Ballarat Grammar’s girls made their way into the Herald Sun Shield division one grand final in blistering fashion with a 8.13 (61) – 0.0 (0) win over Aquinas College.
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The resounding 61-point victory books Grammar’s ticket to the MCG this Sunday as it prepares to take on Melbourne Girls Grammar.
Coach Matt Hanlon was extremely proud of the girls performance at RAMS Arena. In blustery condition, Grammar kicked into the breeze in the opening term and booted 3.2 to no score – captain Amy Jackson kicking all three goals.
The commanding start set the tone for what would be a memorable day as Grammar qualified for its fourth consecutive Herald Sun Shield grand final.
Hanlon said it was “amazing” that his group would get the opportunity to grace the MCG stage.
“We’re pretty passionate about the job and it’s amazing that these girls are going to run out onto the MCG,” Hanlon said.
“It was a pretty ferocious wind and we were kicking into it (to start the match) and we managed to kick three goals...that just broke the game open for us. It was really comforting to start that way, then we just built on that.”
Hanlon said while the chance to play on the MCG made making the HSS final even more special, the group had not spoken about it. But it was fair to say that the excitement was hard to contain following the semi-final demolition job.
“It’s something we haven’t discussed but it’s been in the back of everyone’s mind the whole year...it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Hanlon said Melbourne Girls Grammar would provide a massive challenge having beaten Methodist Ladies' College, Grammar’s grand final opponent of the last three years, it knows Sunday will be a huge task – but one Hanlon believes his group is up to.
“We’re not thinking it’s going to be a walk in the park, we’ve got a real challenge on our hands. The girls will thrive on the challenge and it’s going to take every person that pulls on the jumper to do the job.”
While the wide expanses of the MCG will provide another element to the match. The significant increase in size to the other grounds the girls have played on will be a big factor in the match.
“I think it’ll be a massive challenge for both sides with all that space. I think it’s going to come down to which team applies the best method.”
It will be a quick turnaround for Grammar. The semi-final was originally meant to be played last Friday, however the ground was unavailable.
We’re pretty passionate about the job and it’s amazing that these girls are going to run out onto the MCG.
- Coach Matt Hanlon
Sunday’s match will be a curtain-raiser to the Collingwood and Adelaide match on Sunday, the first bounce will be at 12.45pm.