By JARROD POTTER
RUNNING up the walkway for her final interleague clash – the AFL Victoria Metropolitan Championships grand final against Yarra JFL – South East Juniors captain Cassie Rowe savoured her last time in the red-and-blue.
Battling her way through the packs throughout the Youth Girls’ interleague championships, Rowe was one of many pivotal players in the SEJ’s rise to the grand final and didn’t ease up on the throttle for the finale.
It was no surprise to find the Tooradin-Dalmore midfielder under the packs and streaming across the wings on Saturday morning.
The Seagull -temporarily turned Demon – ensured SEJ had plenty of the pill as she set up a number of forward entries and helped repel the Yarra attack across Central Reserve.
While the results didn’t favour the SEJ, Rowe’s pride in captaining the Youth Girls’ team could not be diminished.
“It was an awesome experience to lead them out,” Rowe said.
“I’ve never had the experience of captaining a side like this before.
“It’s a team of amazing girls and I couldn’t be more excited and happy with how it all went.
“Would’ve been awesome to walk away with the win, but it was still a great experience.
“Just want to give thanks to the league for the opportunity and it was an awesome job from all the girls,” Rowe said.
South East Juniors interleague coach Chloe McMillan had simple yet effusive praise for her side’s captain, who will be greatly missed in next season’s interleague campaign.
“Cass played her role fantastically and did everything we asked,” McMillan said.
“From the first training session I knew she was going to be our captain – she gives 110 per cent with everything she does and is not only looking to improve herself but will do anything for her teammates.
“Cass is respected amongst everyone in our interleague group and sets high expectations of herself and everyone around.
“Off the field she is a fantastic person and it’s sad to see her go – I wish I could have her around for many more years to come but she has a bright future in front of her.”
There was no rest for Rowe on Sunday as she was straight back into the red-and-green to help Tooradin-Dalmore secure a 127-point win over Hampton Park in the South East Juniors Youth Girls competition.
