DEAKIN Ducks capped of the perfect season with a premiership, defeating Drysdale 3-1 in the Geelong Region Division 1 Women's grand final at Banyul Warri Reserve in Torquay last Saturday.

The Ducks, who only conceded four goals for the season, went through 2016 undefeated with just a mid-season draw to Barwon the only blemish.

Coach Graeme Semple said the premiership was a just reward for a standout season.

“I’m just so proud of the girls. They have come together, they haven’t played as individuals, they have played as a team,” Semple said.

Star Hannah Gordon set the tone early for the Ducks, netting in the opening two minutes to give her side the lead.

She then turned supplier minutes later, putting in a tantalising cross for Madeleine Lee Gow to bang home her 24th goal of the season.

Taking a 2-0 lead into the main break, Deakin returned in the second half and tried to turn the screw.

Drysdale goalkeeper Angela Riley kept her side in the game making a number of crucial saves.

“We had plenty of the play. The Drysdale girls played firmly and strongly and it was a pretty hard fought game,” Semple said.

“Their goalkeeper played a good game, there is no doubt about that.”

Lee Gow finally managed to break Drysdale with her second of the match, securing the premiership.

Drysdale found a late consolation from the penalty spot with Shannon Daffy putting it past the Deakin keeper.

Drysdale coach Craig Riley said he was ecstatic with his team’s performance.

“We made a few mistakes. We allowed Deakin to run through a couple of times and they profited,” Riley said.

“Our played defence, our midfield, our forward all played superb football.

“We are a new team. We have a mix of girls who played last year and girls from elsewhere.

“To come together and play in grand final is fantastic.”

By: Ryan REYNOLDS

(Courtesy of Geelong Advertiser)