It might be a sense dejavu, but here we are again at Premier Division Grand Final day with Darebin Falcons and Diamond Creek.
Despite injuries, losses and close finishes, both teams have found a way to meet again in the final game of the season for the fourth year in a row.
The ledger across the previous three years is 2-1, with the Falcons attempting their second three-peat in the last decade, and the Creekers aiming to dig deep to break the back to back streak.
While it is the same teams, a number of key figures will be missing, especially Darebin ruck Aasta O’Connor, who suffered a knee injury in the recent AFL Women’s game.
She will be watching from the sidelines on Sunday, but credits a strong preseason and constant challenges from the coach as key reasons why her side has returned to Grand Final day.
“We had another strong pre-season under the watchful eye of Tennille Hay and Aleisha Leonard, and we built a strong belief amongst the group and that’s only grown as the season has progressed,” O’Connor said.
“The way Richo (Richard Dal Pos) has continued to challenge us, playing everyone in different positions throughout the season has held us in good stead to deal with injuries as they’ve come up.”
- CLICK HERE to watch a live video stream of on Sunday from 2:30pm
Luckily for Falcons they are taking on a Diamond Creek side recovering from an energy sapping preliminary final win last weekend, and its fair share of injuries. Tiarna Ernst, Nicole Paul and Tanya Hetherington will all watch the Grand Final from the sidelines, but coach Brad Lederman said his side will only benefit from a tough hitout last weekend.
“The girls showed determination and resilience which reflects what this football club is about - it says a lot about the girls’ character that’s for sure; it’s special,” Lederman said.
“The loss of Tiarna Ernst in the ruck was a major setback coming into a finals series.
“In her absence, Laura Corrigan has risen to the challenge and has been a fantastic replacement.
“Despite the injury concerns we are more than prepared for the challenge ahead and go in with the confidence that all 22 girls will play their role on Sunday.”
Lederman highlighted a number of players that may just be the difference for Diamond Creek in the Grand Final contest.
“Millie Barden and Katie Loynes are in ripping form at the moment, as is our goal sneak Christina Bernardi who has gone under the radar for most of the year,” he said.
“Bek Sibenaler is due for a big game and I have no doubt she will give Darebin a few headaches on Sunday.”
For O’Connor, the improvement in Elise O’Dea this season has helped the side progress to another level in 2015.
“It’s hard to single any one player at Darebin with strong leaders all over the ground, but the way Elise O’Dea has lifted her work rate this season is super impressive,” O’Connor said.
“She’s composed under pressure and adds real flexibility to our line-up, doesn’t mind kicking a goal as well.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Darebin: Katie Brennan, Daisy Pearce, Jessica Dal Pos, Darcy Vescio
Diamond Creek: Katie Loynes, Amelia Barden, Steph Chiocci, Christina Bernardi
PATH TO GRAND FINAL
Darebin
Semi final: Darebin 8.16 64 d Diamond Creek 5.2 32
Diamond Creek
Semi final: Darebin 8.16 64 d Diamond Creek 5.2 32
Preliminary final: Diamond Creek 7.8 50 d Melbourne Uni 7.7 49
HEAD TO HEAD
Rd 1: Darebin 12.7 79 d Diamond Creek 5.10 40
Rd 6: Darebin 9.12 66 d Diamond Creek 6.4 40
Rd 10: Darebin 12.13 85 d Diamond Creek 6.6 42
Semi final: Darebin 8.16 64 d Diamond Creek 5.2 32
Last Modified on 12/09/2015 23:44