NEWS: Deakin to take on Barwon in “quackin” Women's Grand Final
THE Wanderful Game’s JANAKAN SEEMAMPILLAI previews this weekend's Geelong Region Women's Division 1 Grand Final. The champions of the past two seasons, Deakin Ducks and Barwon SC, clash in the 2017 GRFC Women’s Division 1 grand final this weekend at Stead Park in what promises to be a mouth watering clash between two of the heavyweights in Geelong women’s football.
The attacking and fleet footed Ducks taking on the dogged and never-say-die Barwonettes points towards an enthralling and entertaining Saturday afternoon in Norlane.
With the Matilda’s ensuring women’s football is well and truly on the map with their recent wins over Brasil, the two best female clubs in Geelong will be out to show locals how far ladies football has progressed in the region.
On paper it is a no contest with the Ducks finishing 16 points higher than the Barwonettes on the home and away ladder with a superior 77 goal differential to boot. However the blue and whites from Grovedale should not be taken lightly after a stirring 3-2 semi final win over minor premiers Drysdale last weekend. Jane Newbery netting the winner in extra time.
The Ducks cruised through with a 7-2 drubbing of Surf Coast. Deakin finished second on the ladder and have scored a remarkable 92 goals this season (including the semi final).
Deakin go into the game with a mental edge on the back of two big wins over Barwon during the home and away season, winning 5-0 at Grovedale and 6-1 at home. However Deakin’s star midfielder Imogen Pratt is adamant her team will not take their opposition lightly.
“I definitely think Barwon are going to present a tough challenge for us this weekend,” she said.
“They've got a very strong midfield and a couple of very quick girls on the wing, they are very tenacious and I don't think they should be underestimated”.
Imogen and golden boot winner Hannah Gordon have banged in 57 goals between them this season, eight more than what Barwon have scored all season. However, Hannah is well aware of the defensive capabilities of their opponents.
“They are a team that pulls out all stops when it's important,” she said. “They are a physical team and mark up well in defense.
“They have nothing to lose and that helped them in their semi final”.
Apart from their impressive goal scoring prowess, Deakin also have a miserly defense. Led by goal keeper Jacquie Denning, the Ducks have conceded only 15 goals this season, the best record in the league. The defensive unit of Romani Leech, Madi Jones, Michaela Storen and Chelsea Joel have proven a tough nut to crack and complement beautifully the attacking weapons in their team.
Barwon superstar and dual championship winner Briahna Telford is full of praise for the highly fancied Ducks.
“Deakin have always been a great team to play against,” she says. “They have some highly talented players in their team and have proven that they want the title just as much as we do.
“It's definitely going to be a fantastic contest on the weekend”.
In a testament to their team spirit Barwon have overcome some horrific injuries this season. Briahna has nothing but admiration for the way her team has handled such difficulties.
“We have had some some devastating injuries this season, especially in our back line,” she explains. “One of our centre backs, Scarlett Orwin, fractured her ankle mid-season and has been out for the year...another one of our key defenders, Marlea Bent, fractured her wrist playing against Deakin last time and was also unable to play for the remainder of the season!
“With the numerous injuries present throughout the season, we have adjusted and adapted our backline numerous times...these injuries have made our whole team more versatile and we know how to adapt to all kinds of situations, not only in defense, but up the whole park.”
Briahna herself has played in almost every position on the pitch to help cover for the obstacles her team has faced.
Barwon’s leading goal scorers in 2017 have been veteran captain Alyse Cook and striker Olivia Parrington who have both netted 10 goals each. With the experienced quintuple of Leah Vagnoni, Michaela Buchanan, Amy Ralph, Mariana Menovska and Jessica Neskovski also taking the field this Saturday, the Barwonettes - lining up for their fourth grand final in five years - will be well and truly battle hardened for the big game.
Barwon's Briahna Telford will be keen to add another championship medallion to her collection
There is some added spice to this match-up with Deakin keen to avenge past finals defeats. Two years ago Barwon knocked out the then league champions in the semi final on their way to beating Surfside Waves in the Grand Final.
Local football icon and Waves stalwart Cath Sattler is excited about the two rivals playing each other in the big one.
“There is a lot of history between these two power houses of the women’s game in Geelong”, she said. “Deakin are always a threat and have been very consistent in recent years, however never ever write off Barwon as they have experience all across the park”.
The grand final will be a stand alone game this Saturday with kick off set for 3.15pm. The refereeing team for the game will be experienced trio John Herron (centre), Daniel Breen and Wade Blackney.
In the women’s Division 2 grand final, Bell Park take on Golden Plains at 12.45.
The junior girls will also have their day in the sun with the under 15s showpiece pitting Lara United against Barwon SC Red at 10.45am. The under 12s sees North Geelong take on Surf Coast at 9.15am.
All games will be played at Stead Park, which has undergone major refurbishment this year and will have a full food and drink service operating.
Get on down to Stead Park to see women’s football at its finest!
Last Modified on 22/09/2017 10:45
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