Footscray had to dig deep to overcome Newport in the Lacrosse Victoria women’s state league grand final to make it five premierships in a row.
The two western suburbs clubs put on a show in the decider which could have gone either way with both sides having chances to win it late.
Footscray came from three goals down in the final quarter to win, 11-10.
Footscray coach Max Madonia said it was a pretty special moment for the club.
“There was a build up throughout the year,” he said. “The team was challenged on and off the field.
“Credit where credit is due and Newport was really good. Sometimes luck goes your way and it came our way yesterday [Sunday].
Madonia said the game showcased the best of the competition with a lot of passion, grunt and determination.
Newport led by two goals at half time before the scores were level at the main break.
Three goals to one in the third quarter gave Newport back the lead heading into the final quarter.
When it scored first, the margin was out to three. Footscray managed to get one back, but still trailed with half a quarter to go.
Madonia said with Newport in some really good form it was going to be a big test for them to come over the top.
“I said to my assistant coach that if they got one more goal we were done and dusted,” he said.
“Sometimes you get a lucky break and we got a couple of lucky breaks, which we worked hard for.
“I’m not taking anything away from our girls. They were ruthless and confident and composed.”
Madonia said they changed their game plan in the final seven and half minutes and went all out attack to try and get the win.
He said they had less and less options available to them as the clock winded down.
“We changed our philosophy and they took it on board,” he said. “Both sides were under the pump.
“Things were consistently changed and you have to adapt and they were able to do that.”
Bonnie Yu, who scored three goals in the final quarter, was named most valuable player for a third straight year.
Madonia said Marlee Wood from Newport had really impressed him in the final.
The premiership was Footscray’s fifth in a row. It has played in 18 straight grand finals
For Madonia, a former Australian women’s coach, it’s his first in this run of premierships.
He said kudos to the coaches that had come before him and everyone for staying focused on what they were doing to keep having success..
