The Sunbury Kangaroos grand final hopes came to an end after a slow start against Taylors Lakes in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 preliminary final.
Both sides entered Saturday’s preliminary final looking to lock in their first women’s grand final appearance.
It was the Lions that got the jump early as they kicked three first quarter goals to none.
They would maintain that lead at half time before kicking two goals to one in the third quarter to hold a 28 point lead at the final break.
That left the Kangaroos with a massive challenge, having never come from that far behind before.
The Kangaroos kept the Lions goalless in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough as they lost 6.5 (41)-4.4 (28).
Kat Haifa and Fiona Pazsa were the goalkickers for the Kangaroos.
Tylah Bell and Lisa Kirby were named the Kangaroos best.
Taylors Lakes will now face Gisborne-Kyneton United in the grand final on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos announced that coach Carly Blythe has signed on for next season.
It will be her second season in charge of the program.
“Carly has been an outstanding leader for women’s football at our club over many years,” Kangaroos president Marc Bullows said.
“As one of the foundation members of our women’s program, seeing her take the reins this year and commit again for 2026 is fantastic news.
“She has our club running through her veins, and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to see what she and the team can achieve next year.”
