Controversy dogged the Female Football Gippsland finals series before a ball was even bounced, with Lindenow South relegated to the elimination final just days before last Sunday’s feast of women’s football at the Cabbage Patch in Boisdale.
Moe lodged a late complaint regarding its round eight one-point loss to Meeniyan Dumbalk United on July 12, alleging the combine fielded an unregistered player. The appeal was upheld, awarding points that pushed the Lions ahead of the Swampies on the ladder and into the qualifying final. While justice was ultimately served, questions remain as to why the ruling took until the Thursday before finals to be resolved.
The Lions made the most of their late reprieve, edging out Boisdale Briagolong by six points in the qualifying final — Moe’s second victory over the Bombers this season. Moe kicked the only goal of a tense final term to secure the win.
Bomber captain Shani Dixon kicked three goals in the loss. Boisdale Briagolong will now turn its attention to a knockout semi-final against Lindenow South, with the match to be played at Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe.
The Swampies kept their season alive with a 19-point victory over Woodside in the elimination final. Playing coach Brodie Harris led from the front with three goals, while Jasmaie Saunders-Baxter, Sophie Hamilton, Cleo Evans, Matilda Pendergast, Aleisha Cantrill and Siarra Peters were named best on ground.
In the under 18 Girls East Conference, minor premier Bairnsdale advanced straight to the grand final following a 26-point major semi-final victory over Traralgon.
Lucy Carroll (three goals) and Ashtyn Stone (two) were livewires in the forward 50, capitalising on the dominant midfield work of Sadie Stevens, Jasmin O’Connor, Jessica Grimsted, Evelyn Gudgin and Jemma Martin.
Traralgon will now face Boisdale Briagolong in this weekend’s preliminary final after the Bombers mounted a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, overturning a three-quarter-time deficit to defeat Woodside by three points. Summer Harbour, Mahlee Shillinglaw, Susie Coleman, Bailey Sheen, Tia Blackley and Lara Dowsett were pivotal in the Bombers’ resurgence.
