Darebin Falcons move one step closer to ultimate prize after VFL Women’s preliminary final victory

A LATE run of three unanswered goals earned Darebin Falcons a shot at a fifth straight premiership after a thrilling preliminary final win.

Darebin Falcons star Katie Brennan looks for an option on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

A LATE run of three unanswered goals earned Darebin Falcons a shot at a fifth straight premiership after a thrilling preliminary final win on Saturday.

Playing St Kilda Sharks at Coburg City Oval, the Falcons looked to be in trouble after falling two goals behind midway through the third term.

Darebin’s Aasta O'Connor wins a ruck contest against St Kilda’s Jenna Colwell. Picture: Hamish Blair

But a determined finish booked the powerhouse a spot in the VFL Women’s grand final at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, winning 4.4 (28) to 3.5 (23).

“It was a tight game and pretty fiercely contested all day,” Falcons coach Jane Lange said.

“The last quarter we managed to get a little bit more ball on the outside and made it a bit more free flowing.

“The girls always had it in themselves they could do it, even though it was really tight and they probably weren’t playing the kind of footy we like to play.

“They hung in there, were strong around the contest and it was nice to be able to convert some of that hard work into goals.”

Darebin Falcons’ Stephanie Simpson is put under pressure. Picture: Hamish Blair

Lauren Arnell kicked two of the last three goals, but it was Daisy Pearce who really stood up for her team.

“Daisy led from the front,” Lange said.

“It was a tough day for everyone — no one was able to get to the outside, but her workrate to provide defensive pressure and her attack on the ball was outstanding.”

Darebin’s Lauren Pearce locks horns with St Kilda’s Jenna Colwell. Picture: Hamish Blair

Lange also praised the defence for its job on Jasmine Garner, Shannon Egan came in and impressed in the ruck, while Meghan McDonald, Alex Reynolds and Katie Brennan were also influential among several contributors.

The Falcons now look forward to taking on nemesis Diamond Creek, which won the second semi-final between the pair by 25 points.

Daisy Pearce on the burst for Darebin. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Diamo has a good running game. They beat us a few times in transition, so we will address that and make sure we’ve got the maximum amount of pressure at the coalface and stop their running game,” Lange said.

“I am really proud of the girls’ effort. It’s a long season and it has been a challenging year at times.

“I am looking forward to them bringing that effort next week.”