ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v MARIBYRNONG PARK
Live Stream Game
Saturday 1:00pm at Windy Hill
ESSENDON Doutta Stars looms as the team to beat in the EDFL’s first ever Division 1 Women’s Grand Final.
The last time they met Maribyrnong Park, the Stars took out the game by 35 points.
It was the Lions’ most recent loss for the year.
Here, Maribyrnong Park can come into this game with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The Stars booked their spot after a four-quarter Semi Final win against Keilor Park, where they finished full of running.
In a year that rivals that of Aberfeldie’s in EDFL Women’s - Premier, the only blight on their scoresheet was an early season forfeit.
The Lions have played twice the number of games as the Stars in the last month.
Yet, they have proven in each of their three preceding finals, all of which were sudden death, that they can hold their nerve and will not be overawed coming into this match-up.
Their best form has been found late in the season, when it has mattered the most and they will have confidence that they can pull together one last spirited team effort.
However, the Stars will bring physicality and pressure.
Led by Meg Runting with strong hands in the back half, Douttas are a skilful team with contributors on every line.
Lauren Sims and Stacey Williams have ball winning ability in the middle, while Aleesha Hobbs and Sophie Fazzolari have experience and an uncanny knack of finding their way to goal.
The Stars have also had the luxury of bringing in some of their younger talented brigade from the under-age program, with Chandra Abrahams and Abbey Ferrer influential in their Semi Final win.
Maribyrnong Park also have talent of their own.
Gabrielle Mahoney has the ability to open up play for the Lions, with an accurate, long-distance kick, while Ruby Bray and Zoe Pederson can hold their own in the midfield and across the wings.
Against Keilor Park the Lions sent Pederson to look after Cheyene Macumber and they could elect to use her in a negating role against the Stars.
Amelia Beardmore has experience in the backline and was influential in blocking a number of the Devils’ forward attempts in their Preliminary Final encounter at Hadfield last week.
Kate Arnold, Jessa Baluyot and Ellie Lewis have had super-consistent seasons and are prepared to put their head over the ball.
If Maribyrnong Park can execute the important one-percenters and earn the contested ball for four quarters, they will be right in the thick of it.
An inaugural flag is at stake and the game may just be won by the team most willing to work both ways.
EDFL WOMEN'S GRAND FINAL ENTRY PRICES:
Adults: $15.00
Concession: $8.00
Under 14 years: FREE
Premium Viewing, Finger Food & Free Glass of Champagne (Premier Room): $40.00 for online purchase, $50.00 on the day
Kids Zone inflatables & face painting: FREE
ANIMAL ACCESS RESTRICTIONS:
No animals will be permitted into any finals venues, except for dogs to assist people whose vision is impaired.
MATCH FILMING RESTRICTIONS:
SportsCast Australia only.
STILL PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS:
Approved media outlets only. The EDFL will provide coloured vests to approved photographers.
