Sport

Junior Girls Footy: State Grand Final, 3 September 

Inspired by the constructive training session on the eve of the final, so generously provided by ex- student Taylah Black (Captain of the Junior Girls Footy State Premiership team in 2012 and twice EFL Premier League Best and Fairest), we approached the season’s ultimate game with a commitment to play for our team- mates and a mind set to enjoy the experience.

Pitted against the regional Catholic College from Bendigo (Catherine Mc Auley), who had most convincingly defeated both their opponents in the State Round Robin, we understood we needed to be switched on from the very start. When Blair Y deftly tapped to Remi S, we were in attack from the outset. Because of our desperate pursuit of the ball and the Bendigo brigade, the footy found itself in our forward half for the majority of the first 20 minutes. We had many deep entries, but just found it hard to get a set shot from in range. Our quarter time score of two behinds both resulted from terrific tackles by Captain Paige F and Jess F, but Bendigo’s at times clean ball handling and systematic running from their defence resulted in a goal and their 5-point lead.

Re-setting at the break, we knew that we needed to continue to apply pressure constantly and of course to make sure we had numbers at all contests. Again, we drove the ball into our forward line from the first ball up and again we locked it in, resulting in Remi S kicking our first goal. This gave us a deserved lead for the 100 per cent effort we had provided. Bendigo, who, as later admitted by their coach, was worried by our pressure and for the first time this year was concerned they might not be able to withstand it, to their credit reacted by forging forward and registering 2 goals in succession, despite some timely and skilful marks to our ever reliable half back interceptors, Dana S Mc and Summer Mc and further solid defence from Chloe L and Dana S.

Being in arrears at the big break was a new experience for us, but after the forwards and backs gathered separately to focus on areas of improvement and, realising there were still 40 minutes of footy to play, we approached the second half with similar positivity as the first. Poppy had been moved to full forward and her run, pressure and tackling proved valuable. As with the majority of the first half, we had numerous opportunities to goal. Paige’s determination to lead the team by example resulted in her bursting through two packs of their strong defenders and scoring twice: unluckily hitting the goal post halfway up on those two occasions. We had had more scoring shots during this term, but Bendigo’s accuracy was certainly to their advantage. 

Prepared to fight to the end throughout the final quarter, we again had our share of the play in our forward half and a quality goal to Jess gave us some hope. Our opponents, though, with 3 admirable goals kicked on the run from tight angles put pay to our chances. No doubt the Bendigo girls were deserved winners of the premiership, but we, as well as all the many families and supporters present, knew and appreciated the commitment and effort exhibited for the 4 quarters by all our players. Dana S Mc deservedly received the medal for our best player, with Paige and Remi S a close second. Other standouts included Summer, Blair, Jess, Dana S, Remy B, (what a run and bounce in the last quarter!) Poppy, Chloe and Rylee Mc. Paige presented the School Sport Victoria medals to her team- mates and after the official team photo, it was off to celebrate what had been a season to remember: a State Premiership Runners Up flag, the Best Junior Girls Government School Footy Team in Victoria and undoubtedly a bright future for Norwood footy girls.

Extremely grateful co-coaches, Hailey Noonan and Mick Wilson.

Congratulations and thank you for a wonderful effort all season.

Bring on 2025!

I would like to thank and to recognise the efforts and commitment of co-coach Hailey Noonan. Her understanding of the game and her positive relationships with all involved are first class.