After almost three years, the women are back on the biggest stage in the Essendon District Football League.
This Saturday, the grand finals of all three Airport Toyota Women's divisions will take place at Windy Hill.
In all three divisions, there is a clear favourite. Will they get over the line, or will we see an upset?
In Airport Toyota Women’s Premier Division, it will be a repeat of the 2019 grand final, with Keilor facing Aberfeldie.
The Blues have been the best team all year and have the chance to add to their remarkable record and make it back-to-back premierships.
Abers are through to the grand final after both Oak Park and Westmeadows were disqualified following their preliminary final.
For Abers it’s a second senior women’s grand final after winning the big dance against Keilor in 2019.
On the two occasions these teams have played each other this year, the Blues have come away with easy wins.
The first time it was 43 points and the second time 44 points.
The key difference in the match has been the ability to score.
The Blues have been one of the highest scoring teams in the competition, while that is one area that has let Abers down.
Olivia Manfre won the league goal kicking convincingly and has 32 goals for the season. For Abers, Erica Markesich leads the way with just 11.
There are seven players left in both sides from the 2019 grand final, so both sides have a bit of experience.
Abers needs to get on the scoreboard early to put the pressure on.
In Airport Toyota Women’s Division One, Greenvale and Strathmore are both going for their first women’s premierships.
The Jets have been the better team all year and controlled the semi final between the two of them.
The Mores did push them the second time they played, with one point the margin, showing they can make it when they play well.
The Mores were pushed in the preliminary final as well, so will have to back it up three weeks in a row.
Neither of these teams will take a backwards step and the semi final was a physical one.
The Jets experienced players were the ones that stood tall when they were needed, this could be a key come Saturday.
Both these teams can kick goals, but they rely on the same people to do it each week.
In the top 10 goal kickers for the seasons, four are from Greenvale and four are from the Mores.
With both sides relying on a key bunch of players, it could come down to those lesser likes and who stands up and plays more of a role.
In Airport Toyota Women’s Division Two, Tullamarine and Airport West are also going for their first women’s premierships.
Both sides came down from Division One after last season, after being at the bottom of the table. With another year under their belt, both sides have flourished.
The Demons, who are a running machine, have gone through the season undefeated and will take plenty of confidence in the game.
The Eagles have lost just two games, both to the Demons.
In the semi final between the two, the Eagles were able to finish strong which they will be hoping to take into this game.
The Eagles have players who have the ability to kick bags of goals with three of the division’s top four goalkickers led by Emily Gipp.
If they can get the ball deep, they will be hard to stop.
The Demons spread it around a bit more which makes them a harder side to match up on.
Coach Peter Labbad isn’t afraid to shift the magnets around early.
The key for the match is for the Eagles to hang around in the first half and build from there. If the Demons get about, they will be hard to stop.
FILMING & STREAMING
All three Airport Toyota Women's Grand Finals will be live streamed, with match commentary, thanks to Sportscast Australia and Cluch TV!
From 10am Saturday click here to view all the action at home, on the move or around the grounds via your smart phone or desktop this weekend!
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
KEILOR v ABERFELDIE - GRAND FINAL
Saturday 2pm at Windy Hill
GREENVALE v STRATHMORE - GRAND FINAL
Saturday 12pm at Windy Hill
TULLAMARINE v AIRPORT WEST - GRAND FINAL
Saturday 10am at Windy Hill
