Echuca and Moama will have an opportunity to lift Northern Country Women’s League silverware when they contest the senior and youth girls' grand finals this Sunday.
A 92-point win over Tatura in the preliminary final at Tatura Park over the weekend saw the Murray Bombers qualify for their fourth consecutive grand final, with six goals to Jodie Lake and starring performances from Madison Elliott (three goals), Jacquie James, and Katie Pollock ensuring a strong victory for Echuca.
“It was a pretty complete game all day, but Tatura doesn't go away; they keep at you, and you don't get an easy contest,” Echuca coach Damien Dalziel said.
The Murray Bombers find themselves in familiar territory. Unbeaten so far this season, Echuca faces the two-time reigning premiers, Nathalia, in the decider for the third consecutive year, a carbon copy of its previous seasons.
After the heartbreak of three consecutive grand final defeats, Dalziel said his team is determined to break through for their first premiership.
“Quite a few have played in a grand final two or three times; others haven’t played one,” he said.
“Everyone was excited to get there. We’ve done a lot of work, and some of the girls hadn’t played football before.
“It’s a huge learning experience for everyone, and now that we’re there, we have to make the most of it this time.
“Obviously, Nathalia has beaten us the last two times. This time, we have to stop their influence around the football. We’re pretty hungry to win one, and the girls will get the opportunity to do that.”
The Youth Girls grand final will also feature the same grand finalists, with Moama set to tackle Shepparton Swans in a rematch of the 2022 decider, also gunning for a maiden premiership.
The 2023 minor premier recorded a 54-point win over a gallant Echuca United, thanks to three goals each from Grace McMillan and Katie Shanon, while Beth Morris, Shaleah Cooper, and Sienna Brennan starred for the Pies.
Harper Delamere (three goals), Marli Hollamby, and Hannah Harbour battled valiantly for the Eagles, rounding out a promising 2023 season for the young squad.
The NCWL grand final will take place this Sunday, July 23, with the grand final venue unconfirmed at the time of writing.