Youthful exuberance abounded, as South Morang overpowered Brunswick to complete a remarkable last-to-first success story in the Victorian Women's Football League in 2015.
After failing to win a game in 2014, South Morang has completed its second year in the competition with a premiership, defeating the Renegades 7.10 (52) to 1.1 (7) as Michael Thompson reports.
The game would end up taking a similar path to the preceding West Division Grand Final, with the Renegades taking control of the first 10 minutes and scoring the first goal through Esther Hassett, before the Lions started to take control. Much of the turnaround was attributed to the likes of Sharni Di Mauro, who was adjudged best on ground. She pinpointed Rachelle McSwain inside forward 50, who converted to level the scores.
With the tide turning, South Morang were beginning to sense that they could take advantage, and took a lead which they wouldn't lose for the rest of the day when McSwain was again found inside 50, this time by Cherie Hallett, and McSwain would kick her second to fire the Lions into the lead at quarter time.
The second quarter was a struggle, with South Morang dominating proceedings but failing to put it on the scoreboard. Key forward Amanda Laidlaw was a culprit, kicking 0.3 in the first half but provided a key target for her team up forward. In the meantime, Brunswick were unable to generate any opportunity to reduce the South Morang buffer, before Di Mauro and McSwain combined once again to extend the Lions lead to 18 at the main break.
The Lions dominated the third quarter, but not without a couple of nervous moments. A goal saving tackle in defense was able to generate an instant response up the other end, with the Lions delivering to Laidlaw thanks to a fortuitous pass from Krystal O'Brien, who converted to put the Lions four goals up.
The last quarter became a procession for the Lions, who added three more goals to turn a convincing win into a blowout. Cherie Hallett was able to seal the game with her first goal of the afternoon, before Laidlaw and McSwain combined for the latter's fourth goal – the duo combining for five of the Lions' seven goals for the afternoon.
Brittany Del Romano was able to put the cherry on top after kicking a fortuitous goal on the boundary line, the Lions' seventh in a 45 point victory.
Apart from the match winning Di Mauro and McSwain, Demi-Lee Hailett and Kim Benjamin were among the Lions best performers in a brilliant team effort.
The Renegades' charge following their first 10 minutes came unstuck, but still saw good performances from the likes of Sarah James – who had an enthralling battle with Laidlaw – Leisha Jungalwalla and Gabriella Holt.
South Morang FC 2.1 3.7 4.7 7.10 (52)
Brunswick Renegades (NOBSPC) 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
Best on ground: Sharni Di Mauro (South Morang)
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 31/08/2015 22:59