Jason’s Final Word: Grand Final Match Report

What an incredible journey our program has been on for the last four years. From last in 2018 to premiers in 2021. It could not have been scripted any better.

We have been on an intentional journey over the last three seasons and to finally hold the cup aloft after a lot of hard work provides validation and reward to many people who have been associated with our program throughout this time.

If at the start of the season you suggested that Glenelg could play West Adelaide in the penultimate game of the 2021 SANFL Women’s season, plenty of people would have questioned your football knowledge. Like us, West Adelaide was one of the form teams of the competition in backend of the season. Like us, as West Adelaide navigated their way through the season, belief began to grow.

The first quarter could not have started better. With a great centre bounce stoppage clearance, the ball moved forward quickly and Jess Searle kicked a goal within 30 seconds of the game starting. There was a bit of a grind for the next ten minutes and both teams focused on defending and keeping it tight. That was until Ebony Marinoff snapped a great goal from congestion to give us a two goal buffer at the first break.

The second quarter started in a dour fashion. It wasn’t until the seven minute mark when West Adelaide kicked their first goal and it went goal for goal thereafter as each team kicked a couple of majors for the quarter. A second goal to Jess Searle and a clever snap to Jess Bates meant we held the same two goal margin at half time.

As mentioned in previous game reviews, our third quarters have been strong for us. This week however it was a real arm wrestle with both teams only recording three behinds each. That said, there was a feeling in the coaches box that we were starting to get on top around the ball and take control of the territory battle, leading the forward 50 entries 12-6 for the quarter. We maintained a two goal buffer at the last break.

The last quarter was as dominant as we have been all season, with 15-2 forward 50 entries. We didn’t open up the game on the scoreboard like we had hoped, but a late goal to Ebony Marinoff, her second goal of the game, provided us with a strong 23 point win. History was made in our 100^th season as we won our very first SANFL Women’s premiership.

We had a lot of even contributors across the ground. Our backline was outstanding once again, as they always are. Brooke Tonon provided a lot of rebound, Lucy Earl was able to negate one of West Adelaide’s dangerous players and Alice Bradley too was able to shut down another dangerous opponent when it looked like she was taking control of the game. The back six were well lead by Sheridan Howell, who was able to intercept many of the opposition’s forward transitions. The midfield was superbly lead by Ellie Kellock, Ebony Marinoff, Caitlin Gould, Jess Bates and Tessa Kohn. Sarah Goodwin, Piper Window and Grace Duffy provided us with great balance outside the contest. The forward line, lead by Sam Franson and Chelsea Packer, looked dangerous at times and applied a lot of pressure. Jess Searle, who was able to grab a spot in the team throughout the backend of the season, played a big game offensively and defensively.

The noise on the sideline was incredible. We would really like to thank the supporters for coming out and cheering the team on. The players have definitely felt the positive impact of this.

– Jason Fairall, Senior Coach

Goals: Ebony Marinoff (2), Jess Searle (2), Jess Bates (1)

Best: Ebony Marinoff, Caitlin Gould, Ellie Kellock, Jess Searle, Sheridan Howell, Brooke Tonon, Lucy Earl, Sarah Goodwin, Piper Window, Jess Bates, Tessa Kohn, Chelsea Packer, Grace Duffy, Ellen Tyminski, Alice Bradley