Harper Sercombe
Mernda was made to pay for not being switched on its qualifying final loss to Heidelberg in the first round of the Northern Football League division 2 women’s finals series on Saturday.
In a one sided display at the Whittlesea Showgrounds oval, the Tigers dominated the Demons winning 10.13 (73)- 0.1 (1).
Mernda coach Gareth Duncan said he didn’t think his side was on from minute one but was still proud of their effort.
“We were a little bit off the mark from where we wanted to be,” he said.
“I don’t know whether it was the situation of the finals intensity or atmosphere of division 2, but I think we were just off the mark especially with our intensity and physicality.
“It was a bit of a tough game… but the girls gave it 100 per cent. I can’t ask for any more than what they did.
“Every week they give their best, they try their hearts out… I couldn’t be any prouder of them.”
The Demons finished in third spot, which guaranteed them a double chance in finals. They will now face Fitzroy in an elimination game on the weekend.
“Our first game in division 2 we played against Fitzroy and we had an 11 point win,” Duncan said.
“We’ll be pretty confident going into this week.
“If we play our best football, which I know the girls are capable of doing, I think the results will take care of itself.”
After coming up from division 3 at the start of the year Duncan said he is thrilled with what the team has been able to achieve to this point of the season. The side finished runners up in division 3 last season.
“For them to be able to take that big jump up, which it is, it’s a massive jump, I’m extremely proud of the girls,” he said.
“Hopefully [the season] is not finished just yet.”
In other results within the NFL men’s competitions, division 1 side Bundoora won its match against Greensborough 14.17 (101)-7.8 (50), with Bundoora’s Hamish Shepheard booting seven goals. Whittlesea lost to West Preston-Lakeside, 15.11 (101)-8.6 (54).
In division 2, Thomastown won against Panton Hill, 14.14 (98)-7.9 (51), while. Epping lost to Lower Plenty, 13.7 (85)-8.4 (52) and South Morang got the better of Northcote Park winning, 11.14 (80)-10.5 (65).
In division 3, Lalor lost to Kilmore, 25.22 (172)-3.4 (22) and Mernda won against Heidelberg West 10.11 (71)-8.11 (59).
