Junior Girls Football SSV State Champions 2024

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA: STATE FINAL

JUNIOR GIRLS FOOTBALL

On Tuesday 3 September, the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo Junior Girls Football Team travelled to Bundoora to face Norwood Secondary College in the School Sport Victoria (SSV) State Final. The game was played in four 20-minute quarters, which was a longer format than the girls had played in previous rounds. Both teams had convincingly won their quarter and semi-finals, signalling that this match would be a tough and tightly-contested one.

1st Quarter

It took a few minutes for the nerves to settle, with both teams taking time to adjust. There was plenty of pressure from both sides at the contest, leaving little time and space to carry the ball. Each play was hotly contested, with the ball moving back and forth between the 50-metre arcs. Eventually, our midfield players managed to push the ball forward, finding Etta Place in the forward pocket. Etta showed her class with a check-side kick from a slight angle to score the first goal. This helped settle the team’s nerves. At the end of the first quarter, CMCB led 1.1.7 to Norwood’s 0.2.2.

2nd Quarter

Norwood started to get on top of the game early in this quarter, winning clearances and outworking us around the ball. This pressure saw them kick the first goal of the quarter and take the lead for the first time. However, our backline regrouped and stood strong against the forward pressure being applied by Norwood. Positive and determined leadership from Elodie Sharman and Macey Pinner ensured the team maintained their structure and successfully rebounded the footy. Elke Fletcher wasn’t afraid to put her body on the line, taking a strong bump and injuring her shoulder, which then unfortunately ruled her out for the remainder of the game. Despite this setback, some great transition work from key midfield players Imogen Brown, Molly Beasley, Ava Hope and April Wainwright saw the ball kicked deep into the forward line. Our forwards, Evie Gretgrix, Layla Burn, Etta Place and Marlie Skinner, worked hard to create space from their opponents, managing to score a couple of goals to put some scoreboard pressure on Norwood. It was a terrific finish to the quarter and as a result CMCB went into the half-time break with a 12-point lead, 3.3.21 to 1.3.9.

3rd Quarter

Charlotte Comer and Lexi Jones, as rucks, managed to gain the upper hand in the hit-outs, allowing the girls to win the clearance battle. Etta Place moved into the forward line and found space, taking on her opponents and kicking two quick goals. The tackling pressure applied by Poppy Carter, Zara Mould and Sophie Healy made it difficult for Norwood to transition the ball out of their back 50. The last couple of minutes of the 3rd quarter were pivotal, with Norwood sending the ball into their forward 50 time and time again. Our backline held strong, with excellent teamwork from Georgia Bray, Mila Childs, Milla Dalton, Ruby Kelly and Quinn Guthrie, holding their composure. The girls also had some luck on their side, with Norwood hitting the goal post twice. By the end of the quarter, CMCB led 5.3.33 to Norwood’s 1.6.12.

4th Quarter

In the final quarter, the game started to open up and the girls were able to cover the ground better, continuing to work hard both defensively and offensively. The all-important first goal of the quarter came from Marlie Skinner, who capped off her brilliant day by giving her opponent the “don’t argue” before snapping a quick goal from out of the pack. Forest Jackson-Leahy gathered the ball cleanly to put another six points on the board and once again Marlie Skinner followed up with another outstanding play, taking two bounces, dodging her opponents and kicking a great goal to seal the game. Sophie Healy finished off the scoring with a beautiful running snap after receiving an excellent handball. It was a brilliant and classy finish to a great game. The final scores were CMCB 9.3.57 to Norwood’s 2.6.18.

Every player contributed to a brilliant SSV State Title victory. With the extended quarters, it was pivotal to have such depth within the team. Smooth rotations on and off the bench with similarly skilled players meant the team could dictate the play all over the ground. A huge thank you goes to Brock Pinner for being the team runner and assisting Mr Millard. Our student helpers, Rania Jackson-Leahy, Tully Place, Chella Fitzgerald and Myah Humphry, did a fantastic job ensuring the day went as planned. A special mention goes to Tarli Nihill and Eva Grant, who were unable to play in the final due to injury but were still essential to the team’s success.

Congratulations to Marlie Skinner, who was awarded the Best on Ground medallion.

Best Players: Marlie Skinner, Elodie Sharman, Etta Place, Macey Pinner, Sophie Healy and Zara Mould.

Goal Kickers: Etta Place (4), Marlie Skinner (3), Sophie Healy (1), Forest Jackson-Leahy 1.

It was also fantastic to have so many parents, carers, friends and family members attend to support the team. Well done girls, on a brilliant SSV State Final win!

Year 7 Girls Football Team – State Champions: Lexi Jones, Imogen Brown, Sophie Healy, Zara Mould, Quinn Guthrie, Layla Burn, Ruby Kelly, Forest Jackson Leahy, Evie Gretgrix, Etta Place, Mila Childs, April Wainwright, Charlotte Comer, Elke Fletcher, Eva Grant, Tarli Nihill, Poppy Carter, Milla Dalton, Georgia Bray, Ava Hope, Mr Leigh Millard (Coach), Ms Holly Speed (Assistant), Macey Pinner, Marlie Skinner, Molly Beasley, Elodie Sharman