James Murphy
THE conclusion of the 2023 Limestone Coast Women’s Football League season is upon us with the grand final to be held at Vansittart Park this Sunday.
There will be two matches played on the day, but the main focus will be on the premiership clash between Mundulla and North Gambier in the afternoon.
Both teams will be confident heading into the decider.
Mundulla dropped just one game for the minor rounds, excluding a draw to Kybybolite early in its campaign.
However, that loss came at the hands of North after an arm wrestle at McLaughlin Park.
The clash was a low-scoring affair but both teams have since proven untouchable with some big winning margins.
Mundulla has scored an impressive 370 points in its three games since the Round 7 encounter, while conceding only seven.
Those results have cemented Mundulla as the premiership favourite, but North could produce another surprise.
The home-ground advantage will aid North in its premiership bid, with plenty of talent to support its case.
Alice Tentye was recently named joint best Under 21 player for the league at the 2023 awards night.
She has been a consistent performer for the Tigers and is also their leading goalkicker with a total of 30 for the season including her finals appearances.
Luca Roulstone has been another consistent name among the best players, while the likes of Mikaila Pitt in the ruck, Eadie Mustart and onballers Paris Ackland and Libby Howe-Morgan will all be looked to again.
North’s Fiona Young was named best defender for 2023 and will need to be at her best to deny Mundulla another big score.
On the other side of the contest, Mundulla boasts runner-up best and fairest Casey Lodewyk and league goalkicking medallist Kaylene Rowett.
Rowett has been prolific in front of the big sticks and her 27 minor round goals contributed greatly to Mundulla’s high-scoring prowess.
Lodewyk has led the charge through the midfield and will be aided by the likes of Erin Horsnell in the middle, while runner-up best defender Kellsey Hinge will be vital down back.
It all equates to an intriguing contest and should North bring the same form it found in Round 7, a close battle could unfold.
However, if Mundulla is allowed to find a foothold early and cut loose on the scoreboard, it might spell disaster for the home team.
KYBYBOLITE v KONGORONG
Prior to the battle of the Tigers, Sunday’s proceedings will be opened by the consolation final between Kybybolite and Kongorong.
Their meeting will ultimately decide fifth place for 2023.
Kyby will be heavily favoured for the win and while the northern Tigers missed the chance to defend their 2022 title, they should have a firm grasp on the consolation prize.
Last time the teams met was in the qualifying final B, which had Kyby advance straight to the decider with a 31-point win.
League best and fairest Dellie Brown topped the best players in that match – one of four best-on-ground performances for the year.
Erin Ewer has been another regular among the best players, while Alix Mosey and Maryann Thompson both played well in the preliminary final.
Genevieve Blake topped the scoresheets with three goals, while she also led the attack in Kyby’s minor-round meeting with Kongorong with five majors.
In that game Kyby trumped the Hawks by 86 points, which fuel confidence levels further leading into Sunday.
Kongorong started the season well with three strong wins on the trot.
However, the side has struggled against the top teams and will rely on a valiant effort to keep up with Kyby’s fast-paced game style.
The Hawks have relied on a diverse attack this year, with Evie Sealey (eight goals), Marnee Formosa, Tilah Buckingham (seven), Kate Wright and Zara Dirk (five) the top contributors up forward.
Sealey has appeared in the best players nine times from her 10 games, while the likes of Jade Longbottom and joint runner-up best defender Sarah Lucas have also had solid seasons.
That trio all made the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League team of the year and will hope to lift their team to the next level in the final outing of 2023.
GRAND FINAL FIXTURE, VANSITTART PARK – Sunday, April 16
Consolation final: Kybybolite v Kongorong, 11.30am; Grand final: Mundulla v North Gambier, 1.15pm.
