Tara Murray
Burnside Heights were given a bit of a wake up call as it suffered a first up loss in the Essendon District Football League division 1 women’s finals.
Facing Greenvale in a qualifying final for a second straight year, the result was the same with the Jets winning through to the grand final and the Bears having to try and do it the hard way.
Bears coach Michael Davis said it wasn’t the result they were after.
“We didn’t stay in the contest for long enough,” he said. “We had moments and we had opportunities.
“We didn’t stay engaged for long enough. This is the first time that this has happened.
“The first time they beat us, we were with them all day. This was something different, but we don’t want to take anything away from Greenvale.”
The Jets led by two goals at quarter time and increased the margin to 20 points at half time.
With three goals early in the third quarter the margin was back within a goal and the Bears had all the momentum.
That soon changed with the Jets leading by 19 points.
Davis said that was one of the key moments of the game when they weren’t able to keep control of the game.
“We kicked three in a row and they then went down the other end, that was the story of our day.
“Hopefully we bounce back this week.”
The Bears got the only goal of the final quarter, but the Jets did enough to win, 7.11 (53)-6.3 (39).
Bella Negri kicked three goals for the Bears and Kayla Ravanello kicked two goals.
Davis said Abbey O’Mara, Holly McGregor and Krissy Trang were their three best players.
The Bears will face Airport West in the preliminary final.
The Eagles beat Keilor Park in the elimination final, 7.10 (52)-2.3 (15). The Eagles were able to build the margin in every quarter.
Davis said the playing group had learned their lessons from last year when they went out in straight sets.
He said the loss to Greenvale had opened their eyes that they need to work harder.
“We’ve worked hard enough to create this opportunity if it did go pear shaped,” he said. “We reset and wipe out that result.
“Tuesday we’ll have a bit of a chat. Airport West has made it a three team competition after what they’ve done there.
“I think we’re in a different peace of mind this year and we are better for the experience of last year.”
Meanwhile in premier division, Hillside finished the regular season with an 11.10 (76)-1.2 (8) win against Maribyrnong Park.
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Sharks bounced back in a big way.
Caitlin Sargent kicked four goals for the Sharks.
Mia Spiteri and Kiara Rigg were named their best.
The Sharks this week face Oak Park for a spot in the grand final. Aberfeldie faces Essendon Doutta Stars in the elimination final.
