Gill leads Canberra Croatia to second NPLW title
Article: Jeremy Magan
Photos: Anthony Caffery
Canberra Croatia 2 (Palombi 7’, Gill 74’) defeated Belconnen United 0
Canberra Croatia wrote their names into the history books as the Deakin side claimed their second ever NPLW title, capping off an incredible undefeated season.
Nik Brozinic’s lined up his usual starting 11, with captain Grace Gill as the playmaker behind Palombi, Field, and Chao, while Ahmed Ugool was forced to make changes due to the absence of Nicole Jalocha and an injured Alexia Forner.
The Blue Devils’ starting 11 surprised, with 14-year-old Maya Osmond on the right-wing while Mia McGovern, usually a centre back, started as the centre forward on Saturday.
Games between the two sides had been cagey recently, with only one goal scored in their last two meetings.
Canberra Croatia was on the front foot early on and took an early lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Samantha Price was caught pulling Krista Hagen shirt by referee Delfina Demoski, handing Croatia a dangerous free-kick just outside the bo
The NPLW Golden Boot Winner, Brittany Palombi, stepped up to the spot, burying a powerful left-foot shot through the gloves of Jess Giovinazzo’s gloves to give Canberra Croatia a dream start.
Belconnen was left baffled by controversial call, or lack thereof, by the officials just minutes later, when Rhiannon Fensom passed the ball back to her keeper.
Alexandra Hinson inexplicably picked the ball up but the referee did not signal a free kick, much to Ahmed Ugool’s disappointment.
The shouts for a free-kick didn't bother the Deakin side, as Hagen provided Palombi with an opportunity to score her second, but her shot was straight at Giovinazzo.
Belconnen finally answered in the 15th minute, Karen Clarke taking a free-kick from 30 meters out and forcing Hinson to concede a corner kick.
The next 30 minutes saw Belconnen slowly settling in Deakin’s half, but McGovern's shot and a free-kick by Catherine Brown from the edge of the box were both off target.
Canberra Croatia, although not playing their best football, showed a lot of patience and defensive solidity.
Nik Brozinic’s speech to his players at half time was about having more presence across the park, reducing the space his defence and attack to make the midfielders’ job easier.
Belconnen still started the second half with most of the possession, but the red shirts had the best opportunities, with Grace Field’s shot from just outside the box forcing Giovinazzo to a great save in the 58th minute.
From there on, Canberra Croatia was able to see more of the ball and play a little bit higher on the pitch. It paid off 15 minutes later when Palombi forced Jessie Rasschaert to foul her at the corner of the box.
The moment was perfectly set up for captain Grace Gill, who stood up and bent a perfect free-kick into the top corner, sparking Croatia celebrations.
Belconnen threw everything they had in the game from there on, switching their formation to three at the back and throwing more strikers forward. They almost reduced the score, but Leah Carnegie's volley fell into Hinson's arms.
Canberra Croatia was able to hold the fort for the last few minutes, claiming their second Grand Final win. Gill, who was amazing all season, capped it off with the Player of the Match award with unanimous votes.
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