It was a special night for the City West Falcons who claimed premierships in the 19/Under and Championship division while the Hawks made history of their own clinching the Division 1 title.
19/UNDER
City West Falcons (62) defeated Wilson Storage Southern Saints (47)
The Saints flew out of the blocks in the opening quarter, putting the Falcons on notice nice and early. But as the game went on, momentum started to swing in favour of the Falcons with some huge defensive plays falling their way. The quick transition down court didn’t do the Saints any favours who were forced into catch-up mode as the Falcons skipped out to a commanding lead to run home 2022 champions.
Kahlan Tanoi had a real impact for the Falcons with the wing defence proving to be a menace around circle edge, constantly getting hands to ball and creating deflections. Inside the defensive circle the pairing of Charli Nicol and Achel Yout worked wonders with Yout recording two huge shot rejections. Up the other end of the court, Teal Hocking and Adut Manyiel starred with Hocking taking out the MVP after her impressive shooting display. Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs was a real game changer for the Falcons with her added height enabling her to claim prime real estate at the top of the goal circle to feed into the shooters.
Mia van Wyk was influential for the Saints down in defence with her quick feet and timing enabling her to disrupt the attacking flow of the Falcons. Through the midcourt the work of Millie Hogg and Charlize Buskermolen was strong, as they worked in overdrive to hit circle edge for the Saints and provide clean ball to Isabella Templeton and Malia Seumanutafa under the post.
DIVISION 1
Hawks (48) defeated Geelong Cougars (43)
The Hawks pulled off an almighty come-from-behind victory to run home with the Division 1 title. After jumping out of the blocks in the first quarter the Cougars seemed to have all the momentum and that trickled into the second and third term. But a major swing in the fourth saw the Hawks kick into gear and go on a scoring rampage and secure the premiership trophy.
Emma Buwalda had a hot hand for the Cougars with the goal shooter happy to put shots up from everywhere and anywhere. Her combination with Georgia Cutherbertson was strong as they manoeuvred the ball around court to inch closer to post. Chloe Duke toiled away for the Hawks in goal keeper while the work of Sally Deller and Sasha Witts out the front provided extra pressure especially in the final quarter.
Ellen Doyle and Indya Forde put the Hawks attackers on notice with their tenacity and intent, but the cool, calm and composed nature of Elle Rice and Hannah Keane shone through.
CHAMPIONSHIP
City West Falcons (49) defeated Geelong Cougars (47)
There was no shortage of twists and turns throughout the Championship match with the lead changing multiple times. The physicality was up from the first whistle with neither side willing to back down without a fight. With a packed stadium and vocal crowd, the Falcons rallied home to steal the premiership from right underneath the Cougars who held a handy six goal lead heading into three quarter time.
Uneeq Palavi put on a show in goal shooter, with her movement and accuracy to post causing all sorts of headaches for Geelong’s Brooke Allan. Madelyn Gray was impactful out in goal attack, drawing Tori Honner out with her as the Falcons put together a dominant final term. Mel Bragg worked in overdrive both in centre and wing defence to quell the influence of Montana Holmes and Maggie Lind who had the ball on a string in the final quarter.
Grand Final, MVP Zoe Davies has a scintillating final term coming up with some huge intercepts and timely deflections to spur her side into attack. But she didn’t have it all her own way with Julia Woolley and Zanna Woods capitalising on their strong connections and movement in the circle to keep the Falcons guessing.
