Eastern Devils have booked the first ticket to this year’s South Eastern Women’s Football (SEWF) Division One Grand Final after a brilliant come-from-behind victory over Seaford on Sunday.
The Devils looked goners in the second semi-final at a bitterly cold Holm Park Reserve in Beaconsfield, but overcame a 16-point deficit at three-quarter time – kicking four goals in the final term – to run out 11-point winners.
Seaford was magnificent for three quarters, with Jenna Barker and Michelle Goodwin doing a great job in defence, but the weight of numbers told as the Devils surged home in a wind-assisted final term.
The forward pressure of Olivia Aing and the clean hands of Sarah McNamara were important for the Devils in the final term.
Seaford will now take on Mornington in Saturday’s preliminary final at Hastings after a 13-point first semi-final victory over Cranbourne. The Bulldogs were more committed in the greasy conditions and thoroughly deserve their shot at a place in this year’s grand final.
In Division Two, Bass Coast confirmed its premiership favouritism with a dominant 57-point victory in the second semi-final over Seaford.
The Breakers set up their victory in the opening term, booting three quick goals into a strong breeze to take total command of the contest.
The league’s leading goal-kicker, Tayla Stahl-Smith, had a great battle with Seaford’s Brittany Holt, but the Breakers just packed too many punches around the ground.
Tess Angarane gave her midfielders first use of the ball in the ruck, while Ella Angarane was another livewire contributor.
The Breakers now advance to the grand final, while the Tigers take on Tyabb after the Yabbies ground out a brave nine-point triumph over Eastern Devils.
Melicia Hart and Leonie Souter were superb under pressure for the Yabbies in the final term.
In Division Three, Hastings advanced to the grand final with a 31-point victory over Frankston, while Pearcedale kept its season alive with a nine-point victory over Mornington.
The Panthers had control of their contest against Mornington, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the first half, before the Doggies bounced back in a wind-assisted third term.
Two goals to no score gave the Bulldogs a narrow lead at three-quarter time, but the Panthers dug deep in the final term to score a stirring victory.
Harriet Duncan was everywhere for the Dales in the final term and capped off a great quarter of football by kicking the sealer.
Hastings was too good for Frankston, with Zoe Mitchell having her own football in the first quarter and Shae Delmo and Kathryne Syer also in impressive form.
SEWF FINALS – WEEK 1
Sunday 19 August, Holm Park Reserve, Beaconsfield
DIVISION 1
SECOND SEMI-FINAL (1 v 2)
Eastern Devils 4.5.29 v Seaford 2.6.18
FIRST SEMI-FINAL (3 v 4)
Cranbourne 1.6.12 v Mornington 3.7.25
DIVISION 2
SECOND SEMI-FINAL (1 v 2)
Bass Coast 8.11.59 v Seaford 0.2.2
FIRST SEMI-FINAL (3 v 4)
Eastern Devils 3.1.19 v Tyabb 3.10.28
DIVISION 3
SECOND SEMI-FINAL (1 v 2)
Hastings 7.3.45 v Frankston 2.2.14
FIRST SEMI-FINAL (3 v 4)
Mornington 2.0.12 v Pearcedale 2.9.21
SEWF FINALS – WEEK 2
Saturday 25 August, Thomas Barclay Oval, Hastings – Oval 2
PRELIMINARY FINALS
DIVISION 1 Seaford v Mornington 3.00pm
DIVISION 2 Seaford v Tyabb 1.00pm
DIVISION 3 Frankston v Pearcedale 11.00am
Last Modified on 20/08/2018 07:18