The Falcons have not been defeated since the semi finals in 2006 and they will go into the game as the overwhelming favourite. Naturally, Melbourne Uni will have other ideas. The Mugars are appearing in their eighth consecutive Premier Division Grand Final and to date they have won three premierships from their seven previous appearances.
Notwithstanding Darebin’s phenomenal record this match is far from a foregone conclusion. Melbourne Uni came within 10 points of Darebin in Round 10 of the home and away season and as we all know anything can happen come grand final day. Both teams go into this game virtually at full strength.
There are a number of highly skilled women playing in this game and in this Olympic year the game boosts an Olympian – Darebin’s Sarah Hammond who represented Australia in Handball at the 2000 Sydney Games and a Commonwealth Games silver medallist – Melbourne Uni’s Cecilia McIntosh who medalled in the javelin at the 2002 Manchester games. There are also links to football and cricket with Michelle Dench, daughter of AFL Legend David, captaining the Uni team and Melbourne Uni first year player Jess Cameron juggling her football commitments with being a member of the Australian Under-21 cricket squad.
Darebin boosts a number of young guns including Daisy Pearce and Moana Hope. Both players represented Australia in the inaugural International rules tour of Ireland. People may also remember Daisy as a player in the 2007 EJ Whitten Game while Moana who has Maori heritage has dominated up forward, kicking 65 goals to date. Irish recruit Laura Corrigan will lead the Melbourne Uni ruck. Laura in her first year of playing football having previously played Gaelic football in Ireland from a young age has taken to the game very quickly and has the makings of being the next Jim Stynes.
In the reserves, East Burwood will appear in its first Grand Final against reigning premiers Darebin.
VWFL President Debbie Lee said the day would be a terrific one for football.
“Sunday is what it is all about for us, that one day in August," Lee said.
"Clubs strive to win that elusive flag and the Darebin versus Melbourne Uni clash has the potential to be the best women’s Grand Final ever seen.
"All lovers of football are encouraged to come along and see the best players in the country go head to head for the ultimate prize.”
Match details:
VWFL PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL
WHEN: Sunday, August 24
WHERE: Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
12PM: RESERVES – Darebin Falcons V East Burwood Devils
2.30PM: SENIORS – Darebin Falcons V Melbourne Uni Mugars
Last Modified on 23/02/2009 12:37