Macedon women’s football team captured the 2025 Riddell League premiership with a comprehensive grand final victory on Saturday night.
The enthusiastic and talented Cats went through the season unbeaten and were too good for first-season team Riddell 6.12 (48) to 1.3 (9).
To cap off a great weekend, Macedon obtained two more premierships at Melton on Sunday.
The Under 17s grand final resulted in a 11.6 (72) to 5.9 (39) victory for Macedon Blue against Romsey, and the Bendigo Bank Youth Girls’ grand final produced a 7.10 (52) to 1.1 (7) victory against Melton Centrals.
Saturday night’s match at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend attracted a huge crowd with Macedon and Riddell having very strong support. Hot food outlets at the ground were besieged by customers.
In last year’s women’s grand final, Macedon beat Kyneton by one point, 5.8 to 6.1, at the same venue.
Chilly but fine conditions greeted the teams and umpires on Saturday night as they lined up for the opening ceremony.
There were plenty of vocal supporters and play was fast moving with 16 a side on the ground, and plenty of open space.
The Cats put early pressure on and finally broke through for a goal, then another, to lead by 15 points at the first break.
The Bombers showed they had come to play, and squandered a couple of chances for early goals.
The trend in Macedon’s favour continued in the second term, with the two goals obtained being hard earned.
Riddell could not score that vital first goal to lift confidence, and Macedon had 4.4 on the board at half-time.
Could the Bombers find some answers? They tried hard but the Cats did not relax and basically wrapped up the match with two more majors in the third term.
Fun is one of the Cats’ traits and players enjoyed themselves as the inevitable approached.
Could Riddell score a goal? Yes, an inspired left-foot kick from Ruby Taranto sailed through after a contest at half forward.
Macedon’s co-coaches Chris Nolan and Bevan Uren appeared quite relaxed.
After the siren there was huge jubilation on and around the ground; eventually the formal presentations took place with both sides acknowledged for their season.
Nolan said Riddell was where Macedon was a few years ago, and to reach the grand final was a huge effort.
He said the grand final, with such a large attendance, was good for the Riddell League and women’s football.
Nolan commended all at Macedon, and in particular the players, for their efforts throughout the season.
It was no surprise to see the highly skilled and quick moving Ruby Watts receive the best on field medal. The premiership cup handover triggered many photo opportunities.
Macedon’s best were Ruby Watts, Taya Konias, Lilli Collins, Lily Prater, Brianna Woodburn, and Samantha Pointer.
The Cats’ goals came from quality forward Charlotte Noonan 3, Shakira Parker 2, and Grace Sanders-Savage.
Riddell’s best were listed as defender Lauren Nolan, Breanna Tarczon, Jessica Sproule, Lauren Shaw, Emma Croft and Brianna De Haas.
THE PREMIERS
The Macedon football side which won the RDFNL women’s grand final on Saturday evening was as follows:
Backs: Tamara Collins, Sarah Miles, Lily Prater, Samantha Pointer, Adriane Ward.
Mids: Ruby Watts (v-c), Lilli Collins (v-c), Brianna Woodburn (c), Stephanie Jones (Ruck).
Wings: Taya Konias, Alex Cairney.
Forwards: Ninna Harbinson, Shakira Parker, Bridie Kinghorn, Grace Sanders-Savage, Charlotte Noonan.
Interchange: Hayley Stewart, Laura Wilkinson, Tiane Ryman, Clytie Deering, Tamsin Muller, Caitlyn Muller, Jessy Unger, Sian Andrews, Emergency — Sarah Wright.
Co-coaches: Chris ‘Doona’ Nolan, Bevan Uren.
