Victoria have been crowned the Marie Little Shield champions after a thrilling grand final clash with New South Wales.
Game 6
New South Wales (20) defeated Victoria (11)
An early morning start didn’t hamper the energy in the first match of the day, as Victoria took on New South Wales in a physical battle.
A tight tussle from start to finish, the Vics put on five goals in the second quarter to level the scores at half time. Jessica McCullogh led the defensive effort, using her height under the post and aerial ability to claim several rebounds throughout the match.
Rachael Potter flew through the midcourt, her pinpoint feeds finding her goalers through the tall New South Wales defenders.
Edged out by their rivals by 9 goals, the Victorians had a second chance in the coveted gold medal match just a few hours later.
Final – Gold Medal Match
New South Wales (11) defeated by Victoria (19)
The rivalry between New South Wales and Victoria reached another level in the gold medal match, with the Victorians determined to go one better than 2022.
The team in navy came out firing in the first quarter, making the most of the turnovers to take an early four-goal lead.
Sky-Ann Grace was a pillar in goal keeper, while Emma Daffy and Erin Munckton combined beautifully in the ring. Marie Little Shield veteran Renay Hall was calm and confident throughout, find her goalers with ease at circle edge.
NSW brought the heat in the second half, their pace and height proving a challenge for the home side. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Victorians, who soared to an eight goal win – claiming their third Marie Little Shield.
