Strathmore has written its name in the history books following a 15-point win over Aberfeldie in the 2026 Airport Toyota Premier Division grand final at Windy Hill.
In front of a highly enthusiastic crowd at the spiritual home of the EDFL and under the sunshine of a beautiful winter’s day, the Mores broke new ground to become the first EDFL women’s side to win back-to-back flags across two different divisions.
It’s a landmark result for a program that was on its knees in 2024, with Strathmore bouncing back from a time of impending dissolution to hoisting the premiership cup for the second straight year.
In a hotly contested first quarter, both the Two Blues and Mores struggled to have an impact on the scoreboard early.
Play dominated all areas of the ground, with the opposing sides looking to make the most of their time inside attacking 50.
Aberfeldie’s Jess Duffin had a terrific afternoon in defence, with her side looking to prevent Strathmore from gaining ground through courageous tackling.
As was the case for most of the match, all of Aberfeldie’s play was zoned in on the competition’s leading goalkicker Mo Hope, who ended the afternoon kicking all three majors for her side.
But it was Strathmore that struck first blood in the match, with an extraordinary passage of end-to-end footy setting Talia Motta up for her first goal of the day.
Aberfeldie looked to immediately bounce back from the early deficit, with the Two Blues responding straight out of the centre to send the leather inside their 50.
It was another opportunity that went begging for Aberfeldie, with the side finding itself trailing 0.3 (3) to 1.3 (9) at the first change.
Strathmore wasted no time from the moment the ball was thrown into the air again, with the Mores immediately finding ground, leading to Motta securing her second goal of the day after a downfield free kick.
The majors kept on ticking for the Mores, with captain Eloise Egglestone leading the charge in a passage of play that saw Taylah Gilcrist score from the goal line.
Jayda Scarafilo was impressive in the quarter with clearances galore, swift play, fast runs, and the Mores’ third goal in seven minutes.
It took a while for Aberfeldie to find its mojo after being swamped early, but the determined outfit looked to make the most of the moments that were laid out in front of them, allowing for Hope to open the Two Blues’ account.
It was a goal that lifted the spirits of Aberfeldie, who instantly were out looking for more.
At half time, Strathmore found itself in a comfortable position with a 4.4 (28) to 1.5 (11) lead.
Both sides returned to the playing field hungry for more, but it was a low scoring term for both teams, with Aberfeldie kicking itself after three shots at goal all swayed the wrong way.
Olivia Madden upped her game in the third term, with Chloe Rafferty and Meg Ginnivan often combining in forward play. Lara Churchill was another Two Blue that made good use of the Sherrin.
Strathmore found itself in a very favourable position with a 15-point lead at the final change.
With 20 minutes left in the season, Aberfeldie was desperately searching for some late magic, while Strathmore was hoping to put it beyond reasonable doubt.
Maeve Langston was able to write her name in the goalsheet after Gilcrist sent the footy her way. Good karma then repaid Gilcrist who was able to seal the result at the 12-minute mark.
And amongst the flurry of goals, Aberfeldie did not give up.
The Two Blues fought until the very end, with goalkicking star Hope able to put up the side’s last two majors of the season.
Hannah Brodie, Harriet Cashmore, Jasmine Ferbrache, Emma Tatti, Elizabeth Woerndle, and Marlo Zambelli were named some of the best for Aberfeldie.
Sarah McKinnon was awarded the best-on-ground medal after a dominant display with the Sherrin across the field, with Charli Sette another standout on Windy Hill alongside her premiership captain Egglestone.
Aberfeldie certainly will feel the sting for the next few days after being one of the teams to beat all season.
Nevertheless, the Two Blues should hold their heads high knowing that they have revitalised women’s football at Clifton Park.
After securing the AGA Women’s Under 19 Premier Division trophy and featuring in both the Women’s Reserves and Women’s Premier Division grand finals on Sunday, Aberfeldie boasts a thriving women’s program that will yet again be one to watch in 2027.
Champions yet again, Strathmore has summited the Premier Division mountain in its first year back in the top flight, and exciting things are building at Lebanon Reserve ahead of season 2027.
The gold and navy blue’s fightback story is one for the history books.
From a wooden spoon in 2024 to back-to-back premierships, Shaun Bannister’s side will be one remembered forever.
