Old Brighton through to Grand Final as Collegians bow out

Old Brighton is the first team to secure their spot in the 2024 Div 1 Women’s Grand Final. After being arguably the best team all year, they knocked off their biggest competitor in Marcellin by a convincing 44 points as Marcellin’s flag defence now hangs in the balance.

Last time these two sides played – only two weeks ago in Round 15 – it was Marcellin who knocked off Old Brighton by 23 points, but it was not to be this time.

Old Brighton looked on from the first bounce, kicking 5.5 in their first half to go into the main break 23 points up. Whilst they were still a chance going into the second half, Brighton pressed where it hurt with a 3.5 third quarter whilst Marcellin could not score.

Zoe Glascott was well held despite kicking two goals, whilst Billie Harvey was best on for Marcellin.

Lily Tait scored three goals for Old Brighton, continuing her six-game streak of kicking multiple goals, but it was Jasmine Tait and co-captain Caterina O’Brien who were best on ground.

Next week, Marcellin will face a chance at redemption when they host Parkdale Vultures. If they lose, they will be eliminated in a shock exit. If they win, they will go through to yet another grand final and face a chance at redemption against Old Brighton.

For Old Brighton, they will enjoy the week off to rest up as they go into the grand final favourites for premiership glory.

After losing by 98 points to Parkdale Vultures in the final round of the home and away season, Collegians failed to redeem themselves this week, losing to Parkdale once again by 84 points in the Elimination Final on the weekend.

It continues an impressive run of form for Parkdale who will be confident heading into the preliminary final against Marcellin as they fight for a spot in the Grand Final.

This game was really over before it even began, with Parkdale kicking 50 points to seven in the first half and Collegians didn’t really show many signs of a comeback. Whilst they slowed down in the third quarter with two goals, they piled on another four in the final quarter.

Last time Parkdale faced Marcellin, they lost by 69 points so their Semi Final win will provide a nice confidence booster and fire them up ahead of a huge Preliminary Final clash.

Sienna Symons kicked another four goals, coming off the back of an eight-goal performance last weekend. Lucy Burgess was best on ground with three goals, whilst Rachal Dalach also scored three goals. Captain Breanna Allen was equally impressive.

It’s season over for Collegians, who were moved to the competition midway through the season. Despite a disappointing last couple of weeks, they will no doubt have a strong off season as they look to fire in 2025.

Meanwhile, Parkdale will be putting in some strong training this week with the hopes to upset Marcellin and face Old Brighton in the Grand Final. Their confidence will be high as they look to knock off the reigning premiers.