Sunbury Kangaroos will enter their first finals series with no expectations and ready to take on the challenges ahead of them in the AFL Goldfields Women’s Football League.
Fielding a side for the first time, the Kangaroos have been one of the surprise packets of the Goldfields competition.
Early season form meant they became part of the division 1 competition and they haven’t looked back since.
At the end of the regular season, the Kangaroos finished third.
Playing coach Danni Green said everything that happens in the finals is a bonus.
“We had no expectations at the start of the year and are really excited to be in finals,” she said.
“It’s been not just about this year, but about building this club for the long term.
“We’ve got a list of about 30 girls and everyone has had their shot and when their turn has come they’ve given it everything.”
Green said the side had taken every challenge thrown at them, including Sunday’s match against Melton Centrals.
With just 19 players going into the game, they were left without a bench after Bronte Koutras hurt her ankle in the warm up.
The Kangaroos were left a player down when CJ Storey didn’t return after half time and were down to 16 players when Elisha Green was stretched off with a knee injury in the third quarter.
The Kangaroos held strong, winning 4.11 (35)-1.8 (14).
Green kicked two goals and was one of the Kangaroos best along with Baliee Said and Demi Hallett.
A qualifying final with Redan awaits the Kangaroos. The winner will play North Geelong for a spot in the grand final, while the loser will play in an elimination semi final.
The qualifying final will be played at Marty Busch Reserve, Sebastopol on Sunday at 2.30pm.
Redan is one of two teams the Kangaroos haven’t beaten this season, the other North Geelong.
Green believes her side can take it up to them come Sunday.
“We haven’t played our best footy against them and we haven’t had our full team on the park,” she said.
“They’re a very competitive bunch of girls and they love the challenge. It’s the perfect opportunity in the first final to challenge a team we think we can match but haven’t yet.
“Hopefully bring our best and give it a good shot.”
In division 2, an undermanned Gisborne couldn’t match with Drysdale. The Bulldogs pushed the Hawks, but ended up losing 5.13 (43)-1.5 (11).
