Tara Murray
Melton’s Riddell District Football League women’s season might have come to an end on Saturday, but the Bloods walk away proud.
After struggling in the Ballarat Football League competition the last couple of years, the Bloods made the move across to the brand new RDFL competition this year.
The Bloods were able to get some early wins on the board and the confidence grew as the side secured a finals spot.
Despite entering the preliminary final with Macedon as favourites on Saturday, the Bloods fell short of achieving their grand final dream.
Bloods vice-captain Danielle Roczniak said they were sad they weren’t able to make the grand final, but had exceeded all their expectations this year.
“We didn’t expect to get this far,” she said. “We were bottom of the ladder last year and then to come second [on the ladder], it obviously a good experience and we’ll be better for it next year.
The Bloods entered Saturday’s preliminary final against Macedon favourites, having beaten the Cats twice during the regular season.
The Cats were full of confidence after beating Woodend-Hesket in the first week of finals, while the Bloods had a loss to Kyneton.
It was an even first quarter and the Bloods still led by one point at the main break.
The Bloods kicked the only goal of the third quarter to open up a nine point lead heading into the final break.
Roczniak said they thought they had the game plan to hold on in the final quarter despite the Cats having the breeze.
“We were in front for three quarters before they came out to take the win,” she said.
“They had the game plan to win it and they deserved to win it in the end.”
The Cats would kick three final quarter goals to seal the 4.4 (28)-2.4 (16) win and the grand final spot.
Tayla Debono and Melina Ciavarella were the goal scorers for the Bloods.
Rhiannon Carra and Jordan Syme were named their best.
Roczniak said it was disappointing for their season to come to an end in the preliminary final.
“It was so sad, but we’re super proud to get this far,” she said.
“We had a great start to the season and we won a lot of games. We had a lot of new players start from scratch and learn as the year went off.
“We’re not just teammates though, we’re good friends off it and hopefully we can go further next year.”
Roczniak said they were hoping to add a few more players next season and a few younger ones, to help the team go any further than this year.
The Cats now face Kyneton in the grand final on Saturday at Gilbert Gordon Reserve at 5.30pm.
