Tara Murray
It took everything, but it matters little now, with Spotswood regaining the title as the best team in the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 competition.
After losing last season’s grand final to Caroline Springs, the Wolves have been out for redemption this season.
They finished the regular season on top of the ladder and then were the first team through to the grand final.
On Sunday, it was their old rival in Caroline Springs that stood before them and another premiership.
The game was a highly contested one that could have gone either way.
The Wolves led by one point at quarter time, then the Lakers led by the same margin at half time.
Two goals to one in the third quarter gave the Wolves a five point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Lakers kicked the first goal of the final quarter to lead by one point.
The Wolves levelled the scores and then managed to get an all important behind to take the front.
It was a nervous last few minutes with the Wolves having a number of repeat inside 50s.
The Lakers managed to get it forward in the last minute and got the ball right to the goal line. The siren would go with the ball deep in the Lakers forward line.
The Wolves had done enough to wipe away the disappointment of last year’s grand final loss, with a 5.5 (35)-5.4 (34) win.
Speaking after the game, the realisation of what they had done was still sinking in for co-coach Ian Allan.
“To be honest, we knew that Caroline Springs was really going to give us a tough battle, we wouldn’t want it any other way to be honest,” he said.
“We have a good rivalry between each other and it could have gone either way. Credit to our girls they really just grinded away and for the great season they’ve had as well, it’s a really fitting finish for them.
“We’re thrilled and over the moon about it, all the hard work that these girls have actually put in.
“Now we can really enjoy the moment, that’s for sure.”
Allan said the rivalry between the two teams only added to the day. It was the third straight grand final they had played off against each other. The Wolves now lead the ledger, 2-1.
“The supporters in the crowd, the feedback was what an amazing game to see two teams,” he said.
“This has been going on since the youth girls, back to 2016, there’s always a contest that really pushes our girls to become better in themselves,
“Last year Caroline Springs got the better of us, this year, our girls’ vision was to work hard if we want to get that premiership, we’re so happy about it.”
After the tough three quarters and nothing in the game, Allan said they knew it was going to come down to the small things.
The way the Wolves set up to stop the Lakers exiting the defensive 50, was one of they keys to them getting the win.
“Our midfield had to focus on really communicating with each other, that was something we brought forward at three quarter time, ”he said.
“When it does get tight, what we have been training our structures they’ve got to form the walls and the back line to press up as well.
“That’s why it keep going in and out, in and out, they executed that quite well.”
Allan said his heart sunk in those dying minutes with the Lakers trying to get the winning score.
Maddison Cooper was named best on ground, kicking two goals as well.
Allan said it was a special occasion for her.
“Over the last couple of years she’s been really good value to the team, the way she goes about her footy is truly amazing,” he said.
“She can pull anything out at any given moment, that is what we love about her, she is so unpredictable.
“Someone passed away that she knew and was close to. I think tonight [Sunday] it is a real special moment for her.
“She had the number 24 on which that means something special for her.”
Melanie Freeman and Caitlyn Gashi were other standouts for the Wolves.
Allan and the group will now enjoy the win. He said they would soon be thinking about next year.
“We will definitely enjoy this special moment over the net week or so us coaches will be back to the drawing boards.”
