Bacchus Marsh is the first team through to the AFL Goldfields Women’s Football League division 2 grand final.
The Cobras, who finished the regular season in third spot, have found form at the right time of the season.
After knocking off second-placed Drysdale last week in a qualifying final, on Sunday the Cobras faced ladder leaders Carisbrook, which was coming off a bye in the first week of the finals.
It was a see-sawing contest for most of the game with both sides looking to take advantage of the wind when they had it.
After three quarters of blustery, wet conditions the Lions led by two points heading into the final change. It was a good spot to be in for the Cobras, who were kicking with the breeze in the final quarter.
The Cobras grabbed a two-point lead half way through the quarter. Doing all the attacking, they increased the lead to 10 points with three minutes to go.
Even at that stage Cobras coach Hayley Gossow wasn’t confident the job was done.
It was only when league-leading goalkicker Madalyn Clarke kicked a goal on the final siren that the Cobras knew they were through to the grand final.
The winning score was 6.3 (45)-4.5 (29).
Gossow said they were thrilled to make the inaugural division 2 grand final.
“It’s pretty good,” she said
“The wind died down a bit in the fourth quarter, but we were able to still use it well.
“Everyone was stoked when the siren went. We were 10 points up with three minutes to go but you can never count chickens until they hatch.
“That last goal sealed the deal.”
Clarke finished the game with three goals for the Cobras. Gossow said Abbey Bertram, Emily Crawford and Zhoe Clarke were the standouts in a team performance.
The Cobras have a week off, before they face the winner of the preliminary final between Carisbrook and Drysdale.
Drysdale won through to the preliminary final with a strong win against an undermanned Gisborne side.
The Hawks won 4.12 (36)-0.2 (2).
Gossow said they would focus on doing what they could do to improve their game.
“You play footy to win flags,” she said.
“You take it one week at a time but the sky is the limit now we are there.
“We’ve played both these teams in the last two weeks so we know how they play.
“We will focus on our game and we know the way we want to play. It’s about us the next two weeks, to give us the best opportunity to win a premiership.”
