Tara Murray
The future is bright for Gisborne despite its season came to an end in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1.
The Bulldogs were outplayed early in their semi final with the Essendon Doutta Stars on Saturday, with the Stars leading by 29 points at half time.
The second half was a lot closer with the Bulldogs putting the pressure back on the Stars, but it wasn’t enough.
The Stars won, 7.13 (55)-3.3 (21).
Bulldogs coach Jason Peak had mixed feelings about the result.
“It’s a little disappointing the season has ended,” he said. “But I thought we competed really well, but were probably just one or two people short on the day.
“They [the Stars] wasted a few opportunities and they gave us an even break. I thought they were a bit more competitive than us in the first quarter.
“We probably lacked a couple of structured things in the second quarter and that got them a couple of goals.
“Other than that, I think it was fairly even.”
Peak said he was pleased with the second half as they pushed the Stars and said the group should be proud of how they played.
He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Stars won the premiership.
The Bulldogs side contained five players who had come up from their under-18.5s side. With the side not in finals and the Bulldogs looking to add a few more players for depth, the younger girls stepped up.
“Claire [Bourdon] has been out for eight weeks now with a dislocated shoulder,” Peak said. “[Leading goal kicker] Charlotte [Noonan] couldn’t play which was a bit disappointing.
“It gave an opportunity to a few under-18s. We said however many spots we had spare, the under-18s who wanted to come and train with us during the week were going to be given an opportunity.
“I thought all five of our under-18s played extremely well.”
It was another youngster who was the standout for the Bulldogs in Ruby Watts. Still able to play in the under-18s, she has played seniors all year, and was the Bulldogs best in the final.
Peak said she’s a very good talent and said she may or may not play at a higher level next year.
Overall, he said the season, their first complete one in the EDFL, had been one of improvement.
“It’s progress,” he said. “Last year we wouldn’t have made finals and we’ve now played our first final in the EDFL, we should be proud of that as a group.
“It’s a stepping stone and hopefully we can go a bit future next year.
“Our under-18s have done well. Our under-16s play in a grand final next week. We think we’ll have a squad of about 30 18s, so they’ll be pushing senior players to play seniors next year.
The Stars will face Strathmore in the preliminary final. The winner of the match will face Greenvale in the grand final.
