WRFL: Point Cook Centrals claim Division 2 women’s premiership

Point Cook Centrals has claimed its first WRFL women’s premiership with a star halfback stealing the show.

Point Cook Centrals are the queens of the Western Region Football League.

The Sharks produced a dominant second half display to storm home to a 9.8 (62) to 4.1 (25) victory over Caroline Springs in the Division 2 grand final on Saturday morning.

It was the club’s first women’s premiership in its five years of existence and the first senior premiership, men’s or women’s awarded, in the competition since 2019.

Coach Leanne Meyer thanked supporters and officials in her postmatch speech.

But you couldn’t wipe the smile off her face which proved how proud she was of her players.

“The last couple of years were tough with Covid but this was a true representation of the last couple of years,” she said.

“They’ve stuck fat. We exchanged everything from toilet paper and chocolates to now where now they’re exchanging recipes and how to stay motivated and disciplined.

Point Cook Centrals were far too good. Photo: WRFL/Facebook.

“It’s a result of a lot of hard work.”

It was a slow start for the Sharks who led by just six points at the first break but soon found their rhythm in the second.

Halftime appeared to be the perfect thing for the Sharks as they kicked away in the third quarter.

Their ball movement was outstanding to watch as they dominated clearances.

“We wanted to start from the first bounce and I think we panicked a little bit in the first quarter in that our forward 50,” Meyer said.

“Once we found that composure in the forward line there was no stopping us.

“I think the nerves they released in the first final and today they were on from the first bounce.

“They played for each other, they played for the jumper.

“That’s how you win games of footy when you play for each other and not an individual game.”

Point Cook Centrals players celebrate their premiership. Photo: Brayden May.

Mary Daw was awarded the best on ground medal after a sensational display across halfback.

Daw, alongside her sister Sarah, intercepted countless forays forward by Caroline Springs to give their side drive out of the back half.

Maddi Johnson and Leah Moss impressed in the middle of the ground while Rachel Collisson proved pivotal in the ruck.

One of the highlights of the third team came from Mandy Smith who celebrated brilliantly after she kicked truly.

“I’m so lucky to have the Daw sisters, they compliment each other beautifully,” she said.

“Mary is known as Goat in our team because of her composure and footy smarts. She’s just an exceptional player, I wish I could clone her.

“She’s an exceptional person, the whole family is to be honest, but she’s a wonderfully talented footballer.”

Sharks forward Ebony Watkins capped off her last game of footy with a goal.