Northern Knights claim maiden NAB League Girls minor premiership with GWV Rebels win

Northern Knights claimed its maiden NAB League Girls minor premiership on Sunday with a dominant win over Greater Western Victoria Rebels as it eyes a grand final return.

Nell Morris-Dalton in action for Northern Knights.

Northern Knights claimed its maiden NAB League Girls minor premiership on Sunday as it eyes a grand final return.

The Knights smashed Greater Western Victoria Rebels by 45 points at Mars Stadium to finish the season undefeated, setting up a preliminary final clash with Eastern Ranges.

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Nell Morris-Dalton was a standout in the 7.8 (50) to 0.5 (5) win, with the star forward collecting 22 disposals and a goal.

Ellie McKenzie was the leading ballwinner with 23 disposals, four marks and three tackles while Jessica Fitzgerald also impressed with 21 touches.

The Rebels were held goalless for the match as defenders Ciara Fitzgerald, Sarah Sansonetti and Phoebe Chisholm shutdown any attacking forays.

Jess Fitzgerald in action for Northern Knights.

Ellie McKenzie in action for Northern Knights.

Knights talent coordinator Zoe Slatter said the team was hitting top form at the right time of the season.

“We’re heading into the preliminary final with confidence against Eastern Ranges,” she said.

“Nell Morris-Dalton played at centre half-forward and rotated into the mid, providing a fantastic focal point.”

It was a dominant finish to a dominant season for the Knights, who’s only blemish was a draw against Oakleigh Chargers in Round 2.

The team is looking to go one step better than last year after going down to Geelong Falcons in the grand final but must first get through Eastern.

The Knights proved too good in Round 5, coming away with a 24-point win as Gabrielle Newton and Britney Guktnecht impressed.

Both NAB League Girls preliminary finals will be held at Dandenong’s Shepley Oval on Saturday.

The Knights’ boys team will also feature on the day against Oakleigh Chargers.

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