Sport

Eastern Region Junior Girls' Football 2025 Premiers

After claiming the Division Premiership pennant comfortably, our girls set their sights on emulating our 2024 team, aiming to perform creditably at the Region Round Robin. Consequently, we decided to have match practice after school for 4 weeks every Thursday. Numbers were strong and spirits were high, and our growing confidence in our contest and ball movement ensured we approached game day with energy and belief.

Pitted against Canterbury Girls in our first game rekindled memories of the desperate battles between the two schools from the inception of the competition, when girls football was in its infancy. Winning the toss on a day when the wind was strongly favouring the southern end of Elgar Park, we knew we had to make the most of our opportunities and attacked the goals through the corridor. After the first 15 minute half, we were 3.4(22) to nil. Captain Summer Mc was dominating as a midfielder with her brilliant running and delivery into space to the advantage of the forwards. Vice Captain Chloe L was displaying her astute reading of the game along side her running capacity, presenting as a defender in the back half and in the next instant providing an option up forward. The second half comprised of strong tackling and sensible handball, with the opposition restricted to 3 points compared with our 2 points.

Norwood 3.6 (24) d. Canterbury Girls 0.3 (3)

Our second contest was against another familiar opponent, Brentwood. Although the wind did not favour us in the first half, we were pleased with our 33 point lead. Highlights included effective hand balls by Poppy S, Amy B and Ash W, all resulting in goals, and 2 majors to Charlotte F who was relishing her half forward role. The score board kept ticking over in the second half, when our 2 Poppys, Poppy C and Poppy S, were combining well for 2 goals each, one of which was set up by an accurate tap by April N to the effervescent Rose F. 

Norwood 13.5 (83) d Brentwood 0.0(0)

Our third game was to determine who would progress to the Grand Final against the winner of Pool B. Fully aware that Blackburn was once again a formidable opponent, we were determined to make use of the wind, after winning the coin toss. Chloe’s strong shepherd set up Summer’s goal and Poppy S weaved through traffic to register our second for the half.  With the wind seemingly intensifying, our 14 point lead had to be rigorously defended. Our strong attack and desperation at the many ball ups and contests by the likes of Holly S, Ella Mc, Zara F, Dana S, Bonnie P and Rose, as well as stalwarts Summer and Chloe, was the key to restricting the Blackburn Brigade to 5 successive behinds and to our well-earned 9 point victory.

Norwood 2.2 (14) d Blackburn 0.5 (5)

With a scheduled rest before the Final, we took the opportunity to observe the close contest between 2 undefeated teams Lilydale and Rowville. When Lilydale hung on to a 2 point victory, we prepared for a repeat of the 2024 Premiership tussle. Starting with the advantage of the strong breeze, we determined again to play the corridor and similar to the previous match against Blackburn we kicked 2 handy goals (Holly S and Chloe) to have a 15 point lead. Summer at the break urged her team to give everything in the final furious 15 minutes. Lucy G and Asha E were holding strong across the full back line, employing good judgement by marking Lilydale’s kicks on the line or forcing the ball through for a minor score or over the boundary. Our playing out wide to the defensive side and ensuring congested ball (April’s forcing a ball up in the final minute epitomised our focus) was essential for us to hold on to record a memorable Premiership. 

Norwood 2.3 (15 ) d Lilydale 0.5 (5)

Goal kickers: Poppy S - 5 goals; Holly S - 4 goals; Poppy C and Charlotte F - 2 goals;

One goal each to April, Amy, Zara, Rose, Summer, Chloe and Eva S.

Norwood’s Region Total: 20.16 (136)

The opposing 4 teams’ total: 0.13 (13)

The very best of a great team effort were: Summer and Chloe (equal best on ground), Holly S, Poppy S, Rose, Lucy, Zara, Asha, Charlotte F, Dana, April and Bonnie.

Thanks to the many parents for providing encouragement and support on the day.

We now progress to the State Round Robin (8 teams remaining) on Tuesday 12 August. In this knock out competition, our opponent in the quarter final is Catholic College Wodonga. The winner of that game will play the winner of Marist-Sion Catholic College Warragul or Elisabeth Murdoch College. Interestingly, these are the four schools who contested this competition last year.

Congratulations to all the squad on your Eastern Region Premiership and good luck at State.

Your enthusiastic coaches, Will Macafee and Mick Wilson.