NTFA women: Parrots secure sweet grand final revenge

Bridgenorth women’s team’s mantra before Saturday’s grand final was ‘our story’. After losing last year’s grand final after an unbeaten season, they ensured the next chapter is more pleasant after exacting revenge on Old Launcestonians.

Bridgenorth Football Club won the WomenÕs NTFA Grand Final. Picture: Linda Higginson

They faltered in the game that matters last season, but Bridgenorth wasn’t about to stumble again after exacting NTFA premier women’s grand final revenge on Old Launcestonians at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.

Co-captain Grace Walker said the Parrot’s theme this week was ‘our story’, and this chapter was a nicer excerpt for them to write than 12 months earlier after their 3.8 (26) to 0.4 (4) win.

The Parrots went unbeaten before falling to OL’s in the decider last year, and had lost just once to the same opposition this year.

Their pressure at the contest was evident throughout on Saturday, and forward Emily McKinnell’s ability to take her chances while others could not proved the difference.

Bridgenorth's assistant coach and trainer Aaron Woods celebrates with fans. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The Bridgenorth spearhead kicked two first half goals to ease her side’s grand final jitters.

After their qualifying final clash went goalless in awful conditions, it took just six minutes for the first major after McKinnell kicked truly after a strong mark.

Just seconds before half-time McKinnel’s snapped from 30 metres out enjoyed a favourable bounce to give her side a 14-point lead at the main break.

A melee boiled over in the dying seconds of the game. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

As they did for patches of the second quarter, Old Launcestonians dominated field position but were only able to add two behinds to their score as the Parrots clung to a two-goal advantage at the last change.

Alice Robinson of Bridgenorth shields the ball from an Old Launcestonians opponent. Picture: Linda Higginson

Parrots prime movers, captain Alice Robinson and this year’s league best and fairest Jenna Griffiths, began to have a huge impact after they were quiet early in the game.

Bridgenorth shut the game down well in the final term, forcing several stoppages to chew down the clock and seal their premiership win.

Hallie Meaburn kicked a goal late in the game to put the icing on the cake, as a melee spilled over in the middle of the field in the dying seconds.

Walker said Bridgenorth was more prepared to carry the favourites tag.

Bridgenorth coach Bobby Beams and co-captains Grace Walker and Alice Robinson with the cup. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Reflecting back we think we did everything right last year and it was disappointing to come away with the loss, but it put us in good stead looking ahead to a new season,” she said.

“We really worked on those one per centers to get us over the line this year.

“When we had that loss a few weeks back it was a weight off the shoulders, and every time we’ve been presented with a challenge we’ve met it this year.

“It’s unreal to have this (cup), it means so much to us. Our theme this week was ‘our story’ and looking at the history of our club, to say we have got that piece of gold now is pretty unreal.”

Bridgenorth players take a selfie after their win. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Walker said keeping Old Launcestonians goalless for the second time this finals series is what they’re most proud of.

“We’ve had a huge emphasis on denying our opponents, we’ve got a really strong and connected back group and across the field as well,” she said.

“Whenever we come up against OL’s it’s strong footy, every time we can get a clearance we’ll take.

“With the people we have around the footy club and our community, there’s huge plans for next year.”

Bridgenorth ruck Monique Dufty was named player of the match.

Bridgenorth players celebrate. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

NTFA PREMIER WOMEN’S GRAND FINAL

BRIDGENORTH 1.2 2.4 2.4 3.8 (26) def OLD LAUNCESTONIANS 0.0 0.2 0.4 (4)

Goals: Bridgenorth - Emily McKinnel 2, Hallie Meaburn

Best: Bridgenorth - Monique Dufty, Alice Robinson, Emily Mckinnell, Maddy Whitney, Maddison Dunn, Jenna Griffiths; Old Launcestonians - Macenzi Lloyd, Sophie Ranken, Mia Jarman, Amber Murphy, Ashlea Mawer, Sophie Farrow

Bridgenorth celebrate winning the Women’s Premier NTFA Grand Final. Picture: Linda Higginson