Hillside has ticked off a finals win and now is focused on bigger things in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division.
For all the success that the Sharks have had the past two years, a finals win wasn’t something that it had been able to achieve.
That changed on Saturday as they easily accounted for Essendon Doutta Stars in an elimination final.
The two sides faced each other in the final round of the season and it was much of the same as the Sharks won 15.16 (106)-1.1 (7).
Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said it was pretty massive for the group.
“It’s definitely a bit of a reward for the last couple of seasons,” he said. “Even though we finished higher last season, we are still in the same game of the season.
“It’s a much better feeling going into the game after kicking 100 points than going in after losing.
While the Stars were missing a few, the Sharks focused on their game and tried to stick with what worked for them.
They jumped out to a 23-0 first quarter lead and made it 46 points heading into the main break.
It was much the same in the second half as they kicked at least three goals in every quarter.
“We focused on what we needed to do,” Ferraro said. “There was a good vibe taken into the game.
“We played pretty well. We had a lot of rotations and everyone was on the same page.
“We moved the ball well despite it being quite congested and we were able to keep hitting the scoreboard.”
Caitlin Sargent kicked eight goals in the best on ground performance.
Ferraro said it was nice for her to get some continuity with her football and put out a performance like that.
“Her and Patty [Emily Paterno] take turns each week,” he said. “It’s good as whichever one is on that day, we look to feed them.”
Kiara Rigg kicked three goals for the Sharks as well in a pleasing performance as she came back into the team.
Ferraro said she really sets the vibe in the front half for the Sharks when she is up and going.
Anne Gray and Annalise Wilkie were also busy in the middle of the ground for the Sharks.
It was a good weekend for the Sharks, with their women’s reserves side beating Aberfeldie to win through to the grand final.
The Sharks kicked a goal with less than two minutes on the clock to seal the win.
The Sharks seniors now face Aberfeldie in the preliminary final for a second straight season in the preliminary final.
Aberfeldie lost the qualifying final to Oak Park on Saturday.
Abers has a 2-1 record this year against the Sharks.
Ferraro said they would look to change a few things.
“Mo Hope has killed us the last two times, so we need to shut her down,” he said. “Having Makaylah Brne back from the Western Jets helps us across half back.
“We’ve got a bit more fitness into the players and hopefully keep up with them for four quarters.”
