Stars earn grand final berth as Sharks prepare for Hearts

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead 

Scotch Stars earned the right to compete for the 2018 Premier B White flag in their first year of VAFA Wilson Women’s following an 18-point second semi-final victory over Beaumaris at Donald MacDonald Reserve. The Stars, who lost the minor premiership after falling to Brighton last week, kicked three unanswered goals in the opening half before the game evened out with two goals apiece in the third and fourth term. Amy Arundel has been a standout for the Stars this season and continued her outstanding form with a goal and a BOG performance. Anna Hayes top-scored with two goals and took her season tally to 24, while Lily Goss and Maxine Wells also impressed. Jemima Kelly excelled for the Sharks and was named in the best for the ninth time from her 10 games. Ellie Hearne kicked both the Sharks’ majors, making it 11 straight games where she has kicked at least one goal. The Stars will now have a week’s rest while the Sharks enter preliminary final weekend with a clash against Old Haileybury.

Old Haileybury will meet the Sharks after they defeated Old Brighton by six points in a thriller at Brighton Beach Oval. Trailing by seven points at quarter time, the Hearts kicked two goals to one over the second and third terms before holding the Tonners off in the final moments of the fourth. Sarah Casey racked up disposals at will through the Hearts midfield, while Pulli Gardiyawasam sealed the game when she took two bounces and snapped the match-winner late in the third term. Jordan Shanks and Casey also kicked one each for the Hearts. Annie Grant and Nadia Olivier were named best for the Tonners with Olivier playing a key defensive role for the duration of the match. Siena Visentini was outstanding in the ruck, while India Tait exploded in the second and third quarters and almost won the game on her own back.