Footscray has shed its enduring bridesmaid tag by becoming Lacrosse Victoria women’s state league premier.
The Scray has played off in each of the past nine grand finals with the 2009 edition their only success.
The Joanne Tippett-coached players finally got the monkey off their backs with a 9-6 win over Newport in the season decider at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday.
Scray co-captain Sarah Mollison said her side was undaunted by the weight of history.
“I don’t think there were nerves,” she said. “Everyone was just anxious and really excited to get onto the field and get the job done.
“Everyone was so happy after the game – there were lots of smiles, tears, cheering and hugging. It was a really fun day.”
The Scray led 7-2 at half-time, but there was still work to be done.
“That was the biggest lead we’ve had against them all season,” Mollison said. “We knew they were going to come out hard in the second half.”
The Scray managed to hold off the fast-finishing Porters to claim the title.
Mollison scored three goals to finish with 53 for the year. She cherished the chance to play in a premiership with her home club after spending years plying her trade overseas.
Theadora Kwas was the other multiple scorer, with two.
Goalkeeper Erin Mollison had a major influence, especially when the Porters threatened after the break. “She played a great game in goal for us,” Mollison said of her cousin. “Her leadership was important.”
But every Scray player stood up when required and did it within the structures laid out by Tippett.
“Everyone played their role,” Mollison said. “We are such a united team.”
