Tara Murray
Mernda will use this year as a place to build from in the Northern Football League women’s division 3 competition after making the grand final for the first time.
The Demons fell short in Sunday’s grand final to Hurstbridge, but have come a long way from the start of the pre-season. The Demons finished on top of the ladder and were the first team through to the grand final, but fell short on Sunday.
Demons coach Chris Hoysted said Hurstbridge was just the better team on the day. In a low scoring match, Hurstbridge won 2.3 (15)-0.0 (0).
“It was definitely not the result we wanted, but it’s the way it goes unfortunately,” he said.
“We have always been a physical team and Hurstbridge made it more physical and they wanted it a bit more.
“When our players got the ball they were pinged straight away. We also wasted a lot of opportunities going forward and weren’t able to convert.
“They just wanted it more and they did what we couldn’t do on the day.”
Hoysted said that Hurstbridge sent some girls to their best players to try and shut them down and were successful in doing that.
Shenay Reeves, Tianah Teo, Ruby Sommerville and Gulia Ceravolo were the best for the Demons in the loss.
While disappointed not to come home with the premiership, Hoysted said they were so proud of the group and what they achieved.
Several of the players came up from the under-18s.
“When we started in November how far we’ve come, it’s a credit to them for having a big dip all year.
“We were unlucky with the result, but they say you have to lose one before you win one.”
Hoysted said this year was only the start for this group of players. The Demons have gone from two wins in their first season in 2018 to a grand final this year.
“Everyone will be stronger for it,” he said.
“A lot of young girls in the side will benefit from this year and we will only get better for it.”
Eltham won the premiership in division 2, beating St Mary’s, 4.9 (33)-2.6 (18).
In division 1, Diamond Creek beat old rivals Darebin Falcons.
A five goal blitz in the final term saw the Creekers come from behind to win, 8.9 (57)-5.5 (35).
