Montmorency 1 edged out Banyule in a thrilling Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1 Second-Semi Final, winning by five points at Epping Recreation Reserve to book their place in the 2023 Grand Final.
With the help of some Isobel Shaw heroics, which included a go-ahead goal in the final stages of the game, the Magpies held on to win 3.1 (19) to 2.2 (14).
As she has all year, Emily Beanland dominated in the ruck and produced plenty of hit outs to advantage. She was also impressive around the ground and provided inside 50’s on multiple occasions.
Madeline Gallagher-Beanland was also impressive, working tirelessly on the wing and winning her own ball at each contest.
For the Bears, Olivia Perillo starred in a brilliant display, and kicked a crucial third quarter goal to give her side the lead at the final break.
Rebekah Watson also played a terrific game for Banyule, obtaining many possessions and always finding ways to get her teammates involved in the game.
It was Beanland who put her stamp on the game from the opening bounce, as despite the wet conditions, she continuously helped the Magpies create opportunities in the attacking half.
But against the run of play, it was Banyule who struck first as Brieanna Musgrave found the big sticks 15 minutes into the match to give her side the lead.
Both sides marked well in the wet weather, with the minor premiers looking to run and carry the ball while the Bears aimed to kick the ball forward at every opportunity.
Montmorency trailed by five points at quarter time but were still threatening to regain momentum.
After a solid first term, Madeline Ellis took it up a notch in the second and produced some great efforts down the wing as the Magpies pushed to hit the scoreboard.
They eventually got some reward for their work through Grace Robinson, who’s 10th major of the season regained the lead for Montmorency.
As they continued to win more possession, the Magpies would take a seven-point advantage into the main break after Isobel Shaw marked and goaled deep inside 50 just before the half time siren.
Starting the second half, neither team could capitalise on their opportunities as both teams shared possession of the ball for the first 10 minutes.
Banyule rallied hard in the third quarter and looked to press forward at every opportunity.
Their ability to keep the ball inside their attacking half proved valuable throughout the quarter and was eventually culminated later in the term through a goal from Perillo, which gave the Bears the ascendency and a one-point three quarter time lead.
Montmorency tried to replicate their impressive second term but the Banyule defence, which had conceded a goal since that second quarter, were tough to get past.
Leading the way in the strong defensive effort was Heidi Cummins, who was prominent throughout the back half.
But in the final 10 minutes of the match, the Magpies found a breakthrough, as Shaw positioned herself out the back of a kick inside 50, received the ball and ran into the open goal to help the minor premiers hit the front.
The final moments of the game saw Montmorency remain in control of the contest, as despite Banyule’s best efforts to create one final push forward, it was he Magpies who booked their first Grand Final appearance since 2018.
