By Lachlan Onions
MUNDULLA 6.8 (44) d NORTH GAMBIER 2.5 (17)
MUNDULLA took out the 2023 Limestone Coast Women’s Football League premiership on Sunday in a comprehensive display against North Gambier.
Speaking to The Border Watch after the game, Mundulla coach Michael Hunt said “he could not be prouder” of the girls.
“I am over the moon,” he said.
“This bunch of girls, you could tell early in the season that the group really clicked and they have been so easy to get on with.
“They were all working for each other and after each training they would sit around and chat for half an hour.
“They have been really terrific, there is a great feel around the club, they work hard and everything they have achieved, they really deserve.
In windy conditions at Vansittart Park, the two Tigers sides faced off and Mundulla took the ascendancy early with the breeze on its side.
Mundulla kicked the first four goals of the game and went into the first break with a 25-0 lead.
Hunt said the first quarter with the wind was crucial.
“It meant we could put all the players behind the ball and start tightening up,” he said.
“The girls transitioned well into the breeze and also got a goal in the last quarter which was nice.”
However, North soon hit back in the second stanza and goals from Emmason Ilsley and Luca Roulstone meant the hosts went into the long break trailing by just 13 with the score 26-13.
With the game still in the balance and a comeback not off the cards from North Gambier, Mundulla stood tall in the premiership quarter and held the hosts scoreless.
Hunt’s side added 1.6 (12) in the term to head into the last change with a 25-point lead.
Despite controlling possession and having the ball in its forward half for the majority of the last quarter, North was unable to make any indentations to the lead and added just four minor scores for the term.
Mundulla’s Lisa Hawker scored the only goal of the final quarter to put the icing on the cake as her side went on to claim a 27-point victory.
Mundulla co-captain Casey Lodewyk was named best on ground and kicked two goals for the game.
She was supported by Erin Horsnell, who also kicked two majors, as well as Hawker and Kaylene Rowett, who kicked one goal each.
Hunt was full of praise for his entire side this season and gave credit to several members of his team.
“Our midfield has been tremendous all year,” he said.
“Casey Lodewyk, Erin Horsnell, Nat Twigden and our rucks who were new at the game all stood up well.
“Our wings, Zoe Hawker and Anna Will have been awesome and in our backline, Kellsey Hinge has just been amazing at centre half-back as well as Kaylene Rowett.
“It has been a terrific all-round team effort.”
