Tara Murray
Darley’s dream of premiership joy in the Ballarat Football League Women’s competition didn’t eventuate on Saturday.
In their first grand final, the Devils took on a strong and experienced Redan side with hopes of upsetting the favourites.
Having beat the Lions earlier in the season, the Devils took some confidence into the game.
The first half was even on the scoreboard with the side’s kicking one goal apiece.
The Lions’ experience shone through in the second half, as they ran away with the premiership, winning 6.4 (40)-1.2 (8).
Devils coach Jack Hanneysee said they were disappointed but proud at the same time.
“We all believe in the fairy tale and it didn’t come true,” he said.
“There’s definitely bigger and better things to come for this group. I’m so proud of them and the amazing job they’ve done.
“The growth that has come this year has been amazing.”
Hanneysee said they thought they were on top in the first half, but they couldn’t put it on the scoreboard.
He said the Lions defence was too strong.
“They have a superior back line and repelled everything thrown at them,” he said.
“Our avenue to goal couldn’t change or we would have lost that forward pressure. Apart from that we controlled the first half.”
Hanneysee said the Lions’ Victorian Football League Women’s players stepped up in the third quarter and proved to be vital in opening up the game.
Scores were locked at one goal apiece at half time, before the Lions kicked away in the third quarter with four goals.
They sealed the win with their sixth goal in the final quarter.
“In the fourth quarter we tried to revamp but at one time we had six players on bench at one stage with cramp,” Hanneysee said.
“Our girls played the game of their life. It was the biggest intensity our young list has played at. We couldn’t sustain it for as long.”
Taylor Ford was the goal kicker for the Devils.
Hanneysee said there were a lot of positives out of the season for the club. He said the playing group’s maturity and level headedness had come throughout the season.
He said several players had received VFLW offers, showing people were watching what they were doing.
The game finished Hanneysee’s time as coach. He announced earlier in the season that he was stepping down.
He said he was looking forward to what the group could do.
“I’ll still be involved at the club whether formally or informally,” he said. “This year coaching took a toll.
“I’m stepping away for now and who knows into the future.”
The Devils under-14 girls team also suffered a grand final loss.
North Ballarat was too strong, winning 2.8 (20)-0.0 (0). North Ballarat’s Macey Squire was named best on ground.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh fell short in the under-16 youth girls grand final.
North Ballarat claimed their second BFLW flag, beating the Cobras 4.2 (26)-2.5 (17).
North Ballarat’s Isabella Davies was named best on ground.
