Redan is preparing for its toughest challenge this season after winning its division one qualifying final against Sunbury in AFL Goldfields Women's Football League competition on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The second-placed Lions have set up a semi final clash with the undefeated North Geelong next weekend.
Redan player Melinda Sands said her teammates had taken confidence out of the qualifying final victory, which was a tough and physical contest from the first bounce until the final siren.
“We knew we had to come out firing at the start to have a chance at winning the game,” Sands said.
“It was very physical and congested, and hard to get clearances because they wanted it (the ball) just as much as we did.”
While Redan led all game, scores remained close with just nine points the difference at three quarter time.
But, in what was a strong defensive final term, the Lions were able to keep Sunbury to a single point and end the game double its score.
The match was also a battle of the league’s best and fairest, with Friday night’s winner Demi Hallett from Sunbury up against runner-up Amy McDonald from Redan.
Hallett had another best on ground performance, while Amy McDonald was tagged throughout the game.
Sands said the tactic meant the Lions’ midfield group had to stand up and work even harder.
The team also focused on manning up and not letting the Kangaroos have free players behind the ball.
“Our defence held up really well… it was a great game to be a part of and very exciting until the end,” Sands said.
Meanwhile, East Point knocked out Melton Centrals with an eight-point victory in an elimination final on Sunday.
Coach Michael Colville, who coaches alongside Emma Kent, said the team’s key focuses were to keep the game open, produce good ball movement and have the players back themselves.
“After quarter time the players were able to open the game up a lot more and get the run on the outside and were able to score that way,” Colville said.
Keirah Metcalfe and Kylaah Neil in the backline and Zoe Wathen on the ball were among the best.
In division two, Bacchus Marsh outscored Drysdale Hawkes by 40 points to progress to the semi final, while Gisborne eliminated Redan Gold with a convincing 48-point win.
In Ballarat Youth Girls, the Lakers prevailed by nine points over Ballarat Swans in a qualifying final clash, with best and fairest winner Sophie Molan dominant.
Fourth-placed North Ballarat City’s season ended early after suffering a devastating three-point loss to Carisbrook Lions.
