Burnside Heights produced some of its best footy of the year to move a step closer to a second straight Essendon District Football League division 1 women’s grand final.
The Bears were clinical in their win against Westmeadows in the elimination final on Saturday, not allowing the Tigers much space.
While Westmeadows kicked the first goal of the game, it was all the Bears from then on as they ran away with a 9.10 (64)-1.1 (7) win.
Bears coach Michael Davis was thrilled with the result.
“It’s good, the hard work is starting to pay off,” he said. “The first 40 minutes was flawless footy for us.
“And the second 40 was then working through it and making sure we finished off our job.”
Davis said their structure was set up to make it hard for the Tigers to get the ball in their front half.
He said they wanted to control the ball.
“We wanted to make sure that we held it all the way through,” he said. “The backline was amazing and is what we need to be.
“Having Payton [Ozsols] and Krissy [Trang] on the outside with their run and carry, is amazing and reading of the ball is brilliant.”
Tayla Iglesias and Kayla Ravanello kicked two goals for the Bears.
Sina Mason, Kiara Asani-Davis and Ravanello were named their best.
One move the Bears have made this season is moving Trang from in the middle onto the wing.
The third-time league best and fairest winner was one of the Bears best on Saturday.
“We thought we would let her play footy and let her do what she does best, that is run and carry and that has been brilliant for the last month,” Davis said.
“Should have kicked a few I think but she brought others into the game. That’s the difference having her out on the wing, she brings more people in.
“We’ve got a midfield that is starting to stand up with multiple people and not just the Krissy show.”
Davis said having a number of players who could play different roles was one of their biggest strengths this season.
He highlighted the move of Abbey O’Mara moving into the midfield from a wing, as giving someone an opportunity to learn from some experienced players.
The downside for the Bears was a couple of injury concerns.
Jorja Brink was taken to hospital with a lower leg injury, while Amber Lee exited the game early after a head knock.
Davis said Lee passed the concussion test but would see what happened.
He said they would look to give some more of their under-18s an opportunity.
“There were five that played today [Saturday] and that will just open up a spot for a few more,” he said.
“We’ve always said our 18s are our future and that is what we want, what is continuing to happen.”
The Bears will face Keilor Park in the preliminary final. The winner will face Strathmore in the grand final.
The Bears are yet to beat the Devils this season.
“I think we can beat them,” Davis said. “If we play to the standard today, we’re a chance.”
