BY NATHAN DOLE
CASTLEMAINE showed it was “simply the best” after a hard-fought victory against Woorinen in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy grand final on Friday night.
The premiership decider between the unbeaten reigning premier and league newcomer drew a big crowd to Bendigo’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Defences were on top for a lot of the first half.
High-octane pressure from both teams forced many turnovers in what was a great contest marked by excellent skills from all players.
The Katelyn Hazlett-coached Woorinen led 2-1 at quarter-time.
In the second it was Castlemaine which was first go goal when Abbey Bertram dodged two opponents and her long shot bounced through.
The Jordan Cochrane-coached Magpies led 8-4 at half-time.
At the break Hazlett urged the Tigers to lift the pressure to another level and capitalise on Castlemaine’s errors.
“We just need reward for effort,” Hazlett told Woorinen’s team.
In what’s been dubbed the premiership quarter for a long time, Castlemaine took control in the third.
The Magpies lifted their attack at the contest and began to set up many attacking opportunities.
Three unanswered goals by Castlemaine capped the non-stop run and work of midfielders and on-ballers such as Lily den Houting, Meg Ginnivan and Aisling Tupper.
The Magpies had scored 4.2 (26) to three quarter-time.
Just as impressive was the defensive effort to keep the Tigers goalless.
A tally of seven behinds for Woorinen included several rushed.
The Tigers goaled in the seventh minute of the last term when Donal Fellows capped off a great intercept on a defensive kick-in.
For the next seven minutes the ball spent a lot of time in Woorinen’s forward 50, but the Pies were able to withstand the pressure.
A goal by co-captain Eloise Gretgrix, her second of the match sealed a 32-15 victory and back-to-back premierships for Castlemaine.
Other goalkickers for the Magpies were Abbey Bertram, Tiffany Bradley and Meg Ginnivan.
The best on ground medal was presented by Craig Armstead, region manager for AFL Central Victoria to Meg Ginnivan.
In a season where she earned the league fairest and best award, Aisling Tupper added a second premiership medal to her collection and was among the Magpies best in the grand final.
Others to star for the ‘Maine were Jemma Finning, Lily den Houting, Beppina Marshall in defence, and Eillish Cumming.
Best for Woorinen were Katelyn Hazlett, Izabella Palermo, Sophie Peacock, Freda Wosomo, Tenay Fellows and Carlee Hazlett.
Victorious coach Jordan Cochrane praised Woorinen for it’s outstanding play in the grand final.
“Your effort tonight was exceptional,” Cochrane said.
“It was not easy for our girls to win this match.”
Cochrane said the match meant plenty for all at Castlemaine Football Netball Club.
“It was another terrific season by the girls who have worked incredibly hard at training and in every game.
“Castlemaine can see there is brighter things ahead.”
The Magpies line-up was about a 50/50 mix of homegrown talent from Castlemaine and also recruits.
Cochrane took charge this season and was assisted by Nick Woodman.
Woorinen coach Katelyn Hazlett said to win two premierships in a row was a “phenomenal effort” by Castlemaine.
Hazlett said Woorinen would strive to go one better next season.
“Our playing group got together about six weeks before this season started.
“It’s been a long haul and plenty of travel to play matches in Bendigo.
“Thanks to the Woorinen Football Netball Club for backing us in.
“I am really proud of everyone involved with our club.
“It takes a lot of time, effort and manpower to get things done, but we have done it,” said the Tigers’ coach.