Tara Murray
Footscray’s legacy in the Lacrosse Victoria state league women’s competition has continued with a fourth straight premiership.
Playing off in a 17th straight grand final, the Bulldogs were able to upset minor premiers Williamstown women’s 12-9 in the decider.
Bulldogs president and state league women’s assistant coach Lachlan Williams said it was incredible to see what the women’s program had done.
“Seventeen grand finals in a row,” he said. “We’ve had a successful last couple of decades or so, to keep that going this season is pretty exciting.
“It’s a great result.”`
While having won the last three premierships, split either side of Covid-19, the Bulldogs entered this season as underdogs.
Williamstown women’s had been the team to beat with just one loss for the year.
Williams said they had to work hard to match it with Williamstown.
“It was a trying year for us,” he said. “We had a slow start and Williamstown set the benchmark throughout the season.
“Williamstown beat us in the first game of the year and it was a bit of a wake up call.
“We had work to do to reach the grand final and make it 17 in a row. They drove us to be better and to get where we did on Sunday.
“We had to be at our best to get over the line.”
It was a fast start to the grand final with Williamstown scoring within the first five seconds.
There would be four goals scored in the first three and half minutes.
Williams said they were able to then settle into the contest after the fast start.
“We were up 5-2 at quarter time and had the edge early on,” he said. “It was important to start well and it was the key to our success.
“We were good enough to get it in the back of the net. They came back and we were able to hold our nerve..
“Our experience showed and when the whips were cracking we were able to put our head over it.”
Bonnie Yu was awarded the best on ground medal for her performance. She scored three goals.
Sarah Mollison scored five goals in the win as well.
For Williamstown, Marley Dawson scored three goals and Lauren Hunter scored two.
The premiership was the Bulldogs 10th overall in the state league women’s competition.
Williams said it was pretty special to be back on top.
“They’ve worked hard to stay where we want to be,” he said. “The celebrations were great and it was a good family night.
“We are a close knit family.”
The Bulldogs’ other sides are still in action.
Footscray men’s community cup side will play in the final round on Saturday. The side sits third on the ladder.
Their state league side sits second with two rounds remaining.
