Harper Sercombe
Mernda are out in straight sets after losing its elimination final to the Fitzroy Stars in the second week of the Northern Football League division 2 women’s finals.
In a one sided display at Epping Recreation Reserve, the Stars dominated the Demons winning 11.12 (78)-1.2 (8).
Mernda coach Garth Duncan said he thinks the long season may have caught up with his team.
“It’s hard to put my finger on one particular thing that went wrong,” he said.
“It wasn’t really effort or anything like that, I think we just ran out of a bit of steam towards the end of the year.”
After coming up from division 3 at the start of the year Duncan said he is proud of what the team has been able to achieve throughout the season.
“We were moving up to the unknown, we weren’t really sure what to expect,” he said.
“Now we’ve had a full year in division 2, we know the standard we have to be at and we know the levels we need to be at to be really competitive in this division.
“Finals from last year in division 3, to finals in division 2, it’s a massive jump up and the experience the girls will take out of it will be of endless benefits.
“Obviously the results are disappointing but stepping up a division, being able to make finals and be competitive for the majority of games in the year, it’s a massive achievement.”
After a full season in division 2, Duncan said improvements have to be made by everyone if they are to go a step further in 2024.
“You obviously want to add people to your list where you think there may be a little bit short in certain areas,” he said.
“It’s also internally as well. Not just players and coaches and little things from the club’s point of view. Everyone can definitely improve going into next year.”
Fitzroy Stars will now play Heidelberg in a preliminary final where the winner will face St Marys in the big dance.
In other results within the NFL men’s competitions, division 1 side Bundoora won its match against Hurstbridge 11.8 (74)-4.13 (37). Whittlesea lost to Banyule,14.15 (99)-6.10 (46).
In division 2, Thomastown lost to Diamond Creek, 13.10 (88)-8.8 (56). Epping lost to St Marys, 10.14 (74) 8.13 (61). South Morang lost to Panton Hill, 8.13 (61)-7.8-50.
