Panton Hill have made history in their first season in NFNL senior women’s competition by booking a place in the Division 3 Grand Final with a thrilling three-point victory over Hurstbridge at Preston City Oval.
Despite having less of the territory than the Bridges for majority of the contest, the Redbacks held an advantage for from late in the first half onwards, following a two-goal second term.
Hurstbridge would produce a major of their own in the final term, and despite pushing hard to hit the front late, Panton Hill were able to hang on and finish 2.0 (12) to 1.3 (9) winners in the preliminary final.
The triumph is another step towards a remarkable inaugural campaign for the club, as they now prepare to take on Heidelberg West for the second time in three weeks in next Sunday’s decider.
Ben Brown’s side were led from the front by star midfielder Bianca Walker. One of two goalkickers for her side on the day, Walker worked hard all day in defence and as well as in the attacking half and came out on top in some big moments in the final quarter, which helped Panton Hill get over the line.
She was well supported by Bridie Groves and Amelia Pullyblank through the midfield, with both Groves and Walker key players in Panton Hill’s strong defensive transition game.
The Bridges had plenty of stars across all lines despite their season coming to an end, with Kristy Steven the standout in defence with her run and dash.
Renee Brain’s experience in midfield was also impactful, particularly when Ruby Butterfield pushed forward to play a role in Hurstbridge’s forward 50.
It was Brain and Butterfield who helped the Bridges get on top in the territory battle after an even opening stanza between the two sides which saw plenty of free-flowing movement.
The Redbacks didn’t take too long to settle into the contest and get their defensive transition game moving, but much like their opponents, they were unable to create any effective forward 50 entries in the first term, heading into the quarter time break down by just a solitary point.
A strong start to the second term by Panton Hill forced Hurstbridge to defend resiliently as the match began to liven up.
The Redbacks would eventually break through the Bridges backline and booted two majors in the final six minutes of the term.
First through Nicole Brown, who soccered the ball through the big sticks from close range, and then Bianca Walker, who produced a great running from 30 metres out.
By only conceding two further behinds the other way, Panton Hill would take an important 10-point lead into the main break, but the second half would see Hurstbridge do all the attacking as they looked to erase the deficit.
The defence of the Redbacks continued to be tested but did well to ensure the Bridges struggled to get decent looks on goal, keeping them to just the one behind for the quarter.
Panton Hill looked to transition at times but were happy to take a nine-point advantage into the last quarter.
Hurstbridge continued to attack relentlessly in the final term, but the Redbacks looked more threatening to add to the score in the initial stages of the final term.
They were unable to convert their inside 50 opportunities however, keeping the door ajar for their opponents to stay in the game, which the Bridges would do when Natarsha Harrop slipped through some tackles and snapped truly at the 14-minute mark.
With just three points separating the two teams with moments remaining, Hurstbridge continued to push hard to find the go-ahead goal, but the Redbacks had done enough when the siren sounded, to book their place in next week’s Grand Final.
