The 2025 Airport Toyota Division Two grand final is here, and it’s the best two teams going head-to-head in the battle for the premiership cup at Coburg City Oval.
It’s Gisborne-Kyneton United and Taylors Lakes.
Gisborne-Kyneton United will look to cap off its spectacular return to senior women's football with a win in the premiership decider.
Being labelled as the team to beat, the Bulldogs haven’t found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard and recorded a 14-0 perfect record in the home and away season in addition to its mammoth 859 per cent on the ladder.
The side is coached by Bernie Marantelli and Phil Hawkes.
Two weeks ago, the Dogs defeated fellow grand finalist Taylors Lakes in the qualifying final by 61 points.
The victory was dominated by vice-captain Teagan Ainslie and co-captain Belinda Hateley, who both found the footy on many occasions and used it to their advantage.
Brooke Cowan was unstoppable in forward 50 with four goals, while Emma Williams was also hard to catch with her three.
Gisborne is known for its piercing handball strategy which promotes its ability to move the ball across the field seamlessly, a true threat to any opposition.
The Dogs boast a talented list with names such as division leading goal kicker Alexia Todorovic and Cowan who are dazzling in front of goal, with 36 and 24 respective season goals. Hateley also leads the best-on-ground namings for her side with 11 from her 15 games.
Lucy Lenius has also had a positive impact on the side throughout the year, with eight best-player listings and seven goals from her 15 games.
All throughout the season, every single player who has put on the red, white, and blue guernsey has played a significant role in getting the club to where it is today.
The Bulldogs certainly have what it takes to hoist the cup and unfurl the flag come the final siren.
But ready to cause a disruption is Taylors Lakes who are in their maiden grand final following an inaugural women’s finals campaign.
The Lions have certainly been a surprising, but threatening force this women’s season and have what it takes to go all the way on Saturday.
In the regular season, Taylors Lakes recorded a 9-5 record with a percentage of 256 following some dominant wins under coach Joseph Antonetti in just the club's second year with a standalone women's side.
Last week, Taylors Lakes survived a last quarter scare by the Sunbury Kangaroos in the preliminary final and hung on to run out 13-point winners.
By far one of Taylors Lakes’ best this year has been its vice-captain Rebecca Foggie.
Foggie has continued to show her skills throughout the finals series, proving the fact she is a true all-rounder.
Strong in defence with stunning pack marks, hot in midfield with a fast run, Foggie has also shown a strong display up forward which has led to 14 goals this year, and a league-leading 14 best-player listings.
While the Dogs may come hard and fast at the Lions, they know how to respond well.
Taylors Lakes has one of the best ball movement strategies in the game, and string together effective passages of play which have led to crucial goals.
Threading the big sticks in nearly every game this season, co-captain Stef Valerio is one of her side’s greatest assets and equally leads the division with 36 goals.
Charlie Goodwin and Courtney McCormack also produce showstopping footy with the two always finding the footy when it matters most and under pressure.
But just like Gisborne, every single player on the Lions’ list should be proud of their efforts that have played an important part in the team making it to the big stage.
As part of Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day, the match will be streamed live ensuring those who can’t make it to match won’t miss out on the action.
It’s shaping up to be a great grand final and we cannot wait to see how it plays out. May the best team win.
Season Meetings:
Round 4: Gisborne-Kyneton United 6.5 (41) def. Taylors Lakes 5.4 (34)
Round 9: Taylors Lakes 4.4 (28) def. by Gisborne-Kyneton United 8.10 (58)
Qualifying Final: Gisborne-Kyneton United 11.4 (70) def. Taylors Lakes 1.3 (9)
