An action packed semi final weekend saw Sunbury straight through to another big dance, while Darley dished up a convincing win in tough conditions on Sunday.
Sunbury
def.
North Ballarat
While they didn’t get the win on Saturday, North Ballarat showed they can more than match it with the defending premiers.
Kim Bailey’s Sunbury line-up carried a notable omission in star goal keeper Elly Randall, who was sidelined with a heartbreaking midweek injury.
Randall’s absence saw Tayla Honey step into goal defence, with Eliza Gollant shifting back to goal keeper.
The reshuffled Lions settled seamlessly, with Sarah Croft (C) and Simona Di Fillipo (WA) combining beautifully to feed Rebecca Hicks, who shot a perfect 11 from 11 in the opening quarter.
For North Ballarat, the line-up was more familiar, with Poppy Douglas returning as starting goal attack alongside Maddy Selmon (GS).
The pair combined well in the ring, helping level the scores 14 apiece at quarter-time.
Both coaches turned to their benches in the second term, rotating through the midcourt. Abigail Inglis rolled through wing defence and centre for Sunbury, sharing time with Georgia Hellyer (WD) and Croft (C).
For the Roosters, Alana Bodey injected fresh legs at wing defence, replacing Gina McCartin.
North Ballarat began to build momentum in the third quarter. Georgia Bodey came into goal attack and continued her accurate shooting form from the week prior.
The Roosters edged ahead by three goals with five minutes to play, but defensive pressure from Gollant, Croft and Honey created key turnovers, allowing Hicks and Caitlin Hill (GA) to combine for 19 goals and swing the scoreboard back in Sunbury’s favour.
With just a goal separating the sides heading into the final term, it was anyone’s game.
But Sunbury’s composure proved decisive.
They held possession, converted centre passes, and capitalised on turnovers to edge ahead, maintaining their lead until the final whistle to secure a four-goal victory.
The result brings a sense of déjà vu: Sunbury booking back-to-back grand final appearances, while North Ballarat will now face Darley in the preliminary final.
Darley
def.
Lake Wendouree
In what could only be described as trying conditions, Darley ended any chance of a fairy-tale finals run for Lake Wendouree.
The Devils dominated the majority of the game at Marty Busch Reserve on Sunday, convincingly winning every quarter except the second.
While Lakers defenders Kate Drew (GK) and Remi Hooper (GD) worked hard to limit supply to Darley’s main target, Liv Cawthray (GS), captain Mon Nagle was unfazed by the windy conditions, shooting 9 from 10 in the opening term.
At the other end, Matilda Elliot (GK) and Anna Lawley (GD) restricted the young Lakers’ attack to just seven scoring shots, giving Darley a 12-goal lead at the first break.
The Lakers settled in the second quarter, almost doubling Darley’s scoring shots.
Sadie Cheesman’s move into centre added defensive pressure and better connection through the court, while Audrey Domaille (GD) managed to reduce Nagle’s impact on the scoreboard.
The margin was trimmed to eight at half time.
But Shannon Blackman’s Devils quickly regained control after the break and extended their lead for the rest of the match.
With Ailish McCormack sidelined through an achilles injury, Maddison Bosio stepped up to the A Grade side and gained valuable court time.
Despite Courtney McLean’s Lakers exploring their depth, the deficit proved too great to chase down.
Youngster Ebony Porter (GA) remained accurate for the Lakers despite the swirling wind, while Cawthray continued to find answers for Darley, converting difficult shots from range.
Darley now advance to face North Ballarat in the preliminary final for the second consecutive year.
