Future footy stars make their mark on the big stage in the STJFL grand finals

The wet conditions kept the scores low but the players’ spirits and passion was running high as hundreds of teens ran out for the STJFL grand finals. SEE THE MEGA GALLERY >>

THE action was fierce in Tasmania’s biggest junior football competition when the top teams went head-to-head in the STJFL grand finals at North Hobart Oval.

Boasting more than 3600 registered players, the Southern Tasmania Junior Football League lets kids play footy, make friends, be healthy, as well as being the nursery for future regional, second tier, State League and NAB League state players.

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Neve Hagan, captain of the Kingborough under-13A2 girls, led the Tigers to victory over North Hobart in her first premiership after three years in the game.

“We are happy just to have a season and we’ve worked so hard for this,” Neve said.

“Everyone has put all of their effort into winning and we are just so happy.”

North Hobart’s Mia Anderson is tackled by Kingborough’s Matilda Lange in the under-13 STJFL grand final. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

North Hobart won the under-17A1 girls premiership in a thriller over Sandy Bay 2.6 (18) to 2.4 (16) and captain Claire Ransom was ecstatic.

“What separates us is that we play as a team, and we are always looking to play our brand of footy, and no matter what the weather we still play our footy and not being rushed and getting sucked in to playing the opposition’s brand,” she said.

It was the third year in a row the Demons have won the under-17 title.

“I’m so proud of these girls. They have worked so hard. We’ve had some injuries over the past few weeks and today they won it for those girls,” said co-coach Libby Johnstone.

The under-13A2 boys grand final was won by Brighton over Claremont, and the under-17A2 premiership went to Glenorchy over Claremont in an overtime thriller 2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9).