Tatura’s A-grade outfit is daring to dream after a scintillating and impressive return to finals action had it knock out a Goulburn Valley League powerhouse.
The Bulldogs, in their first September match in 17 years, knocked out the reigning premier in dominant fashion at Rochester on Sunday and booked a ticket to the second round with a 27-goal rout.
Seymour, with injured star duo Casey Adamson and Sarah Szczykulski watching on, had no answers for the rampant and quick Tatura.
Up against the finals regulars, the Bulldogs jumped the Lions with the opening five goals of the match.
The omission of Szczykulski in defence allowed Steph Smith-Gorrie to showcase her class under the ring ― with seven of Tatura’s 15 first-quarter goals stemming from the skilful goal attack.
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Ready and waiting: Tatura's Julia Clarke. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 7
Locked in: Seymour's Jess Lallo. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 7
Ready to launch: Tatura's Else Boyer prepares to grab the ball. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 7
Eyes up: Seymour's Ellie Fuhrmeister. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 7
Searching for a teammate: Seymour's Lucy Zotti. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 7
Winding up: Seymour's Courtney Aldous. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 7
Quick pass: Seymour's Rosie O'Sullivan. Photo by Aydin PayneSmith-Gorrie would go on to record 37 goals for the game, while her partner in crime Julia Clarke gave support with 20 goals.
Molly Boyle and Jasmine Fraser were standouts in defence and limited the dynamic pairing of Seymour’s premiership players Ellie Fuhrmeister and Jess Lallo.
Tatura’s 57-30 triumph has it lock in a first semi-final appearance against minor premier Euroa.
“To make finals was a great milestone, but to actually win a final consolidates that they (playing group) were capable and it wasn’t just an accident. They’ve worked hard and worked hard together and they’re a great team,” Tatura mentor Fiona Boyer said post-match.
“I’m really proud that we’ve consolidated that and the sky’s the limit because we’ve got nothing to lose now that we’ve played in a final and won a final.
“I was pretty proud of what they did in that first quarter to set the game up and they played for each other.”