Lindenow South defeated Boisdale Briagolong in the grand final replay of the Female Football Gippsland at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve last Sunday.
The game was played in front of a large crowd, which rivalled the Lindenow South v Swifts Creek men’s fixture the previous day.
The Swampies led by three points at three quarter time before kicking a goal late in the final term to reclaim the lead in an action-packed final quarter, winning by three points.
Bombers vice captain Shania Dixon (three goals) put the Bombers in front early in the final stanza before play was stopped for around 10 minutes due to Swampies coach Brodie Harris copping a heavy knock.
Thankfully Harris, who had been a crucial target around half forward all game, walked from the field assisted by trainers.
The Swampies were keen to gain back the lead for their inspirational leader and with time running out, Abbey Wyatt took a mark that would rival any taken throughout Australia over the course of weekend.
Running back with the flight of ball, showing no fear, she marked strongly above her head before getting engulfed by the pack.
Wyatt was unable to take her kick, walked off by trainers, while Maya Cuttriss found Mercadies Gorfine with the resulting kick.
Gorfine marked strongly and converted, the Swampies needing to hang on for the last couple of minutes to bank the four points.
There were several acts of heroism during this time, including some sensational work in defence by Jasmaine Saunders-Baxter who refused to concede any score under enormous pressure.
The siren sounded much to the delight of the 2024 premiers, who scored an outstanding win against the odds in a torrid last term, where several key players had to go to the bench with injuries.
The match was played in outstanding spirit, with both sides’ tackling a feature.
Best players for the Swampies were Gorfine, Siarra Peters, Gabrielle Foster (two), Demi Ashwood, Lily-Rose Archbold, Saunders-Baxter and the inspirational Harris.
The Bombers were well served by Laura Jonston, Ashley Chester, Chelsea Wain, Rohanna Mills and skipper, Amanda Hancock.
The Swampies will enjoy a bye this week before playing Moe/Newborough in Newborough on May 18.
In the youth girls, Bairnsdale was defeated by 38 points by a slick Newborough/Moe side that set the win up by kicking five goals to one in the first half.
Jasmine O’Connor, Lara Healey, Evelyn Gudgin, Lucy Carroll, Jazmin Glenton and Sadie Stevens were the better players for the Redlegs.
This Sunday Bairnsdale hosts Traralgon.
