Defending champs march on, Whitefriars shock Oakleigh in semi final

Finals fever has finally hit, after a great 16-week season of the Division 1 Women’s competition. This year’s finals series sees our top four in Oakleigh, Whitefriars, Glen Eira and the Monash Blues all facing off for the chance to win the premiership.

The Gryphons have been the team to beat all year and come into the finals series looking to defend their 2024 premiership title, no doubt chasing that winning feeling once again. They moved one step closer on the weekend, winning their semi final to progress straight through to the grand final in two week’s time.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon defeated the other heavyweight in the Monash Blues by 32 points in what was a strong performance from both sides. It was an evenly contested first quarter, however the Gryphs set the game up in the second quarter, piling on 4.2 to the Blues’ singular behind. The Blues mounted a comeback in the third quarter, going into the main break only 11 points down. However, they were scoreless in the last quarter whilst the Gryphs kicked another three goals to seal victory.

Mia Zielinski was instrumental in securing victory, kicking three goals. Sarah Fitzpatrick was best on ground, being named in the best team for the third consecutive week as her form starts to peak at the right time.

Emily Conroy, quickly becoming a household name for the Blues, was named their best once again, bringing her impressive home and away form into the finals series. Aleesha Whittle was another player who impressed, having now strung together four consecutive appearances in the best on ground.

The Gryphs will now enjoy a week off before they host a home grand final, whilst the Blues will host Whitefriars on Saturday in the hopes of booking their ticket through to the big dance.

It was a shock exit from the finals series for Oakleigh, who were defeated by Whitefriars by 9 points on the weekend. It was a stark contrast from the week before, where Oakleigh had defeated Whitefriars.

However, Whitefriars clearly studied Oakleigh’s game plan to secure themselves a place in the final against the Blues next weekend. A very low scoring game overall, the first half saw just five behinds registered between both teams, with a singular goal to Whitefriars in the last quarter ultimately the decider.

Captain Ruby Ford was gallant in defeat for Oakleigh and was once again their best on ground, showcasing her career best form and will no doubt be motivated to get her team even further next year.

Carly Notting and captain Caitlin Ryan kicked both of Whitefriars’ goals, whilst Sophie Smith was the best on ground- another name to be listed in the best for a third consecutive week after stringing together some impressive late season form.

Whitefriars find themselves against the Blues this Saturday and will be full of confidence, having defeated the Blues by 27 points in Round 14. As for Oakleigh, they will be disappointed with their early exit from finals. However, they strung together a highly impressive season with 12 wins to finish third on the ladder.