Cobras edge thriller as Fields power into Prelim

It wasn’t the most free-flowing contest we have grown accustomed to from Westbourne Grammarians and Old Yarra Cobras this season but didn’t if feel like finals football. On one of the biggest stages in the VAFA, Elsternwick Park, these two sides were fighting for a one-way ticket straight to the big dance, whilst the other would take the double chance in the Prelim.

Both teams brought such an incredible intensity from the opening bounce that neither team took an advantage on the scoreboard in the first quarter. Despite perfect conditions at Elsternwick Park Oval, we were greeted with repeat stoppages and plenty of tackle pressure on the ball carrier from both sides.

It was not until the second quarter that a score was registered with the Cobras’ quick kick out of congestion glancing across the face of goal for a minor score. Both teams had their fair share of possession inside 50 in the second quarter, but neither could trouble the scorers for the rest of the term. Old Yarra held a 1-point advantage at the main break.

With a grand-final spot on the line, it had seemed that Old Yarra broke the shackles of Westbourne when at the 9^th minute mark of the third quarter the first major of the morning was converted. The Cobras’ goal was coupled with a behind soon after to open up the game high lead of 8-points mid-way through the premiership quarter.

Westbourne almost snared an opportunity out of nothing with a Grace Choate behind, leaving the score at 1-8 at three-quarter-time.

The Grammarians had the momentum early in the final term due to the work of Nicky Porter, Jazmyn Mathers, and Natasha Dunn, giving their forwards the best looks at goal. Consecutive points by Westbourne threatened to shut the door on a one-way-ticket to the grand final. Unfortunately for Westbourne, these behinds proved costly as the final siren rung around Elsternwick Park in a nail-biting win for the Cobras.

The Cobras upset the home side and book their place in the Division 4 Women’s Grand Final! Westbourne don’t have long to wallow in defeat as they will play Caufield Grammarians in the Prelim next week.

Caufield Grammarians did a number on Fitzroy in Saturday’s second semi-final by 28 points. The Grammarians bounced back strongly after “lowering their colours last week” according to coach Lachie Worthy, making a conscious effort to be first to the ball.

A 2 goal to none opening term was exactly the start the Grammarians had envisioned after last week’s loss. Fitzroy responded after the first break almost instantaneously in the third minute mark to register their first major of the day. 

Caulfield coach Worthy was particularly impressed with Tori Huggins and Cait Adams, “(they) provided drive from the midfield giving our forwards the opportunities to score,” he said.

The hammer was truly put down in the second term for Caufield when Ruby Neil and Abbey Hants were intercepting for fun off the half-back line. Despite the frequent service to their forwards, Worthy noted a number of opportunities were missed to close out the game. 

The third quarter was most productive for the Grammarians booting three unanswered goals to take the margin out to 45 points at the three-quarter-time siren. The job was all but done despite a late flurry of goals by Fitzroy to cut the margin back to 28 points when the siren.

While a preliminary final birth was not to be for Fitzroy, it was largely a successful season for the club culminating in hosting all three Caufield Women’s teams on Saturday.

Caufield march on in Season 2025 and set their eyes on next week’s captivating Preliminary Final against Westbourne.