Gemma Stacey (GS) and Michaela Hoppner (GK) were worthy bookends for the Cobras.
Nar Nar Goon has bounced back to the winners’ list with a 64-26 triumph over Bunyip.
The loss to Kilcunda-Bass last week was a kick in the pants for the Goon, who started well with an 18-8 opening burst.
Steph Lee (GA) lit the fuse for the Goon, scoring 23 of her 30 goals when the game was on the line in the first half.
Bunyip’s Aimee Wright (C) stood tall for the Doggies, having great duels with Olivia Hamilton and Chantelle dale through the midcourt.
And last, but certainly not least, Inverloch-Kongwak has completed the perfect home-and-away season with a 55-35 success over Phillip Island.
Jarrad Walker must be super-proud of his team, who have won every game this season by double digits…except for a six-goal win over Kooweerup in round eight.
Linsey Boddy (GK) was a nightmare for the Bulldogs goalers all day, while Ella Sadler (GA/WA) showed the versatility that will come in very handy during this year’s finals series.
Amy Scott (GA) and Renee Pilkington (GD) were others to shine for the Eagles, while Ella Duggan (GA), Amelie Wragg (WD) and Maya Huther (WA) were rock-solid performers for the Bulldogs.
Look for Phillip Island to be one of the big improvers next year.
