By Tara Murray
Keilor Park’s development in the Essendon District Football League Women’s competition sees the Devils one win away from a grand final berth.
Having finished bottom of the EDFL competition last season, the Devils have been one of the biggest improvers this season.
On Saturday, they will play for a spot in the division 2 grand final.
Devils coach Brent Cooper said the achievement of the side wasn’t only exciting for those involved but the club as a whole.
“A lot of people talk about how good an opportunity it is for women to play senior football,” he said.
“I have a different take. The women have given us the opportunity at Keilor Park, to see a senior side playing finals.
“There was a huge crowd of supporters [on Saturday] and some of them aren’t linked to the girls team at all and the girls really love it.
“Moving forward the whole club is excited by it and really embraced it.”
The Devils first taste of finals was a good one, with a big win against Moonee Valley.
Both sides, in their first finals match. had some early nerves, with the Devils kicking the only goal of the first quarter.
They were then able to break the game open in the second quarter, kicking four goals to lead by 31 points at the half.
The Devils kept the momentum going, winning 10.7 (67)-0.2 (2).
Cooper said everything just clicked.
He said once they took a bit more time in the second quarter they were able to take control of the game.
“It’s unbelievable to be honest,” he said,
“I was pretty confident we were the better side but I didn’t expect things to click as good as it did.
“Similar to last week we tore away in the second quarter kicking four goals.”
Once the game was over early in the final quarter, Cooper took the opportunity to rest players with one eye on the next game.
Samantha German kicked seven goals for a second successive week. She still spent time as part of the midfield rotation and was one of the side’s best.
Cooper said one of the most pleasing things was the spread of contributors across the board.
“It was one of the most complete team performances for me,” he said. “Doing the votes will be a nightmare.”
Cooper said the likes of Sara and Chiara Imela, Caitlin Holzheimer, Lauren Clark and Ashleigh Armstead were some of those who had good games.
He also praised the efforts of captain Jordan Gwynne.
“She’s been unbelievable and one of the main reasons for our improvement. We’ve made sure we’re on the same page.”
The Devils will this week face Essendon Doutta Stars for a grand final spot.
If they lose they will go into the preliminary final.
Cooper said they would go in confident this week.
“The reward for winning is this week and getting two shots at the grand final.
“I don’t see much of a gap between us and Douttas. They will have to show up.
“They will have to show up.”
Keilor Park faces Essendon Doutta Stars at 11.50 at Windy Hill on Saturday.
