More experience and depth of talent were key factors in the Kyneton Tigers women’s team winning the RDFNL 2023 grand final on Saturday evening.
Macedon proved worthy finalists, having defeated Melton and Woodend-Hesket to earn the right to tackle the powerhouse Tigers.
The history-making grand final was played in cool conditions at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend, before a very large crowd which delighted the league hierarchy.
Fears that the grand final may be a very one-sided fizzer proved to be unfounded, as the Macedon Cats turned in a performance they can be proud of against very strong opposition.
The Tigers went into the match not taking anything for granted.
“We knew that Macedon were continually improving each week, so we weren’t going to take them lightly,” stated Kyneton’s dynamo captain Teagan Ainslie.
The Tigers went out to play their fast-paced high-pressure game, which has become a trademark, but squandered several first quarter chances as Macedon attacked the ball and used pace and teamwork to advantage.
Speedsters Lilli Collins and Lulu Slater were very prominent for the underdogs, but they struggled in attack with the very talented Taylah Moore in control, making and clearing the ball with long kicks to position.
Kyneton could only manage 0.5 in the first quarter, a goal disallowed on the siren, while the Cats failed to score.
The midfielders for Kyneton were in form, as usual, with Belinda Hateley starring in the ruck.
When the chips were down, the versatile Jordan Savoia stepped up and put three goals on the board in the second term.
Laura Roberts was dangerous near goal for the Cats, and excited the side’s strong contingent of supporters with two second term goals.
Kyneton went to the break leading 3.8 to 2.1 and it was certainly ‘game on’ with onlookers enjoying the contest.
Graham Kays, former Gisborne champion and 1970 Bowen Medal winner with a record 38 votes, was among those who came along to the historic final.
The Tigers controlled much of the play in the third quarter, but failed to run away with the match.
Roberts marked and kicked her third goal and the Tigers went into the last term knowing they had to continue to work hard to land the premiership.
And so it proved, with huge elation when the final siren sounded.
The Tigers’ players and supporters were overjoyed, but Macedon was largely not down-hearted.
Co-captain Tamara Collins said the Cats had come to give their best, and there was no reason to be down cast. At half-time they were still in with a chance, but it was not to be.
Collins has been a driving force behind the formation of the Cats team, adding another sport to her bow.
The Tigers’ premiership was specially pleased for women’s coordinator Natalie Korinfsky, who had been with the women’s side at Kyneton since its inception.
Several other players were also “originals” when the team was formed.
Ainslie accepted the premiership cup after the very consistent Alex Strawhorn was applauded as best on the field, receiving her special medal as well.
All the Kyneton players were presented with their premiership medals by RDFNL board member Glen Shilling, and the officiating umpires also received medals. It was a big night for celebrations at the Kyneton Showgrounds.
Kyneton coach Phil Hawkes said the RDFNL has set a great standard for women’s football in Victoria, and it is exciting to see so many talented layers coming through the ranks.
The Tigers will now enjoy a well-deserved break before pre-season begins in November, but not before a few celebrations locally with the cup!
Premiership team: Jordan Savoia, Heidi Erasmus, Emily Gibson, Belinda Hateley (vice-captain), Peta Turnbull, Caitlin Nash, Courtney Johns, Emma Williams, Stacee Randall, Sophie Fontaine, Breanna Meadows, Skye Sinclair, Nicole Rowan, Taylah Moore, Shannon Prendergast, Beth Whittem, Jane Rolls, Nikita Jamson, Alexandra Strawhorn.
MATCH DETAILS
Kyneton 5.13 (43) d Macedon 3.2 (20).
Goals (K) –J. Savoia 3, S. Prendergast, N. Jamson.
Best – Savoia, T. Ainslie, B. Hateley, A. Strawhorn, T. Moore, H. Erasmus.
Goals (M) L. Roberts 3.
Best – L. Collins, Roberts, L. Slater, S. Lynch, T. Collins.
