Sport

Junior Girls Football State Competition 2025

Claiming the Premiership Pennant after a hard-fought victory against a powerful Lilydale High at Eastern Region, our Junior Girls continued their momentum by enthusiastically participating in a further 3 after school practice games, in readiness for the State Quarter Final against Catholic College Wodonga.

With our clear focus on the importance of a positive start, the ball found itself in our forward half for the vast majority of the first 15-minute quarter. Forward pressure was high as exhibited by successful multiple tackling, affecting turnovers, by Holly Y and Poppy C and the ubiquitous Chloe L. Ash W was judging the flight of the ball at half back and Holly S, using her pace, was running both ways as a winger. Our efforts were rewarded when our leading goal kicker for the season, Poppy S, kicked our first major, but Wodonga responded with one right on the siren.

Only two points up, and with the breeze noticeably becoming a factor, we all agreed it was imperative to attack the ball when going for our marks. Although we strived to adhere to this, the taller Wodonga players continued to lead us both in contested and uncontested marks, especially overhead, which enabled them to take advantage of their multiple scoring opportunities. One of their 2 goals, as in the first quarter, was registered with only seconds to spare. Whilst we were unable to score in this quarter, there were many positives, of course. Among them were Charlotte F’s defensive spoiling deep in the backline; April N’s second efforts and Rose F’s tackling, marking under pressure and diving into packs to win the footy. 

After positive individual and collective conversations during the main break, we reset, made positional changes and pledged maximum effort for the all important third quarter. Making use of the freshening breeze, we were immediately in attack. Mirroring the first quarter, Poppy S snagged an early goal and when Asha E followed with her first for the season, we were full of confidence and were only 5 points in arrears at the term’s conclusion. Our resurgence was aided by Charlotte’s energetic rucking contests, continued pressure and running from the likes of the 2 Poppys, as well as Amy B, Ella Mc, Lucy G, Amelia B, Marli C and Eva S, and Zara F’s aggressive play at half forward.

Striving to regain the lead against a quality team who was noticeably aided by a what was now a strong wind advantage, we gave our all in the final 15 minutes. Charlotte G, Lily T and the twins, Olivia and Isla H were all giving their best, positively involved in contests. Our ever-reliable midfielders continued to fight hard and our backs, under siege, were often able to repel Wodonga’s consistent long kicks into their forward line. The opposition’s further 3 goals, though, were just too much for us to chase.  When the siren finally sounded, the ball was deep into our forward line; we were satisfied that we had fought to the end.

Considering our star captain, Summer Mc, who had dominated at Region, was only a spectator, owing to a long term basketball injury, and that 2 of our key players, first ruck and CHB were both unavailable due to last minute illness, our quite inexperienced team performed most admirably and certainly should be proud of their achievement of competing at State Level.  A special mention must be given to Chloe, who displayed strong, sensible leadership in captaining the team. Playing midfield, Chloe took the responsibility of taking all the kick outs after Wodonga’s 17 behinds, without an error.

Congratulations to Wodonga who went on to defeat Marist- Sion Catholic College Warragul in the Semi and now progress to the State Grand Final against Maribyrnong Sports Academy.

Final score:  Norwood S C 3.5 (23); Catholic College Wodonga 6.17 (53)

Goal Scorers: 2 to Poppy S and 1 to Asha 

Best Players:

On a day when all present gave their best, Chloe was clearly voted our most valuable player. Poppy S, Rose, Holly S, April, Charlotte, Zara, Poppy C, and our rising stars, Asha and Holly Y were also amongst our most consistent contributors.

Most importantly, players and coaches had a fun season, and we all look forward to 2026 with enthusiasm and passion.

Congratulations and thanks from your keen State coaching crew: Jane Creemers, Summer Mc, Will Macafee and Mick Wilson.

May the next 31 years be as enjoyable and as successful as our first 31.

And, as always, Go Norwood!