By Tara Murray
Sunbury Kangaroos have fallen short of making the grand final in the Essendon District Football League Women’s competition
Facing undefeated Pascoe Vale in a preliminary final, the Kangaroos were found wanting in the first half.
Once they got their game together in the second half, they were unable to apply any scoreboard pressure.
The more experienced Panthers proved why they are the premiership favourites, winning 6.11 (47)-0.1 (1).
Kangaroos coach Allan Walter said while the result is disappointing, they were beaten by a better side.
“You have to pay credit, where credit is due,” he said.
“Pascoe Vale is a good side and they seem to be a lot fitter and more experienced than us. We have 13 girls that have either played one or two years of football.
“I’m so proud of everyone and what they’ve achieved since they’ve been together.”
Walters said it was the first quarter that proved to be the difference. While the Panthers only kicked 2.3 in the first quarter, they were able to get on top and were never really challenged.
He said he was happy with how they played in the second half, but a bit frustrated at not being able to put anything on the scoreboard.
“I think we were a bit shocked and star struck and it took us a half to get going,” he said.
“In the second half everyone was accountable, everyone did their job.”
The standouts for the Kangaroos were Brittany Mifsud, Paige Micallef-Grimaud and Bronte Koutras. Mifsud went onto leading goalkicker Siobhan Carlton after quarter-time, while Micallef-Grimaud was in nearly every contest in the second half. Koutras provided a target and put on plenty of tackling pressure.
Despite the loss, Walters said he was proud with what the side had achieved this year. The Kangaroos won their first final and only lost to two teams, Pascoe Vale and Burnside Heights.
“You can never doubt everyone having a crack,” he said.
“It’s been hard changing leagues. Being two years old and being in two different leagues.
“This year we were up against the unknown and didn’t know about any of the sides. Hopefully we’ll learn from that and keep the group together and look forward to next year.”
Pascoe Vale will face Burnside Heights in the grand final. The Bears won through with a 3.6 (24)-3.4 (22) win against Westmeadows.
Meanwhile, the Sunbury Lions won through to their under-15 girls grand final.
They join their under-18 side which had
already won through.
