The flawless Gisborne-Kyneton United has completed its fairytale unbeaten run with a dominant 64-point victory over Taylors Lakes in the premiership decider at Coburg City Oval.
It was the biggest margin between the two sides in their fourth meeting for the year.
In front of a very healthy crowd for the EDFL’s first senior grand finals day for the season, the Dogs were able to storm home and raise the premiership cup for the first time in the league.
Check out the full match centre here.
A fast first quarter for both outfits saw Dogs co-captain Amanda Crooks snag the opener just a few minutes into the match.
The Lions immediately responded with captain Sarah McNally piercing the big sticks from an angle after a strong mark, momentarily giving her side the lead by one.
But it was all Gisborne from there, with the Dogs controlling the match until the final siren.
Another first quarter highlight came from one of Gisborne’s greatest skills in effective handballing when it led to an impressive goal by Chey Macumber.
As the match progressed, so did Gisborne’s grip on the premiership cup, with three second-quarter goals extending its lead to 41 at the half.
The Dogs’ strong tackling was becoming a significant issue for the Lions who were under an immense fight for each possession, especially in their forward 50. It was becoming clear that their day was coming to an end early.
Macumber slotted another two goals taking her grand final tally to three, the most scored by a player in the match.
The second half saw Taylors Lakes’ best-on Rebecca Foggie elevate her efforts, standing tall with many marks and throwing her body on the line to prevent any Gisborne score.
At the other end of the field was Dogs’ Lucy Lenius who displayed similar efforts to those of Foggie.
The Dogs’ duo of Amy O'Kelly and Katrina Bau combined to give their team great run through the centre of the ground.
Taylors Lakes’ Sarah Sullivan tirelessly took on Belinda Hateley in the ruck contests, with Hateley later winning the best-on-ground medal for her courageous efforts that saw her win contests all over the ground.
A tackle laid down by a determined Taylah Egan stopped an almost certain Gisborne goal approaching the break.
In her 70th career match, Charlotte Bracey finally broke her goal-drought, scoring two goals to be joined by her premiership teammates in celebration.
But the pressure of Gisborne-Kyneton United was certainly too much for Taylors Lakes as the Dogs displayed aggressive footy all around.
A high-spirited three-quarter time huddle saw Lions’ coach Joseph Antonetti encourage his team to enjoy the last quarter and stay strong, regardless of the 55-point margin.
Lions’ Charlie Goodwin and Stefania Valerio made their efforts felt during the match with the pair quick to the ball on many occasions.
In what can be noted as a consolation, Taylors Lakes held its strong opposition to just a lone goal in the final term.
But in the end, Gisborne-Kyneton United ran away comfortable winners to take home the flag after a perfect season of 16 straight wins.
While it may be a disheartening result for Taylors Lakes, the Lions should be extremely proud of their 2025 efforts. Making a grand final in a maiden finals series is something alone worth celebrating. We look forward to seeing how they respond next year back in Airport Toyota Division Two.
It’s promotion for Gisborne, with the Dogs moving up the EDFL pyramid into Airport Toyota Division One.
We wish Gisborne all the best for 2026 and know that they certainly have what it takes in what is such a fierce division.
That’s a wrap for Airport Toyota Division Two for season 2025. What a season it has been.
From masterclasses to nail-biters, highs, lows and the rise of six women’s clubs, this year will be one to remember forever. See you next year.
