ANC Grand Final
Victorian Fury (57) defeated by Southern Force (59)
Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium | Gunaikurnai Land
Fury fell agonisingly short in the gold medal match, going down to Southern Force by two goals on Sunday afternoon to secure the silver medal.
Q1: 13-17
The intensity was up from the first whistle with both sides steadily converting their centre passes. Fury made some uncharacteristic errors allowing the Force to secure a handy four goal lead, despite the hard work of co-captain Olivia Lewis in goal keeper. Gabby Coffey showcased her impressive hops and the changes didn’t stop there, Claudia Mawson entering the fray and Jordan Cransberg rolling on into centre to try and combat the Force’s attacking pressure.
Q2: 10-15
Down by four goals at the first break the Fury rung in the changes, Cransberg shuffling to wing defence and Maggie Caris pulling on the goal keeper bib, but it did little to disrupt Lucy Austin’s impact under the post. The Force pushed the margin out to a nine goal lead. Hannah Mundy was instrumental in attack for Fury receiving every second pass and Ruby Barkmeyer worked hard in goal shooter, but it was not enough to quell the Force.
Q3: 14-13
Emma Ryde provided a strong option under the post in the third while Cransberg found herself in her third position for the game at wing attack. Tori Honner was a workhorse in defence but the Force refused to give up, pressuring every pass as they increased their lead to a game high 13 goals. Coffey’s injection into goal keeper proved to be a game changer, picking up a number of intercepts and deflections as the Fury piled on six goals straight to bring the margin back within reach.
Q4: 20-14
Ryde found her rhythm under the post as the Fury’s pressure increased, reducing the margin to six. Momentum started to swing the way of the Fury, Sharni Lambden whipping out some magic to reel in a huge intercept and full-court defensive pressure reducing the deficit to just two goals, but despite a huge 20-goal final term from Fury it was too little too late, the Force claiming the gold medal 57-59.
Fury’s Hannah Mundy was named MVP of the tournament.
