St Mary’s charge into Grand Final

St Mary’s Salesian has booked their ticket into the Division 3 Women’s grand final, defeating Old Camberwell by four points, 4.8 (32) to 4.4 (28) at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

With Ormond having the week off, they no doubt would have been eagerly waiting to find out who of St Mary’s and Old Camberwell would be their opponent at the big dance.

The game got off to a slow start at a very windy and cold Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham. The Wellers were the first to hit the scoreboard with a behind before Greta Nibali put one through the big sticks for the Saints. The scoreboard read 1-7 the way of St Mary’s at the first break.

St Mary’s got the jump in the early stages of the second quarter, with two goals off the boot of Georgia Cropley. Old Camberwell got the scoreboard ticking late in the quarter courtesy of Charlie Lacey and Asha Kennedy, to claw the lead back that had been extended out with St Mary’s forward pressure.

Inaccuracy plagued St Mary’s in the third quarter, kicking 1.6, Emily Wedrien extended the margin to 16 in the half way stages of the third quarter, with the home side maintaining a 19-point lead at the three-quarter time break. Although Old Camberwell was unable to register a score in the third term, one could only hope that the Saints’ missed opportunities would not go begging and their buffer would hold them in good stead heading into the fourth with Old Camberwell kicking with the wind.

And just like that, momentum shifted, and Old Camberwell came out of the blocks firing to claw back the lead. A goal to Bridget Facey got the Wellers up and about before a few behinds added to their tally. Charlie Lacey booted another one for Camberwell to get them back within 4 points.

St Mary’s were unable to hit the scoreboard in the final term, but they did apply the pressure when the game really mattered to hold Old Camberwell at 28 points and retain the advantage on the scoreboard by a narrow 4. Ultimately, doing enough to advance to the Division 3 Women’s Grand Final.

Lucy Dobbyn and Emily Wedrien were named best afield for St Mary’s Salesian, whilst for Old Camberwell, Charlie Lacey was fantastic booting two goals, and Anthea Bellpieri also impressed.

The stage is set for a Semi Final rematch between Ormond and St Mary’s Salesian when the two go head-to-head on Saturday in the Grand Final. Although Ormond got the better of the Saints in the Semi Final, this contest is set to be a nail biter, with their recent history in the home and away season sitting at 1-win apiece. Get down to Moorleigh Reserve at midday to find out who will be crowned the Division 3 Women’s Premiers for 2025.