By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals claimed its first under-18 girls premiership on Sunday in the AFL Goldfields Riddell under-18 youth girls competition.
Centrals, which finished the regular season in second, saved their best for last.
In a semi final they knocked off minor premiers Gisborne and earned a spot in the grand final.
They faced Bacchus Marsh, which upset Gisborne in the preliminary final.
Melton Centrals Junior girls football coordinator Kelly Bissell said while they were quietly confident heading into the match, they knew anything could happen.
“They were pumped and ready for the final,” she said.
“Once they got the first goal, they kind of kicked into another gear.”
Centrals led by five points at quarter time and had increased the margin to 18 points at the main break.
Neither team kicked a goal in the third quarter, leaving Centrals leading by 16 points at the last break.
The final quarter would be all Centrals, as they sealed the premiership, winning 6.2 (38)-0.3 (3).
Bissell said there was plenty of excitement and tears from the playing group and their families.
Kasey Sinclair kicked four goals in the win. Emma Picone was awarded the best on ground medal.
Bissell said this was the first year this group of girls had played together.
“We had no under-15s team this year, so the girls in that team have played in the under-18s.
“They just stood up and competed. We have maybe three or four who will move up, but the rest of the group will stay together.”
It’s the second girls premiership won by the club, with their under-13s winning in 2017.
Bissell said it was pretty exciting for the club. She said there had a been a lot of support for the side, lead by coach Wazza Boyle and team manager Di Picone.
It’s hope the win will get more girls in the area playing football and sport and getting sponsors on board.
“To have had girls teams for about four years to have this success is exciting for the team.
“We’re looking forward to more success in the years to come.”
