Junior Girls' Footy State Round Robin

After gratefully collecting the pristine, striking white, purple and gold jumpers and shorts, we approached our State Final pool at Mont Albert North with a sense of pride and optimism.

Realising that our Quarter Final opponent, Elisabeth Murdoch College, would have defeated the likes of consistently tough State performer Frankston High at Region, we knew that this game would even be a step up from the best that Eastern Region had offered.

The quarter time score reading of 2.2 for our opponent to our 1.0 supported our pre-game awareness. The stronger bodies and hard running of EM proved to be our first real challenge for the season - never before had we been headed at a break. Our valuable goal, skilfully snapped by Tara S, was set up by our dynamic captain Paige F who, in the second quarter, continued to set the example for her team with desperation and strength at every contest.

With our determination to be more accountable to pick up our opposition players and to protect our ball carriers, we managed to take the initiative in the second quarter, scoring 2.4 to nil, thereby acquiring a lead of 12 points. Our 2 essential goals had been scored by regular contributors Jess F and Remy B. Jess almost added to her goal tally when she hit the post after Lara Y’s strong mark and accurate pass.

The third quarter was a desperate affair, with no goal recorded. Summer Mc’s non-stop attack at the ball in congestion and consequent vital disposal to advantage was inspirational. Supported with team orientated acts such as Chloe L’s classic tackle and Blair Y’s timely shepherd, we managed to maintain our lead at the last change - by 10 points.

Confident in our focus to play for one another, we knew that if the first goal was registered for the Norwood girls, we could have the Semi Final in our sights. On baller stalwart, Remi S, followed the script when she burst out of the first centre bounce and delivered to her mate Jess, who goaled within a minute. Jess, with another long left foot drop punt, added one more to her total shortly after. When our collective forward pressure forced their full back to panic, Poppy S, who was playing so impressively with both her attack and defence, popped the sealer through.

Norwood 6.6 (42) d Elisabeth Murdoch 2.4 (16)

After a well earned 30 minute break, we geared up to oppose the regional Catholic College from Warragul, Marist-Sion College, who had defeated Catholic College Wodonga by 2 points in their Quarter.

We were happy to have shown improvement throughout our Quarter Final in various areas, such as getting to the bottom of packs and winning many one-on-one contests, and we steeled ourselves for another first-class effort against a seasoned opponent. Being level at quarter time - one point each - against a taller and very physical opposition was a result of both our skill and will. First class handballs by Poppy and Remy B; a strong shepherd by the indominable Dana S.Mc; full bore attack on the ball by Rylee Mc and Lara and the continual second efforts by captain Paige exemplified the desire to work for the team.

Remembering to come up to meet the ball; to be always mindful where our opponent was positioned and to shoot handballs out to our runners put us in good stead to attack the second quarter. Our 3.3 to M-S 1.0 was a satisfying result. Again, across half forward, Jess booted two, (one after a slick handpass from Mackenzie W), and Amelia B screwed a beauty on the run from a tight angle. Bonnie and Blair sharing the ruck were tapping to advantage; Rylee was paying close attention to Number 20, their talented CHB, and our team tackling was fearsome.

We were much appreciative that at half time our Principal Mrs Harris, who had supported and keenly analysed our efforts from the start of the game, praised all the team for the bravery they had exhibited in the first half.

We knew the opposition, being 15 points in arrears, would give their utmost effort in the all-important third quarter, and in a dour struggle the deficit was reduced by 6 points. With a lead of 9 points, we knew nothing but our best would do. Paige, in her address to the team, emphasised winning the contest both in the air and at ground level. This, combined with our focus on playing in front and locking the ball in our forward line, resulted in a strong final 15 minutes. Ashley W pleasingly provided both pressure and an effective shepherd to assist Jess’s last quarter major, which guaranteed the hard fought victory.

Norwood 4.11 (35) d Marist-Sion 2.3 (15)

Thank you to Mrs Harris for attending and encouraging the team.

Thank you again to all officials and the many family members for your continued support.

The State Grand Final against perennial participant, Mary McKillop College (formerly Catholic College Bendigo) is on 3 September at Latrobe University. Best wishes to all involved in the big day! Be assured, we will give it our best.

Most keen and appreciative coaches, Hailey Noonan and Mick Wilson.

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