GRAND FINAL PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: Women’s Division One
Image courtesy of Wollongong Saints media
Written by Michael Shillito
Women’s Division One Grand Final
Wollongong Saints vs. Manly Warringah Wolves – Saturday, 14 September at 9.00am at Blacktown ISP Oval 1
A massive Grand Final day on Saturday will see four Grand Finals played out. The first one up for grabs is a 9am start at Blacktown, as Wollongong Saints take on Manly Wolves.
For the ladies from the Illawarra, it’s their fourth Grand Final in a row at this level. They were successful in 2017, but missed out on the premiership in 2016 and 2018.
For Manly, it’s their first womens’ Grand Final. Making it through this time is a reflection of the growth in womens’ footy on the Northern Beaches.
The Wolves finished minor premiers; but the Saints took the honours in a close one in the Major Semi-Final to progress through. But the Wolves bounced back, holding on in a one-point thriller against Pennant Hills in the Preliminary Final at Henson Park last week.
It’s been another strong season for Wollongong. The Saints won 13 of their 17 games in the regular season, with a percentage of 216.00%; and followed it up with a Major Semi-Final win to make it through to this match.
The Saints have plenty of forward firepower with the ability to generate a winning score. Keep an eye on Phillipa Davis, who has booted 57 goals this season; while Eliri Morris has kicked 40 and Kiara White 16. If the Saints are going to get a winning score on the board, this trio will need to stand and deliver.
Jennifer Stanton has been a standout contributor around the ground this season, being named among the Wolves’ best 12 times. Georgina McDonnell has featured 11 times; while Sally O’Donoghue and Eleri Morris have appeared nine times each. The Saints will be looking for another big game from their consistently strong performers this time round.
Manly were minor premiers, with 14 wins from their 17 games with a convincing percentage of 269.57%. But they’ve had to battle it out in the finals, with a loss then a win in two thrillers seeing them make it to the Grand Final.
Isabella Rudolph has taken on the responsibility of kicking a winning score, landing 28 major scores for the season. Ashleigh Carter has scored 11. Third on the list for the season is Rhian Howard, but she hasn’t played since late July. The Wolves have shared the goal-kicking around this season, and will again be looking for contributors to stand up and be counted in the quest for a winning score.
There’s no shortage of key ball-winners around the ground. Kelly McNaughton has been a standout, figuring in the best player list 10 times this season. Amee Dawson has appeared nine times and Jessica Layton and Ashleigh Carter eight times each. They will need to put in another strong performance to get plenty of possession and starve the Saints of opportunity.
The two sides have met three times this season, with the Saints taking the honours on all three occasions.
In round 5 at Weldon Oval, the Saints took out a valuable 22-point win on the road. The return game at North Dalton in round 9 saw the Saints prevail by 29 points.
And just a fortnight ago in the Major Semi-Final at Blacktown, it was a thriller; with the Saints hanging on for dear life to get through by just four points.
Womens Division One has had no shortage of thrillers this season and there’s been some close contests in the finals. Another close one is expected this time, and it’s not easy to tip a winner. But the Saints have been here before, and have taken the game every time they’ve played the Wolves this season; which should give them just enough experience to get it done this time round.
Prediction – Wollongong Saints by 6 points.
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