Thomastown’s first season is over, while South Morang will need to make the most of its second chance in the Northern Football League women’s competitions.
The Bears, who fielded a women’s side for the first time this season, made the finals of the division 2 competition.
It was the battle of the Bears in the elimination final with Thomastown taking on Lower Plenty on Sunday.
Lower Plenty jumped out of the blocks in the first quarter and set the tone for the match.
It was able to build the lead in every quarter on the way to a 16.9 (105)-2.4 (16) win.
Brooke Gibson and Sierra Te’o kicked the goals for Thomastown.
Julia Milevski, Sierra Te’o and Tianah Te’o were named Thomastown’s best.
Before the final, Bears coach David Hatzis said the season had been beyond their wildest dreams.
“I said to the girls to enjoy the ride,” he said. “Whatever happens from here is a bonus.
“This year was a foundation year and set things in place.”
Lower Plenty will now face Fitzroy Stars in a knockout semi final, while Ivanhoe will face West Preston-Lakeside in the other semi final for a spot in the grand final .
In division 3, South Morang fell short against Panton Hill in the qualifying final.
For South Morang it was a welcome return to finals after not having a women’s side the past few years.
The Lions had the better of it early and led by seven points at quarter time.
Panton Hill then started to get itself into the game and kicked three goals to none in the second quarter to open up a 12 point lead at the main break.
Neither team could seem to find a way to score in the second half, as they kicked just four points between them.
The second quarter would prove the difference with Panton Hill winning, 4.3 (27)-2.3 (15).
Hailey Cordova and Jorja Hayden were the goal kickers for the Bears, while Hailey Cordova, Abbey Quirk and Chloe Thompson were named their best.
The Bears now face Hurstbridge in a knockout semi final this weekend. Hurstbridge beat North Heidelberg in a thriller in the elimination final by five points.
Panton Hill will play Heidelberg West for a spot in the grand final.
Division 1 women’s finals will get under way this week with Montmorency and Heidelberg playing in an elimination final and St Mary’s and Diamond Creek women’s will play in a qualifying final.
