Bacchus Marsh has experienced grand final heartbreak in the AFL Goldfields’ Women’s Football League.
Having played their best football in the past month, the Cobras thought they were a good chance against Carisbrook on Sunday in the division 2 grand final.
It wasn’t to be for the Cobras, who were easily beaten 8.16 (64)-3.3 (21) and held goalless in both the first and last quarters.
Cobras coach Hayley Gossow said the club was shattered by the loss. The Cobras had beaten Carisbrook in the semi-finals two weeks before.
“We finished the season so well,” she said. “We beat them twice and thought we would be a really good chance. It hurts and it should hurt.”
Gossow said the Lions proved to be too strong in the midfield and were able to control the game.
She said the Lions’ bigger bodies played a part in their midfield dominance.
“Their running was outstanding and we couldn’t go with them,” she said.
“They played fantastic today. They won the ball on the turnover, their transition was brilliant and they helped out their teammates.
“We couldn’t get our hands on the ball – and when we did, we didn’t use it well.”
Emily Crawford kicked two goals for the Cobras, with Madalyn Clarke scoring the other goal.
Crawford, who has been a standout all season, was named the Cobras’ best along with Elise Korteman.
Gossow said that despite the disappointing end to the season, they would take a lot out of the year.
“Regardless of what we’re feeling now, it’s been a success,” she said. “We started so slowly and had a few bad losses early on. We had a couple of first-year players and some girls couldn’t kick a footy. To play in a grand final shows the work that everyone has done.”
Gossow said it wasn’t just the playing group that deserved the recognition, but also the rest of her coaching team.
“Success is due to a whole team,” she said.
Gossow said this year, the first they’ve won a final, would be the beginning of something exciting.
“Next year we’ll be greater than ever,” she said. “We don’t want to feel like this again.”
North Geelong claimed the division 1 title, going through the season undefeated.
The day was a tough one all round for the Cobras, with their under-13 side losing the Riddell junior girls grand final.
In a low-scoring match, Centrals held on to win 2.3 (15)-1.5 (11) despite not scoring in the second half.
Tamara Henry kicked the only goal for the Cobras, while Matilda Woods was named the side’s best.
