By Tara Murray
Westmeadows’ season came to a heartbreaking end in Essendon District Football League Women’s competition.
In just their first season, the Tigers were a kick away from a grand final but went down in the preliminary final against Burnside Heights 3.6 (24)-3.4 (22).
Tigers coach Matty Walker had mixed feelings after the game.
While he was disappointed they couldn’t make the grand final, he said he was so proud of what the team had achieved.
“We were pretty stiff and the girls played their hearts out,” he said.
“I’m a realist and know that they [Burnside Heights] are a good side. We had to play smart football and I can’t ask for much more.”
The Tigers kicked the only goal in the first quarter while kicking with the wind. The Bears responded with two of their own in the second quarter.
Neither side was able to kick a goal in the third quarter. The Tigers looked set for a shot right on three-quarter time, but the decision was reversed, 20 metres out from their goal.
Walker said one of the biggest things he had tried to instill in the playing group was belief in what they could do.
He said that was evident in the final quarter.
“They kicked a goal in the last quarter and we got one straight back – the only goal against the wind.
“We didn’t drop our heads.”
Walker said was full of praise for captain Jacinta Scott, who he said was clearly their best player.
“That’s one of the best games I’ve seen from a captain in a final, including males.
“She was there all day and they had to put someone on her.”
Walker said at the start of the season they were hoping to set the club up for future years.
But the team had done more than anyone had expected.
He used their two games against Burnside Heights as an example of just how far they’ve come.
“Last time they beat us by 11 goals,” he said.
“We limited them to three goals this time and banged three in of our own.
“To have come that far in three quarters of a season shows how far we’ve come as a side.
“We’ve come so far and earned the respect from the league. I’m rapt with our season.”
Burnside Heights will play Pascoe Vale in the grand final.
The Panthers beat the Sunbury Kangaroos in the other preliminary final, 6.11 (47)-0.1 (0).
