Calder Cannons into NAB League Girls grand final after stunning upset win over Geelong Falcons

Calder Cannons produced a stunning first quarter burst on Saturday to claim a stunning upset over Geelong Falcons and move into the NAB League Girls grand final.

Calder Cannons celebrate their preliminary final win.

Calder Cannons produced a stunning upset on Saturday to shock Geelong Falcons by 35 points and move into the NAB League Girls grand final.

The Falcons had lost just one game in two years entering the preliminary final but were stunned by the Cannons’ first-quarter blitz at Shepley Oval in Dandenong.

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The Cannons kicked three goals to nil in the opening term and remained in control throughout to finish 7.4 (46) to 1.5 (11) winners.

Minor premiers Northern Knights await in the decider this Saturday at Princes Park.

Cannons talent manager Russell Humphreys couldn’t praise his team’s performance highly enough.

Georgie Prespakis controls the ball under pressure.

Neve Crowley puts Calder on the attack.

“We shocked Geelong a little bit with our intensity … our intent around the footy was so strong all day,” he said.

“It was our best start for the year and we were a lot cleaner than the last time we played Geelong.

“The whole club is really excited and it’s a good reward for the girls but also their parents and families.”

The Falcons managed to level the playing field in the second and third quarter, reducing the margin to 23 points at three-quarter-time.

However, with a maiden grand final appearance in sight, the Cannons lifted again in the final term to kick two goals and again keep the opposition goalless.

Calder Cannons players celebrate a goal in the preliminary final.

Calder Cannons players sing the song after their preliminary final win.

Bottom-ager Emelia Yassir was best on ground in the win with Georgia Sampson, Georgie Prespakis and captain Georgia Patrikios all impressive while Zoe Hardiman was the leading goalkicker with two.

“Emelia’s still only bottom-age but is fantastic overhead for her size and a good kick,” Humphreys said.

“Her skill level is excellent and she has a really bright future going forward.”

Due to a fixture quirk Calder and Northern Knights didn’t meet this season.

The Knights finished undefeated minor premiers and will be looking to go one step further than last year where they fell to Geelong in the grand final.

Calder will be hoping to add to their 2017 premiership.

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