Parkside secure Grand Final spot, while La Trobe keep their season alive

Finals footy delivered in spades this week, with Parkside booking their place in the 2025 Women’s Division 2 Grand Final after toppling Old Carey, while La Trobe kept their season alive with a hard-fought victory over UHS-VU. Both matches showcased the intensity and quality that finals are all about.

Parkside have booked their ticket into the 2025 Division 2 Women’s Grand Final after pulling off a convincing 25-point victory against Old Carey. The quality was clear from both sides, with it being very tight throughout the early stages.

Kicking three goals apiece in the first term, it was Old Carey who took a 1-point lead heading into the first break. In what was always going to be an even contest, Parkside were able to grind away in the second and third quarters to keep Old Carey goalless, putting their nose in front at three quarter time.

It was the final term where the Devils did most of the damage, kicking 3 vital goals and securing a grand final appearance. The Devils had a spread of goalkickers on the day with Ella Smallacombe, Maisie Welsh, Diana Cornish, Jasmine Vo and Martina Zeevaarder all booting majors.

Despite the defeat, Old Carey have been quality all season, finishing top of the ladder and showing why they were potential premiership favourites. They were unlucky not to convert their chances this week but will take plenty of confidence into their preliminary final against La Trobe, where another grand final spot is on the line.

La Trobe University has outlasted a very brave UHS-VU, in a contest that saw two sides slog it out all day. La Trobe were fast starters, keeping UHS-VU scoreless in the first quarter. However, the second quarter was all UHS-VU, as they began to assert some authority in the game and play with freedom.

La Trobe bounced back in the third term, kicking a goal early on to retain some control. Heading into the final stages of the clash, UHS-VU made the game a nervy one for La Trobe, kicking an early goal and keeping themselves within touching distance.

Nevertheless, Kate Bond stepped up late for La Trobe, icing the game with a late clutch goal. Coach Samantha Greene was full of praise for Bond and her efforts late on. “KB was hugely composed to kick truly 35m out when scores were level”, Greene said.

Despite the loss, UHS-VU can hold their heads high, having produced a strong, consistent season that showcased resilience and quality football. It is a shame to see their campaign end here, given how well they have competed throughout.

Old Carey host La Trobe next week in the Preliminary Final, with a spot in the 2025 Grand Final on the line. Parkside will be eagerly awaiting the result to see who they lineup against, in what should be a scintillating Grand Final.