Tara Murray
Kyneton’s first foray into finals was a successful one in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
After years of near misses, the Tigers finally played their first final on Saturday, hosting Melton, with a spot in the grand final on the line.
The Tigers played their best football of the season to come away with a, 14.13 (97)-0.0 (2) win.
Tigers coach Phil Hawkes said the great was so excited to have made it through to the decider.
“The players were so excited after the game, as were all the supporters,” he said. “We now have one more game to go.”
Hawkes said there were a few nerves early on with only a couple of players having played finals before, with the coaches just encouraging the group to go out there and have fun.
He said they also expected Melton to put the pressure on early.
“I said before the game that Melton would come out hard in the first part of the game,” he said.
“They threw everything at us, which we expected them to do. There was a lot of pressure early on and we had a few opportunities that we missed.
“Fitness then started to show and the game opened up more and we were able to play our style.”
Leading by 30 points at the main break, the Tigers then kicked 10 goals to the second half to seal the big win,
Hawkes said they couldn’t have asked for much more from the group.
“I said afterwards to the girls, that was the best second half of footy they’ve played for the season,” he said.
“They played really well and we got the structures working. It opened right up and it was how I wanted them to play.
“It was better than last week against Romsey, when we had some moments. Hopefully we can do it again in two weeks time.”
Elizabeth Whittem and Jordan Savoia kicked three goals for the Tigers.
Teagan Ainslie, Emily Gibson and Heidi Erasmus were named their best.
Hawkes was full of praise for the performance of Ainslie.
“Her second, third and fourth efforts,” he said. “Her one percenters and tackling.
“She really showed up and led by example, especially early on when there were a lot of contested ball and stoppages.”
The Tigers have this week off with the win. They will then play Melton or Macedon in the grand final.
The Cats beat Woodend-Hesket in the other semi final for a spot in the preliminary final.
Hawkes said they had a few players with niggling injuries and the week off would give them a chance to freshen up.
He said for them it was about trying to keep things as normal as possible heading into the grand final.
“We’ll focus on a couple of little things this week and then likely have a lighter run and focus on a bit of general ball use the second week.”
