Oak Park completed the final hurdle to secure the Premier Division flag in a stirring performance at Windy Hill on Saturday.
Aberfeldie were heading into this one with just one loss to their name, while Oak Park’s three blemishes were at the hands of the Two Blues.
Despite that, we knew Oak Park’s best could stand up and a riveting showpiece of women’s footy is what we saw in the final game of the day.
Aberfeldie flexed their muscles with the only two goals of the opening term thanks to Elisha Wain, as the Kangaroos were held to just one behind.
Resilience has no doubt been instilled into this Oak Park outfit and they were able to reply back with two unanswered of their own in the second term.
Alexi Kateliotis opened their account with a hail mary from the centre square looking for a teammate that bounced past everyone and through for a goal.
League leading goal kicker Alex Quigley produced a bit of individual brilliance with a snap out of a pack to hand them a lead of two points at the main break.
Neither team gained a significant edge in the third quarter with Oak Park carrying all the momentum early in the fourth.
The Kangaroos however, were unable to break through for a goal registering four behinds to stretch the lead to seven points.
Aberfeldie continued to fight back and after a high free kick inside forward 50, Taylor Moss cut the margin to one point with 10 minutes to play.
Contested footy was the name of the game with tiring legs and high pressure before the Kangaroos hopped into space and gave Quigley a task one out.
With everything at stake, their sharpshooter trapped the ball inside the boundary, fired off a dribbler, and produced one of the more incredible finishes you’re likely to see in the final moments of a Grand Final to lift her side to a seven-point lead, and ultimately provide the dagger.
Abers would push on but fell short to Oak Park by six points who secured their first flag in women’s footy.
Tafa Malumu was a brick wall in defence and was awarded best on ground with the Oak Park defence holding Aberfeldie to just eight points after quarter time.
Quigley’s two goals led the charge for Oak Park with Sam German playing a notable role in the forward half with her pressure and presence around goal.
Emily Findlay and Mia Briedis ran hard up and down the wings all day and were solid link players, while Mikayla Barnes showed her experience with ball in hand.
Erin Graham and Trilby Sheppard complemented Malumu down back with good defensive efforts all day.
Marlo Zambelli and Ilaria Akers worked hard in the Aberfeldie engine room while Aarzu Mavi created good width at various occasions.
After missing out last year, Oak Park’s redemption arc is complete.
Check out the full match centre here.
