Taylors Lakes’ premiership dreams came falling down on Saturday as it proved no match for Gisborne-Kyneton United in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 grand final.
The Lions always had a big task ahead of them in the grand final, with United undefeated throughout the season.
After a close match up between the sides earlier in the piece, United had the Lions measure including in the qualifying final.
The Lions started well on Saturday at Coburg City Oval with their tackling pressure up and making the Lions work hard for the ball.
The Lions got one early goal, but United was also able to hit the scoreboard and lead by 17 points at quarter time.
From then on, United dominated the game with it all but over at half time.
It continued into the second half, with United winning 10.12 (72)-1.2 (8).
An emotional Joseph Antonetti said he was immensely proud of the group.
“We have come a long way,” he said. “You;ve got to still think it’s our second year of having a team.
“Probably could have made finals last year and we were unlucky. But in our second year to make it all the way to a granny is a good achievement.”
Antonetti said for them to pull off the upset win they needed to play the perfect game.
But United was switched on.
“They don’t let you play perfect footy,” he said. “They hurt you all over the ground.
“I said 100-point wins at the start of the year meant nothing. You learn more off your losses and you can learn a lot off a team like that.
“They don’t give you any time and space and they were so good using the footy and spreading the ground.
“Hats off to them. They are the best team all year and thoroughly deserve it.”
It was the Lions leaders that really stood up in the loss.
Rebecca Foggie was everywhere for the team, with multiple intercept marks.
Courtney McCormack was busy in the middle of the ground.
Stefania Valerio and Sarah McNally both came off with injuries but battled out the game.
Foggie and Valerio were already talking about next year and going one step further after the game and looking at the positives.
“You know what you get with them, Stef and Bec,” Antonetti said. “They are competitors and I know playing in this division is hard for them as they are so far above it.
“We have a lot of players who are new to footy and it’s hard for them. They are just such great players.
“For mine, Bec was just about best on ground. I’m not sure how everyone else saw it. Stef as well, so hungry to win.”
Antonetti said he hoped the team had learned from the leaders and the opportunity to play in a grand final.
“I know winning isn’t everything, but you don’t come out to lose.”
