Tara Murray
Macedon continues to exceed all expectations in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition, with Cats now one win from a grand final spot.
After not sure they were going to get a side up, the Cats were able to get plenty of numbers and made finals in their first season.
On Saturday, they kept their season alive with a hard fought win in a knockout semi final with Woodend-Hesket, winning 5.6 (36)-3.2 (20).
Cats’ Tamara Collins said it was an incredible feeling to have got a win like that.
“It’s so exciting,” she said. “It’s so unreal and everyone was very excited and pumped.
“There was such a good atmosphere with the senior men’s footballers and netballs showing us plenty of support.”
The Cats jumped out of the blocks with the only two goals of the first quarter, with the Hawks reducing the margin to seven points at the main break.
Two goals in the third quarter gave the Cats some more breathing space heading into the final quarter.
They were able to hold strong in the last to seal the win.
Collins said all three matches between the two sides this season had been tough battles.
“It’s always a good game,” she said. “They will continue to get better and better, they are a young side.
“The pressure was so good from the girls. One of our girls [Marion Maxted] who had never played before and came to make up numbers and stuck around kicked her first goal. It was so exciting.”
Collins said the extra depth the Cats had helped, with the Hawks having 17 players compared to the Cats, 22 players.
“We struggled to get a team together at one point,” she said. “Everyone has stuck together.
“We’ve got some junior players we’ve added to the side and they’ve got some speed and strength which is good.”
Lilli Collins kicked two goals for the Cats in a best on ground performance. Ashlee Knight and Adriane Ward were also named in the best.
For the Hawks it was all single goal kickers. Maisy Crowther and Harmony Cassar were named their best.
The Cats now face Melton in the preliminary final for a spot in the grand final. The Bloods were heavily beaten in their semi final with Kyneton, which is through to the grand final.
Collins said the thought of making the grand final would be incredible.
“You can’t help but think about that,” she said.
“We face Melton who gave us a serve in the first round, the second game was really close. We’ll turn up and see what happens.
“To get here has been so much fun.”
