Diamond Creek Women’s 1 have claimed the 2025 Division 1 Heidelberg Golf Club Senior Women’s premiership, defeating Montmorency by nine points in a tense decider at Eltham Central Park.
The Demons, who fell short by 25 points in last year’s Division 1 Grand Final, made sure history didn’t repeat itself and secured redemption by producing a composed four-quarter display to claim the 6.7 (43) to 5.4 (34) victory.
It was a fitting finale between the second and third-placed teams on the ladder, with Diamond Creek Women’s securing a five-point victory to Montmorency a few weeks ago in the first Qualifying Final.
For Montmorency, it was another heartbreaker after their elimination final fallout last season.
They couldn’t quite match the well-deserved premiers, despite a determined fightback in the final term.
The tension was palpable from the sidelines all day, with both sides trading hard hits and the contest swinging back and forth.
The contest began in perfect conditions with a strong turn out filling the grandstands, and perfect footy forecast to go along with it.
Montmorency started brightly when Maddy Gallagher slotted the opening goal of the match and set an early tone of intensity.
Diamond Creek immediately responded through Alexis Baillie, before majors to Stephanie Rozario and Linda Thorp gave them early momentum.
The Magpies were threatening with their clean marks and quick ball movements, but the Demon’s defensive pressure held strong and saw them take a narrow advantage into quarter time.
The game tightened up in the second term, with plenty of heavy contact and frequent stoppages.
Emily Gallagher and Shelby Lemire lifted for Montmorency, with Lemire converting late to keep the Magpies within striking distance.
Diamond Creek Women’s continued to use their space effectively and were more efficient going forward, heading into the main break with a 3.2 (20) to 2.1 (13) lead.
The Demons looked to take control after half time.
Thorp struck again with an early goal to double the Magpies’ score, before Lauren Durante dominated on forward pressure to add another to the board.
Although the Magpies couldn’t convert their limited chances, Madeline Ellis and Jessica Nursey dominated in the air and battled hard through the middle to find some reward.
Diamond Creek Women’s kept Montmorency goalless for the third quarter and took a commanding 20-point lead into the final change.
Montmorency fought back strongly in the last, with goals to Molly Mcerlain and Georgia Thomson reducing the margin to just eight points.
Diamond Creek Women’s remained composed, with Thorp topping off a standout performance by booting her third goal at a crucial moment.
Within minutes Montmorency hit back with Lemire nailing another major, attempting to keep the contest alive into the dying minutes.
Yet despite a late surge they couldn’t break the Demon’s firm defence to secure the premiership.
Thorp was outstanding for Diamond Creek with three goals, while Talisha Rowland, Stacey Cross and Holly Pink were also pivotal.
Montmorency’s best included Madeline Ellis, Emily Gallagher and Bridie Watson who kept the Magpies in the contest throughout.
The star of the show was Diamond Creek’s captain Maykaylah Appleby, who had an instrumental performance, consistently working hard all day and was awarded the well-deserved best-on honour.
The final result saw the Demons attain a 6.7 (43) success to Montmorency 5.4 (34).
The well-earned 2025 premiership marks a special turnaround for Diamond Creek, climbing from 2024’s disappointment to this year’s glory.
