By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals’ women’s side has won through to an AFL Goldfields Women’s preliminary final.
Centrals accounted for Gisborne in their semi-final clash 7.5 (47)-4.3 (27) on Sunday to advance to the next stage.
For much of the playing group, it was their first finals win, having only started playing football this year.
Centrals coach Ray Martin said it was pretty exciting for the group and the big crowd that had gathered at their home ground, Arnolds Creek Reserve, to watch the game.
“They were ecstatic to win the way we did,” he said.
“They went out and performed how they have all year. They put it all together and it was brilliant.
“They are so excited. It’s hard to describe the feeling.”
Centrals kicked two goals to one in each of the first two quarters to open up a 15-point lead at half-time.
Martin said it was that second quarter which set it up for them.
Centrals then kicked the next three goals, to have a game-winning lead. Gisborne kicked two late goals, but the game was already over.
Martin said the key for the side was getting off to a good start and building a lead. He said they were a better side when they were in front early.
“If we start off in front, we’re able to hold on.
“So many of the girls in the team haven’t got a lot of experience. Finals gives you the experience that is needed.”
Jessica Kelly kicked two goals for Centrals.
Nicole Undy and Emily Porter were Centrals’ best, with Martin saying they had a number of good performers.
It was big day for the Centrals with their under-13 girls and under-18 girls sides also playing in finals at Arnolds Creek Reserve.
The under-18s girls got up and won straight through to the grand final.
Martin said it was a pretty big day for the club.
“We had both grounds going at one stage,” he said. “We’ve had a couple of the 18s play with us and we have six girls coming up to us next year.
“For them to be in the grand final is really exciting. They’ve got a big future.”
Melton Centrals’ women’s side will face Redan in the preliminary final. East Point awaits the winner in the grand final.
Having already exceeded their expectations this year, Martin said anything else is a bonus.
“Anything can happen in finals,” he said.
“There were nerves in the first week, but they settled and they wanted to go out and play football and back each other up.”
