James Murphy
The Limestone Coast Women’s Football League post-season is upon us with all semi finals to be played at Penola’s McCorquindale Park on Sunday.
There will be four games contested across the day, which will conclude with the qualifying final between Casterton Sandford and Mundulla.
This will be an intriguing encounter after the Cats finished on top of the ladder with only one loss for the season, with Mundulla in second due to a Round 2 draw.
However, the Cats’ single defeat was dealt by none other than Mundulla, in the form of a 100-point thrashing.
That was back in Round 4 and since then the Cats beat North Gambier, who then went on to defeat Mundulla the following week.
Those results certainly keep things interesting, but Mundulla has been a force to be reckoned with in 2023.
If the Cats do not keep them contained from the first bounce, another big score could be on the cards.
Especially if Kaylene Rowett has her sights locked again, coming off a 10-goal performance in Round 9.
Casey McElroy has been a consistent performer and has been in Mundulla’s best players in every outing this season.
Erin Horsnell and Kellsey Hinge are other regular contributors, while Natasha Horne enters the weekend off a best-on-ground performance.
The Cats have no shortage of talent either, with Libby Altorfer taking the competition by storm.
Alena Tranter will be another to watch, particularly in front of goals, while Gabrielle Sullivan and Amelia Thomas have had consistent seasons.
Mundulla will be favoured to claim the first ticket into the grand final, but will have to bring its best to deny the Cats an upset.
Prior to their clash North will play Penola in the elimination final.
A bye in the final minor round caused the former to drop from first to third position, hence losing the security of the second chance.
It now faces the Eagles, one of only two teams to beat the Tigers this year.
Their Round 4 clash was an arm wrestle which had Penola come out on top by nine points.
The likes of Caroline McGrath and Heidi Berkin impressed for the Eagles, while North looked to Laura Chester and Fiona Young, with Alice Tentye best in front of goals.
Another tough battle can be expected but North will remain confident in its ability after showing consistent form throughout its 2023 campaign.
As is the trend in the women’s competition, a consolation – or finals B – series will also be played.
The qualifying B final will be contested between Kybybolite and Kongorong, who finished the minor season in fifth and sixth respectively.
Kyby may not be in the running to defend its 2022 premiership, but the northern Tigers will be hungry to wrap up the consolation title.
They will be heavily favoured to progress straight into the decider, having defeated the Hawks by 86 points in their minor-round meeting.
Dellie Brown has been a driving force for Kyby and comes off another best-on-ground performance against South Gambier last week.
That game was also played at Penola, giving the team another advantage over the Hawks.
Kongorong stumbled against the Cats last week, but the likes of Sarah Lucas and Janita Galloway will carry form into the weekend.
It is likely the Hawks will need their second chance, which should have them play South in next week’s preliminary B final.
The Demons take on Millicent in what should be a one-sided result.
The sides met on the Saints’ home deck a few weeks ago and in a low-scoring affair, South prevailed by 26 points.
Sophie Wight has appeared in the Demons’ best in all eight games this year and will be looked to for another solid performance.
She will be joined by the likes of Jarrah Altschwager and Chloe Lines who have also frequented the best players.
The Saints have had just one win for the year, against wooden-spooner Kalangadoo.
Keslie Wilkinson, Alannah Pratt, Lauren Potter and Michelle Robinson have been standouts across the season and will look to push their team towards a competitive finals match.
However, South should take the win and progress to next week’s preliminary.
Following Sunday’s games the 2023 league presentations will be held at the Penola Football Clubrooms from 5pm.
SEMI FINAL FIXTURE – Sunday, March 26 (Penola, McCorquindale Park)
Elimination final B – South Gambier v Millicent, 10am; Qualifying final B – Kybybolite v Kongorong, 11.35am; Elimination final A – North Gambier v Penola, 1.10pm; Qualifying final A – Casterton Sandford v Mundulla, 2.45pm.
