Kew and Deer Park proved to be the giant killers in this year’s VWFL Division 3 finals series, bringing the undefeated run of Endeavour Hills to an end at the right time – in finals.
Endeavour Hills were the dominant team all season, accumulating a 13-0 record in the clubs first season in the competition, but despite four goals being the closest Kew or Deer Park could get to the Falcons during the home and away rounds, the minor premiers will be absent on Division 3 Grand Final day.
Nothing separated Kew and Deer Park during the home and away rounds, with the head-to-head record set at a one all, with nine points the biggest winning margin by Kew in Round 7.
It has been a successful introduction to the competition for Kew, making the Grand Final in Division 5 last year in its first season in the VWFL, and returning to Grand Final day again this year in search of a first flag for the club.
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Deer Park will be looking to break its premiership drought as well in the clubs fourth year in the competition, having made finals for the third year in a row.
Deer Park’s Female Football Coordinator Mark Rowbottom said the confidence the players gained from defeating the minor premiers in the preliminary final will help them this weekend.
“During the preliminary final, the teamwork and unity showed by the group was outstanding,” Rowbottom said.
“Each player owned a mindset of ‘not wanting to let the rest of the team down’.”
Kew also gained a lot from its semi-final contest to start its run to a possible premiership. Team ManagerCourtney Morath explained the defensive pressure lifted for her side, and hopes that will continue this weekend.
“Our tackling pressure, defensive efforts and consistency were commendable on the day,” Morath said.
“The work rate and hunger for the ball allowed us to get up by two points at the final siren in what was a physical and low-scoring game (vs Endeavour Hills).”
A key focus for Kew in establishing a women’s team in recent years has been involving more women in the sport.
Morath said the club has been pleased with the results.
“Kew is extremely proud to be performing well and being competitive in finals.
“Since its beginning, the Kew Bears Women’s Team has placed a strong focus on getting women involved in football and is so thrilled to have a growing list of female players who are lacing up their boots for the first time and loving their footy - winning games is the icing on the cake.”
Entering the Grand Final this weekend, Deer Park know they worked hard for the points in the clubs most recent clash with Kew in Round 13, having learnt a lot from the first clash for the season against the Bears.
“The round six and seven games against Endeavour Hills and Kew highlighted our strengths and weaknesses, and allowed us to plan out our season to address them Rowbottom said.
SATURDAY AUGUST 29, SHEPLEY OVAL, DANDENONG: 5PM
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kew: Co-captains Amber McEwin & Steph De Bortoli, Sarah McKenna, Shaylee Taylor
Deer Park:Sammy Radloff, Maria Afuhaamango. Chloe Portelli, Teresa Cassar
PATH TO GRAND FINAL
Kew
Semi-final: Kew 3.8 26 d Endeavour Hills 3.6 24
Deer Park
Semi-final: Deer Park 5.10 40 d Mordialloc 2.3 15
Preliminary final: Deer Park 5.8 38 d Endeavour hills 3.3 21
HEAD TO HEAD
Rd 7 Kew 8.9 57 d Deer Park 7.6 48
Rd 13 Deer Park 3.9 27 d Kew 3.4 22
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Video stream link for ALL Grand Final matches
Division 4 Grand Final preview: South Morang v Brunswick
East Grand Final preview: Gippsland v Ajax
West Grand Final preview: Sunbury v Melton
VWFL finals information
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 27/08/2015 21:29