By Tara Murray
Westmeadows is defying the odds and remains alive for at least another week in the Essendon District Football League women’s competition after a semi-final win against Aberfeldie.
Entering the game as underdogs, the Tigers were full of confidence, having nearly knocked off the Gorillas the last time the two teams met.
As in that game, it was the Tigers who got off to the better start and led throughout the first three quarters.
This time, the Tigers weren’t going to give up the lead and held on to win 4.5 (29)-3.4 (22).
Tigers coach Matty Walker was ecstatic.
“It was a really good job by the girls,” he said. “They stuck to the task and I’m over the moon. They did everything I asked of them.”
Walker said it was the effort when kicking against the wind that were the most impressive and the reason for the win.
“There was a wind to one end – it was a four- to five-goal wind,” he said.
“We got a goal against the wind in the second quarter. It was the only goal against the wind all day. The girls worked their butts off for the reward.
“In the last quarter, it was difficult conditions. It was stoppage after stoppage in the last quarter and that’s what I wanted from them.”
Walker said Emily Brebner and Stephanie Andrews were the best players in a solid team effort.
He said the backline held up strong under a lot of pressure.
The win sets up a preliminary final match up against Burnside Heights, with a grand final spot on the line.
Last time the two teams met, the Bears won by 66 points – but Walker said anything could happen in finals.
“There’s 18 people on the ground for both teams and we’ll try and create some doubt,” he said.
“They were watching us [on Sunday]. They aren’t as strong up forward without Brooke McKinley and it will be a lot different to playing against them last time.”
In the other semi-final, the Sunbury Kangaroos defeated the Sunbury Lions 9.7 (61)-3.4 (22).
The Kangaroos will face Pascoe Vale in the other preliminary final.
