By Tara Murray
Roxburgh Park has secured a finals berth in Essendon District Football League women’s division 1, but the immediate focus remains on finishing the regular season on a high.
A win on Friday against Aberfeldie 2 was enough for the Magpies to seal a first-ever finals berth with a round remaining.
While the Magpies got the points on Friday night, it wasn’t until Saturday afternoon that their finals spot was cemented when other results went their way.
Magpies coach Troy Geary said the players were excited.
“We were waiting on results to find out whether we were in or had to wait on next week,” he said.
“They’re all pretty excited and nervous. We’re trying to focus on next week and we want to keep that momentum going and play well.”
Geary said they knew the encounter with Aberfeldie 2 was a danger game, with the opposition looking to keep their slight finals chances alive.
Geary was thrilled with how his players responded as they delivered a 4.3 (27)-2.1 (13) win.
“We started off the best we have all year,” he said. “The first quarter was a bit nerve-wracking. Once we got going we were fine. I was pretty happy with how they played. We had a few players out with injuries.”
Shelby Best kicked two goals and was named among the best.
Geary said Rainbow Ebert had a good game, along with acting captain Elisha Wain, who is in her first season of football.
“Her leadership this year has been outstanding,” he said.
The first-year coach said he had been enjoying the role and the season.
“It’s been great,” he said. “They are a great bunch and the girls in the leadership group have really helped out.”
Geary said hopefully they would get most of their injured players back before finals.
Roxburgh Park will face a good test this weekend when they take on third-placed Keilor Park.
“It will be a good game and hopefully we can keep the momentum rolling into finals and put on a good show,” he said.
Tullamarine’s finals hopes came to an end on Saturday through a 3.3 (21)-2.5 (17) loss to Keilor Park.
The Demons will finish their season against bottom side Coburg Districts.
Greenvale had a tough Saturday, losing to Maribyrnong Park 7.13 (55)-0.1 (1).
