Tara Murray
Roxburgh Park’s dream run has come to an end in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition.
After reforming a women’s side this season, the Magpies made their first finals series and won their first final.
They took plenty of momentum into their preliminary final against the Sunbury Lions on Saturday.
The Lions, who were minor premiers, though got off to a good start and were able to control the game.
It was a dominant display with the Lions winning, 5.5 (35)-0.2 (2).
Magpies coach Kevin Allan said making a grand final was just one step too far for them.
“I’m very proud in defeat,” he said. “The girls from day one have been embracing what I’ve been trying to teach them and they’re a good bunch.
“I’m very proud of their efforts. I think at times in the game we were right in the game, but just couldn’t put it on the scoreboard.
“Hopefully we’ll improve next year and get a few more players in.”
Allan said they were always playing catch up in the game and that he was out coached by Lions coach Matt Tremellen.
He said pressure mistakes came and that it’s hard to adhere to things when they’re under pressure.
“They had us on the hop,” he said. “Even though it wasn’t a high scoring game they played away from us in the third quarter.
“Matt’s a very good coach. I’m very happy with what I’ve done with the group, I think the improvement will come.”
Chloe McIntosh, Dakota Liddy and Jessica Ivory were the Magpies best.
While disappointed not to make a grand final knowing where they got to, the season exceeded all expectations.
Going into the season, Allan said just having a side on the park was a success.
“I said to the girls that my proudest moment was when we ran out for the first game,” he said.
“To have 20 players most weeks, that’s above and beyond. We probably fell short of where we really could have been, a week short of where we could have been and that’s OK.”
Allan said they would hopefully add to the group next season and there would be natural improvement as well.
Two of the side are only 17.
“The future is there, where we probably need to bolster a little bit is that mid ground from 23- to 28.
“We’ve got the older girls covered and the younger ones, we need to get a few more mature players that have played for a few years and know what ladies footy is about.
“I’m very excited where the league is heading.”
