OLs erase grand final heartache as decider proves bridge too far for Parrots
Jennifer Guy missed Old Launcestonians’ third straight NTFA women’s grand final defeat last year through injury. But she made up for lost time with a best on ground display in Saturday’s win over previously unbeaten Bridgenorth.
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Nursing a busted knee, Jennifer Guy was powerless to help as Old Launcestonians fell to a third straight NTFA women’s premier grand final last year.
But the former North Melbourne VFL player made up for lost time after her best on ground display helped the Blues to a drought-breaking 4.3 (27) to 1.6 (12) win over Bridgenorth in Saturday’s decider at UTAS Stadium.
Guy was rehabbing a torn ACL 12 months ago but her strong performance, especially in the first half where the Blues set up the win, was duly rewarded.
Up against previously unbeaten Bridgenorth, Old Launcestonians took advantage of kicking with the wind in the first term with goals to Jessica Jamieson and playing coach Abbey Green.
They restricted the Parrots to a goal apiece kicking into the wind in the second term, and Jamieson’s second goal in the final term sealed the win.
Guy sensed OL’s, especially the players who had featured in losing grand finals, had a steely resolve to ensure it didn’t happen again.
“Everyone was very determined, it’s been a long time coming. The win today doesn’t show the work we’ve done over just one season, it’s what’s gone on over the last four seasons,” Guy said.
“There’s been so much hard work and dedication, and it’s really exciting to get the job done today. And not just the girls on the field, but for everyone in the club who’s been a part of the last five years (since OL’s obtained a women’s license).”
“I can’t explain it, it (team vibe in the lead-up) just felt different. We went in confident and knew it was our time.
“We had to do the hard work and we were willing to do that. Everyone played their role.”
Guy said the opening two goals were vital in settling the side, and also applying the pressure on the Parrots.
“That was huge. It set the tone for the game once we got on the scoreboard, we kept pushing and we didn’t stop,” she said.
“I was on the sidelines last year which was quite tough, it made me want it even more this year.”
OL’s ruck-forward Ash Mawer secured a second premiership in the space of two months after she captained Northern Hawks to a second straight Tasmanian Netball League premiership in July.
Mawer also won the TNL’s player of the year for a fifth time. She said she relishes taking a back seat in football and playing her role.
“Absolutely I do enjoy that, I just go where I’m told,” she said.
“The thing with footy is OL’s is a real family club, and it’s just done wonders for me as a person having that group around me.
“I’ve been a part of OL’s for the past five years since we got our women’s license, so to win today is a really rewarding experience.”
Mawer played in the previous two NTFA grand finals and said that experience against a Parrots side playing their first helped.
“There’s a great core group of us who have been together a long time and I think that showed today, because our connection as a team and chemistry was what won us the game.
“We’ve had the last four grand finals, and having that experience of trying to perform on the big stage is invaluable and something that showed today.”
Parrots co-captain Mikaela Clarke said saving their only defeat for the game which matters most would drive her side over summer.
“They locked down in defence really well and we couldn’t get through,” she said.
“Definitely this will drive us to work even harder next year and come back stronger.”
In the under-18s grand final, Old Scotch completed a finals surge from fourth spot with a 5.2 (32) to 3.3 (21) win over George Town.
The match hung in the balance before two late Old Scotch goals - a snap from Michael Innes-Smith and Archie Edwards’ superb set shot from the boundary - got them home.
Old Scotch’s Ollie McFarlane won the David Marshall Medal as best on ground.
WOMEN
OLD LAUNCESTONIANS 2.2 3.2 3.2 4.3 (27) def BRIDGENORTH 0.0 1.3 1.3 1.6 (12)
Goals: Bridgenorth - Emily McKinnell; Old Launcestonians - Jessica Jamieson 2, Abbey Green, Amber Murphy
Best: Old Launcestonians - Jennifer Guy, Carly Farrow, Alex Ferguson, Dana Lester, Jessica Jamieson, Alice Bennett; Bridgenorth - Grace Walker, Jenna Griffiths, Phoebe Ketchell, Emma Woods, Hallie Meaburn, Morgan Carlson
UNDER 18S
OLD SCOTCH 0.1 1.2 2.2 5.2 (32) def GEORGE TOWN 0.0 1.0 3.2 3.3 (21)
Goals: George Town - Sashyn Tuthill 2, Kale Fraser; Old Scotch - Charlie Crosby, Oliver Knowles, Jack Briggs, Michael Innes-Smith, Archie Edwards
Best: George Town - Tallis Trudgeon, Kale Fraser, Daniel Potter, Zane Cooke, Eliott Cross, Brayden Arnold; Old Scotch - Ollie McFarlane, Rupert Mackenzie, Fletcher Alps, Oscar Winspear, Eli Bellinger, Sam Brown
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