Lions’ roar not enough to beat Adelaide University as the Blacks enjoy premiership success
Adelaide University is Adelaide Footy League women’s top tier champions after beating newcomers SMOSH West Lakes in a thrilling grand final.
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Adelaide University is the Adelaide Footy League women’s division one champions after beating SMOSH West Lakes in a thrilling grand final by two points on Sunday.
The Blacks entered the clash with a point to prove having lost the flag decider to Salisbury last season.
But they found themselves behind at the main break before clawing their way back to triumph
5.5 (35) to 4.9 (33) at Thebarton Oval.
Adelaide University Mark Moody said the victory was a result of a full team performance but Matilda Van Riel, Cassie Tsoumbris and Emily Tromans were standouts.
Moody, who was appointed West Adelaide’s new SANFLW coach last month, said it was the perfect way to finish his inaugural season at the helm of the Blacks.
“We dig deep and in the last quarter we held on,” Moody said.
“They (the players) did themselves proud, it was really good.
“It’s special.
“I’ve committed to the club to help out in some way next year, we’ve started something and I’d like to make sure we can continue it.
“We have a theme at our club and that it’s about ‘we’ not ‘me’’.
“They played as a team, stuck together and everyone contributed and they got their reward.”
SMOSH West Lakes coach Greg Phillips was proud of his team’s performance and overall season.
Phillips, an eight-times SANFL premiership player with Port Adelaide, led the Lions to the flag decider in their inaugural Adelaide Footy League women’s top tier season.
Phillips, who is the father of Crows star Erin, said most expected the Lions to finish towards the bottom of the ladder because the team had been put together from scratch.
The 60-year-old, who lined up in 343 SANFL games with Port and 84 VFL matches with Collingwood, said the Lions’ women’s program was in a good position and would continue to build.
“It was a bit disappointing to lose,” Phillips said.
“But when you look at the bigger picture, it was our first time in the competition, it’s been a big effort to get the girls together and build a club culture and team spirit.
“We had our opportunities and missed a couple of goals in the last quarter, but that’s footy.
“We tried and it nearly come off, but it’s not all not doom and gloom for us.”
The Lions shocked the Blacks, who ended their campaign as minor premiers, early and led by nine points at half-time.
But Uni’s experienced line-up helped turn the momentum and get the Blacks over the line in the end.
Hannah Ewings and twins Sheridan and Kendall Howell were best for the Lions.
