There’s a lot to like about the Whitehorse Suns’ debut in the Eastern Region Women's competition

There’s a lot to like about the Whitehorse Suns, despite being eclipsed by Chirnside Park in the grand final.

Whitehorse Suns’ Zoe Makris (left) leads a race for the ball during Sunday’s grand final against Chirnside Park. Picture: James Ross

Despite a hefty defeat in Sunday’s Eastern Region Women’s Premier Division grand final at the hands of the all-conquering Chirnside Park, there’s a lot to like about the Whitehorse Suns’ future, according to coach David Griffin.

It’s been a massive year for Whitehorse, reaching the season-decider in its first season after returning to the east from the Northern Football League.

Along the way it signed a partnership with AFL/AFLW’s Gold Coast Suns, an alignment that will help with player and coach development for years to come.

On Sunday, however, the Suns were eclipsed by the slickest outfit in eastern suburbs football and lost 11.8 (74) to 0.8 (8) at the Lilydale Sports Oval

“They were by far and away the best side this year but we are really happy to be honest,” Griffin said. “Chirnside Park had winners all across the ground and are very well coached. They were strong, well structured and it’s clear they have played a lot of footy. They kick the ball a country mile as well.

“I wish them well and offer them sincere congratulations. To win a flag at any level takes a lot of hard work but to win it in a Premier division is something special. They are well supported and have formed a clear footy destination for females in the outer-eastern suburbs.”

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Alice Pamminger of the Whitehorse Suns kicks clear on Sunday. Picture: James Ross

Griffin said there was lot to be pleased about, despite the defeat.

“Our girls were great,” he said. “They were brave, dedicated and, as a group, they have had an amazing year and should be very pleased with the season.

“Who would have thought after finishing winless last year, that they would get to play off in a grand final. The improvement has been astounding to be honest. In every game this year the girls continually stepped up.

“What a great experience for all of us at the club. To be part of the formation of a new team that is back in the Eastern league, all I can say is, ‘Wow what a year!’

“Our girls created a great culture, they embraced everyone and became role models for not only girls but boys as well.”

Tara Reiter was one of the Whitehorse Suns’ best players Picture: James Ross

Eastern Region Women’s

Premier Division Grand Final

Lilydale Sports Oval (Sunday, September 1)

Chirnside Park 2.3 2.3 7.7 11.8 (74)

Whitehorse Suns 0.2 0.5 0.6 0.8 (8)

CHIRNSIDE PARK Goal Kickers: D. Millott 3, S. Di Mauro 3, A. Cakuls, E. Lewis, J. Provan, L. Howell, R. Lohman Best Players: S. Di Mauro, D. Millott, J. Borg, C. Wilkinson, J. Provan, A. Allsopp

WHITEHORSE SUNS Best Players: C. Wood, G. De Angelis, Z. Makris, P. Joy, A. Pamminger, T. Reiter

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